Fez Travel Guide
Founded in 789 AD by Idris I, Fez is the cultural and spiritual centre of Morocco, and one of the best place to soak up the historic ambience of the Imperial Cities. The main attraction in this ancient city is the medieval Medina, Fes el Bali, which has been continuously inhabited since the 10th century and still bustles with a bewildering throng of colourfully costumed locals that range from olive-dealers and veiled women on their way to the baths to industrious merchants and traditional, bell-ringing water-sellers.
This medina is the most complete medieval city in existence, the preservation of which began under French occupation. The more modern part of the city, like Marrakech, is known as Ville Nouvelle, and has a decidedly French influence.
A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle the buzzing hive that is Fez. A visit to the souks will undoubtedly lead to a stopover at Fez's famous tanneries where one of the oldest arts in Morocco (and the world) is practiced, and where tourists can buy premium, soft leather products to take home as souvenirs.
The best vantage point over the ancient walled city lies at the eastern end of the plain of Saiss. From here visitors can view the skyline with its profusion of satellite dishes, and pick out some of the magnificent palaces, green-roofed holy places and the Karaouine Mosque, all hemmed in by workshops and tenements, souks and squares. Fez is a wonderful destination for those looking to have a real, cultural experience during their holiday in Morocco.
Things to do in Fez
When travellers visit Fez, not only do they encounter a busy Moroccan city, they also travel 1,000 years back in time. The modern world has barely intruded into the warren that makes up the medieval medinas (old quarter) of this ancient city, and most of the main tourist attractions can be found here.
Several gates allow entry to the ancient town of Fez. Bab Bou Jeloud, the western gate, has bright decorations and hotels and cafes grouped around it; Bab Er Rsif is the central gate, opening onto the square in front of the mosque of the same name; Bab el-Ftouh is the southeast gate giving onto the cemeteries; and Bab Guissa, the north gate, lies on the hillside close to the Merenid tombs vantage point. The principal entrance for tourists is the Bab Bou Jeloud, which was constructed in the modern era in 1913 but appears older because of its tiled facade.
Anyone in love with tales of Aladdin, Ali Baba and the Arabian Nights will be drawn to holiday in Fez, but the reality of the sights, sounds and smells may come as a shock to visitors. However, there is certainly beauty to be found. Travellers willing to plunge into the sensory overload will be richly rewarded, but should engage the services of a tour guide.
Karaouine Mosque
The al-Karaouine Mosque, located in the heart of the Fes El Bali (Medina), was founded in 859 with an associated madrassa (school) that subsequently grew to become one of the leading educational and spiritual centres in the Islamic world. Today it's called the University of al-Karaouine and is incorporated into the modern university system of the country.
According to UNESCO it is the oldest continually operating educational institution in the world. The mosque itself is enormous (one of the largest in Morocco) and beautiful, although austere, with many striking features. It is considered the most sacred mosque in the country and the timing of Islamic festivals across Morocco is determined here.
Meknes
Meknes, located just 37 miles (60km) from Fez, is the least-visited of Morocco's Imperial Cities, and this is exactly what draws discerning travellers to discover its considerable charms. A city brimming with history but mercifully short on chaos, Meknes is the ideal destination for those looking to explore Morocco's rich, imperial past at a reasonable and measured pace. The city of Meknes was the brainchild of Moulay Ismail (ruler of Morocco for an incredible 55 years, between 1672 and 1727), who sought to construct a city fine enough to rival any in Europe. Today the city has a wonderfully preserved medina area and a collection of great souks that can be navigated without the need for a tour guide.
Getting Around
Fez has a basic public transport system, with trains, buses and taxis, but ultimately it is a city best explored on foot by tourists, as the majority of the attractions are in the old quarter. Visitors should beware that it is easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets that make up Fez's largest medina, one of the world's largest car-free urban zones.
However, to aid visitors, the medina does have colour-coded tourist routes, so it is best to use the accompanying tourist map and ask for directions if lost. Additionally, tourists should note that some locals have a reputation for misdirecting tourists, particularly if they can redirect them into family-owned stores or charge money to guide them along complicated routes instead of giving simple directions.
In Fez, the petits taxis are small and red and operate between the Medina walls and within the city limits. They tend to be metered and are not too expensive, but only carry three passengers at a time. Grands taxis are bigger and travel fixed routes from the cities to the outlying areas. Both types of taxis are usually shared and drivers often wait until the taxi is full before departing. The Careem Taxi app is also available; the train station is situated in the Ville Nouvelle (new city) and operates a route to Tangier, among other destinations.
Morocco travel info
Electricity
The electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in use.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but eight other languages are also spoken, including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is more widely used.
Money
The unit of currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 santimat. ATMs are available in the larger cities and towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change, which are also widespread in major towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, in addition to being the only way to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in larger shops, hotels and restaurants.
Tipping
A tip of 10 to 15 percent is expected in the more expensive bars and restaurants, though some establishments do include a service charge. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded.
Health
No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco, although travellers should consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. It is wise to only drink bottled water and to avoid eating uncooked meat. Rabies is present, so travellers should contact a doctor if bitten. Medical facilities are decent in all major cities but can be extremely limited in rural areas, meaning health insurance is recommended. All required medications should be taken along in their original packaging, and accompanied with a prescription from a doctor.
Safety
Travellers should watch out for petty crimes such as bag snatching, pickpocketing and scams, particularly on beaches and in medinas and market areas. Violent crime is not a major problem and most visits are trouble-free, though there have been some incidents of theft at knife point in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to.
Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities. Touts and merchants can get quite pushy and confrontational so visitors should be firm but polite when refusing goods or services.
Female travellers may attract unwanted attention from Moroccan men, and should take advice before deciding to travel to the country on their own. Travellers should avoid the Berm (border regions of Western Sahara), Western Sahara, as well as the borders with Algeria and Mauritania for reasons such as the risk of kidnapping and the presence of unexploded landmines.
Local customs
Morocco is a Muslim country and it is best to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or hotel poolside. Women travelling alone will generally be hassled less if dressed conservatively. The country has many smokers, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The giving and receiving of things, and the eating of food, should only be done with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Homosexuality is a criminal offence, and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.
Doing business
Business in Morocco has been influenced by France so it tends to be conducted formally, with an emphasis on politeness. Dress is formal, and women in particular should dress conservatively. Most business communication takes place in French, though some English is spoken. It is best to ascertain beforehand what language the meeting will be in, and to arrange an interpreter as needed. Visitors are expected to be punctual but meetings may not start on time. Moroccans are friendly and enjoy socialising; trust and friendship are an important part of business dealings so foreigners should be prepared to engage in small talk. A handshake is common when arriving and departing. Women may encounter some sexism in business, though this is starting to change. Most businesses are closed on Fridays, and some are also closed on Thursdays.
Duty free
Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and 150 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette.
Communications
The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills so it is best to check before making long international calls. Public WiFi is readily available in most major cities; visitors should purchase a local SIM on arrival or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks.
Passport & Visa
Generally, travel to Morocco does not require a prior visa application; however, travellers should enquire about the specifics from their nearest Moroccan embassy. Also, all foreign passengers to Morocco must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months at the time of entry. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months on their date of entry. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. A visa is required.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
Useful contacts
Moroccan National Tourist Office, Rabat: www.visitmorocco.com.
190 (police and medical emergencies)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Moroccan Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 462 7979.
Moroccan Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7724 0624.
Moroccan Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 7391.
Moroccan Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6290 0755.
Moroccan Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 343 0230.
Moroccan Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 660 9449.
Embassies / consulates in Morocco
United States Embassy, Rabat: +212 0537 637 200.
British Embassy, Rabat: +212 537 63 3333.
Canadian Embassy, Rabat (also responsible for Australia): +212 537 54 49 49.
South African Embassy, Rabat: +212 537 70 0874.
Irish Consulate, Casablanca: +212 522 27 27 21.
New Zealand Embassy, Cairo, Egypt: +202-2461-6000.