A TRIP TO FEZ: TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO
A visit to Fez means stepping back into the past thanks to the timeless rhythms of its huge medieval medina where 1200 years of tradition, artistry and atmosphere combine. Home to one of the world’s highest concentrations of artisans, a visit to Fez is the perfect counterfoil to the energy, vitality and constant evolution of Marrakech. Extend your trip to Morocco with a few extra days and don’t miss our top things to do and see in Fez.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT FEZ
Fez is the world’s largest living medieval Islamic city and its huge medina is home to 200,000 artisans, 9000 tiny streets and 300 mosques. It means that a visit to Fez medina feels like being transported back in time to a dense network of streets, artisanal areas and historic sites so we’d definitely advise you to get a guide to help you properly discover it. Plunge in and you’ll find a city teeming with master craftsmen, history and creativity. A former political capital too, Fez is also stuffed with historic sites and home to a world-famous Festival of Spiritual Music at the end of May each year. And there’s a high concentration of original riads so interior addicts need to keep an eye out for open doors that reveal stunning Fassi style.
WHERE TO SHOP
- Vintage shopping has got harder in Marrakech because so many people come here to source. But Fez is still a hidden gem for vintage lovers if you’re prepared to look. It’s not so much a question of the best addresses. Just getting on your sneakers, asking your local guide and putting in the footsteps to unearth the often hidden gems.
- Spices and perfumes are on sale in Souk al-Attarine so this is the place to stock up on cumin, rose water and everything in between.
- Chakib Lahkim Bennani’s family have been dealing in antiques for more than 100 years and Les Mystères de Fes is packed with everything from textiles and pottery to jewellery and chandeliers. 53 Derb bin Lemssari
- Textile fans must head to Maison des Broderies where bed and table linens are exquisitely embroidered by hand with traditional designs. Derb Hassan
- If you’re looking to source for a commercial project or a home renovation then Nina Mohammed is creative director of the Artisan Project and her network of craftsmen and women is second to none.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
- Moroccan fusion is on the menu at Ishq Restaurant courtesy of dishes including shin of beef tagine with confit tomatoes and sea bream gravlax with cardamom coulis. The interiors are contemporary and the terrace has great views.
- If you’re in the mood for cocktails then head to Hotel Sahrai which is plant-filled, airy and also has a terrace with panoramic views.
- Younes Idrissi cooks seasonal Franco-Moroccan food that’s served in the stylish dining room at Dar Roumana. It’s earned him mentions everywhere from the New York Times to Conde Nast Traveler.
- The original outpost of Cafe Clock (there are also now cafes in Marrakech and Chefchaouen) serves up everything from breakfast to burgers, felafel super bowls and couscous in a pretty riad. There are also music and storytelling events.
- The backdrop at Jardin des Biehn is worth a visit alone – tables on the tile-covered terrace are set against lush planting – and the food has Mediterranean influences. The interior styling is on point too.
- Set in the ground of a former merchant’s house, the Ruined Garden serves tapas and light meals at lunch and traditional Moroccan food in the evenings. The seven-hour lamb mechwi is a stand-out.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
- Al-Qarawiyyin University was founded in 859AD and is recognised as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. A centre of learning for scholars across the Islamic world and beyond, its historic library was restored in recent years and houses ancient manuscripts. It’s also an architectural gem.
- Morocco’s leather workers are famous and you’ll see them dyeing and tanning leather using techniques that haven’t changed for centuries at the huge Chouara Tannery. One word of warning: the smell is strong so be warned.
- Make sure to use Bab Bou Jeloud to enter the medina. The grand entrance is a masterclass in striking blue and green zellige.
- Food writer Tara Stevens infuses her passion and expertise during her bespoke cooking classes at Courtyard Kitchen Fez. Everything from a 4-hour Moroccan tapas class to a 2-day immersion into Morocco’s culinary culture, as well as private lunches and dinners, is on offer.
- The hills around Fez are perfect for hiking and the city is also only an hour from Meknes – the heart of Moroccan wine country. Visit a vineyard and deep dive into the terroir where a new generation of winemakers are producing some exciting wines.
If you want to travel inspiration beyond Marrakech take a look at our other blogs in the series.
DESERT ITINERARY – FROM MARRAKECH TO FEZ
A TRIP TO TANGIER – WHAT TO SEE AND DO
