Discover Fez City: Your Stunning Guide to Morocco’s Ancient Heart

While ‘Marrakech Your Guide’ typically focuses on the vibrant experiences awaiting you in Marrakech, Morocco is a country rich with history and diverse cities. Just a train or bus ride away is Fez city, often referred to as the “cultural capital” of Morocco. Exploring Fez city offers a truly unique perspective, stepping back in time within one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Fez city is home to the largest medina on Earth, Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its maze-like alleys have grown uninterruptedly since the 8th century, making navigation challenging but incredibly rewarding.

Getting Around Fez City and Its Medina

The medina in Fez city is primarily pedestrianized. Exploring on foot is the best way to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere. The main medina, Fes el-Bali, has over 9,000 alleys. Two main lanes, Tala’a Kebira and Tala’a Sghira, run almost parallel and lead towards the Karaouine Mosque. All other lanes eventually connect to these.

Knowing the medina is built on a slope can help: walking downhill takes you deeper into the medina, while walking uphill leads towards an outer gate. While online maps might struggle with the small alleys, using Google Maps in Satellite View can help visualize the layout, though GPS accuracy can be unreliable due to building density. Another helpful technique is to save destinations on Google Maps beforehand and use the compass if the signal is lost.

One common challenge in Fez city, particularly in the medina, is dealing with persistent locals offering assistance or trying to guide you. Some sources describe this as aggressive or attempting to scam tourists. It’s advised to kindly refuse offers of help from strangers on the street and only trust authorized guides or hotel recommendations. Looking lost or constantly checking your phone can attract unwanted attention.

For exploring areas outside the medina walls, like the Ville Nouvelle or the Mellah quarter, taxis are the recommended mode of transport. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Must-See Attractions in Fez City

The medina of Fez city is packed with historical sites. Here are some highlights mentioned in the sources:

• Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate): Often considered the “real” entrance to Fes el-Bali, this iconic gate, built by the French in 1913, is a famous landmark.
• Bou Inania Madrasa: A stunning example of Marinid architecture from 1350, regarded as one of the most beautiful madrasas. Visitors can access the central courtyard, but it can get busy; visiting early or late is recommended.
• Al Attarine Madrasa: Located near the spice market (Souk el-Attarine), this 14th-century Islamic school is known for its beautiful decorations, mosaic tiles, and ornate wooden ceilings.
• Chouara Tannery: The most iconic of Fez’s tanneries, dating back over a thousand years. You can see the traditional leather-making process. Visiting typically involves viewing from a shop balcony, where you may be pressured to buy leather goods. Be prepared for the strong smells.
• Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University: One of the oldest universities in the world. Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques in Fez, but you can often see parts of the complex from the outside.
• Place Seffarine: A historical square that was the main souk for coppersmiths; you can still see artisans working there. It’s a good spot for a mint tea break. Historical sites here include the Bibliothèque Karaouine, Seffarine Madrasa (oldest functioning in Morocco, viewable from entrance when not closed for prayer) and Hammam Saffarin (currently not open).
• Royal Palace of Fes Doors: While the palace itself is closed to the public, its monumental, intricately decorated cedar wood doors in Place des Alaouites are worth seeing.
• Marinid Tombs: Located on a hill, these ruins offer spectacular panoramic views of the Fez city medina, especially at sunset.

Beyond specific landmarks, simply getting lost (or strategically navigating) in the souks is a key experience. Different areas specialize in various crafts like copper work, textiles, and ceramics.

Accommodation in Fez City: Riads and Hotels

Fez offers a range of accommodation options, including many beautiful riads and dars (traditional houses converted into hotels) within the medina. Staying in a riad inside the medina provides an immersive historical experience.

Some recommended stays mentioned include Riad Idrissy, Riad Jardin Des Biehn, Karawan Riad, Dar Seffarine, Palais Amani, and Riad Laaroussa. For those preferring to stay outside the central medina chaos while remaining accessible, options like Palais Faraj Suites & Spa or Hotel Sahrai are noted. Booking a riad near a main gate like Bab Boujloud can make arrivals and departures easier when dealing with luggage. Rooftops at many riads offer fantastic views of the city, particularly at sunrise or sunset.

Dining in Fez City

Fez city offers diverse culinary experiences, from traditional Moroccan cuisine to fusion dishes. While some say the best Moroccan food is found in homes, the medina offers many dining options.

Café Clock is mentioned as a popular spot with locations in several Moroccan cities, known for its food (including non-Moroccan options) and rooftop terrace with medina views. The Ruined Garden is highlighted for its beautiful outdoor patio setting within the medina and good food; booking ahead is recommended as it’s popular. Le Jardin des Biehn offers a relaxing atmosphere, a hammam, and dining at Fez Cafe, one of the few places in the medina serving alcohol. Le Tarbouche is recommended for excellent local food, situated on Tala’a Kebira. Street food is also abundant, offering cheap local eats, though origins can be unclear.

Finding alcohol can be difficult in Fez as it is considered a “very dry city”. Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux has a rooftop bar with city views, and a “British Saloon” bar is noted near Hotel Batha outside the Blue Gates, serving local beer.

ConclusionExploring Fez city is a deep dive into Morocco’s history and culture. It’s a sensory experience unlike any other, balancing incredible historical sights and authentic local life with challenges like navigating the maze-like medina and dealing with persistent touts. Whether you visit for a couple of days as suggested by one source or longer, Fez leaves a lasting impression. For anyone looking to delve deeper into the heart of Moroccan heritage, Fez city is an essential destination.