Fez
City

Fez

Morocco's ancient imperial city of artisans and medinas

Fez hits different than Marrakech. While tourists flood the Red City's main square, Fez keeps its secrets tucked away in narrow alleys where donkeys still deliver goods and leather tanners work the same pits their grandfathers did. This is Morocco's oldest imperial city, home to the world's largest car-free urban zone and a medina so complex that locals still get lost.

The medina isn't just old — it's ancient. Founded in 789 AD, Fez el-Bali feels like stepping through a time portal. Craftsmen hammer copper in workshops passed down through generations. The call to prayer echoes off walls that have heard it for over a thousand years. And yes, you'll probably get lost. That's half the point.

But Fez isn't stuck in the past. The Ville Nouvelle buzzes with cafés where students from the world's oldest university debate over mint tea. Modern restaurants serve elevated Moroccan cuisine alongside traditional tagines. And the city's growing arts scene attracts creatives from across North Africa.

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The medina puts you in the heart of the action, but choose your riad carefully. Talaa Kebira, the medina's main thoroughfare, offers easy access to major sights but can get noisy with foot traffic. Look for places near Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate) for convenience, or deeper in the medina near the Kairaouine Mosque for authenticity. Riad Fes and Riad Rcif sit in prime medina locations with rooftop terraces overlooking the ancient city. Expect to pay 800-1500 MAD per night for a decent riad room. The narrow streets mean no cars, but porters will carry your luggage from the nearest road access. Ville Nouvelle works better for families or anyone wanting modern amenities. Hotels here have parking, elevators, and larger rooms. The Marriott Jnan Palace offers luxury with a pool, while Hotel Sahrai provides sleek design and medina views. You're a 10-minute taxi ride from the old city. Avoid the industrial Sidi Brahim area unless you're on a tight budget. The neighborhoods around the train station feel disconnected from Fez's main attractions.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Bargain hard in the souks — start at 30% of the asking price and work up slowly
  • 2.Eat where locals eat — street food costs 10-20 MAD vs 150 MAD+ in tourist restaurants
  • 3.Stay in the medina to save on taxi fares between attractions
  • 4.Buy spices in bulk at wholesale markets near Bab Guissa for better prices
  • 5.Book trains in advance online for discounts up to 30% off walk-up fares
  • 6.Visit hammams in the afternoon when prices drop by 50% compared to evening rates
  • 7.Shop for leather goods in the tannery quarter, not tourist-focused shops near major sights

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps — GPS gets confused in the medina's covered passages
  • •Wear closed-toe shoes in the medina — the streets can be rough and sometimes wet
  • •Learn basic Arabic numbers to understand prices better when bargaining
  • •Carry small bills — many vendors can't break large notes
  • •Book riad rooms on upper floors for better views and less street noise
  • •Respect photography rules — always ask before photographing people or workshops
  • •Pack layers even in summer — riads can be surprisingly cool at night
  • •Keep your passport handy — some areas require ID checks
  • •Trust your riad owner's restaurant recommendations over guidebooks

Frequently Asked Questions

Three days minimum to see the main sights without rushing. Spend one full day exploring the medina with a guide, another day visiting the tanneries and artisan workshops, and a third day for the Jewish quarter and Ville Nouvelle. Add extra days for day trips to Meknes or the Roman ruins at Volubilis.

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