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

Should you visit Fez or Pisa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fez and Pisa 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.

Fez

Fez is a busy, colorful, and cultural city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Fez and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Pisa?

You'll generally find more things to do in Fez than Pisa. Fez is bigger than Pisa, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Fez is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Pisa is more popular for its nightlife and beaches. Pisa is more touristy than Fez and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. 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 Fez different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Fez is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Fez are world-renowned. 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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Fez is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Fez or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Fez or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a city with good options for the beache. However, Fez is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Pisa. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Fez is not a beach destination.

Is Fez or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Fez is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

Fez has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Pisa?

Fez is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Fez draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Fez or Pisa Better for Families?

Both Fez and Pisa are notable to visit with kids.

Fez is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pisa. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Fez or Pisa Better for Couples?

Fez is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Fez is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Fez or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fez is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Fez or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

Pisa is a very popular city for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

Pisa 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.

Pisa has some public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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 Fez or Pisa a more walkable city?

Fez and Pisa are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Fez?

How long in Fez or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Fez and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Fez than in Pisa. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

Fez is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With nightlife and food around the charming destination of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

A weekend in Fez or Pisa?

Fez is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Pisa for a weekend. With food and shopping around the world-famous city of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Pisa?

Fez is a ancient big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The destination of Pisa offers shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

A week in Fez or Pisa?

The winding city of Fez offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Pisa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Pisa, we can see that Pisa is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa and Pisa is in Europe, 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Fez Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Fez or Pisa?

Fez has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Pisa, 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.