Things to do in Fez Morocco - The Ultimate Guide
Welcome to my ultimate guide to Fez, Morocco, where you can read my top things to do, the best time to visit, where to stay and what to eat!
You can also follow my easy 3-day itinerary on how best to explore Fez, to ensure you visit all of those must-see places!
About Fez Morocco
But where is Fez and what is it all about!?
Fez is located in the North-East of Morocco, Africa. It’s an enchanting and fascinating country which I have visited twice now and find it hard not to return!
With Marrakech at the forefront of Moroccan holiday destinations, Fez is like a hidden treasure. A place where you can truly take-in the traditional Moroccan lifestyle and culture.
When is the best time of year to visit Fez...
Well, I would definitely avoid visiting Morocco during the summer months, when it's at its hottest. Instead, the best time to visit Fez is between April and June or September to November.
I traveled to Fez in October which is ideal for some Autumn sunshine and warmth, and is seen to be one of the best months to travel to Morocco!
Top things to do in Fez
Three Days in Fez
Three days in Fez is plenty of time to explore this cultural hub, as well as taking a day-trip to the nearby imperial city of Meknes
(keep scrolling!)
Follow my 3-day itinerary below to ensure you don’t miss out on my top things to do...
Day 1
Fez Medina (Fez El Bali), Blue Gate - Bab Bou Jeloud, Souks
Day 2
Chouara tanneries and Jardin Jnan sbil
Where to eat
Café Clock, Chez Rachid
Day 1
For your first day in Fez, spend your time exploring the old town - or more commonly referred to as the Medina. Here you can explore other key sights including the Blue Gate and souks.
Fez Medina (Fez El Bali)
Fez Medina is a UNESCO world heritage site and consists of a labyrinth of streets, alleyways, souks, and tanneries.
Note: It really is easy to lose your way in the Medina - coming from someone who ended up down a dark, blind alleyway. But that is part of the fun of immersing yourself in this ancient town. Instead have a break from Google Maps and technology!
And beware of local people who will try to guide you through the Medina, as they will expect a tip at the end.
It is also the world's largest urban car-free zone, as the streets aren't wide enough for vehicles! This makes Fez the perfect place for a 'walking' city break.
Tip: Although Fez Medina is a car-free zone, still be aware of scooters and motorbikes which manage to make their way through the narrow streets.
Blue Gate - Bab Bou Jeloud
Start at the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud) which is the iconic main entrance to the old town. This ornate, Moorish architecture is definitely worth a photo or two!
Once you've passed through this gateway into the Medina, you will enter a small square filled with shops and restaurants. Stop here for a morning mint tea and some people watching.
Tip: Some of my favourite eateries are located near the Blue Gate. If you pass by here at lunch or dinner time then definitely check out where to eat in Fez!
From here, follow the nearby Rue Talaa Kebeira to navigate your way through the Fez Medina. And en route, you can nose in on some of the never-ending craft shops. This main street will lead you directly to the heart of Fez Medina.
Note: The medina tends to be referred to as a bowl - If you are walking uphill you'll be walking towards to outer walls. If you're walking downhill you'll be heading towards the centre of the medina.
Souks
Firstly - what even is a souk? Well, a souk is a traditional Moroccan marketplace that is normally divided into sections for various trades.
In Fez Medina, there's a vast array, with nearly a different souk for every good... a carpet souk, the spice, and perfume souk, and the silver souk - to name just a few!
Hence souks are the perfect place to seek traditional crafts and local Moroccan produce! Here you'll find ornate lamps, Moorish carpets, and the Fez ceramics of blue and white fassi pottery. It's also the perfect place to buy argan oil, fresh spices, and leather goods.
Tip: Don't forget to bring your haggling skills to Fez! Keep reading for my top haggling tips
Continue to follow the main street of Rue Talaa Kebeira towards the Henna Souk - one of the oldest souks in Fez.
Close by is Nejjarine Square where you can buy woodwork and see skilled carpenters working, due to its close proximity to the carpenters’ souk. This square is surrounded by beautifully ornate architecture - another great spot to take a few Instagram snaps!
Place Seffarine is also nearby; a charming spot filled with coppersmith stalls and golden treasures!
Rastafarian man walking through souks in Fez, Morocco
Day 2
Now that you're able to navigate your way around Medina, spend your second day to continue exploring Fez and start off at the Chouara tanneries.
Chouara tanneries
Morocco is famous for its leather production, hence the Fez tanneries are a top tourist attraction. With the Chouara tanneries being the largest in the Medina, spend your morning exploring here... the earlier the better to ensure the pits are still vivid with colour!
Note: Beware of touts in this area who will falsely tell you that you need to hire them in order to visit the tanneries. Instead, head to the leather shops overlooking the tannery for the best views - they're free to visit (unless you give into buying something from the shop!)
Tip: Due to the tanning process of these leather hinds, the smell here isn't always welcoming! So be sure to take up the offer of some fresh mint leaves on arrival - it's essential to hold this over your nostrils whilst visiting the tanneries.
Look out for men or donkeys in the nearby streets, carrying heavy loads of leather hinds from the tanneries to their workplace.
After a fun-filled morning at the Chouara tanneries, continue on through the Medina towards the Blue Gate and stop off for some lunch en route. I would definitely recommend Café Clock if you haven't already been.
Then proceed onto Jardin Jnan sbil, approximately a 5-minute walk from the Blue Gate past the Medina walls.
Jardin Jnan sbil
Free entrance
This public garden is located between the Fez Medina and the Royal Palace. Spend your afternoon here meandering around these tranquil gardens, and relaxing in the shade. It's the perfect break away from the energetic old city.
If you have time, continue on foot to explore the Jewish Quarter of Fez.
Day trip to Meknes
Bab Mansour, Lahdim Square, Place Lalla Aouda, Souks
Day 3
After enjoying the top sights of Fez, spend your third day in nearby Meknes to explore this beautiful and interesting imperial city.
Meknes
Meknes is situated in northern Morocco and is a fascinating town enriched in history and Moorish traditions. It's just a 40-minute train journey from Fez, so it's easy to visit in just a day.
Getting to Meknes
Fez's new train station is located in the Ville Nouvelle area; a short 10-minute taxi ride from the Blue Gate (45-minute walk). From here catch the train to Al-Amir train station in Meknes.
Train tickets can be purchased on the day, as there's no need to book in advance. You can check the train times on ONCF.com - a return ticket is around 55 dirham which is approximately £4.40 (GBP).
Tip: Ensure you identify the correct train station in Fez on your map. We ended up walking to the old train station (derelict for about 10 years) to then have to get a taxi across town to the new current train station.
On arrival at Al-Amir train station, jump in a petit taxi to Meknes Medina - about a 10-minute drive away. Spend the rest of your day wandering through the streets this city and take in the key sights:
Bab Mansour
This huge, iconic gateway of Meknes is decorated with ornate tiles and carvings - a magnificent piece of Moroccan architecture. From here cross over the road to Lahdim square, the main entrance to Meknes old town.
If you have time, later on, visit Place Lalla Aouda just south of Bab Mansour. It's a small park and garden with some pretty fountains, ideal for a break from the city centre.
Lahdim Square (El-Hedim Square)
Lahdim square is filled with plenty of restaurants and cafes. Stop here for a mid-morning mint tea or some lunch, and watch locals go about their everyday life.
The Souk
As well as Lahdim Square, Meknes is filled with several souks both within the old town and beyond. Proceed through the twisting old streets, after taking in the sites of the square.
There is an old market here which is not for the faint-hearted - think cows heads hanging from butcher shops and chickens running wild. But this is where you really can take in the honest culture of Morocco and their way of living!
Note: Sundays are very quiet with many shops and restaurants closed. Although this can be an ideal time to explore whilst avoiding the crowds.
Eat your heart out
Food is first on my mind wherever I travel, therefore I always have a food journal to jot down my favourite eateries. Below are just some of my favourite places and things to try whilst in Fez.
Where to eat in Fez
Café Clock
This restaurant is tucked away from the main Medina streets, offering an ideal break from the hustle and bustle of the Souks. Make sure you book in advance as this is a popular place for tourists, and remember to request a table on their rooftop terrace to take advantage of the wondrous views across the Medina.
Cafe Clock also runs evening events and activities such as Moroccan storytelling and cooking classes. Therefore it is a top place to visit in Fez in the evening!
... And be sure to try one of their giant homemade ice-cream milkshakes.
Chez Rachid
This is an ideal lunch spot near the Blue Gate where you can watch people pass by. I would recommend the tagine's; either the plum or almond and olive ones are great. We ended up eating here twice during our visit to Fez.
What to eat in Fez
Mint Tea
This is a must-try whilst in Morocco! It's a green tea infused with mint leaves, served with several sugar lumps - the perfect pick-me-up from a busy day sightseeing.
Moroccan Tagine
Tagines are traditional stews cooked in a cone-shaped clay dish, and filled with flavour! A chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives is one of my favourites... eat with a side of couscous for a truly Moroccan meal.
Sleep Tight
Where to stay in Fez?
To complete your authentic Moroccan visit, I would definitely recommend staying in a traditional Riad - a traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden or courtyard.
Throughout Fez are luxurious Riads hidden behind rustic doors. So don't be too disheartened on arrival when it appears to be an ordinary, dusty street to then find an oasis lurking behind.
I booked through Fez Riads, which offers a range of accommodation options within the Medina. We stayed in Riad Medina Fes; a 4-bed house that can be booked in its entirety or as individual bedrooms. From here you can easily explore the old town.
Things to Remember
Brush up on your French
Although not their native language, most Moroccans speak French fluently, with some people in the touristy areas speaking English.
Don't forget your haggling skills
If you're looking to buy in Morocco you need to learn to haggle. The key things to remember are:
- Don't show you're interested in the item - Pretend you are just browsing and don't ask for the price straight away.
- Start with a much lower offer of around 70% of the asking price - Remember that a vendor won't agree on a price that's not beneficial to them.
- Keep your money hidden - Showing off a wallet full of cash is never a good idea.
Calls to Prayer
Be prepared for a potential early wake-up to the first of the five calls to prayer just before sunrise (usually around 5 am)! If you're a light sleeper then I would recommend wearing earplugs at night.
The last call to prayer normally takes place between sunset and midnight.
How to get around
Petit taxis are the most convenient way to travel around the outskirts of the Medina - they are not permitted to drive outside of Fez city i.e. to the Airport and on excursions. However, if you're in a group of 4, note that they don't carry more than 3 people!
Tip: Remember to haggle on taxis fares as well. We unfortunately were the target of a haggling mishap when getting a taxi to the nearby Carrefour and ended up paying an extortionate amount.
Can't bear the thought of an alcohol-free trip?
Morocco is a predominately Muslim country and therefore drinking alcohol in public places is disapproved of. However, alcohol is available in most restaurants, bars, and hotels within the tourist area.
You can purchase alcohol at the main supermarket (Carrefour) just outside the old town if you want to relax back at your Riad with a glass of wine. Alcohol is not in the main shop but separated in a small section next door, so ask the staff if you need help to find it.
Conclusion
If you're looking to truly explore and embrace the Moroccan culture, then add Fez to your bucket list!
- Spend three days in Fez for a short, walking city-break. Or tag it onto a trip to Marrakech!
- Avoid traveling to Morocco in the summer months. Instead visit Fez either between April and June, or September to November
-
Remember to check out my top places to visit: Fez Medina, the Blue Gate, souks, tanneries, and Jardin Jnan Sbil
-
Take a day-trip to Meknes via train and delve into this nearby imperial city
- Stay in a traditional Moroccan Riad. Look at Fez Riads for a range of accommodation options within Fez Medina
Comment below if you have any questions, and I'll be in touch soon! Or get in touch online here.
Helen x
Coconuts and Camels
3 Responses
Really informative post. Thank you for the travel tips, especially the part about the tanneries! Cant wait to visit Fez now!
Thanks Tim. Let me know how you get on in Fez and have an amazing trip!
Helen
Coconuts and Camels x
[…] ultimate guide to Fez, Morocco, where you can read my top things to do, the best time to visit, where to stay and what to […]