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

Should you visit Fez or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii 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 colorful, cultural, and ancient 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.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. Visitors also love the museums.

Fez and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fez or Pompeii?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fez. Although Fez and Pompeii are both popular with visitors, Fez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pompeii is more touristy than Fez and is known for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. 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 Fez different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fez and Pompeii.

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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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

Fez is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Fez or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Neither Fez or Pompeii offer decent nightlife.

Fez doesn't offer many 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Fez or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Fez is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Fez is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Pompeii?

Fez is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Fez or Pompeii Better for Families?

Pompeii 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, Pompeii is very family-friendly. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

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 Fez or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Fez is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Fez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Fez or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Fez is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Fez or Pompeii Better for Students?

Pompeii is a archeological site with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Fez is not popular with students.

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

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

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

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 Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Fez?

How long in Fez or Pompeii?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Fez or Pompeii to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Fez than Pompeii because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 1-2 days is enough time in Pompeii.

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

Couples should spend more time in Fez than Pompeii. 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii?

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.

With museums around the iconic destination of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Many people visit Pompeii for a weekend. With museums around the ancient archeological site of Pompeii, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Fez or Pompeii?

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.

The destination of Pompeii offers museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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 Pompeii?

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.

Pompeii, a popular archeological site, 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Pompeii, we can see that Pompeii 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 Pompeii 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 Pompeii would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pompeii 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 Pompeii Expensive?.