Morocco is a nation with a long, fascinating history and a bright future. You will find all the things that make it so unique on display in two of its most popular destinations: Fez and Marrakech.
Fez is the oldest city in Morocco and boasts a vibrant culture, beautiful architecture, and delicious food (plus much more). Marrakech is much bigger than Fez but also has gorgeous architecture, great shopping options, fabulous food as well as music festivals that take place throughout the year.
Both cities are worth visiting, but this article will give you an overview of what to expect in each city so you can decide which to visit during your time in Morocco.
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Fez is the cultural capital of Morocco.
Fez is the cultural capital of Morocco. It is the oldest city in Morocco and has been inhabited since 165 AD. The city is home to countless historic monuments, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The artisanal trade, textile industry and leather industry play a large role in both Fez and Marrakech’s economies. However, Fez also has a long history as an important center for trade routes between Africa and Europe. These routes served as conduits for goods such as gold from West Africa or ivory from East Africa which were then sold at European markets like Venice or Genoa before eventually making their way back again via caravan across the Sahara Desert (or by ship if you had enough money).
Marrakech is the heart of Morocco’s tourist industry
Marrakech is the heart of Morocco’s tourist industry. It’s the country’s second-largest city and its most popular destination for both international and domestic tourists.
Marrakech has a long history as a crossroads between Africa and Europe, which has influenced its architecture and cuisine (you can find influences from Spain, France, Italy and Turkey).
You will have more options for hotels and shopping in Marrakech
Marrakech is the perfect place for a vacation or weekend getaway. When you go to Marrakech, you are going to find a ton of options for hotels and shopping. You can stay in one of the many cheap hotels in Morocco or splurge on one of the most lavish boutique hotels in Morocco! Whichever you choose, it will be great.
While you will find more options for hotels and shopping in Marrakech, Fez is no slouch. The city has plenty of great places to stay and shop. You may be able to find a more authentic experience at a hotel that is part of the old city, but there are also many high-end options near the medina.
You can find equally great food in both cities.
Both Fez and Marrakech have a wide variety of restaurants. From traditional Moroccan cuisine to international cuisine, there are plenty of options in both cities that cater to all tastes.
If you want something different from Moroccan food, look for French-style bistros where you can try escargot or steak frites. Moroccan desserts like pastilla (a flaky pastry filled with pigeon meat) are also available in these places as well as other sweet treats such as kunafa (a syrupy cake soaked in syrup) and maamoul cookies topped with sesame seeds or honeyed nuts).
Fez is a quieter city
Fez has a lot to offer, but it does not have the same level of hustle and bustle as Marrakech. If you are looking for somewhere more relaxed, then Fez might be the place for you!
Fez is a smaller city than Marrakech. This means that it is easier to get around without getting lost. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez has retained its traditional architecture and culture well over time (unlike the newer city of Marrakech). It is also now home to many boutique shops selling gifts made in Morocco.
There will be fewer people around in general when visiting Fez than there are in Marrakech or other cities around Morocco; this makes traveling by foot much easier if you want an unhurried trip through town with plenty of time at each stop along the way!
Fez is smaller than Marrakech
Fez is a much smaller city than Marrakech. It’s the oldest city in Morocco and has been continuously inhabited for over 2,000 years. Fez was also the capital of Morocco until 1912, and it remains the cultural capital of the country. Many people consider Fez to be one of the most beautiful cities in Africa because it combines both modern architecture with traditional Moroccan style.
Fez is also home to Al-Qarawiyyin University—the oldest university in continuous operation on Earth—and at least two dozen other historic mosques and madrassas (schools). It is because of this rich history that UNESCO named this entire area a World Heritage Site in 1988!
Both cities are great destinations, but if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing place to be, Fez might be the better option.
As you can see, there are several important factors to consider when deciding which city to visit. If you’re looking for a place with vibrant nightlife and lots going on, Marrakech is your best bet. But if you’re looking for something quieter and more serene, Fez may be the better option.
Fez has fewer tourists than Marrakech—it is just not as well known as an international destination yet. This means that prices tend to be lower in Fez than in Marrakech and that it is easier to find authentic Moroccan experiences there (such as attending traditional festivals). It also means that there are fewer big hotels in Fez so if you want luxury accommodations that are right on top of all the action, then Marrakech might be better suited for your needs.
The takeaway…
Based on everything we have looked at, the choice between Fez and Marrakech remains a difficult one. After all, both cities are dynamic, vibrant places with plenty of cultures to offer visitors. That being said, Marrakech may have more to offer for people who want to experience traditional Moroccan customs and history in an educational way, while Fez is probably a better option for those who hope to get away from tourist traps and spend some time relaxing in a laid-back atmosphere.
