Fez

Fes banner Leather tanning and dying vats - 1200px Fez (فاس) ("Fès") is a city in Morocco famous for being home to the world's oldest university (Qarawiyyin University), dating to 859, and the world's oldest library, dating to 1359. It has an ancient World legacy listed walled city, which many compare to the walled city of Occupied Jerusalem.

Fez Halal Explorer

Fes (5364182941) - The city of Fez Fez is the medieval capital of Morocco, and a great city of high Islamic civilization. Fez has the best-preserved old towns|old city in the Arab world and the sprawling, labyrinthine medina of Fes el-Bali, which is incidentally also the world's largest car-free urban zone. Transports of goods is provided by donkeys, carriages, and motorbikes. The city has just over a million inhabitants.

Orientation

The main street is the Talaa Kbira, which runs from Bab Boujeloud to the Kairouine masjid in the heart of the medina. The Talaa Sghira also begins at Bab Boujeloud and eventually merges back into the Talaa Kbira. Once you get into the narrow, windy heart of the medina, you can also find your way out again by constantly heading downhill, which will eventually lead to the Place R'cif, a dropoff for buses and taxis, where you can get a petit taxi out of the medina. For more detailed tours and directions, look for the book Fez from Bab to Bab (Hammad Berrada). It has a complete map of the medina and several well-described walking tours. It can be found in most bookshops, both on the Talaa Sghira or at the large bookstore on the Avenue Hassan II in the ville nouvelle. However, be discreet taking out your map or you will have many offers from false guides.

Travel to Fez

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Fez

Royal Air Maroc offers daily Flights from Casablanca London-Gatwick and Paris-Orly to Fes-Saiss airport.
Jetairfly flies to Charleroi and Brussels twice weekly.
Ryanair offers Flights from Girona (Barcelona), Madrid, Seville, Alicante, Frankfurt (Hahn), Düsseldorf (Weeze), Milano (Bergamo), Pisa, Bologna (from Nov 2010), Rome (Ciampino), Charleroi (Brussels), Eindhoven, Marseille and London Stansted to Fez, though not on a daily basis.
Transavia flies from Paris-Orly.
Easy Jet flies from Paris-CDG.
Fes Sais International Airport - 15 km from the city ☎ +212 5224-35858 Fès–Saïs Airport - I has a few cafes, ATM and vehicle rental agencies. There is Maroc Telecom shop selling SIM cards.

Getting there: if you do not have too much luggage, you can take a bus. The No 16 local bus costs 4 dirham as of September 2016, 40 mins ride. It goes from the airport to the main train station. No timetable is available and the stop isn't marked on the way back, but look for a crowd of people with suitcases to the left of the train station. If you go from Fez to the airport and the bus stop is on the left of the entrance to the train station. You can buy ticket in advance at the cash-desk at the bus stop. But allow plenty of time as departures can be erratic. If you are up for a local challenge after your journey, choose a taxi. There is a fixed price for a taxi 120 dirham from the airport to the city (including the medina and the train station). There is a taxi stand directly outside, an usher will help you to get one but make sure you confirm the price before you get in.

Travel by train to Fez

There is regular train service along the Marrakech to Oujda and Tangier to Oujda train lines. Eight arrivals daily from Marrakech. The train takes about seven hours and fifteen minutes (although delays are frequent) and costs exactly 295/195 dirham (first class/second class). The trip from Casablanca takes 3hr 20min to 4 hours 20 min and run hourly throughout the day and the cost 165/110 dirham (1st class/2nd class). High speed double decker trains are being phased in on this route in 2011. There are five trains per day from Tangier arriving after 4½ hours at a cost of 165/110 dirham (1st class/2nd class). From Rabat takes about 2½-3 hours, and costs 75-105 dirham. In summer, train compartments can be hot, with passengers standing everywhere when all seats are taken. While occasionally unreliable, first class compartments are generally well air-conditioned, with assigned and numbered seats. There are hustlers operating on trains into Fez. See the Stay Safe and Cope sections, below. The train station Fès-Ville GPS 34.047443,-5.005713 Fes train station is found at the northern end in the Ville-Nouvelle. Getting there: a petit taxi between the train station and Bab Boujeloud costs about 20 dirham with taxi meter. Insist on using the meter, if necessary, say "khdm l-koontoor" (Work the counter) to the taxi driver.

Travel on a Bus in Fez

From the Gare Routière, you can leave by bus for almost any direction in North Morocco. Buses are usually crappy (old, rusty, and without lights), with the exception of CTM company, which offers European-quality service, for a double price then the Moroccan standard, but usually including the 5-10 dirham required for transporting luggage (malletas), and not being overcrowded. People use to come to the station in the morning to book their ticket for the afternoon or the day after, and collecting stickers for luggage, so beware about showing up at the last minutes and not finding place. At the station, agents will try to sell you tickets for Chefchaouen if you look like a western tourist coming for smoke. Avoid them.

CMT leave for the main destinations (Marrakesh, Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, Oujda, Nador). Going from Fez to Rissani (Merzouga is another 30 km taxi ride after Rissani) there is one CTM bus a day, leaving the Fez bus station at 8PM.
Other companies serve any town and village in north and center Morocco; deaparting hours are shown over the counters, but may change from one day to another, so be sure to ask the employee. Gare Routière GPS 34.064179,-4.986580 and the old bus terminal, is just outside the old city on the north side, near the Ain Zleten entrance to the medina and Bab Boujloud place. Grands taxis (inter-city taxis) can also be obtained here.

The CTM terminal GPS 34.0311829,-5.0007373 (gare CTM) is in place Allal el-Fassi in the Atlas neighborhood of the ville nouvelle, 7 kilometers from the medina, but has taxi stands nearby. While the gare routière covers more routes more cheaply, many travelers prefer CTM for its reliability and cleanliness. Most CTM buses leaving Fez, anyway, start from the gare routière and make a stop in the gare CTM after 30min in the town traffic. CTM bus coming into Fez, at the contrary, will leave you at the gare CTM.

By car

Fez is about 4 hours drive by vehicle from Casablanca. The stretch of toll highway from Rabat to Fez is in superb condition.

Best way to travel in Fez by a Taxi

Traveling by grand taxi (inter-city taxi), though more expensive than trains, is viable for tourists. Seats in a taxi are sold individually, in order to travel in relative comfort, you may need to purchase more than one seat. A ride between Fez and Casablanca costs roughly 60-80 dirham per seat. Grand taxi fares are regulated and it is worth checking the official rates with the tourist board, as some drivers or hotels will quote inflated prices. There are a couple of grand taxi stations:

Grand Taxis | next to the train station
Grand Taxis Azrou/Ifrane next to the CTM station - Ifrane: 28 dirham/seat

By private taxi or using a tourist transport agency, you will mostly be overcharged: about 1600 dirhams from Casablanca airport to Fex for up to 3 passengers.

How to get around in Fez

Ignore the travel guides that tell you that you will get lost in the medina and that you must hire a guide. One of the easiest ways to get around is to use the red taxis to take you to the nearest gate (bab) and then walk from there until you get your bearings. Gates are all around the city and taxis are cheap. A rough map of where the sights are will help, and a GPS navigation app doesn't hurt either, although GPS readings are sometimes unreliable inside the medina. Be prepared for some wrong turns and confusion your first time in the medina. On the other hand, if you have a bad sense of direction, are particularly worried, or want to make sure you see all the main sights in the medina in a limited time, a guide can be a good way to make sure you won't get lost. If you do decide to hire one, be sure to arrange a licensed guide through your hotel or the tourism office - they will be able to give you an accurate history and will make fewer shopping stops. The faux-guides in particular will simply take you from shop to shop where you will be pressured to buy goods, which will cost you extra because the seller will be obliged to pay the guide a hidden commission. There are several well-marked trails through the city: follow the green (Andalusian palaces and gardens), orange (walls and fortifications), or blue signs and you will not get lost in all the narrow twisting streets. Within Fez, ride in the petits taxis (local taxis) rarely cost more that 15-20 dirham. However and the medina of Fes el-Bali is only accessible from a few points by car. Bab Boujeloud and nearby Place Batha are popular drop-off points, as is Place R'cif; for parking there is spaces at Ain Zleten on the northeast edge of the medina. Another open air parking is situated near Hotel Batha (price 20 dirham/day). Fes Bab Bou Jeloud 2011 - Bab Boujeloud and the upper and main entrance to the medina.

What to see in Fez

Fes el Bali(js) - The medina (old town)

The Tanneries - Quartier des tanneurs | 34.06591, -4.97108 - In the midst of the maze-like medina are the colorful leather-dying pits. Any number of young boys will offer to guide you to them: just listen for "you want to see the tanneries?" The tour is free (though it is appropriate to offer 1-5 dirham to your "guide").
There is no chance of getting to see the tanneries by yourself, instead, be prepared for physical abuse for even trying! However, just 10 m left of the entrance is a leather shop that offers views to the tannery free of charge and you can see it all from the balcony. Expect to be pressured into buying goods from the shop in return.
It is feasible to get into the tannery itself, hang around near the entrance until someone offers to take you in for 10 dirham. He will get you past the entrance and then you can wander in among the workers. A word of advice: wear closed shoes and maybe bring a mint leaf to sniff if you have a weak stomach.

The tanneries in the medina features leather-making techniques unchanged since the Middle Ages. Men walk the narrow paths between huge vats of lye and colorful dyes, water wheels creak as the leather is rinsed, and buildings facing the tannery are covered with pelts hanging to dry. Visit early in the morning before the sun hits the tannery and the stench sets in.

Bou Inania Madrasa 34.06220, -4.98273 Opening Hours: 9AM–6PM 20 dirham Bou Inania Madrasa - A breathtaking 14th-century religious college. The best example of Islamic architecture a non-Muslim can see in Fez, with wooden walls elaborately carved with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy, and a beautiful minaret. In the courtyard there is a portico with a still-functioning masjid, separated by the rest of the courtyard by a small moat.
Al Attarine Madrasa 34.06513, -4.97356 ☎ +212 610-271328 Opening Hours: 8AM–6PM 20 dirham Al-Attarine Madrasa Built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said in 1323-5.
Sahrij Madrasa 34.062924, -4.968602 near Al Andalus Mosque - 20 dirham Sahrij Madrasa A Commissioned in 1321 by the Marinid Sultan Abu al-Hassan.
Andalusian Mosque 34.06324, -4.96817 - Andalusian Mosque Dates back to the inception of the city in the 9th century, with the completion of the initial foundation in 859-860. This makes it one of the oldest masjids in the world. The masjid had been renovated and expanded several times since then. Today, it is one of the relatively few remaining Idrisid-era establishments and the main monuments of the city. Off-limits to non-Muslims.
Borj North Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9AM–12PM and 2PM–6PM Entrance 20 dirham, 10 - audio guide Borj North - One of the two fortresses overlooking the old city and contains an armaments museum. The view from the hills surrounding the old city is spectacular. The fort houses the Museum of Arms.
Borj Sud 34.05412, -4.97030 - Southern fortress.
Merenid Tombs - Marinid Tombs | 34.069767, -4.979242 next to the Merenid Hotel - Marinid Tombs Marinid Tombs in April 2016 1 The ruins of fourteenth-century tombs, located on a hill with excellent panoramic views over the medina and the wider city, as well as the olive tree lined hills surrounding the city. A nice place for some peace and quiet, a sanctuary from the bustle of the rest of the city—though you may still see the occasional tout.
Moulay Idriss II shrine 34.0647821, -4.9750743 off the Talaa Kbira near the Souk Attarine - Zaouia Moulay Idriss II The tomb of Fez's founder. Entrance is limited to Muslims, but the view from just outside its doors is still well-worth hunting down.

- Al Quaraouiyine library and masjid Al-Karaouine | 34.064444, -4.973333 - 20 dirham University of Al Quaraouiyine Similar to Moulay's shrine it has beautifully decorated exteriors and worth a visit. Luckily, it is one of a few masjids in the nation that non-muslims are allowed to enter (however, only mosaic courtyards are accessible, not the prayer halls).

Mosque and Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani 34.06647, -4.97343 - Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani is the founder of the Tijaniyya Sufi order. He was born in a Berber family in Aïn Madhi in Algeria, and died in Fez at the age of 80.

FesNejjarineMuseumInside - Nejjarine Museum

Nejjarine Museum - Funduq al-Najjariyyin | Al-Najjariyyin square 34.06482, -4.97591 ☎ +212 535740580 Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00 20 dirham Funduq al-Najjariyyin - Museum of wooden arts and crafts. Many historic items presented in beautiful and spacious Fondouk. The museum has a nice rooftop cafe.
Dar Batha Museum Rue de la Musée 34.06033, -4.98272 Opening Hours: W-M 9am-5pm 10 dirham Dar Batha A former royal palace, commissioned by the Alaouite Sultan Hassan I and his successor Abdelaziz in the 19th century. It was converted into a museum in 1916.
Berber Pharmacies in the Medina - They usually have hundreds of jars of twisted root and twig neatly lined up along the walls.
Garden Jnan Sbil Avenue Moulay Youssef 34.05866, -4.98789 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Free admission The oldest garden in Fes, created by Sultan Moulay Abdallah in 18th century. It features 3000 plant species, some of them are quite rare.
Glaoui Palace 1 Rue Hamia Douh 34.059166, -4.9792797 Opening Hours: 9AM–5PM No fixed price, approx. 25 dirham per person which occasionally includes guided tour A beautiful run down palace.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Fez

One of the most fascinating activities to do in Fez is a trip in the medina (Old City). The medina is so complex to navigate that sometimes it is easier to simply lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the various markets, and find your way out once you have had enough of all the sights, sounds, and smells that will overwhelm your senses. You will eventually find your way out via lots of dried fruit, leather goods, ceramics, textiles and food stalls! Get a shave in the medina, nowhere is it cheaper than here, and they really pay attention, even trimming your hair. Make sure you find an opportunity to escape from the bustle of the streets and see the medina from one of its rooftops - some shops and restaurants have rooftop terraces (see the food section below for some useful tips). The views are particularly spectacular during sunset and after dark.

Sofitel Palais Jamai terrace 34.0624226, -5.0025841 - Terrace has an incredible view over the medina if you are willing to pay 30 dirham for a glass of tea in order to access it. Thit is particularly worthwhile if you can time your visit to coincide with the call to prayer, as you can hear multiple minarets from the terrace.

Study in Fez

Arabic Language Institute in Fez ☎ +212 35 62 48 50 +212 35 93 16 08 - Offers high quality three-week and six-week courses in Arabic, both Modern Standard Arabic and the Moroccan colloquial language. The Institute can also arrange lodging with a Moroccan host family for their students if required.
Subul Assalam Centre for the Arabic Language (SACAL) Meknes way, Lotissement Al Hadika, Lot no.Q/008 ☎ +212 35 65 07 06 - Offers courses in Modern Standard Arabic, Moroccan Colloquial Arabic and a series of English language courses on Islam and Morocco.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Fez

Fes Souq(js)1 - Medina of Fez Some may consider Fez to be the handicraft capital of Morocco, but in reality the quality and value of its wares can be hit and miss. Leathergoods, copper and brassware are the bargains to be had, although you may also find good prices on drums and other musical instruments. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay:

Leather satchel: 200-400 dirham depending on quality
Drums: 30-150 dirham depending on size and quality
10-20 dirham for a full size tagine dish, plus an extra 10 dirham if it's been varnished or decorated.

If you are interested in the cobalt-blue ceramic, you might go to the potteries where they make it. It is really cool to see how they model the clay into a tagine in 45 seconds. From Bab el-Ftouh, it is a 5 dirham taxi trip. Ask the driver to take you to "Les potteries de Fez". There are 2 big "factories" which both show you the whole process if you want or you could just see the exhibition (and buy). Bargain really hard, prices seem to be fixed, but they are not at all! Bargaining is a way of life that has survived for centuries, and shows no sign of changing. Moroccans even bargain among each other for everything except perhaps their utilities. Don't believe anyone (and you will hear it all the time) who tells you prices are being "regulated". Every other souk claims to be a "Government Regulated Co-op". There is a single, genuine government-regulated fixed price shop in the Ville Nouvelle where all prices are posted and the goods are of decent (if not amazing) quality, and the single bored cashier will just stare incredulously at you if you attempt to bargain with him. Ask any hotel manager or petit taxi driver to take you to the "Artisana." All products sold in Artisanas come directly from the artists who made the products.

Made in Monday | Talaa Kabira Unique boutique to find good quality articles as leather, passementerie, design ceramic, parfums, and argan oil.

Halal Restaurants in Fez

The markets near the 'main' gate of Bab Boujeloud (near to Hotel Cascades) are full of yummy food. It is worth just wandering through them, buying random bits of food. Street food is very affordable and is often safe. Restaurants, even affordable ones, will often be up to twice the cost of street food, and the quality can be the same. In the medina is difficult to find good quality food other than in the Bab Boujeloud area. There are only a very few tourist restaurants where you will get ripped off and some food stalls down in the food market near the R'cif place.

Le Kasbah near Bab Boujloud - Friendly service, a solid selection of affordable Moroccan staples (excellent Vegetarian tagine) and a couple of lovely high terraces overlooking the Gate on one side and the medina on the other. It is a comfortable atmospheric place to chat to other travellers and its a welcome haven from the bustle of the crowded streets of the medina. Street food is allowed to eat at the terraces.
Fez Lounge - ☎ +212 535633097 - 95, Zkak Rouah- Tala Kbira. Down the Tala Kbira, on a tiny street on your right, or Friday Lounge; is the new addition to the medina scene. With walls in dark grey tadelakt and an ambiance of an ultra contemporary Arab dream, Fez Lounge is highly recommended for its Mediterranean inspired tapas such as Camembert bruschetta with walnuts and balsamic vinegar or for its reputed warm brownie with Chocolates. Traditional Moroccan dishes like Pastilla and tajines are also available. Owned by an Italian, you can feel its style from the design of the tables to the dim lighting or the Hotel Costes Music.
Café Medina near Bab Boujloud - Mains starting at 60 dirham Tasty and cosy café-style restaurant, however it can get too tourist. Food is fine, specially the "boricuas" (deep fried thin dough layers wrapping meat-chicken-rice fillings).
Restaurant Bouinania near Bab Boujloud around 40 dirham, but prices are negotiable down to 25 dirham. Enjoy lunch on the terrace or a leisurely dinner on the carpet-adorned second floor. The service is very friendly and more than willing to fire up the grill to make you the first brochettes of the day. Tagine, couscous, and other staples are well-done.
Cafe Clock 34.0625611, -4.9832263 near Bab Boujloud - Magnificently restored house in the old medina turned into a cafe. The people are friendly (and speak English) and the food is excellent. Ask to be seated on the terrace, and listen for the call to prayer coming from several minarets in the area. Bring a camera, especially during the day.
Restaurant Typique Marocain Jenno 1112 Ouad Zhoun, Fes Medina ☎ +212 0611073294 - 50 dirham for salad and main course. Very tasty couscous. The owner speaks very good English and has some very interesting stories to tell.

Ville Nouvelle

Casa Nostra 1 block from Hasan II and Mohammed V - For Pizzas, you can try this Italian restaurant.
Chez Maimonide 34.0626767, -4.9830369 Located in the home of Maimonides and the famous Yahudi philosopher and rabbi. This restaurant, however, is run by the Muslim family that now lives there, and is non-kosher.
Le Palais de Fes - Also known as Dar Tazi (Place R'cif). | 34.0601437, -4.972043 - 350 dirham. A rooftop restaurant over a carpet shop, Dar Tazi offers Fez's best pastilla and other traditional dishes. The stairs up are steep and narrow, but the food and view are well worth it.
Palais des Merinides - Talaa Kbira | 34.0695336, -4.981833 - Table d'hote menus with basic Moroccan specialties in a very grand setting. Mediocre quality, but fabulous surroundings.
San Remo - Fed up with couscous and tajine? Then you could try this Morocco owned Italian restaurant in the new part of town. Just opposite the police station, it offers a lovely Italian deli and numerous Pastas and Pizzas dishes for a decent price.
Dar Saada Restaurant Located in the centre of the medina, this restaurant is a favorite of Travel and Leisure magazine and is worth the indulgence.
L'Ambre - in the heart of the medina an elegant and superior dining experience in all of Morocco. Serving up Moroccan cuisine with innovative twists, food is served in one of three rooms, including a spectacular terrace.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Fez

Fez - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Fez, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Fez. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Fez and its surrounding regions. With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Fez. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values. The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Fez. Key components include: Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Fez: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Fez. Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Fez: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Fez, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Fez. Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Fez, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations. Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Fez, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values. Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Fez and beyond. Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Fez, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Fez, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Fez without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients." The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Fez is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Fez. About eHalal Travel Group: eHalal Travel Group Fez is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values. For Halal business inquiries in Fez, please contact: eHalal Travel Group Fez Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Fez

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Fez

Most visitors to Fez will want to stay in the medina as the main tourist sights are located there, and the new town is quite a distance from the medina so you will be relying on taxis to take you in and out every day

Camping Diamant Vert Rue Ain Chkef - 25 dirham a person, 15 dirham per tent. Free access to the swimming pool. - Decent amount of shade, French toilets and (sometimes warm) showers
HI youth hostel - Albergue Juvenil | 18 Rue Abdeslam Serghini ☎ +212 035 624085 Dorms/twins with shared bath from 45/55 dirham, plus 5 dirham extra charge for non HI members. - Clean, bright, friendly and well placed in the ville nouvelle. Unfortunately there is a debilitating 10PM curfew and a five hour lockout
Hotel Cascades | 26 Rue Serrajine near Bab Boud Jeloud - main gate in the Medina ☎ +212 35 638 442 single 70 dirham, double 160 dirham, bed on roof terrace 40 dirham, breakfast 25 dirham The owner is hospitable and the rooms are clean, noisy and simple. Shared bathrooms on the first and second floor, free hot shower on the first. In the same price-range as the youth hostel with a better location (with views on the Bab Boulejoud and over the medina) and no lockout, and therefore attracting a clientele of young backpackers and solo tourists looking for travel companions. Staying on the roof-terrace which also has a restaurant (breakfast 25 dirham, mains 50 dirham) is cheap, although could be the 5AM calls to prayer waking you up, 6AM light and summer midday-heat.
There are a few more hostels near the main gate walking down any of the two parallel main streets, but not many of them. Try to arrive well before dark. The streets beyond the two main ones can be frightening at night.

Pension Batha 8 Sidi Lkhayat Batha, just across from Hotel Batha, around the junction from Bab Boud Ganoush. +212 5-574-1150 From 100 dirham. Double room with bath 250 dirham It has few, and fills up quickly, but they are clean and include private bathroom. It comes with breakfast on a nice (but small) terrace on the top floor. Breakfast very simple but OK. Ask for Laila (English spoken).
Hotel Rex 32 Machra bel Ksiri apparently near place Atlas but not easily found ☎ +212 035642133 100 dirham
Hotel Royal | single with bathroom 120 dirham, double with bathroom 190 dirham Big rooms, slightly antique feeling, hot water only in the morning.
Hotel Volubilis 42 Abdellah Chefchaouni ☎ +212 035 620463 80 dirham for a double, 120 dirham for apartments for 3-4 people - Bed bathrooms (cold shower, just over the toilet).
Dar Bouânania | double 250-400 dirham Riad-style, wonderfully decorated rooms, nice roof-terrace, wifi and very welcoming staff.
Riad Jamai 31 Oued Lahriqi Sidi Boujida ☎ +212 5 35 64 85 73 €50-110 A traditional riad that has been restored to its former slendour, with extremely helpful and welcoming staff. The rooms are large and comfortable and the breakfast will keep you going all day. The location is in a residential local area of the medina, a good walk from the main attractions, but near a gate (bab) for a short taxi ride to the busy medina. Its location ensures a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the main medina, whilst also providing local amenities for fruit and vegetables and everyday Fes life.
Dar El Menia in the heart of Fez (Fes) Medina - Rooms €40-75 - This 14th century Dar, or courtyard house, has been completely restored using local craftsmen, techniques and materials and provides the perfect luxurious base to begin exploring the Medina of Fez. Situated adjacent to Talaa Kebira and the Medina's main street it offers easy access to all major sites of interest. Dar El Menia is run and owned by an Englishman, Graham Coules. The Dar El Menia website also has information regarding desert tours, cooking schools, cafes/restaurants and nearby sites of interest.
Dar Anebar - During the off-season, double rooms in the annex are only €65 per day. - Beautiful riad decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, but including a host of modern amenities. This place is really the best of both worlds: if you stay in the Dar Anebar Annex, you can enjoy the elegance of a riad, while still having access to the convenience of free wifi, hot showers, and French toilets. Also great location, just minutes from Bab Guissa
Dar Bennis from €80 for entire house traditional 18th-century house (riad) in the Medina for vacation or holiday rental for up to five people. This website also has lots of information about Fez museums, architecture, restaurants, real estate and monuments.
Hotel Batha 34.0601753, -4.9819166 near Bab Boud Jeloud beside Post Office - About 520 dirham for double room with bathroom. The price is very high for the quality. The price for the internet café is 10 dirham/hr The outside of the hotel is great but the room are very basic and old. Just around the junction towards the Bab Bajeloud is an internet café run by a couple of very nice guys who speak English and will be more than willing to give you some insights on the best places to visit and explore in the city.
Dar Bensouda No.14 Zkak El Bghel, Quettanine. ☎ +212 5 35638949 from €66 Lovely riad transformed from a traditional palace with two courtyards and a swimming pool. Friendly and helpful English-speaking staff.
Riad Verus Dorm | Derb Arset Bennis, Douh, Batha, Fes Medina 34.0593537, -4.9790184 Derb Arset Bennis ☎ +212 535741040, +212 535741941 Check-in: 13:30 / Check-out: 11:30 dorm 225 dirham Single-sex dorm rooms in a beautiful Riad. Includes hot showers, fresh linen and soft towels, free Wifi, AC and heating, flat screen TVs. Large breakfasts, plenty of chill out spaces, large terrace with incredible views over the Medina, night club, VIP pod, fun lively atmosphere, sheisha pipes, cooking classes, yoga. Quote in your reservation for a 10% discount. English, Spanish and French spoken.
Dar Othmane - No.76 Farrane Couicha, Chrabliyine. ☎ +212 0671014710 from US$40 per person in a double - Lovely family-run guesthouse in the heart of the medina, beautiful courtyard, roof terasse for relaxed evenings, 4 en suite rooms (single, double, triple),the souk is around the junction, Bab Boujiloud about 10 minutes walk. Friendly and helpful English-speaking staff.

There are a growing number of beautiful, comfortable guest-houses ("riads") in the medina of Fes el-Bali. They are expensive by Moroccan standards but offer luxury for about the price of a North American junkfood chain hotel. Some Moroccan proprietors prey on Westerners' culture-shock to direct business toward favored or overpriced services, so it is worth doing your research before going.

Riad Arabesque - ☎ +212 5 35 63 53 21 1000 dirham - Traditional hotel.
Riad Fes - 2001 | 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana ☎ +212 35 94 76 10 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: noon Riad Fes is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant. Its Andalous pavilion and lounge have brought an even more vibrant edge to Fez’s most stylish Riad. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fez is ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure.
Riad Numero 9 - 9 Derb Lamside 34.0637896, -4.9788215 in the heart of the medina ☎ +212 535 634045 €100-200 Intimate boutique hotel. Franco-Mediterranean cuisine. What sets this establishment apart is the interesting decoration which is a juxtaposition of French and English vintage and Asian contemporary. The panoramic view from the rooftop terrace is one of the best in the medina.
Riad Tizwa | 15 Derb Gurebba , Batha ☎ +212 66190872 Riad Tizwa is Morocco's first recognised environmental riad (by Clef Verte) a traditional Moroccan home in the heart of the medina. Five double bedrooms and English speaking staff makes for good service. Easy to find in the best area of the old town of Fes and the riad has wonderful freshly made breakfasts, a lovely roof terrace to relax on, and nice touches like handmade soap, rose petals, and a great selection of tasty Moroccan food.
Riad Verus 1 Derb Arset Bennis 34.0593537, -4.9790184 Batha ☎ +212 535741040 Check-in: 15.00 / Check-out: 11:30 from €80. Dorm €25 Riad Verus is the brainchild of Nor and Nora. Between them they speak 7 languages and are very tourist savy and will bend over backwards to ensure you enjoy your stay and are safe.All rooms have wifi, air con, heating and are ensuite. The Riad has been beautifully restored with original mosaics, cedar wood designs and specialist plastering and meets all the new legal safety requirements for Hotel operation. The Riad has a large salon, coffee bar, restaurant, chill out pod, amazing 360 degree panoramic views of the Medina from their roof terrace is very cool. The location is excellent, parking close by, around the junction from Ryad Sheherazade in the trendy neighbourhood. Breakfast is instagram worthy and guiding offered by the team of carefully chosen fun official guides. They also have a dorm room for only €25 a night ensuite for the budget traveller who wants to stay in style at an affordable price and meet other like-minded people.
Riad Yacout - A fassi house in the medina restored on the norms and of tradition by the artisans of Fez.
Riad Kettani 3 Derb touil, Derb Jamâa 34.06597, -4.97179 close to the tanneries in the medina ☎ +212 5 35 741106 €100 Riad in the Medina. Has Hammam

Stay safe as a Muslim in Fez

Fez is safe, but crowded. Take standard precautions regarding wallet, purse, etc. If you hear "Belek! Belek!" behind you, stand aside because a heavily-laden donkey is bearing down on you! Appear to know where you are going, even if you don't, or you will get offers from false guides. False guides are not dangerous but they can be exasperatingly tenacious. Best technique is to not even acknowledge their presence. That is rude and they won't be pleased, but it is better than to have them walk with you for half an hour. If you have to ask directions ask someone that is obviously busy in their own business or a shopkeeper behind a counter, and try to appear as sure as you can of the way you are going ("This way to Bab R'cif, right?"). Getting caught with a faux guide will cost you, but it will cost the faux guide more: they can receive up to 2 days imprisonment if they get caught. Cops are often in plain clothes, so be wary! A useful strategy with false guides is to say all the lines they have been taught before they have said them to show you know what you are doing; they all say the same thing so just learn it and repeat. You should also beware of hustlers (aka con-artists); Fez has far more of them than almost everywhere else and they use more sophisticated techniques. An example of a prominent scam occurs where you come into Fez by train and someone talks to you saying he is coming to visit his relatives, and is actually a respectable outsider (e.g. an owner of a hotel). He will then ask you to come eat with his relatives and when you get there they will spend most of the time trying to suggest lodging, offering you tours where they gain commission from all the (especially Carpet) shops, and even organize expensive desert excursions that are actually just you driving in circles just outside the city for three days. Beware of people at the train/bus station (even the bus driver) who introduce you to their "cousins" or "brothers," trying to involve you in some sort of carpet-selling scam, and especially refrain from handing over your credit card in such situations. There are many other scams and annoyances trying to get you into a shop/restaurant/hotel with various degrees of lying in the stories people make up. If in doubt, be independent and look for yourself e.g. whether the hotel you want to go to is indeed closed or under construction. Thit is unfortunately one of the sad things about Morocco, that you get to distrust every one, even those people who are genuinely friendly and hospitable, because sometimes thit is only a façade.

Telecommunications in Fez

A decent number of Halal restaurants in the medina offer wifi. SIM cards offering 4G service and one week of data up to 1 gigabyte (abbreviated Go, as in French gigaoctet) are available in many stores. In 2017, a SIM card by provider INWI (there are others) can be obtained for 30 Dh. Keep the credit-card-sized card the SIM comes in -- it may have a PIN number you'll need to set up the service.

Cope in Fez

For a traveller, Fez requires a real change of outlook or it will be a very high-stress trip! Shopkeepers and guides are very assertive and you will have to get used to saying "no" a lot. On the other hand and they can be genuinely warm and friendly even while trying to sell you something, an idea that is pretty alien to North Americans where it is assumed that a business relationship is the opposite of sincerity!

Travel Next from Fez

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A visit to the ancient Roman site of Volubilis is a must. This crumbling yet spectacular city has stunning mosaics on offer, and you can easily spend a couple of hours ambling through the ruins.
Casablanca
Chefchaouen
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Meknes is worth a visit, if only due to its calmer and less crowded medina, which has ample shopping opportunities.
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Fez

From Halal Explorer

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