🇲🇦 Morocco
Fes travel guide
Fes is Morocco's cultural and spiritual heart, home to the world's oldest functioning university (Al-Qarawiyyin, founded 859 AD) and the planet's largest car-free urban area. The medieval medina Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage maze of 9,000+ alleyways, artisan workshops, and the ancient Chouara tanneries.
Language
Arabic, French, Berber
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Timezone
GMT+1
Best time
March to May, September to November
Budget/day
MAD 350-1000/day ($35-100)
When to visit
Jan
5°C - 14°C
Feb
6°C - 16°C
Mar
8°C - 19°C
Apr
10°C - 22°C
May
13°C - 27°C
Jun
17°C - 33°C
Jul
20°C - 36°C
Aug
20°C - 36°C
Sep
17°C - 31°C
Oct
13°C - 25°C
Nov
9°C - 19°C
Dec
6°C - 15°C
Safety
safeFes medina is the world's largest. Easy to get lost. Hire official guide. Fake guides abound.
Women travellers
Most conservative major city. Cover shoulders and knees. Use official guides in medina (maze-like). Ignore false guides firmly.
Culture & etiquette
- + Remove shoes entering homes/riads
- + Use right hand for eating
- + Accept mint tea hospitality
- + Dress modestly
- - Don't photograph people without permission
- - Don't enter mosques (non-Muslims)
- - Don't drink alcohol publicly
- - Don't eat/drink during Ramadan daytime
Food to try
Pastilla
Sweet-savory pigeon pie (Fes specialty!)
Tagine
Slow-cooked stew
Seffa
Sweet couscous with cinnamon
Hidden gems
Details are indicative and may change. Verify visa, safety, and entry requirements before travel.