The best things to do in Fez

Fès is a city founded on September 29, 789. Characterized by having 3 communes, which are subdivided into a total of 6 neighborhoods and comprise a population of 1.15 million inhabitants.

This metropolis of tall buildings has Fez-Saïss International Airport (FES) located approximately 15 kilometers south of the city, in the commune of Ahlaf, in case you want to travel by plane. There are five bus terminals if you prefer to arrive in Fez by bus.

There are also 3 transportation systems called taxis, public buses, and Tramway (Tramway de Fès). Finally, there are 40 km of bike lanes for cycling around the city.

Fez is a city to experience in Morocco because, in addition to offering must-see places, it is renowned for its rich history and culture. Immerse yourself in its labyrinthine medieval streets and admire its impressive Islamic architecture.

It is also known for traditions such as the Fez Sacred Music Festival in June, the Fez Festival of Popular Arts in July, and the Fez International Film Festival in September. But especially for its welcoming climate, as the weather in Fès during most of the year is Mediterranean, with hot and dry summers and mild and humid winters, with an average annual temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius.

Now, regarding the beautiful places in Fez, they are diverse, as you can enjoy different types of tourism. For example, something very attractive for historical tourism is to visit the picturesque places in Fez where you can take photos without any problem. Some of the main ones are the Medina of Fez, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Karaouiyine Mosque, the Merinid Tombs, the Royal Palace of Fez, the Bab Bou Jeloud Gate, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), the Fez el-Bali Souk, Al Quaraouiyine University, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Mausoleum.

Another great plan in Fez for a day trip is to explore landscapes or parks such as the Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, the Ziz Valley, and the Cedars of Azrou Forest. Most of these tourist sites in Fez require little money to visit.

Other attractions in Fez that you should visit for a day of exploration are the museums. Some of the most important ones are the Batha Museum, the Dar Batha Museum, the Nejjarine Museum, the Museum of Art and Popular Culture, the Arms Museum, the Wood Museum, and the Ceramics Museum.

If you prefer nighttime plans in Fez and enjoy traveling alone or with a partner, you should visit some emblematic places in Fez for a night out. Some recommended ones are the Dar Batha Palace, the Jewish Quarter (Mellah), and Café Clock.

But if you are one who prefers to travel with family, among the beautiful places in Fez for children are Jnan Sbil Garden, Hassan II Avenues Park, and the Nejjarine Museum.

Before traveling to this marvelous city and experiencing some of the tourist places in Fez, we recommend learning about the richness of the customs of the Fezis and some curious facts about the metropolis. Some important ones are:

• Fez is considered one of the imperial cities of Morocco, along with Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat.
• The Fez Medina is the oldest in the world and is declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• In the Fez Medina, you can find the oldest university in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in the year 859.
• Fez is known as the "Athens of Africa" due to its rich intellectual and cultural tradition.
• The city has numerous souks where traditional crafts such as ceramics, textiles, and leather can be found.
• The Fez Sacred Music Festival is one of the most important cultural events in Morocco and attracts artists from all over the world.
• Fez is famous for its madrasas, Islamic religious schools, which are true architectural masterpieces.
• The city is home to the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Art and Craftsmanship, which exhibits an impressive collection of carved wooden objects.
• Fez is known for its leather production, and many visitors enjoy a visit to the tanneries.

Being one of the important cities of Morocco, Fez is a center of gastronomy trade, so one of the essential things to do is to eat in areas like Bab Bou Jeloud, Alaa Kebira, Place Seffarine, and Rue des Mérinides, which are favorites of foodies.

You will find the best restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, perfect for trying some of the local specialties such as Chicken Pastilla, Lamb Couscous, Meat Tajine, Harira (traditional soup), Mechoui (roasted lamb), Briouats (stuffed pastries), Merguez (spicy sausages), Zaalouk (eggplant salad), Bastela (filled puff pastry), and Makouda (potato croquettes); some recommended restaurants are Café Clock, Dar Roumana Restaurant, Nur Restaurant, L'Ambre Restaurant, and Riad Fes Restaurant.

Regarding accommodation, if you want to stay in one of the most exclusive and safe areas of Fez, we recommend staying in the Fez Medina, Ville Nouvelle (New City), Batha, or Jnan Sbil. These are where the most recommended famous hotels in Fez are located, such as Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, Riad Fes, Hotel Sahrai, and Palais Amani.