It is not the thrills and loud entertainment that draw people to Fes in Morocco. Here, tranquility has been maintained for millennia by the leisurely passing of time. Europeans will be drawn to the peaceful, serene life against the backdrop of Islamic tradition. You can take something with you and experience a different way of life in Fez. Tourists will also be interested in the top-notch goods and delectable national food. When peak tourist season rolls around, the weather will be good. This article provides information on the attractions, activities, and costs for vacations in Fes in Morocco, in 2022.
Geographic and historical context
There are four former capitals of the Kingdom of Morocco. One of them is Fez, the most historic city in northern Africa, which has a population of over 900,000.
The city has a long history dating back to 789. Then Iris 1 established a tiny community on the eastern side of the river Fes in Morocco. Later, his son constructed the city’s second section on the opposing bank. The city eventually developed into the biggest Islamic hub. The 12th century was when it peaked.
Fez el Bali, Fez Jdid, and New Fez are the three historic areas that make up the city. Part of the city with over 5,000 streets and 14 gates is called Fez el Bali. Here, 200 mosques can be found. A UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Medina, or Old City.
Climate
In the middle of winter, it can be as cold as 6°C, and by the time summer rolls around, it can be as hot as 35°C. A Mediterranean-style, somewhat warm climate prevails. Wintertime sees substantially more rainfall. July is the driest month. Mid-autumn or late spring and early summer are the ideal times to visit Fes in Morocco.
Getting there
You must make a link in one of the following European nations: France, Germany, Italy, or Spain.
- The two closest airports are “Rabat Airport” (100 km away) and “Sass Airport” (7 km away). Traveling to the city on bus route 16 will be the most affordable option. The price is roughly 20 MAD.
- The cost of a flight to Fez in “economy class” will start at 28200 rubles. The journey takes roughly 25 hours (with 2 transfers).
- You could also take a plane to Rabat before taking a train to Fes in Morocco. It is also feasible to take the same trip via Casablanca.
- Train travel from Rabat to the city takes 2 hours and 37 minutes. There are 4 hours between trains. From Rabat, the journey takes a bus for roughly four hours. The cost is roughly ten euros. The movement is spaced out by one hour. You can travel independently in a car in 2 hours and 20 minutes.
- For one hundred euros, you may reserve a transfer from Rabat at various hotels in Fez.
- Between Marrakech and Fez, a train line runs. On the route from Fez to Tangier as well.
How to navigate the city
The usage of mopeds and motorbikes is forbidden, and there is little traffic in the city. A cyclist and a donkey are two common sights.
A cab typically costs 445 rubles. A 30-ruble public transportation fare.
a place to stay
The city boasts a well-developed tourist infrastructure. In terms of price and comfort, lodging differs. You have the option of selecting a contemporary room with a European interior design or a room decorated in the Arab style with a comfortable Andalusian courtyard and terrace.
Accommodations in Fez
- Diamant Vert Hotel.
No-pet bungalow for two people with a kitchenette, air conditioning, TV, free parking, and Wi-Fi.
- Hotel Barceló Fés Medin.
Located in the heart of the new town, it features contemporary furnishings, a hammam, massages, spa services, a fitness center, TVs, air conditioning, free parking, an outdoor pool on the premises, a restaurant, and room service for breakfast.
- Hotel Riad Al Makan.
breakfast in the hotel, Arabic room and courtyard design, restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, TV, fan, and airport transfer.
- Inn at Dar Borj.
situated in the Fes Al Bali region. You can hire a vehicle. provides horseback riding excursions nearby. Parking and WiFi availability. On-site, there is a tour desk. The terrace is shared by all. Shuttle service to the airport; no pets allowed.
- Hotel Riad Ouliya.
TV and air conditioning are in the room. The area is home to a restaurant. Parking and WiFi are free. Outside, there is an eating area and patio chairs. The viewing deck is close (700 m).
- Hotel Riad Lalla Zoubida.
The rooms are in the center of the historic Medina and are furnished in conventional Arabic design. A restaurant is present. Accommodations with animals are permitted. Free Wi-Fi, paid parking available nearby. The bathrooms and air conditioning are in each room.
Kitchen
The first cup of native mint tea signals the start of Moroccan culinary traditions. It is consumed constantly and everywhere. Lamb steak, oat soup, and the colorless, powerful wine “gri” are the typical treats.
A meal in a modest cafe or on the street will typically run you about 381 rubles. An alcoholic meal for two will run you roughly 1,600 rubles.
What to eat from the country’s cuisine
- Lamb soup with vegetables and coriander is called “harira.”
- “Tajin” is the name of a vegetable stew that includes meat, dried fruit, and sometimes nuts. exclusively in the aforementioned clay pot. The cooking technique makes it unique, regardless of the ingredients or type of meat used. Long hours are spent simmering the food in the bowl while it is carefully covered with a lid. The rising steam from the meal condenses at the tagine’s top and drips down in the form of drops of natural sauce.
- Lamb is grilled on a spit over hot coals and is known as “meshui”.
- Moroccan carrot salad with roasted peppers and white chicken flesh. olive oil, soy sauce, and orange juice were used to dress the food.
Shopping
The street markets are one of the unique aspects of the Arab metropolis. Fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as souvenirs for every taste, are available there. Souk el Henna, one of the biggest in Fez, is an example of a traditional street market.
The well-known souvenir store “Artisanat.” Here, you can always purchase a variety of mementos and choose what to bring as a reminder of Fes in Morocco, particularly pictures and lovely booklets.
Local leather and textile products are sold in Fez at a row of little shops known as the “Fez marche.” There you may get affordable knits, t-shirts, and knitwear as well as leather clothes and haberdashery.
Small trade businesses have grown in the city. Different commodities are sold in a variety of tiny private shops, usually by the owner or his relatives. You can always barter and purchase inexpensive clothing or fruit.
The shop “Bijouterie Benlemlih” allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Arabian jewelry. Here, you may get both authentic jewelry and superb knockoffs. a unique Christmas present.
Locals advise purchasing a handmade rug from “Aux Merveilles du Tapis”.
You should visit the Shuar district if you want to buy apparel and leather goods. The possibility to purchase leather goods directly from the producer is available in addition to a tour of the tannery district.
Spices – Attarin street. All the spices required to produce regional dishes are available here for purchase. For meals using meat or vegetables, carefully chosen mixtures of several spices are created. You can select a certain spice’s collection of spices.
Entertainment and Attractions
Fes in Morocco has existed for more than a thousand years. It is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual side. Islam has long-standing customs and a rich history, which appeals to those with an interest in the East.
Watch out for:
The Fez Medina.
The Medina, the city’s historical core, is walled in the style of oriental design. The word translates as “city” in modern Arabic. Building placement appears to lack coherence; instead, it resembles a maze of haphazardly placed homes and winding streets.
Bazaars and small independent businesses are located along the main, wide streets. Juice is squeezed in front of the customer as it is being sold right on the street. The majority of the mosques in the center are open to the public and active.
The state offers privileges to the people who live in this medina to prevent them from moving to cities with more modern amenities. After all, there wouldn’t be as many tourists absent the local populace. Wandering aimlessly through the congested streets, where donkeys pull carts full of supplies and humans only use their feet, is possible. Here, donkeys are the only mode of transportation, and owners must use specific bags to collect their crops. The sign that reads “No donkeys allowed” is visible.
Famous Moroccan mosaics are used to embellish the walls of the homes, and the wood doors are also works of art. There are 40 distinct neighborhoods in the medina. Each of them has a separate, enclosed building with its own mosque, hamam, and bakery. Through the doors, one can go between the blocks. The buildings appear to be one continuous wall since they are all joined to one another by stone slabs.
Daoud Glaoui
The 150-year-old, most exquisite residential palace in Fes in Morocco. The compound consists of a tomb, stables, and 17 dwellings. There are entirely restored rooms with a living setting, albeit not all of the rooms are accessible for viewing.
The Attarin Medersa.
a traditional madrassa with mosaic tiles made of ceramic and wood sculptures. The 1500 kg bronze chandelier is the center of attention.
Inania Bow Madrasah
a lovely courtyard with handmade ceramic tiles lining it and a fountain. There are verses from the Koran used frequently. Cells on the second floor—typical dorm housing for students
Quarter of Moulay Abdellah
The leather dye house is a unique location that’s only here. The aerial picture and the strange fragrance give visitors confused feelings. From the balcony of the leather goods store, one can observe the dyehouse in action. Climb the steep, confined steps. Visitors can take a sprig of mint that should be held close to the nose to mask the aroma of the workshop. when dyeing is done without modern chemicals using antiquated methods and dyes. These rooftops serve as a drying area for the treated skins.
Tomb of the Merendids
Views of the city are spectacular from the Tombe dei Merenidi hill. It gives a breathtaking view of the Medina and is accessible by foot or taxi. You could gaze at the homes, lanes, and people below for hours.
Mosque in Kairaouine
Morocco’s oldest mosque. Beautiful décor, frescoes, and a fountain—all in traditional Arabic design. The Mosque, a functioning place of worship, is only accessible to Muslims. situated in the ancient town’s winding lanes.
Boujloud Bab
The Medina’s main entrance is the Arch. The top tourist destination in Fez. A bustling street market opens up behind the gate.
Nord, Borj
The structure houses a museum of firearms. A view of the Medina may be seen from the walls. There is a tiny, cool garden inside where you may unwind in the heat. The evolution of firearms is depicted in the museum itself, ranging from the most basic examples to contemporary ones. The museum’s 16 halls are filled with weapons from various nations and ethnic groups.
FNejjarine Fontaine
Yet another well-known landmark. Although it doesn’t appear to be a fountain in the traditional meaning of the word in Europe, it is one in Africa and the East where water is highly treasured. Traditional Moroccan mosaics adorn the vicinity of the spring. Behind it is a museum of crafts.
The Fes el-Jdid.
Built in the latter half of the 13th century, Fes el Jadid is the new Medina. Its color depicts the traditional Arab architecture, bazaars, and ambiance of the old city. The Jewish neighborhood in Mellah is noteworthy because it has unique architectural features.
The Jardin Jnan Sbil is a peaceful park with a tiny pond. a diverse range of trees, including birches, cedars, and mandarins. There is an alley with fountains and lovely landscaping, ideal for peaceful strolls under the shade of lush vegetation.
A contemporary hydrotherapy facility in hot waters, 15 km from Fez, is where you can unwind.
Sahara Atlas Tours (business) offers guided tours of the Sahara Desert and all nearby locations. Families can arrange a journey through the desert on four-wheelers and other off-road vehicles for those who enjoy active recreation. The tour’s routes are created on an individual basis. You can take trips into the desert, to nature preserves, and to cities like Fez, Meknes, and others.
What should one do after work?
There is very little nightlife outside of the contemporary hotels’ grounds. In the city, there are no further nightclubs or discos.
The city plays host to the renowned International Sacred Music Festival in early June. For a week, locals from Middle Eastern areas share their musical talents and life experiences here.
What you should know about holidays in addition International dialing code for contacts: +2126
Telephones for emergencies
- ambulance and fire department: 15, police: 19, and
- Call 112 in case of emergency on a mobile device.
Security
The practice of Islamic customs is mostly responsible for Fez’s safety. Although tourists are handled with loyalty, there are always extremist religious figures.
Shoulders and knees should be covered for women. Also not acceptable are short-sleeved men.
It is advised to avoid traveling to Morocco during Ramadan in order to avoid ruining your vacation. Muslims abstain from food and liquids during the forty days of Lent. For this time, many cafes and shops merely close. Since Fez is a major religious hub, the laws are scrupulously upheld.
The threat comes from nosy shopkeepers and pickpockets. Carrying big amounts of cash and keeping them visible is not advised. It is vital to politely and firmly reject the vendors’ offers.
Answering the questions of the locals is vital to avoid conflict; do not disregard their inquiries. Older individuals will ask questions as a sign of respect if you need to know anything.
Women shouldn’t smile and converse with local males in public.
The Arab world’s least modern city is Fez. Although there is civilized infrastructure in the form of cozy hotels and eateries, there is no active nightlife. They come here to interact with the past. to go deeper into Arab culture’s traditions. It is not a vacation town, there aren’t many tourists, and there are no aquatic sports. Morocco’s spirit is in Fes in Morocco.