When you can solely go to one metropolis in Morocco, I’d select Fes over Marrakech each time. For my part it is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Morocco. Whereas Marrakech is a big, cosmopolitan metropolis, it will also be a bit touristy. Whereas Fes feels way more genuine.
Clearly there are nonetheless vacationers, however the cultural heritage of Fes actually shines by. It’s a place the place it would be best to spend your time within the medina, as a substitute of the New Metropolis. It’s all concerning the cultural immersion and the richness of the expertise.
If you wish to see the very best of the town, remember to comply with this checklist of issues to do in Fes.
Issues to do in Fes
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Style your means by the Souk
We kicked off our three days in Fes with a foodie tour of the Fes Medina. Since Fes was the second cease on our Morocco itinerary, it was an ideal strategy to get an introduction to Moroccan meals and discover the souk.
I’m fairly positive we might not have been courageous sufficient to pattern the meals from a number of the distributors had we not taken this tour. And we actually wouldn’t know which stands are good and protected and which weren’t.
Our three-hour tour included stops for bread, dates, olives, meat sandwiches, soup, pastries, freshly-made cheese, and 11 forms of honey. We additionally had the very best Moroccan mint tea of the journey at a cute little tea store within the souk. The most effective chew was a crispy fritter with potato, vegetable, and harissa that we bought from the soup vendor.
My solely phrase of warning can be that this isn’t an excellent tour for vegetarians, vegans, choosy eaters, or these with delicate stomachs. Germaphobes additionally beware. Whereas our information equipped sanitizer, wipes, and all the things else we would have liked, the circumstances of a few of these meals stalls is moderately eye opening.
Snap your means by the Medina
When you take pleasure in avenue images, the traditional medina of Fes (Fes el Bali) is an ideal canvas. There are such a lot of methods to seize the tradition and essence of the town and its individuals. Since I’m engaged on my images expertise, I booked a images strolling tour with Omar by Airbnb Experiences.
We headed out from my resort to discover the extra residential components of the medina that I most likely wouldn’t discover alone (at the least with out getting significantly misplaced!) Omar guided me on tips on how to seize individuals and life within the medina, whereas nonetheless being respectful of social norms and non-invasive.
He might help even when you solely have a smartphone, however in case you are on the lookout for tips about tips on how to use your particular digital camera, this most likely isn’t the tour for you. It’s extra about shot composition than the technical points of images.
Tour the Historic Websites
Fes is the cultural and spiritual middle of Morocco and you really want a full day to discover all of it. The Fes medina was first constructed within the ninth century and is dwelling to over 150,000 individuals, making it the most important car-free city space on this planet. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
You may go to a number of the websites within the medina and New Metropolis by yourself, however you’ll positively get extra out of it with a information (and driver in case you have one!). We took a full-day guided tour.
We began off by visiting the Bou Inania Madrasa, which was based within the 1300s. You may solely go to the courtyard in case you are a non-Muslim however the structure is well worth the small entrance price.
Within the medina, we additionally took a peek inside Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, which is on the positioning of the oldest college on this planet (and based by a girl!)
It was enjoyable to see the completely different markets throughout the medina focusing on metals, textiles, leather-based, honey, produce, and different specialty items.
We exited by the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud), which is inexperienced on the within of the medina and hopped right into a automobile to go over to the Royal Palace.
After taking some photos, we walked over to the Mellah, or the outdated Jewish Quarter, to tour the Ibn Danan synagogue. Contained in the synagogue, you too can climb as much as the roof to see the views over the medina and into the Jewish cemetery.
As a result of our tour included use of our automobile/driver, we have been additionally capable of go see Fes from above (extra about that later.)
Watch Potters at Work
As you stroll across the souk, you will note loads of pottery, however watch out as a result of a few of that is likely to be imported from China. If you would like the actual deal and also you wish to help the native artisans, plan to go to the Pottery Quarter, outdoors of the Medina.
You’re going to get a tour of the workshop from a neighborhood information and see all the things from the kiln to the potter’s wheel, to the element artists. It’s wonderful to see the ability that goes into every bit. We noticed an artisan that was constructing a mosaic, from behind the place all you’ll be able to see is the plain again and he memorized the location of all of the items. Superb!
Afterwards you can be left within the store, the place in fact you can be tempted to make some purchases. Keep in mind to barter and don’t fear about becoming it in your suitcase, they will additionally ship.
See Fes from Above
There are two nice viewpoints over Fes, providing completely different views of the town. We visited the Borj Nord Fortress and Mount Zalagh on our day tour of Fes, since we had a driver. Each are enjoyable locations to climb round, take within the views, and revel in a breath of recent air away from the medina.
Pose by the Palace
There are royal palaces situated all all through Morocco. The Royal Palace in Fes is named the Dar el Makhzen. Whilst you can’t go inside, you’ll be able to take photos outdoors of the attractive Golden Gates.
Don’t fear if there are some individuals there. Give it a couple of minutes and you need to be capable to get the image with out different vacationers round.
Tour the Tanneries
Chouara Tannery is probably the most well-known of the tanneries in Fes and so they provide free excursions, in fact with an expectation that you’ll purchase one thing, though it’s not required. If you go in, they may hand you a spring of mint to carry underneath your nostril due to the scent. If it isn’t too scorching, the scent gained’t be too dangerous.
Seeing the bodily labor concerned makes you recognize the price of leather-based items a bit bit extra. They provide superbly crafted jackets, purses, belts, wallets, sneakers, and family decor. You may positively cut price right here and the extra you purchase, the higher the value will get. Evidently we got here dwelling with a bagful of souvenirs.
Calm down on the Riad
Staying at a riad within the medina gives you an opportunity to step out your door and begin exploring. We actually loved our keep at Riad Fes. Whereas it’s attainable to take day journeys from Fes, we spent our free time stress-free. Riad Fes affords a full spa, however we spent our day having fun with the peace and quiet on the pool.
Riad Fes was positively probably the most luxurious of the riads that we stayed at on our journey. The foyer is beautiful, the service was nice, and the restaurant gave us a pleasant break from consuming conventional Moroccan meals within the medina. The excessive ceilings and elaborate decor make it really feel like you’re staying in a grand palace.
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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Writer of We3Travel. A former advertising and marketing government and journey advisor, Tamara is an award-winning journey author and acknowledged professional in household journey. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Journey Journey Commerce Affiliation, and serves on the Board of the Household Journey Affiliation. She can also be the writer of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Trip Professionals journey podcast.