Is Fez worth visiting?
Yes, Fez is definitely worth visiting for numerous reasons. Its a city that everyone should see, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. 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 been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific museums and attractions and great food.
Fez is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including The Rough Guide's Best Travel Destinations for 2023.
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.
Fez
6 Reasons to Visit Fez
1. Museums and Attractions
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.
2. 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.
3. Historical Sights
The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 and attractions, 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 Highlights Half-Day Tour: Unveiling the Best of the Medina: $20
- Discover the secrets of the Medina of guided cultural tour (private): $58
- Fez Tour Experience: $18
- Half-Day Private Guided Walking Tour Exploring Fez Medina: $9.99
- 3 Days 2 Nights Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga: $273
- Fez guided Tour with a Local Guide: $15
- Fes Medina Walking Tour: $51
- Half Day Guided Walking Tour in the Medina of Fez: $15
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 and attractions, 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?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Morocco and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco.
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.