Fez · Morocco

How Much Does Fez Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips

Fez offers a high-value experience where the cost of living remains significantly lower than in many Western European hubs, with daily costs ranging from $36 / MAD 328 for budget travelers to $380 / MAD 3,484 for those seeking luxury. The ancient walls of the Medina house both humble shared-room riads for $14 / MAD 124 and opulent palace hotels that average $225 / MAD 2,064 per night. Compared to more commercialized Moroccan cities, Fez remains slightly more affordable while maintaining a more traditional atmosphere. While basic expenses like street food meals at $3.8 / MAD 35 are low, travelers should account for small, recurring costs associated with navigating the complex geography of the old city. Proper budgeting requires balancing the low price of local transport, such as $0.44 / MAD 3.99 bus tickets, with the occasional necessity of an official guide to maximize time in the medieval quarters.

Is Fez expensive to visit?

Fez is an affordable cultural hub where travelers should expect a daily spend of $36–$380 / MAD 328–MAD 3,484 depending on their accommodation choice and dining preferences.

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) (1 $ ≈ 9.17 MAD)
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Daily Budget

How much to budget per person per day in Fez

Budget

$36

per person /day

Mid-Range

$125

per person /day

Luxury

$380

per person /day

Trip Costs by Duration

Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights

Trip Costs by Duration Budget Mid-Range Luxury
3-Day Trip $107 $374 $1,141
5-Day Trip $179 $624 $1,900
7-Day Trip $251 $875 $2,660

per person — Excludes international flights

Budget Buffer

Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses

It is wise to maintain a 10–20% budget buffer to cover the mandatory $3.04 / MAD 28 nightly tourist tax and small, recurring costs like the $1.08 / MAD 9.93 restaurant cover charge. This cushion also helps if you find yourself needing to pay an unofficial guide's fee of roughly $5.43 / MAD 50 after losing your way in the labyrinthine streets.

How Does It Compare?

See how Fez stacks up against other popular destinations

Marrakech Fez is generally more affordable, with a mid-range daily budget of $125 / MAD 1,145 compared to Marrakech’s typical $141–$159 / MAD 1,295–MAD 1,457 range for similar accommodation and dining.
Seville Fez offers a significantly lower cost of entry; a mid-range traveler in Seville would spend roughly $165–$188 / MAD 1,511–MAD 1,726 per day, nearly 40% more than in Fez.

What Things Cost

Real prices for common tourist expenses in Fez

Food & Drink (4)
Item Price
Street food meal (e.g., Sandwich/Msemen) A quick lunch in the souks costs ~$3.8 / MAD 35. $3.8 MAD 35
Three-course dinner in a mid-range Riad A full dinner with drinks and appetizers averages ~$27 / MAD 249. $27 MAD 249
Mint Tea or Coffee at a local cafe Local mint tea is cheaper, often ~$1.08 / MAD 9.93 to $1.62 / MAD 15 (10-15 MAD). $1.62 MAD 15
Large Bottle of Water (1.5L) Expect to pay ~$0.77 / MAD 7.01 in shops and up to ~$2.18 / MAD 20 in restaurants. $0.77 MAD 7.01
Transport (4)
Item Price
Grand Taxi from Fez-Saïss Airport to Medina Fixed rate of ~$16 / MAD 149. Prices can rise to ~$22 / MAD 199 (200 MAD) after 20:00. $16 MAD 149
Petit Taxi ride within city (short trip) Always ensure the meter (compteur) is turned on. Average ride ~$1.62 / MAD 15. $1.62 MAD 15
Local Bus ticket (City Bus) Useful for getting from the Medina to the Ville Nouvelle (~$0.44 / MAD 3.99). $0.44 MAD 3.99
Train: Fez to Tangier (Standard Adult) Verified starting price for standard Al Atlas service (~$5.32 / MAD 49). $5.32 MAD 49
Accommodation (3)
Item Price
Dorm bed in a traditional Riad hostel Prices for a shared dorm in Fes El Bali. Budget ~$14 / MAD 124 per night. $14 MAD 124
Standard 3-star hotel (average rate) Verified average based on Booking.com current rates (~$66 / MAD 603). $66 MAD 603
Luxury 5-star hotel (average rate) High-end palace stays average ~$225 / MAD 2,064 per night. $225 MAD 2,064
Activities (3)
Item Price
Madrasa Bou Inania (International Adult) Prices for most madrasas were increased to ~$7.6 / MAD 70 for foreigners. $7.6 MAD 70
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts Excellent value museum in a restored caravanserai (~$2.18 / MAD 20). $2.18 MAD 20
Half-day Official Medina Tour Guide Highly recommended to avoid getting lost (~$38 / MAD 348). $38 MAD 348

Food & Dining

What to eat and what it costs

Dining in Fez is characterized by a contrast between simple street snacks like msemen for $3.8 / MAD 35 and elaborate three-course Riad dinners that average $27 / MAD 249. Local mint tea is a staple available for roughly $1.62 / MAD 15 at street-side cafes, though many restaurants include an automatic bread and olives cover charge of approximately $1.08 / MAD 9.93 per person.

Cheap Eats

Where locals eat — real places, real prices

Cafe Clock

$9.23–$16 / MAD 85–MAD 149

Tala'a Kebira · Local chain

Their camel burger costs ~$12 / MAD 110 and is a must-try for foodies.

Cinema Café

$6.52–$12 / MAD 60–MAD 110

Bou Jeloud · Local chain

Great spot for western-style breakfast or affordable tagines (~$6.52 / MAD 60).

Chez Thami

$4.34–$8.69 / MAD 40–MAD 80

Tala'a Kebira · Street food area

Authentic, no-frills street dining. The lemon chicken tagine is ~$5.43 / MAD 50.

The Ruined Garden (Lunch Menu)

$9.77–$17 / MAD 90–MAD 159

R'cif · Local chain

Stunning garden setting; lunch is much cheaper than dinner (~$9.77 / MAD 90).

Veggie-pause

$5.43–$10 / MAD 50–MAD 95

Medina · Bakery

Best spot for fresh avocado juice (~$3.26 / MAD 30) and light vegetarian bites.

Traditional leather dying vats at the famous Chouara Tannery in Fes, Morocco

Getting Around

Transport costs and the smartest ways to move

The most efficient way to navigate between the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle is by Petit Taxi, which costs roughly $1.62 / MAD 15 for a short trip when using the meter. For those on a strict budget, local city buses offer a flat fare of $0.44 / MAD 3.99, while fixed-rate Grand Taxis from Fez-Saïss Airport to the Medina cost $16 / MAD 149 during the day.

Grand Taxi from Fez-Saïss Airport to Medina $16 MAD 149
Petit Taxi ride within city (short trip) $1.62 MAD 15
Local Bus ticket (City Bus) $0.44 MAD 3.99
Train: Fez to Tangier (Standard Adult) $5.32 MAD 49

Accommodation Overview

Budget travelers can find exceptional value in traditional Riad hostels within Fes el-Bali, where a dorm bed costs roughly $14 / MAD 124. Mid-range travelers will find the sweet spot in 3-star riads and hotels averaging $66 / MAD 603, while luxury seekers can experience palatial stays for about $225 / MAD 2,064.

Dorm bed in a traditional Riad hostel $14 MAD 124
Standard 3-star hotel (average rate) $66 MAD 603
Luxury 5-star hotel (average rate) $225 MAD 2,064

Accommodation Budget in Fez

Budget

$27 /night
Typical Range: $24 – $29

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$64 /night
Typical Range: $53 – $71

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$133 /night
Typical Range: $112 – $153

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Fez – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Money-Saving Tips

Insider tricks to stretch your budget further

  • 1 Drink mint tea at local cafes for $1.62 / MAD 15 rather than in upscale Riads where prices are often significantly higher.
  • 2 Purchase 1.5L bottles of water from small neighborhood shops for $0.77 / MAD 7.01 to avoid paying up to $2.18 / MAD 20 in tourist-facing restaurants.
  • 3 Eat a lunch of street food sandwiches or traditional pancakes for $3.8 / MAD 35 at stalls near Bab Bou Jeloud.
  • 4 Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts for just $2.18 / MAD 20 to see a beautifully restored caravanserai at a fraction of other attraction costs.
  • 5 Use a free offline map app to navigate the Medina and avoid the $5.43 / MAD 50 fee often demanded by unofficial 'helpful' guides.
  • 6 Utilize the city bus for $0.44 / MAD 3.99 to travel to the Ville Nouvelle instead of using multiple taxi rides.
  • 7 Dine at budget-friendly spots like Chez Thami or Veggie-pause for high-quality Moroccan food at prices far below the Riad dinner average of $27 / MAD 249.
  • 8 Book train tickets to Tangier in advance for as little as $5.32 / MAD 49 for a standard adult seat.
  • 9 Split the $38 / MAD 348 fee for a half-day official Medina tour guide with other travelers at your Riad to save money while avoiding getting lost.
  • 10 Look for the fixed-price lunch menu at The Ruined Garden in R'cif for a more affordable way to experience high-end garden dining.

Hidden Costs

Surprise expenses that catch tourists off guard

Hidden Costs
Item Amount
Taxe de Promotion Touristique (TPT) Standard tourist tax for riads/hotels. Costs ~$3.04 / MAD 28 per person/night. $3.04 / MAD 28/night
The 'Tannery Tip' (Mint Leaves) Shops overlook tanneries for free, but staff will hand you mint for the smell and expect ~$2.18 / MAD 20 tip. $2.18 / MAD 20 per person
Bread and Water Cover Charge Many restaurants automatically bring bread and olives, charging ~$1.08 / MAD 9.93 per person. $1.08 / MAD 9.93 per person
Unofficial Guide 'Help' Fee If a local leads you to your riad when you're lost, they will demand ~$5.43 / MAD 50. $5.43 / MAD 50/transaction

Common Scams & Ripoffs

Watch out for these tourist traps

  • The 'Road is Closed' Trick: Locals may tell tourists that a specific street or the entire Medina is closed for prayer or a festival to redirect them toward a specific shop.
  • Unofficial 'Student' Guides: Young men may offer to show the way to a monument for 'free,' but will demand around $5.43 / MAD 50 once the destination is reached.
  • The Tannery 'Gift': Shop staff overlooking the tanneries often offer a sprig of mint to mask the smell; this is not a gift, and a tip of $2.18 / MAD 20 is expected upon exit.
  • Overpriced Carpet Demonstrations: Travelers are often invited for 'free' tea and a cultural talk about rugs, which can lead to high-pressure sales tactics for items priced significantly above market value.

Seasonal Pricing

When prices rise and fall throughout the year

Peak Season

Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

+25-40%

Cheapest

Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug

-20-30%

Best Value

May, Oct

Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November) offer perfect temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F) but higher prices. July–August is scorching at 35–40°C (95–104°F).

Events to Watch

  • Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (June): +50% hotel rates
  • Ramadan: Many cafes closed during day; limited spirit
Vibrant fruit market in the ancient Medina of Fez during a sunny day, Morocco

Free Things to Do

The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing

  • 1 Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate): Admire the iconic blue-and-green tiled gateway that serves as the main entrance to the Medina.
  • 2 Marinid Tombs: Hike up the hill for a panoramic view of the entire city, especially scenic at sunset.
  • 3 Jnan Sbil Gardens: Stroll through this large, well-maintained public park located between the Medina and the Mellah.
  • 4 Place Seffarine: Observe traditional metalworkers hammering out large copper pots and brass trays in this historic artisan square.
  • 5 Dar el Makhzen: View the seven golden gates and intricate tilework of the Royal Palace exterior.
  • 6 The Mellah: Explore the distinct architecture and wooden balconies of the historic Jewish Quarter in Fes el-Jdid.
  • 7 Borj Sud: Walk to this southern fortress for wide-angle views of the Fes el-Bali valley and the surrounding mountains.
  • 8 Souk El Attarine: Wander through the spice market to experience the traditional sights and scents of Moroccan trade.
  • 9 Henna Souk: Visit this shaded square near the center of the Medina to see traditional henna products and local pottery.
  • 10 Rainbow Street: Walk through this vibrant, narrow alleyway near Tala'a Kebira known for its colorful decorations.
  • 11 Watching the Sunset from the Hills: Find a spot near the Borj Nord for a cost-free view of the city as the lights come on.
  • 12 Window Shopping in Tala'a Kebira: Walk the main artery of the Medina to see the diversity of local crafts and food stalls.

Worth the Splurge

Premium experiences that justify the price tag

Traditional Hammam & Massage at Palais Amani

A truly luxury 90-minute treatment in a historic palace (~$81 / MAD 747).

$81 MAD 747

Full-Day Moroccan Cooking Class

Includes souk shopping and making a 3-course meal (~$71 / MAD 647).

$71 MAD 647

Fine Dining Dinner at Palais Faraj

The best view of the Medina accompanied by world-class Fassi cuisine (~$60 / MAD 547).

$60 MAD 547

Popular Activities

Top-rated tours and experiences in Fez

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Day Trip Costs

Popular day trips from Fez and what they cost

Meknes & Volubilis

Getting Around

$5.43 / MAD 50 by train + grand taxi

Entry

$7.6 / MAD 70

Total Cost

$27 / MAD 249

Chefchaouen (The Blue City)

Getting Around

$24 / MAD 219 by bus

Entry

Free

Total Cost

$49 / MAD 448

Payment & Money

How to pay and what to know about money

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

1 $ ≈ 9.17 MAD

Cash Needed

Yes

Card Acceptance

Cards accepted in Ville Nouvelle malls, high-end hotels, and large carpet shops. The Medina is almost entirely cash-only for food and smaller stalls.

Tipping

10% is standard in restaurants. For small services like porters or taxi drivers, ~$0.59–$1.18 / MAD 5.4–MAD 11 (5-10 MAD) is appreciated.

ATM Tips

BMCE and Attijariwafa Bank are reliable. Avoid ATMs on the fringes of the medina late at night. Maximum withdrawal is often ~$218 / MAD 1,996 (2000 MAD).

Bargaining

Mandatory in the souks. Start at 50% of the asking price and aim to settle around 60–70%. Never start bargaining if you have no intention of buying.

Connectivity

eSIM: $10 for 1GB (7 days) (opens in new tab)

Local SIM: $11 / MAD 100 for 20GB (Maroc Telecom)

WiFi: Reliable in Riads and tourist cafés, non-existent in the public streets of the Medina.

Get an Orange or Maroc Telecom SIM at the airport; they often provide 10-20GB for ~$11 / MAD 100 (100 MAD).

Historical magnificent narrow streets in the old capital of Fes, Morocco

Why you can trust this guide

Headshot of Jan Křenek, founder of GoTripzi
Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

Methodology:
  • All neighborhoods verified by walking them
  • Curated locations based on walkability & safety
  • Real-time availability via live partner maps
  • Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages

Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Fez.

Updated: February 16, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fez expensive to visit?
Fez is an affordable cultural hub where travelers should expect a daily spend of $36–$380 / MAD 328–MAD 3,484 depending on their accommodation choice and dining preferences.
How much does Fez cost per day?
A trip to Fez costs $36 / MAD 330 per day on a budget, $125 / MAD 1,146 for mid-range, and $380 / MAD 3,484 for luxury. These include accommodation, food, transport, and activities per person.
How much does a trip to Fez cost?
A 7-day trip to Fez costs approximately $251 / MAD 2,301 (budget), $875 / MAD 8,021 (mid-range), or $2,660 / MAD 24,385 (luxury) per person, excluding flights.
What is the cheapest month to visit Fez?
The cheapest months to visit Fez are January, February, July, August, with prices -20-30% lower than peak season. Spring (April–May) and Autumn (October–November) offer perfect temperatures of 20–25°C (68–77°F) but higher prices. July–August is scorching at 35–40°C (95–104°F).
What are the hidden costs in Fez?
Common hidden costs in Fez include Taxe de Promotion Touristique (TPT), The 'Tannery Tip' (Mint Leaves), Bread and Water Cover Charge ($1.08 / MAD 9.93/person). It is wise to maintain a 10–20% budget buffer to cover the mandatory $3.04 / MAD 28 nightly tourist tax and small, recurring costs like the $1.08 / MAD 9.93 restaurant cover charge. This cushion also helps if you find yourself needing to pay an unofficial guide's fee of roughly $5.43 / MAD 50 after losing your way in the labyrinthine streets.
How can I save money in Fez?
Top tips for saving money in Fez: Drink mint tea at local cafes for $1.62 / MAD 15 rather than in upscale Riads where prices are often significantly higher. Purchase 1.5L bottles of water from small neighborhood shops for $0.77 / MAD 7.01 to avoid paying up to $2.18 / MAD 20 in tourist-facing restaurants. Eat a lunch of street food sandwiches or traditional pancakes for $3.8 / MAD 35 at stalls near Bab Bou Jeloud.