Where to Stay in Fez 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Fez contains the world's largest car-free urban area - a 9th-century medina that feels frozen in time. Staying in a restored riad (traditional house with courtyard) inside the medina is the quintessential experience. Navigation is challenging but deeply rewarding. Fez is more authentic and less touristy than Marrakech, offering a deeper dive into Moroccan culture.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina)
Stay in a beautiful riad inside the ancient medina for the authentic Fez experience. Wake to the call to prayer, step out to medieval streets, and experience the world's largest living medieval city. Getting lost is part of the magic.
Fes el-Bali
Fes el-Jdid
Ville Nouvelle
Borj Nord
Andalusian Quarter
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • First visit to Morocco? Consider hiring a guide for the first day to learn navigation
- • Some riads are very hard to find - arrange pickup from a landmark
- • Aggressive faux guides at medina gates - official guides have badges
- • Tanneries' smell can be intense - accommodation nearby can be affected
Understanding Fez Geography
Fez has three distinct sections: Fes el-Bali (old medina, 9th century, largest car-free urban area), Fes el-Jdid (new Fez, 13th century, Royal Palace), and Ville Nouvelle (French colonial, modern). The medina sits in a bowl with viewpoints on surrounding hills. Train station is in Ville Nouvelle.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Fez
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina)
Best for: World's largest car-free urban area, tanneries, ancient medersas
"Medieval living museum - the world's largest car-free urban zone"
Pros
- Incredible immersion
- Historic riads
- Authentic medina life
- Main attractions
Cons
- Getting lost guaranteed
- Can be overwhelming
- Pushy guides
Fes el-Jdid (New Fez)
Best for: Royal Palace, Jewish quarter (Mellah), calmer atmosphere
"13th-century 'new' city with Royal Palace and historic Jewish quarter"
Pros
- Less crowded
- Palace photo spots
- Mellah history
- Easier navigation
Cons
- Fewer riads
- Less atmospheric
- Walk to main medina
Ville Nouvelle (New Town)
Best for: Modern amenities, train station, restaurants, easy navigation
"French colonial grid city with modern amenities and tree-lined avenues"
Pros
- Easy navigation
- Train station
- Modern hotels
- Less intense
Cons
- No character
- Far from medina
- Generic
South Medina / Andalusian Quarter
Best for: Andalusian refugees' heritage, quieter streets, local life
"Historic quarter founded by Andalusian refugees, more residential"
Pros
- Less touristy
- Authentic life
- Interesting history
- Quieter
Cons
- Fewer hotels
- Far from main sights
- Less atmospheric for first visit
Borj Nord / Hilltop
Best for: Panoramic medina views, sunset viewpoints, luxury hotels
"Hills overlooking the medina with spectacular sunset views"
Pros
- Best views
- Escape the chaos
- Sunset magic
- Photo opportunities
Cons
- Far from action
- Taxi dependent
- Steep walks
Accommodation Budget in Fez
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Funky Fes Hostel
Fes el-Bali
Social hostel in restored riad with rooftop terrace and medina views. Budget option with riad character.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Riad Laaroussa
Fes el-Bali
17th-century riad with elegant rooms, beautiful courtyard, and acclaimed restaurant. Classic Fez luxury.
Riad Maison Bleue
Fes el-Bali
Family-run riad famous for its restaurant and traditional hospitality in the heart of the medina.
Karawan Riad
Fes el-Bali
Beautiful riad with two patios, rooftop terrace, and wonderful hosts. Great location near Bou Inania.
Dar Roumana
Fes el-Bali
Intimate guesthouse with just 5 rooms, exceptional cuisine, and personal attention from American-Moroccan owners.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Riad Fes
Fes el-Bali
Palatial riad with pool, spa, and exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship. One of Fez's finest properties.
Palais Amani
Fes el-Bali
Restored 17th-century palace with Andalusian gardens, cooking classes, and rooftop with medina views.
Hôtel Sahrai
Borj Nord
Modern luxury hotel overlooking the medina with pool, spa, and contemporary Moroccan design.
Smart Booking Tips for Fez
- 1 Book 2-4 weeks ahead normally, 1-2 months for peak season
- 2 Riads often include breakfast and can arrange dinner - excellent value
- 3 Arrive in daylight first time - medina navigation is hardest at night
- 4 Many riads send someone to meet you at taxi drop-off - arrange in advance
- 5 Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) best weather, Ramadan dates vary
- 6 Fez World Sacred Music Festival (June) is magical but books fast
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Fez: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.