Why Visit Fez?
Fez enchants as Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital where the 9,000-alley Fes el-Bali medina (world's largest car-free urban zone) preserves medieval Islamic civilization, Chouara Tannery's dyeing vats splash vibrant colors across hillside panoramas, and donkeys laden with goods navigate passages unchanged for 1,200 years while craftsmen hammer copper and weave silk as ancestors did. Morocco's third city (pop. 1.2 million) founded in 789 AD remains the kingdom's intellectual heart—Al Quaraouiyine University (founded 859, world's oldest continually operating) educated scholars for centuries, Koranic schools teach in ornate madrasas, and Fassi aristocracy preserves refined traditions in palatial riads.
The Fes el-Bali medina (UNESCO, pop. 156,000 living within walls) overwhelms: getting lost is inevitable in the 9,400 passages where no maps suffice, guides essential to navigate from Bab Bou Jeloud's blue-tiled gate to hidden treasures—Chouara Tannery's circular stone vessels where leather workers stand knee-deep in pigeon-poop dye (viewing from terrace shops), Nejjarine Fountain's mosaic tiles, and Merinid Tombs' sunset views over the medina's sea of rooftops. Yet Fez rewards those who embrace chaos: pottery souks sell hand-painted ceramics, metalworkers pound brass into lamps, and hidden fondouks (caravanserais) host carpet weavers.
Al Attarine Madrasa's (~20 MAD entry) geometric zellij tilework astounds. The food culture celebrates Fassi cuisine: pastilla (sweet/savory pigeon pie), mechoui (slow-roasted lamb), and olive pits smoked with herbs. Royal Palace's golden doors gleam (exterior only), while Mellah (Jewish Quarter) preserves synagogues and cemeteries.
With authentic medieval atmosphere, persistent guides seeking commissions, and sensory overload (leather smell at tanneries infamous), Fez delivers Morocco's most intense medina experience.
What to Do
Medieval Medina
Fes el-Bali UNESCO Medina
World's largest car-free urban zone—9,400 passages, 156,000 people living within walls. Getting lost is inevitable and part of the charm. HIRE AN OFFICIAL GUIDE (200-400 MAD/day essential to navigate and avoid fake guide scams). Enter via Bab Bou Jeloud blue-tiled gate. Best morning (9am–12pm) before midday heat. Allow full day. Most authentic medieval Islamic city surviving.
Chouara Tannery
Iconic circular stone dyeing vats where leather workers stand knee-deep in pigeon-poop dye. FREE to view from surrounding shop terraces (but shop owners expect you to buy something—browse leather goods). Vendors offer mint leaves for overwhelming smell (tip 10-20 MAD). Best morning (9–11am) when workers active. Photogenic but high-pressure sales. Located in tannery district—guide essential to find.
Al Attarine & Bou Inania Madrasas
Stunning Koranic schools with intricate zellij tilework and carved cedar. Al Attarine (~20 MAD) has geometric perfection—one of Morocco's finest examples. Bou Inania (~20 MAD) larger with famous water clock and beautifully restored courtyard; you can't climb the minaret but can admire it from the courtyard and nearby streets. Each takes 30-45 minutes. Best morning light (10am–12pm). Non-Muslims can enter these madrasas (not the mosque). Dress modestly and follow any posted instructions.
Crafts & Souqs
Traditional Souqs & Workshops
Pottery souq: hand-painted ceramics (bowls, tajines). Metalwork souq: brass lamps hammered by hand. Textile/carpet fondouks: weavers at looms. Each souq specializes—copper, leather, spices, silk. Bargain HARD (start 40-50% of asking). Morning (9am–1pm) best for workshops in action. Guide prevents getting lost and identifies authentic vs tourist junk.
Nejjarine Museum & Fountain
Restored fondouk (caravanserai) now museum of wood arts and crafts. Entry 30 MAD. Beautiful architecture, carved cedar displays. Adjacent Nejjarine Fountain has stunning mosaic tilework—FREE to photograph. Takes 1 hour. Less crowded than madrasas. Rooftop café with medina views. Near Al Attarine—combine visits.
Views & Quarters
Merinid Tombs Viewpoint
Ruined hilltop tombs north of medina with panoramic views over Fes el-Bali's sea of rooftops and minarets. FREE. Best sunset (6–8pm summer) when call to prayer echoes and light goes golden. 20-minute uphill walk or taxi (30-40 MAD). Ruins themselves modest but views incredible. Go in group or taxi—area can be sketchy alone. Essential photo opportunity.
Royal Palace & Mellah
Royal Palace golden doors (exterior only—can't enter). FREE photo stop. Adjacent Mellah (Jewish Quarter) preserves synagogues and cemetery. Quarter less maintained but authentic. Guide helpful for history. Allow 1 hour. Combine with Fes el-Jdid (newer medina, less touristy). Mellah less crowded, gives perspective on Fes diversity.
Al Quaraouiyine Mosque & University
Founded 859 AD—world's oldest continually operating university (Guinness record). Non-Muslims cannot enter mosque but can view ornate doorways from adjacent streets. FREE to photograph exterior. Still active mosque and school. Guide explains significance. Quick stop (15 minutes) but historically monumental. Central medina location—pass it while exploring.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: FEZ
Best Time to Visit
April, May, October, November
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C | 5°C | 5 | Good |
| February | 23°C | 8°C | 0 | Good |
| March | 21°C | 9°C | 8 | Good |
| April | 22°C | 11°C | 12 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 29°C | 15°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 31°C | 17°C | 5 | Good |
| July | 40°C | 22°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 37°C | 21°C | 0 | Good |
| September | 34°C | 19°C | 0 | Good |
| October | 26°C | 13°C | 4 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 24°C | 11°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 17°C | 8°C | 12 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa-free for EU citizens
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Fez!
Practical Information
Getting There
Fès-Saïs Airport (FEZ) is 15km south. Grand taxis to medina 120-150 MAD/$12–$15 (20 min). Buses MAD20 (30 min). Trains from Casablanca (4hr, MAD90), Marrakech (7hr, MAD190), Tangier (5hr). CTM/Supratours buses connect all Morocco. Fez is Morocco's interior hub.
Getting Around
Walk medina (car-free). Petit taxis outside medina (20-50 MAD, negotiate). Buses to new city (Ville Nouvelle, MAD4). No Uber. Hire official guides for medina (MAD200-400/day, essential—prevents fake guide scams and getting lost). Donkeys/mules transport goods in medina—watch out.
Money & Payments
Moroccan Dirham (MAD, DH). Exchange $1 ≈ 10.6-10.8 MAD, $1 ≈ 9.8-10.0 MAD. Cards at hotels, cash needed for souqs, taxis, food. ATMs in Ville Nouvelle, some in medina. Tipping: MAD10-20 for services, 10% restaurants. Bargain hard at markets (start at 50% asking price).
Language
Arabic and Berber are official. French widely spoken—former protectorate. English limited outside tourist hotels—learn French or Arabic basics helpful. Medina vendors speak many languages. Communication challenging but manageable.
Cultural Tips
Hire official guide for medina (save hassle, avoid scams). Fake guides: say firmly 'I have a guide.' Tanneries: mint leaves offered for smell (overpowering)—tip vendor MAD10-20. Bargaining: start at 40-50%, walk away if too high. Dress modestly (shoulders/knees). Mosques: non-Muslims not allowed inside. Leather shops: high pressure—polite refusal. Getting lost: normal, ask shopkeepers for direction. Ramadan: restaurants closed daytime. Photography: ask permission. Friday: businesses closed/shorter hours. Fassi culture: traditional, conservative. Mint tea ritual.
Perfect 2-Day Fez Itinerary
Day 1: Medina with Guide
Day 2: More Medina & New City
Where to Stay in Fez
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina)
Best for: UNESCO maze, medieval atmosphere, tanneries, souqs, authentic, chaotic, hire guide
Fes el-Jdid (New Fez)
Best for: Royal Palace, Mellah (Jewish Quarter), less crowded, some hotels, still historic
Ville Nouvelle (French Quarter)
Best for: Modern Fez, French colonial buildings, cafés, ATMs, practical, hotels, contrast to medina
Riads (medina accommodations)
Best for: Traditional courtyard houses, rooftop terraces, authentic experience, range budget to luxury
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