Fez is the third-largest city in Morocco, and also one of Morocco’s most traditional cities. As the oldest of the three imperial cities (Rabat and Marrakech are the other two), Fez is often referred to as cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco. The flight to Fez is only the beginning of the journey…
The Medina of the city (also known as the old part of the city) is one of the main attractions in Fez. Today, the city is packed full of culture from the tribal people dressed in colourful robes and textiles to veiled women and street sellers. The Medina of Fez is one of the oldest medieval cities in the world and still embraces the lifestyle of centuries past. Before boarding your flight to Fez, make sure to arrange for a tour guide to take you through the traditional city of Fez. First time visitors to Fez can become overwhelmed by the bustling city, its narrow streets and mysterious alleys. No trip to Fez is complete without a stop at the one of the famous tanneries.
For travellers who really need a slice of solitude in this ancient city, take a hike to the Merenid tombs. From the top of the hill you’ll see the best views of Fez, including palaces, Mosques and the thousands of people who call people home.
Search and compare: cheap flights to Fez
Back to top
Fez has blistering hot summers and cool winters. July and August temperatures can reach 100 degrees (F). Spring and fall are mild with temperatures in the 80s. Winters cool down to the 30s and 40s in December and January. Fez gets about 21 inches of rainfall a year, with most of it falling from mid-October to March.
Back to top
Peak Season:
The high season is February through May and September and October and when most visitors book flights to Fez. Spring is particularly beautiful with the blooming wildflowers.
The annual Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is held the last week of May or first week of June. Fez flights and accommodations book up months in advance, so make your reservations ahead of time.
Off Season:
Rates are always negotiable in Morocco and even more so during the off season. Visiting between October and February spares you from massive crowds of tourists and many airlines offer cheap flights to Fez. For a winter visit bring warm clothing. The buildings are designed for a hot climate and can be chilly in winter.
The Muslim Ramadan takes place in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (September-October in 2008) and nearly all restaurants and cafes are closed during the day.
Summer is another off season time to visit, especially if you enjoy scorching heat.
Back to top
The medina of Fez is extremely large and often referred to as a maze. Walking or riding a donkey is the only way to explore the old city, and even donkeys are not allowed on some streets. Tour guides are available, and there are color-coded walking routes.
Back to top
- Walking around the Medina is one of the best ways to get a sense of the old city. The small alleyways, with shafts of sunlight breaking through the roofs, are a fascinating route of market stalls and food. They are also like an underground maze, and it is extremely easy to lose your bearings. Don’t panic and – unless you wanted to be parted with lots of money – don’t accept anyone’s offer of helping you find the way out. Eventually, you will resurface in the open air; just wandering aimlessly is one of the most enjoyable things to do in this vibrant city.
- Moroccan cuisine has become seriously popular in the West recently. Prices and quality vary widely in Fez, however. In order to get the tastiest meals and to avoid paying tourist prices, head a little away from the more popular areas. Unmissable dishes include couscous, tagines (stews, slowly cooked in the distinctive peaked ceramic dish) and dried fruits.
- Shopping is a popular and tempting pastime for visitors to the city. Moroccan specialities to look out for include ceramics and pottery, carpets, jewelry and of course the ever-popular babouche or Moroccan slipper. Fez’s speciality is complex embroidery, often to decorate tablecloths or djellebas, and leather goods. As with most African countries, if you're planning on buying something, haggle, haggle, haggle. Expect to pay no more than half the original price you’re given (a third would be possible, depending on how much time you’ve got to spare…)
Back to top
