Considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, this “open-air museum” of a city, the second-largest in Morocco and founded in A.D. 789, engulfs visitors in multicultural architecture, cuisine and the arts. Preserving authentic Morocco, it serves as a center for traditional craftsmen and artisans in ceramics, woodworking, leather, textiles and more.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Fès-Saïs International Airport connects nonstop to 42 destinations in nine countries, primarily in Western Europe. Transit into the city via taxi (13 minutes, $12–15), bus (40 minutes, $2) or rental car. The Médina is best explored on foot; and taxis (an average ride costs $2–4) and a reliable, extensive and inexpensive bus system (20 to 40 cents per ride) prove good options. Car rentals are convenient for daytrips, but be aware local drivers can be aggressive and accidents are common.
LODGING
Located in the heart of the Médina, this traditional Moroccan residence-turned-boutique hotel features traditional carved plaster ceilings, zellij mosaic tiling, rich fabrics and antique furnishings. The property boasts a traditional Moroccan restaurant, spa and hammam, fitness center and pool, and offers culinary classes.
2 Place de L’Istiqlal, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 18 43 maisonbleue.com
Combining tradition and modernity in a property overlooking gardens and the old Médina, Palais Medina features on-site restaurants, a lounge, event space, a large outdoor pool and poolside bar. Enjoy the fitness center and spa as well as free parking and WiFi.
Boulevard Allal El Fassi, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 529 08 01 04 atlashotelscollection.com
Rooms and suites in this traditional 17th-century palace surround a peaceful open courtyard. Offerings include a pool, hammam and spa, while the rooftop bistro serves an à la carte menu of Moroccan dishes and local wines. Concierge services can arrange guides, reservations and daytrips.
3 Derb Bechara, Fès Medina, Morocco, tel 212 674 18 76 39 riad-laaroussa.com
DINING
This fine-dining rooftop restaurant overlooking the Médina serves quintessential Moroccan food matched with Moroccan wines. The adjacent Golden Bar offerings include cocktails and jazz.
Palais Faraj, Derb Bensouda 16-18, Bab Ziat, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 63 53 56 palaisfaraj.com
This diverse and culturally inclusive hangout for locals and visitors alike offers Moroccan (camel burgers!) and international food all day. Indoor and outdoor seating; a welcoming atmosphere; and classes on calligraphy, cooking and Moroccan culture — plus live music, storytelling and cinema nights — deliver something for everyone.
7 Derb el Magana, Talaa Kbira, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 63 78 55 cafeclock.com
Chef Younes Idrissi describes his cuisine as Franco-Moroccan fusion using seasonal, locally sourced products. Complimentary porter service is offered from the nearest Médina gate for guests not staying in the hotel.
30 Derb El Amer, Zkak Roumane, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 16 37 darroumana.com
ATTRACTIONS
Chouwara Tannery
In a city renowned for its leather goods, Chouwara stands out as the largest and one of the oldest (dating to the 11th century) tanneries in Fès. A host of leather shops overlook the colorful (but odiferous) dyeing pits. Come prepared to haggle for everything from traditional Moroccan backless slippers (babouches) to handbags and jackets.
21 Rue Chouara, Fès el-Bali, Morocco, tel 212 695 13 06 56
The old city of Fès, a literal maze of 9,000 alleys, is designated by UNESCO as having Outstanding Universal Value. This largest urban pedestrian zone in the world houses souks, traditional Moroccan homes, mosques, monuments, fountains and palaces. To avoid getting lost or missing unique attractions, look into hiring a local guide or book with GuruWalk for a free guided tour.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century funduq (inn for traveling merchants), this national museum celebrates another of the crafts for which Fès is known. Displays of fine woodwork from across Morocco include musical instruments, doors, prayer beads, chests and the tools used to create them. Intricately carved archways and courtyard columns as well as the rooms’ cedar ceilings are themselves works of art.
327F+WJ5, Place an Nejjarine, Fès el-Bali, Morocco, tel 212 531 41 26 16
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 4, 2025What to Expect from This Year’s Philadelphia Flower Show
Spring is just around the corner (thank goodness!), and there’s no better way to celebrate than to surround yourself with blooms at the world’s oldest — and largest — horticultural event: the annual Philadelphia Flower Show. Presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, and dating to 1829, this year’s event is currently underway at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City, wrapping up March 9.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
Must Haves
Mar 4, 2025Get Away for the Weekend in Style with a Well-Designed Duffel
Roundabout Weekender Tote The Alexis Drake Roundabout Weekender Tote offers a sleek combination of style, function and craftsmanship. At 14.5 inches by 27 inches by 10 inches, the Roundabout’s impressive capacity can support any weekend, long or short, without sacrificing its sleek silhouette. Meticulously handcrafted from full-grain cow and bison leathers sourced within the United States and lined with woven canvas, four large pockets keep the sizable interior organized, while reinforced handles and an optional shoulder strap provide superior support. Available in a variety of striking, limited-run color combinations, with customizable details. $598.
Daily
Mar 4, 2025Chase Opens Sapphire Lounge by The Club Location at Philadelphia International Airport
Chase’s newest Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club location has opened, a new addition to Philadelphia International Airport, located post-security in the connector between Terminals D and E and measuring 20,000 square feet.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Daily
Mar 4, 20254 Can’t-Miss Events in Oahu This Spring
Those visiting Oahu, Hawai’i, this spring will be delighted to find an exciting list of must-do experiences. Below are a variety of Oahu’s top events to travel for this spring:
4 Hotels with Literary Experiences
Daily
Mar 3, 2025Away We Go!
March 2025
Mar 2, 2025Daily
Feb 28, 2025What to Know About This Year’s Cincinnati Music Festival
July 24–26, Paycor Stadium and Andrew J. Brady Music Center resounds with music as the Cincinnati Music Festival gets underway. Launched in 1962 and ranking as one of the country’s largest music festivals, CMF celebrates the very best of R&B, jazz, soul, and hip-hop.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
February 2025
Feb 28, 2025Wholly Immerse in Your Adventures with New Advances in Technology
OM System Tough TG-7 OM System might sound like a new arrival in the camera space, but it’s just the new name for industry stalwart Olympus. Continuing the theme of continuity, TG-7 updates the much-loved TG-6 underwater camera. Capable of descending as far as 50 feet below the waves, TG-7 features three preset modes to help beginners take stunning photos and video at different depths, as light behaves differently the deeper you go. Add on the PT-059 underwater case, and the camera will be safe down to 147 feet and you can also add optional lenses such as FCON-T02, for circular images, and FCON-T01, a tele converter for longer shots. $500.
ShareThis