Reasons Why You Should Visit Fez At Least Once

An authentic mix between the 8th-century Fez el Bali, the 13th-century Fez el Jdid, and the 20th-century Ville Nouvelle (built by the French), the oldest colonial city of Morocco is now becoming more and more famous. Here are some of the reasons why adding Fez to a travel itinerary is a must-do.

Tissa Horse Festival

This festival takes place in Tissa, a town 30 miles east of Fez. The little town turns into a party central during the festival, with different kinds of traditional food, music, dancing, Moroccan tents, and loads of mint tea available. The real show, however, is when the performers on horseback come out to show their equestrian skills and the quality of their purebred Arab stallions.

Tissa, Taounate Province, Taza-Al Hoceima-Taounate, Morocco

The medieval Chouara Tannery

Built in the 11th century, Chouara is the largest medieval—and still intact—tannery. The tannery is surrounded by leather shops and people who will offer mint ‘for free’ due to the repugnant smell of the skins and other materials.

Chouara Tannery, Fes, Morocco

A tannery in Fez | © Torrenegra/Flickr

The many bakeries in Old Medina

There are several bakeries in the labyrinth that is Fez el Bali, but everything is homemade. The most popular kind of bread in Morocco is khobz, a flat round bread that they bake for local restaurants and riads. Keep an eye open for the elderly women who take their freshly kneaded dough, covered in cloths, to bake in an oven.

Fes El Bali, Fes, Fes-Boulemane, Morocco

The Roman ruins of Volubilis

Ruins

These impressive Roman ruins are located just 44 miles away from Fez. They developed from the 3rd century BC, but it rapidly grew under the Roman empire on the 1st century AD.

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed for being ‘an exceptionally well preserved example of a large Roman colonial town on the fringes of the Empire’.

Camel Butchers

Yes, camel butchers are a thing, and where would they be more of a thing than in Morocco?

Fez el Bali is one of the main places where they are present. It is a true delicacy, and the butchers decorate their shop with camel heads and meat. It is quite honestly worth a visit.

Shopping for Rugs

Many have seen those Pinterest posts with amazing red rugs with all kinds of details on them or white ones with sequins. Everyone is hungry for these rugs since they are handmade in Morocco, and they cost quite a fortune anywhere else.

There are numerous shops that sell these carpets in Fez el Bali. Sellers will most likely ask for an extremely high amount of money, so be prepared to haggle until they offer or accept a more affordable price.

The view over Fez

Last but not least, the view of Fez from any high point of the town is absolutely mesmerizing. This whole city is a treasure hidden in Morocco.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.