A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Fez for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Backpackers

Should you visit Antalya or Fez?

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

Should I visit Antalya or Fez? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a luxurious, historic, and cultural vacation spot. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Fez

Fez is a busy, colorful, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Antalya and Fez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Fez?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Antalya than Fez. While Fez is larger than Antalya, Antalya has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Antalya is more popular for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Fez is known for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Antalya is more touristy than Fez and is known for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also home to Hadrian's Gate. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.

How is Antalya different from Fez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its museums and history. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Many visitors head to Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Fez is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Nightlife?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Antalya has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya or Fez Better for Music?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its live music scene. However, Fez is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Fez is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Fez is not a resort destination.

Antalya is a world class resort vacation destination. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Fez is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a vacation spot with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Fez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Fez is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

Antalya is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for its Old Town?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Hiking?

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Fez is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Fez is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Fez?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Antalya and Fez.

Many people travel to Antalya specifically to go shopping. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Fez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Families?

Antalya 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, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

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 Antalya or Fez Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Fez make for a excellent place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

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.

Is Antalya or Fez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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

Antalya is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.

Public transit in Antalya can get you to some places easily. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

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 Antalya or Fez a more walkable city?

Fez is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Fez is a very walkable destination. 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.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Fez or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Fez?

In either Antalya or Fez, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Antalya has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antalya than Fez. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fez than Antalya 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 Antalya or Fez?

With shopping and museums around the relaxing destination of Antalya, there's plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. 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. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Fez?

Many people visit Antalya for a weekend. With museums and nightlife around the relaxing vacation spot of Antalya, there's plenty to do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Fez is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Antalya or Fez?

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Antalya, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Fez is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Fez has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Fez?

Antalya, a popular vacation spot, is full of activities for travelers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fez. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Fez. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Fez?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Antalya. When comparing the sizes of Antalya 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.