Fez travel guide
Fez Tourism | Fez Guide
You're Going to Love Fez
Fes was the medieval capital of Morocco and dates from 789 AD. It is home to the world's oldest university and is home to the best preserved old city in the Middle East and North Africa.
The old city, Fes el-Bali, is also the largest car-free urban center in the world, making Fes a great city to walk around.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Fez
1. Walking in the Old City
The walled city center has three walking trails marked out to stop you getting lost. Green, orange, or blue trails will guide you through the palaces, ancient fortifications and gardens.
2. Seeing the Tanneries
At the heart of the medina, you will find the extraordinary and colorful sight of the ancient tanneries. A tour will cost just a few dirham.
3. Learn to Cook the Wonderful Food
Cooking classes in the medina include shopping for ingredients in the market. It's a great way to get closer to the city's culture.
4. Bou Inania Madrasa
Bou Inania Madrasa is a beautiful religious college, dating from the 14th century. It is the finest example of Islamic architecture in Fes that is open to non-Muslims.
5. The View from the Merenid Tombs
Climb to the Merenid Tombs and enjoy the finest views of the ancient city, as well as the fascinating site itself.
Where to Eat in Fez
The area around the main gate into the Medina at Bab Bou Jeloud has some excellent street food stalls, with tasty snacks for just a few dirham. Le Palais de Fes is a rooftop restaurant offering great views and superb local dishes like pastilla, with dinner costing around DH350 per person.
When to visit Fez
With a hot Mediterranean climate, Fes endures scorching summers but is pleasantly warm from late fall to early spring.
How to Get to Fez
Plane
Fes' main airport is Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ), around 10 miles from the city center. There are regular flights to major European cities. The number 16 bus will take you into town for DH4 or a taxi costs around DH150.
Train
The main railway station in Fes is Fès-Ville. It has regular connections to other Moroccan cities, such as Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakech. The fare from Marrakech is DH295 for a first class ticket.
Car
The A2 road connects Fes with Casablanca, Rabat, and Oujda. Remember the large pedestrian center in the city itself.
Bus
The main bus terminal is at Gare Routière in the north of the old city and has extensive connections to other Moroccan cities.
Airlines serving Fez
Where to stay in Fez
Dar Adam in the medina has a beautiful roof terrace and comfortable rooms. You can splash out at Palais Faraj Suites and Spa, a renovated palace hotel by the city walls.
Popular neighbourhoods in Fez
Fes el-Bali (Medina) - this is Fes' ancient center. It has some good boutique hotels and is a thrilling place to stay.
Fes el-Jdid - this district dates from the 13th century and is home to the Jewish Quarter and Royal Palace.
Ville Nouvelle - this is the newer, French Colonial part of the city, with comfortable squares and wide, tree-lined avenues.
Where to stay in popular areas of Fez
Most booked hotels in Fez
How to Get Around Fez
Public Transportation
The Fes bus network operating from Gare Routière serves the city and has fares from DH4.50
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and cheap. Look out for the official red taxis, which have a starting fare of DH20 and then cost around DH4 per mile.
Car
The large pedestrianized center makes driving in the city inconvenient but driving in Ville Nouvelle is possible. Rental companies include Rami Rent Car Fes and Avis, and prices start at around DH130 per day.
The Cost of Living in Fez
Shopping Streets
The Ville Nouvelle area is best for fashion and has some designer stores. The medina is great for almost everything else and specializes in leather goods.
Groceries and Other
There are some French supermarkets, such as Carrefour, in the city. A quart of milk costs DH1.65 and a loaf of bread DH0.88.