The oldest Moroccan imperial city, Fez or Fes, has been hiding behind the shadows of big cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. Little do people know that there is a new wave of restored luxury Riads and innovative food scenes complementing the city’s local culture.
Fes is probably one of the most underrated cities in Morocco. When you hear that people are traveling to Morocco, you here that they are going to Casablanca or Marrakech. Little do they know that the true gem of Morocco lies in it’s old imperial city–Fez, Morocco. Not known to many tourists, aside from the French, Fez is a medieval Medina on the central North Eastern part of Morocco. The city is located just 4 hours from Casablanca and 7 hours from Tangier (the northern most tip of Morocco that meets with Spain). Among all the cities we visited in Morocco, Fez was our favorite. Not only because of the people, ambiance, structure and history, but because of the 11 unique things to do in Fez, Morocco for first-timers. If you have 2 days Fez and want to know the must-hit spots, here’s my list of 11 unique things to do in Fez, Morocco for first-timers:
1. Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
The adventure begins at Bab Boujloud. The entrance to the old medina and it’s two main roads. At first impact, you will feel overwhelmed by the spices, chicken and roosters casually walking by you by at the food markets, and camel heads hanging from the butcher’s markets…but it is a sight to behold. If you make it through the markets, you will soon make it to the more calm artisanal streets selling leather shoes, wooden boxes and accessories, metal jewelry and woven bags.
2. Get Lost in Fez Medina
Any research you do on Google will tell you time and time again–it is imperative to get a guide. The medina has over 1000 alleyways, even locals get lost in it. This is absolutely not true. Even our receptionist from our Riad told us that it is not true that we need a guide. There are two main streets in Morocco that both stem from the Blue gate, also known as Bab Boujloud, you start there and just get lost in the medina. Any time you feel like you don’t know your way back or where you are going, there are signs all over the city telling you in which direction the main attractions are. Even the most clueless of people can find their way around this Medina–I promise. Plus, getting lost is one of the unique things to do in Fez, Morocco, it’s the beauty of travel isn’t it? Those who wander aren’t lost… The alleys are full of wonderful, colorful merchant shops, tons of tunnels and arches (my favorite), and stunning, elaborate doorways. You will get distracted every 10 feet–and you should.
What Can I Wear in Fez, Morocco?
The streets are plenty shaded and that’s done purposefully so you can wear respectful clothing without breaking a sweat. Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country, so you should walk around respectful of their religion and culture. A long skirt and a t-shirt or tank top (if you really want to push it) should do the trick. But avoid shorts at all costs unless you want unnecessary eyeballs and attention. And trust me, again, you don’t need to wear shorts because the breeze and shade in the alleys is absolutely perfect.
3. Rainbow Street
Rainbow Street is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Fez, Morocco, as no other city in Morocco will have a street like this. It’s a “passage” that connects the two main roads of Rue Talaa Sghira nad Rue Talaa Kebira. This “passage” is made to look like a marvelous and colorful rainbow street. Filled with art, mirrors, bracelets, and rugs, believe it or not it is not a piece of art, but a store! Everything in the street is for sale.
4. Medersa Bou Inania
From the dark carved wood, to the stucco, this Islamic institution is one of the few that is still active today and serves as a student college and dormitory for students who attend Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque & University.
5. Lunch Break
Shade yourself at The Ruined Garden or expand your palette with some exotic foods like Camel Burger from Café Clock.
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6. Walk Down Main Streets of Rue Talaa Sghira and Rue Talaa Kebira
7. Madrasa Al Attarine
Close to Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque & University, the first university in the world and the oldest active university to this day, Madrasa Al Attarine is another historic marvel within the medieval medina.
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8. Place Seffarine – The Metal Workers Souk
Known for its metal products, one of the unique things to do in Fez, Morocco is visit it’s souk solely dedicated to its coppersmiths and metal workers. As you walk around the square, you hear the clanging of copper and brass against hammers as the artisans produce their pieces utilizing century old metalworking methods.
9. Walk through the Nejjarine and Enjoy Mint Tea on the Rooftop for a Breathtaking View of Fez
If you have chosen to visit Morocco, one of the reasons is probably because of the jaw dropping architecture. Morocco is known for it’s stucco and wood structures, Nejjarine is dedicated specifically to the unique wood carving skills they are famous for. If you are able to make your way to the top of this four floor building, you’ll find a quaint rooftop that offers mint tea as you overlook the Medina. And all of this, only for $2..!
10. Dinner Options
There’s endless dinner options for all types of foodies in Fez. And don’t be deterred from the outside appearance. Moroccan restaurants make look a bit dark and eerie from the outside, but there a marvel rich in color on the inside. Here are 4 essential yet very different experiences, restaurants & food in Fez, Morocco. Try it all from dining in a garden oasis to a guesthouse, private cooking classes and exotic camel burgers.
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11. Have More Time…?
Additional day trips include a quick drive to the ancient city of Mèknes and the remnants of temples at Volubilis.
>> Next: Riad Anata in Fez, Morocco: A Boutique Hotel Riad
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4 comments
I’m just overwhelmed after seeing the photos. Never knew about this place!
Impeccable photography. Loved visiting Morocco !
I love these photos! I really want to go to Morocco and things just makes me want to go ever more – so much colour!
amazing article it’s really nice photos hope you had much fun in Morocco