Fez is a city with a lot of history. It is considered the religious and cultural capital of Morocco. Did you know that it is home to the oldest university in the world? You won’t be short of things to do in Fez! Its chaotic medina not only has souks with very diverse products.
It was the center of culture until the middle of the last century when the wealthiest young people were educated there. We tell you 30 things to do in Fez to fully enjoy the third-largest city in Morocco.
We also present the best neighborhoods and hotels to stay in Fez so that you can choose the one that suits you best.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN FES
Go under the Boujloud Gate, an essential activity to do in Fez
The best possible entrance to the old medina of Fez is this monumental door restored in 1913. Although it is surrounded by two high walls, it never had any defensive function but is merely decorative.
It has three arches and is decorated with blue tiles on one side representing the color of the city. On the other side they are green, the color of Islam.
If you look at it from outside the medina you will see the silhouette of the minarets inside the main arch, a very cool photo to take in Fez.
Relax in Jnan Sbil Gardens
One of the quietest areas of Fez is this park that was restored a few years ago. Although the space was created by the sultan in the 18th century. There are more than 7 hectares to walk among a lot of plant species of all kinds.
In the center, there is a large pond with some palm trees, as well as several canals scattered throughout the park (although we found them dry).
There is even a bamboo garden to transport you to Asia. It is a relaxing stop to do in Fez not only for tourists but there are also many local families.
Try to find differences between Fez-el Bali and Fez-el Jdid, something curious to do in Fez
The medina of Fez is divided into two large areas: Fez-el Bali and Fez-Jdid. The first is the original medina, full of souks. The second area was created in the 13th century as an extension.
Although Fez-el Jdid is not exactly a recent neighborhood, it is the most modern part designed for the daily life of the inhabitants. Fall in love with the doors of the Royal Palace, a work of art to see in Fez
One of the icons of the city is the wonderful entrance to the Royal Palace. Although the building itself cannot be visited because it is owned by the king, its doors alone are worth visiting.
There are seven bronze doors of various sizes that represent the days of the week and the levels of the monarchy.
They are surrounded by thousands of decorative tiles that form beautiful geometric patterns. It is one of the largest palaces in the entire country and, due to its size, it had to be built outside the old medina.
It is one of the most photogenic visits to do in Fez, for a reason it is the cover of the Lonely Planet guide to Morocco!
See the contrast of the buildings in Mellah, something curious to do in Fez
One of the oldest areas of Fez is the Jewish quarter. The name of Mellah comes from the word salt in Arabic since it was a very important currency to negotiate. For many years, the Jews traded jewelry and precious metals.
Visit the Ibn Danan Synagogue
One of the most curious places to see in Fez is this synagogue. Hidden between two ordinary buildings in the Jewish quarter hides this historical treasure from the 17th century.
It served the more than 22,000 Jews who lived in the Mellah. It is not in a very good state of conservation since it was rediscovered in 1998 when it was opened to the public. Now it’s a bit run down again and you can probably get in as it’s often locked.
Get lost in the Medina of Fez-el Bali (Talaa Kebira and Talaa Siguera)
In the old medina are most of the things to see in Fez. Walking aimlessly through its many souks is a great way to get to know the city.
Even so, the idea of getting lost can stress you out because the streets are very narrow and not at all organized. If the medina of Marrakech seems labyrinthine to you.
it is because you have not yet set foot in Fez! By the way, if you visit both cities on the same trip, we will tell you about all the transport options between Marrakech and Fez.
With or without a guide?
Its streets are narrow and difficult to navigate despite going with a map. Surely they will recommend the option of hiring a guide.
But we believe that getting lost is part of the grace of the place. It’s a bit confusing to follow the directions on Google Maps, but you end up getting to the places
In addition, we found that the guided groups were too large. They prevented normal circulation through the alleys and they only had time to stop to take a photo at each monument.
If you still decide to hire a guide, we recommend that it be a Morocco private desert tours to avoid the crowds and enjoy the experience much more. Do not fall into the trap of false guides, one of the most common scams in Morocco.
