Fez is one of Morocco’s most unforgettable places. Considered the cultural and gastronomic capital of the kingdom, its rich medina is the focus of many visitors. The city of Fez is very large, so it is important to choose the right accommodation.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Fez. For each area, you will find information on the type of activities, available accommodation and geographical location. You will also find the addresses of recommended hotels and riads.
That is what you should know about Fez!
Before moving on to an explanation of choosing accommodation in Fez, here are some basic things to know from a tourist’s perspective.
Whatever your budget, we’ve got you covered.
The best places to stay in Fez
Let’s get down to business and take a look at the best places to stay in Fez, Morocco.
Stay in the ancient medina of Fez
The Medina, also known as Fez el-Bali or the Old Medina, is the historic centre of the fortified city, founded here in the 8th century.
Enter through one of the gates and often get lost in the maze of narrow alleys. Cultural visits also often take place here:
Mosques and Koranic schools
Various Souks: spices, food (meat products, fruit, etc.), souvenirs, handicrafts, …
Leather factory
old houses
Accommodation options range from small, family-run riads called dar to luxurious riads with swimming pools. All feature traditional architecture and it is impossible to stay in a traditional hotel in the old town. The price range is wide, but it is relatively easy to find budget accommodation. However, the most luxurious riads can cost more than EUR 200 per night.
The streets and alleys are lined with cafés and restaurants. Almost all of them offer traditional, authentic Moroccan cuisine at excellent prices. Some cafés have roof terraces with magnificent panoramic overlooks.
If you want to spend some time in the narrow streets of Old Fez, you should know that it is not accessible by car or public transport. You will need to walk to one of the entry gates (called Babs) and cross the area. When you arrive at your accommodation, the riad will pick you up at the gate closest to the medina. This way, you can avoid losing your bags and suitcases.
Overall, if you want to experience the historical treasures of Fez, Fes el Bali is the place to spend most of your time. It is also a great place to stay in Fez and enjoy the charm of a traditional riad.
Two days and one night in a centre in the heart of the New City
The 20th-century New Town is the newest part of Fez, built during the Protectorate period. The streets in this area are wide and the appearance is similar to that of the western part of the country. The area is inhabited by the wealthy and the centre is less authentic and has a more cosmopolitan feel. The town centre is not authentic and has a cosmopolitan feel, both in terms of shops, restaurants and accommodation.
Many hotels and flats, rather than riads, range from classic to five-star. Accommodation is slightly more expensive than in Fes el Bali, but it starts at around EUR 30 per night and is suitable for all budgets.
As for gastronomy, there are plenty of shops, cafés and restaurants of all kinds in the area. Although much less so than in the medina, you can still find addresses serving traditional Moroccan cuisine. There are also plenty of international restaurants, including fast food, to suit all tastes and budgets.
If you stay in this area in Fez, there are no historical sites close to your accommodation. And you will not encounter many tourists during the day. Hassan II and Mohammed V streets, with their many palm trees and many parks and fountains around them, are particularly busy at night with locals taking a stroll.
Its proximity to the train station means that it is quickly accessible by car, bus or taxi. Thus, accommodation in Newtown is attractive if you have a car or want to get around more easily. The area is chosen by travellers who prefer relatively large hotels with a variety of facilities (swimming pool, parking, etc.).
Is it a good idea to stay overnight at Fez train station?
Fez train station is located to the north of the new city. The only advantage of this area is its easy access to trains. In fact, there are no attractions in the area and the area lacks charm.
There are a few tourist attractions:
40 minutes by train from Meknes.
Rabat, approximately 2 hours.
There is also a large taxi rank and bus station within walking distance of the train station. Accommodation in Fez is close to the train station, with easy access to the aforementioned stations and the Middle Atlas (Ifran, Azrou, etc.). On the whole, the hotels are fairly classic and easy on the wallet. On the other hand, it is not possible to sleep in riads here.
There is also not much choice of cafés and restaurants. As in other new towns, the majority of the population is local.
For a few stays or short periods of time, staying in this area is a good option. Some travellers have left the charm of Riad behind and are looking for comfort.
New Medina, Al-Jdid district
Dating back to the late 13th century, the Fes al-Judid area, also known as the New Medina, is located between the New City and the historic Idrissid. Although the location is appropriate, the impression is that it is a place that can be visited in half a day, rather than a staycation type of place.
In fact, there is very little accommodation in this area. If you stay in this area in Fez, you will not have much choice of restaurants, especially at night.
The New Town is also less interesting than the Old Town. However, there are places and buildings that should not be missed such as:
- Jnan Gardens, a vast garden that locals like to stroll through.
- Abendanan Synagogue.
- The Merah area, the old Jewish quarter of Fez.
- The Royal Palace, which unfortunately cannot be visited.
- Nevertheless, it is highly recommended to spend a day visiting the above monuments. The location is walkable from Fez el Bari and from the centre if you like to walk. It takes about 20 minutes on foot. It is a place to discover during the day rather than a place to stay.
Read also: Places you should visit in Fez.
