Getting around Fes

Public transport

Local buses, which tend to be crowded but run regularly, connect the Ville Nouvelle with various parts of the old city. Route numbers are marked on the side of the buses. Some useful ones include bus 9 (Place Atlas in Ville Nouvelle to near the Dar Batha Museum), bus 16 (airport to the railway station), and bus 19 (railway station to Place er-Rsif, central Fès el-Bali).

The only practical way of getting around the medina is on foot (you can get taxis from all the gates of the Medina if you prefer). All hotels/riads should provide essential medina maps locating their property and thus assisting you. Do not underestimate the importance of this map; the medina is extraordinarily difficult to negotiate. You may wish to hire an official guide. Do this through your hotel/riad and not on the street.

Taxis

There are two types of taxis: the small, red petits taxis operate within the city limits, tend to be metered, and are inexpensive, only carrying three passengers. Grands taxis are bigger and travel fixed routes from Fès to outlying areas mostly from the main bus station (gare routière).

Both types of taxis are often shared and drivers may wait until the taxi is full before departing. You can ask to have a petit taxi to yourself.

Driving

Driving to Fès by car involves a long journey across Europe to Algeciras, from where frequent ferries depart for Tangier or Ceuta.

Parking is widely available throughout the Ville Nouvelle. If you stay in car-less Fès el-Bali, you can leave your vehicle in the small car park south of Bab Boujeloud, just a few minutes walk from the old medina.

Car hire

Fès has many car rental companies, including Avis (tel: +212 5 2 562 6969; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: +212 520 150 880; www.budget.com) and Hertz (tel: +212 535 622 812; www.hertz.com).

Bicycle hire

Rabat-based bike hire company Maroc Bike (tel: +212 602 325 838; www.marocbike.com) rents out town and mountain bikes across Morocco.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

City Highlight: Fès (or Fez)

Bustling markets, vibrant history, and the walled-in medina of Fès el-Bali make Fez a prime spot for adventure-seeking travellers

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Featured Hotels

Riad Fès

This sumptuous property offers rooms and suites with traditional furnishings, zellig floors, plaster-decorated walls, and exquisite Moroccan fabrics. There is an amazing rooftop bar, plunge pool, restaurant and spa plus fabulous views of the medina and Atlas Mountains. This is a fantastic place to envelop yourself in old world opulence.

Riad Tizwa

This inviting and cosy riad offers homely touches such as coffee delivered to your door each morning and breakfast served at any time of the day. There’s a large roof terrace to slouch out on after exploring the dusty souks and the staff go out of their way to help.

Dar Seffarine

Behind high walls and a discrete doorway in the oldest part of the medina is Dar Seffarine, a beautifully renovated 750-year-old riad that has been restored to its former glory. Guests here are treated like long-lost friends by the sociable owners, who host evening drinks and organise nightly dinners.

Riad Salam Fes

This gorgeously restored riad in the center of the medina offers luxury and charm at a fair price. Rooms are individualised and elegantly decorated, and the food is a must-try. Head up to the rooftop patio for a beautiful view.

Dar Fes Medina

A ten-minute walk from the main door of the medina, this guesthouse is a step outside the central hustle and bustle, but the charm of the architecture, gardens, and home-cooked food make a stay well worth it. The hotel staff are eager to make travellers comfortable and help them navigate Fes—and is always ready to share their tasty mint tea and cookies.

Dar Finn

Moroccan craftsmanship meets minimalist contemporary styling at Dar Finn, where the light-filled rooms come with stained glass windows, gorgeous original tile floors, and dinky balconies overlooking the internal courtyard. A rooftop bar, plunge pool and shaded garden make this riad an oasis within the medina.

Introducing Fes

While you’re there

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Morocco Information