Fez, Morocco: travel guide

Fez, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, is a city steeped in history, tradition, and intrigue. With its labyrinthine streets, vibrant souks, and stunning architecture, Fez offers visitors a truly immersive experience into the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture. From exploring the ancient medina to savouring the flavours of traditional Moroccan cuisine, there's something here to captivate every traveller.

Stay

Fez boasts a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. For an authentic Moroccan experience, consider staying in a riad in the heart of the medina - these traditional courtyard houses offer a tranquil retreat from the bustling streets, with beautifully decorated rooms and attentive service. My top pick would absolutely be Palais Amani (you can read a review of my recent stay here - spoiler alert: it was exceptional!). 

Eat

No visit to Fez would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. The city is renowned for its flavourful Moroccan cuisine - from fragrant tagines to deliciously sweet pastries and refreshing mint tea, there's something to please every palate. The luxurious riads offer some fantastic fine dining, while wonderful family run restaurants (I particularly loved Zohra - the tagines were incredible) can be found around every corner of the medina. The bustling food markets and street stalls are an absolute must too - vibrant and fun to explore, and great to sample all of the snacks.

I thoroughly enjoyed dining at Cafe Clock, which certainly lived up to its reputation and great reviews. A relaxing retreat from the bustling city streets, it was a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely dinner (but the breakfast menu looks equally delicious!). The staff were warm and welcoming, and I couldn’t wait to try their famous camel burger. Other standout dishes were the smokey zaalouk, harira, and the platter was a great way to try a mixture of delicacies (and with a menu that offers both traditional and more western options, there’s something to suit everyone). No Moroccan meal would be complete without some sweet pastries and mint tea, and these were some of the best I tried! With a branch in both Marrakech and Chefchaouen too, there is no excuse not to visit!

See

Fez offers a wealth of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Explore the historic medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and get lost in its maze of narrow streets and alleyways. Discover hidden gems like the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the tanneries of Chouara where artisans practise age-old techniques. I highly recommend a visit to Robio Artisanat - a fantastic leather shop overlooking the tanneries, where you can see the process first hand and admire the incredible craftsmanship (and treat yourself of course!).  The city's vibrant souks are full of more beautiful souvenirs, where you'll find everything from colourful textiles and intricate pottery to exotic spices and handmade crafts.

Just around the corner from Palais Amani is Muhammed’s family owned traditional clothing store - a true hidden gem. This humble shop (which is also his family home) has no website or social media page - just this google location! But if you manage to find it you will be rewarded with incredible hospitality and be astonished at the intricate work that goes into every beautiful piece.

Another real highlight of my time in this city was stumbling across a wonderful antique shop - Frougui Abdelmalek - on my first day exploring the medina. Specialising in Jewish artefacts, Berber jewellery and other unique antiques from across the country, all items are genuine and hand picked from auctions and markets. Even more charming than the shop was the owner himself, Driss, who made us feel so genuinely welcome and completely settled into the hectic city. We could have talked for hours and hours, and hugely appreciated the endless tips and recommendations, as well as a thorough (and extremely engaging) introduction to the history of Fez.

If you’re keen to learn about the authentic history of the city and its traditions, I highly recommend reaching out to Driss Regague (simply by WhatsApp on +212 (0) 610 47 88 96). He will welcome you in for a laugh, information and a cup of mint tea, and I have absolutely no doubt it will be a highlight of your trip too!

Relax

After a day of exploring, unwind and rejuvenate with a traditional Moroccan hammam experience. These steam baths are a cornerstone of Moroccan culture, offering a blissful retreat for the body and soul. Palais Amani, one of the best hotels in the city, offers a fantastic hammam menu and will undoubtedly give you the ultimate steam bath experience, with top quality products and experienced masseuses. 

Explore

For a change of scenery, consider taking a day trip to the nearby town of Meknes or the picturesque village of Moulay Idriss. Alternatively, venture into the nearby Middle Atlas Mountains for outdoor adventures such as hiking, horseback riding, or exploring Berber villages. And no visit to Fez would be complete without a side trip to the charming blue-washed town of Chefchaouen, where you can wander through its picturesque streets and soak up the laid-back atmosphere. It’s easy to arrange a day trip, but if you have time to spare then it’s well worth spending a night or two. I couldn’t recommend Dar Jasmine highly enough as a perfect base to explore this incredibly relaxing city from (you can read a review of my recent stay here!).

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or seeking a bit of adventure, Fez has something to offer everyone. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, it really does tick all the boxes. And with direct (and very cheap!) flights from London, it’s possible to hop across even for a long weekend! This is a place I feel truly lucky to have experienced, and look forward to visiting again one day.