Are you thinking about visiting Fez, Morocco? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Fez worth visiting?
Fez is worth visiting for three to five days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Fes is an ancient city that transports you back in time. At the heart of the city is the medieval medina which is filled with local shops, ancient mosques, and amazing restaurants. You can spend days wandering the medina, taking in the sights and sounds. The city's culinary scene is among the best in Morocco and you'll sample some amazing dishes while you're in the area. It's easy to organize a tour out of town as well and head into the countryside to see small villages and feed some monkeys. During our first trip to Fez in the winter of 2009, we fell in love with the historical and traditional medina and world class food scene. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. It's often mentioned as one of the best places to visit in major publications, such as in The Rough Guide's Best Travel Destinations for 2023.
Fez
Reasons to Visit Fez
Museums
Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.
Food
Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.
Historical Sights
The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.
Shopping
Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Fez might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Fez here or see if Fez is expensive here.
Authenticity
Fez has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Things to Consider Before Visiting Fez
Nightlife
Most people don't associate Fez with a lively nightlife scene. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.
Related
What is Fez most famous for?
Fez is most famous for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. It is often described as ancient, winding, busy, colorful, and cultural.
What is the most famous sight in Fez?
The most popular sight in Fez is the Chouara Tannery. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Fez on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Chouara Tannery and other attractions here.
How touristy is Fez? Is it a popular city to visit?
Fez is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Fez fantastic tour: $27
- Private - FEZ Cultural and Artisanal Full Day Tour in FES Medina: $34
- Private Guided Tour in Fez: $28
- Exclusive Fez Medina Walking Tour with Private Guide: $28
- Half Day Private Guided Fes Tour with Local Guide: $17
- 3 Days 2 Nights Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via erg Chebbi: $207
- Day Tour to Volubilis & Meknes from Fes: $44
- Private Full-Day Tour of the Authentic Medina of Fez: $22
How long should I spend in Fez?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Fez is at least three or as many as five days. Since Fez has a variety of activities such as dining, historical sights, shopping, and museums, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Fez?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Fez?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Fez?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.