A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Pamukkale or Fez?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Fez can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a unique, iconic, and striking town. Pamukkale is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and food. See Pamukkale travel costs.

Fez

Fez is a colorful, cultural, and ancient city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come to Fez because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Fez travel costs.

Pamukkale and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pamukkale or Fez?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez. Although Pamukkale and Fez are both popular with visitors, Fez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fez is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pamukkale is known for its hiking. Pamukkale is more touristy than Fez and is known for its natural travertine terraces, thermal springs, and ancient ruins. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. It is also home to the Chouara Tannery.

The Chouara Tannery

How is Pamukkale different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pamukkale or Fez?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. However, Pamukkale is not known for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Fez has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Pamukkale offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is located within the ancient city of Hierapolis. It's housed in a former Roman bathhouse and displays an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, and other relics from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and other nearby ancient cities.

Is the Food Better in Pamukkale or Fez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Fez has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Pamukkale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has a number of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and pide (Turkish flatbread). Gözleme (a savory stuffed pancake) is a popular street food in the area, but there are also many of the most popular Turkish dishes available.

Is Pamukkale or Fez Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find decent options in both Pamukkale and Fez.

Pamukkale doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet town in the evening. Some hotels host small social gatherings or cultural evenings which lets you connect with other travelers. For a more lively experience, nearby Denizli has a broader range of bars and clubs, but it requires a short trip.

Most people don't head to Fez specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. 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 Pamukkale or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.

Fez offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.

Is Pamukkale or Fez Better for Hiking?

Pamukkale is a town with good options for its hiking trails. However, Fez is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Pamukkale. The most popular trail leads through the travertine terraces, where visitors can walk barefoot across the warm, calcium-rich pools. You can also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which has pathways winding through the theater, necropolis, and other historical sites. For something a little more challenging, the surrounding countryside has trails through the hills that lead to impressive viewpoints.

Fez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamukkale or Fez?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Fez specifically to go shopping. 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.

Pamukkale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of souvenir shops around town where you can buy local crafts or trinkets. You'll find Turkish towels and carpets, dried spices, herbs, and teas. Many shops also sell Diorama stones and miniature travertine sculptures.

Is Pamukkale or Fez More Beautiful?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Fez because of it's amazing beauty. The beauty of this city lies in its impromptu style and mazelike setting.

Pamukkale is a gorgeous place to visit. It is considered to be one of Turkey's most unique natural wonders. The white travertine terraces, which are filled with turquoise thermal waters, create an other-worldly landscape.

Is Pamukkale or Fez Better for Families?

Pamukkale is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Pamukkale is very family-friendly. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting the unique Travertine Terraces. Taking a dip in Cleopatra's Pool, with its sunken Roman columns, is also a highlight, and fans of the Percy Jackson series will appreciate visiting the ancient ruins at Hierapolis.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fez. 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 Pamukkale or Fez Better for Couples?

Both Pamukkale and Fez are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Pamukkale is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy many romantic settings, such as wandering through the impressive white travertine terraces, swimming in Cleopatra's Pool surrounded by ancient Roman columns, and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Fez is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Is Pamukkale or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Fez, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Pamukkale. Food and activities are convenient and accessible around town. There are also many affordable hostels and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers.

Is Pamukkale or Fez Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pamukkale is a town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Pamukkale has some public transit options. Minibuses (dolmuş) are the primary mode of local transportation, connecting Pamukkale to nearby towns like Denizli, where the main bus and train stations are located. From Denizli, frequent minibuses run to Pamukkale.

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 Pamukkale or Fez a more walkable city?

Pamukkale and Fez are superb when it comes to walkability.

Pamukkale is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and very walkable, especially within the main tourist areas. The travertine terraces and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are easy to explore on foot as well.

Fez is very walkable. 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.

For even more information, also check out Is Pamukkale Worth Visiting? and Is Fez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fez or Pamukkale?

How long in Pamukkale or Fez?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Pamukkale. 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Fez?

With food and shopping around the striking destination of Pamukkale, 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.

People visit Fez because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pamukkale or Fez?

Many people visit Pamukkale for a weekend. With shopping and food around the iconic town of Pamukkale, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Fez because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pamukkale or Fez?

The destination of Pamukkale offers food and shopping. 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.

People visit Fez because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Pamukkale or Fez?

Pamukkale, a popular town, 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.

Fez is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, 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 Pamukkale and Fez, we can see that Pamukkale is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale Expensive? and Is Fez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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.