A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Couples

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Fez can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Fez

Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Thiva (Thebes) and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fez than Thiva (Thebes), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Thiva (Thebes) is more popular for its nightlife. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world. Fez is well known for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. Also, Fez is famous for the Chouara Tannery.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fez and Thiva (Thebes). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Fez is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Fez are among the most recognizable in the world. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fez is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes) is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is very popular for its old town. However, Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.

Fez has a world-famous historical area. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Fez is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Fez make it a world-class shopping destination. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.

Thiva (Thebes) has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez Better for Families?

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Fez are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

Fez offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez Better for Couples?

Fez is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Fez frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is very popular for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Fez. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes) is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Thiva (Thebes) has some public transit options. There are local buses in the area.

Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Fez a more walkable city?

Fez is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Fez is a very walkable city. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

In either Thiva (Thebes) or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than Thiva (Thebes) because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Thiva (Thebes), and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

Families should spend more time in Fez than Thiva (Thebes). Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Fez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Thiva (Thebes). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Fez that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Thiva (Thebes) if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Fez.

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

With nightlife and food around the authentic destination of Thiva (Thebes), there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Because Fez is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Many people visit Thiva (Thebes) for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Thiva (Thebes), there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

The destination of Thiva (Thebes) offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Thiva (Thebes), a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the city of Fez. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thiva (Thebes) and Fez, we can see that Thiva (Thebes) is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Thiva (Thebes) is in Europe and Fez is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Thiva (Thebes) would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Thiva (Thebes) than you might in Fez.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) and Fez, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.