Fez
Step into the soul of Morocco – a medina where time stands still.
The Oued Fès gave birth to the city long before its narrow streets became a maze of artisans and scholars. Today, Fès remains Morocco's intellectual heart, where history is lived rather than displayed.
The Core
Fez: Steeped in tradition and history, Fez is a city where every corner tells a story. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. Wander through its narrow alleys and discover the Al-Qarawiyyin University, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. The Chouara Tanneries, where leather is dyed using ancient methods, offer a sensory experience unlike any other.
Fez is also a center for exquisite craftsmanship, from handwoven textiles to intricate pottery. Visitors can enjoy traditional Moroccan hospitality in its many riads or sample local dishes like b’ssara and pastilla.
Best time to visit: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is ideal for exploring this fascinating city. Fez is a living museum, a gateway to Morocco's rich cultural heritage.
Best Time to visit
Best Time to Visit Fez
Fez is a year-round destination, but each season reveals a different side of Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital. For most travellers, spring and autumn offer the ideal conditions, with pleasant temperatures for exploring the world's largest living medina, its labyrinth of narrow alleys and centuries-old madrasas. These seasons also provide the most comfortable balance between sightseeing and lingering on hidden terraces above the ancient city. If your visit coincides with the SIAM International Agricultural Show in nearby Meknes, it is wise to reserve your accommodation early, as hotels across the region can fill quickly.
Late spring brings one of Fez's cultural highlights: the renowned Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, when artists and audiences from around the world gather in historic palaces and gardens for performances unlike anywhere else in Morocco. The city takes on an extraordinary atmosphere, making it one of the most inspiring times to experience its spiritual and artistic heritage.
Summer presents a very different Fez. Temperatures regularly climb above 40°C, and within the narrow streets of the medina the heat can feel surprisingly intense and enclosed. Early mornings and evenings become the best moments to discover the city, while winter remains mild, with occasional rain that enhances the colours of the ancient stonework and gardens. Whatever the season, Fez rewards curious travellers with one of the richest cultural experiences in the Islamic world.
Things to do
01
The Medina of Fez (Fes el-Bali): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient medina of Fez is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and historic buildings. It's home to some of the oldest streets in the Arab world and is known for its traditional architecture, including beautiful riads and vibrant tilework.
02
Al Quaraouiyine University: Founded in 859 AD, Al Quaraouiyine is considered the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. It's an important religious and educational institution in the Islamic world and an architectural gem within Fez, showcasing stunning Islamic architecture and craftsmanship.
03
The Tannery (Chouara Tannery): Fez is famous for its leather production, and the Chouara Tannery is one of the most iconic places in the city. Visitors can watch workers process leather in ancient methods, with vibrant dyes in large vats creating a colorful spectacle that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
04
Bou Inania Madrasa: This 14th-century Islamic school is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, with stunning tilework, carved wood, and intricate stucco decorations. It's one of the few religious buildings in Fez that is open to non-Muslim visitors and offers a glimpse into the city’s intellectual and spiritual history.
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Fez Royal Palace (Dar El Makhzen): The Royal Palace in Fez is an impressive building with beautiful gardens, large gates, and intricate brass doors. While the palace is not open to the public, its exterior is a fantastic example of Moroccan craftsmanship, particularly the ornate, gold-trimmed gates and elaborate mosaics.
The Mellah (Jewish Quarter): The Mellah of Fez is a historic Jewish quarter that dates back to the 16th century. This area features narrow streets, charming courtyards, and several synagogues, including the Ibn Danan Synagogue, showcasing the multicultural past of Fez and its diverse communities.
Where to stay in the area
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Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
476 €
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Château Roslane Boutique Hôtel & Spa
244 €
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Riad Fes
327 €
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Palais Amani
226 €
Michlifen Resort & Golf
550 €
