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Top Things to See in Fes

TOP THINGS TO SEE IN FES

Fes, also spelled Fez, (multiple spellings are quite common in this city) seems, at first glance, to be quite similar to other large cities in Morocco. And it is fairly large – with over 1.1 million people calling it home, it is the second-largest city in Morocco. It has a centrally located “medina” (which is a word used to describe a walled old city with maze-like streets), pretty doorways, souks selling a variety of souvenirs, a royal palace, and several lush gardens.

But once you spend some time in Fes, you’ll begin to see some distinct differences. For starters, the medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is free of pesky cars or motorbikes. In fact, it is believed to be one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. But you’ll still have to get out of the way of the occasional donkey cart barreling through. 70,000 Fasis (people from Fes) choose to live in this confusing, ramshackle area of the city. It will have you feeling like you’ve transported back in time.

Read on to discover the best things to do in the fascinating city of Fes, Morocco!

Languages Used in Fes

There are a number of languages in Morocco but the two official languages are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). The second language for most Moroccans is French. You’ll also find that many people speak at least a little English.

Learn a few phrases in Arabic to get around! “Al Salam Alaikum” (pronounced sall-em wall-a-come) is a nice way to say “hello”. “Shukran” (pronounced shoo kran) is “thank you”. “Ma’-Elsalama” (pronounced ma sell lem-a) is “goodbye”. And “La” is “no” – use it when approached by touts! If you would prefer to speak in French, “Bonjour” is “hello”, “Merci” is “thank you” and “S’il Vous Plaît” is “please”.

Best Time to Visit Fes

Fes has a reasonably temperate year-round climate but you’ll find that summer can be incredibly hot. June through September see average temperatures ranging from 82°F – 95°F. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit Fes with temperatures in the mid-70°s. Clear skies and sunshine will allow you to take advantage of your hotel pool. You can sit outside at one of the many terrace cafes. 

The winter months of November through March are the coldest of the year with average temperatures in the 50°s. February sees the most rain so either avoid visiting during that time or bring an umbrella. 

The Best Things to do in Fes, Morocco

1 – Take a Walking Tour of the Old Medina

The Old Medina of Fes is a maze of small alleyways jutting off of the main street that runs down the center. The medina is on a slope. The best way to tackle a walking tour is to start at the top and make your way to the bottom. Then, hail a taxi to head back home. Unlike other medinas in Morocco, this one is only for pedestrians so you don’t have to worry about making way for motorbikes.

Have your taxi drop you off at Bab Boujloud, the impressive archway that leads into the Old Medina. Stop here and snap a few photos before heading inside. Immediately, you will join the crowd of tourists and locals making their way through the narrow streets. You’ll feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient wonderland!

2. Visit the Bou anania Madrasa

Your first stop in the Old Medina will be a turn-off of the main street to visit the Bou Inania Madrasa (entrance fee: 20 Dhs for adults, 10 Dhs for children 12 and under). Built in the 14th century, this gorgeous former Islamic university has a large central courtyard surrounded by stunning hand-carved plaster, large intricate doors, and ornate lattice screens. It operated as a school until the 1960s when restoration work began which allows the public to enjoy its original beauty.

Along the way, you will pass by a few beautiful mosques. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosques in most of Morocco, including Fes but you can peek your head in or take a photo from right outside. Zaouia de Moulay and Al Quaraouiyine Mosque are two that are worth stopping along the way to take a look at.

3. Tour the Al-Attarine Madrasa

Similar to the Bou anania Madrasa, the Al-Attarine Madrasa (entrance fee: 20 Dhs for adults, 10 Dhs for children 12 and under) also consists of a large courtyard surrounded by intricate carvings and impressive doorways. The black and white tile on the ground is an interesting contrast to the stone and marble facade.

4. See the Coppersmiths and Tanners Hard at Work

Check out how the Moroccan souvenirs that you’ve been eyeing in the souk are made! First is the coppersmiths in the Place Seffarine where shop owners are pounding designs into copper and buffing them smooth. And then the Chouara Tannery which is the most iconic site in Fes. It is the oldest tannery in the world and it smells terrible so be sure to grab some mint to rub under your nostrils on your way in. It’s quite impressive that all of their leather dying is still done entirely by hand!

Finally, you’ll pop out at Place R’cif where you can cross under the arch and hail a taxi home. If you haven’t had enough of the medina, turn around and go back through the way you came but be ready for an uphill climb.

6. Dine on the Delectable Cuisine

The food in the Old Medina of Fes is absolutely incredible! There are a lot of restaurants to choose from but these four were our absolute favorites:

  • The Ruined Garden – this darling garden setting is like an oasis in the middle of the hectic medina. Try the cauliflower salad and the kefta meatball tajine, you won’t be disappointed! Reservations are recommended for dinner during peak season.
  • Fez Café – with a rotating menu that changes daily and a large selection of wine, it is a must-try restaurant while visiting Fes. Sit in the courtyard to enjoy the lush vegetation and the fresh air.
  • Café Clock – this darling restaurant has quaint seating areas in creative nooks throughout the house. If the weather is nice, be sure to head all the way to the roof for spectacular views of the city and colorful cushioned seating. Have mint tea and the tapas platter for an afternoon snack!
  • Chez Rachid – offering the best location for people-watching in the old medina and serving up a delectable chicken, almond, and plum tajine, this is a must-visit restaurant in Fes!

6. Snap a Photo of the Golden Doors at the Royal Palace of Fes

The Royal Palace of Fez (Dar al-Makhzen) is not open to the public but the massive golden doors at the entrance are reason enough to visit. Have your taxi drop you here as this will be the start of your walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. While gated, the guards will allow you to enter the courtyard to snap photos.

The Royal Palace was built in the 1960s and if the brass doors are any indication of what the interior of the palace is like, we have no doubt that it is stunningly beautiful!

7. Stroll Around the Jewish Quarter

Head through the “Mellah” or Jewish Quarter to the Jewish Cemetery (entrance fee: 10 Dhs/person) to see the rows of whitewashed above-ground graves. You can also catch a few of the cemetery from above on the roof of the Synagogue Ibn Danan (entrance fee: 20 Dhs/person).

Cross the street to see the Bab Lamar gate at the entrance to Alaouites Garden. Don’t spend too much time here, it is less of a garden and more of a public toilet. A more impressive park in the area is Jardin Jnan Sbil where you’ll find cobblestone footpaths through lush greenery, and even a small lake offering beautiful reflections on clear, sunny days.

8. Get a History Lesson at the Museum

There are several amazing museums to explore in Fes but these three were our favorites:

  • Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts – this museum is truly stunning and not-to-be-missed! Not only are the traditional wooden artifacts spectacular but the ornate 4-story building that they housed in is a wonder all on its own. Head to the rooftop cafe for views of the medina below! While most museums in Morocco only include descriptions in French and Arabic, this one offers English as well. (Entrance fee: 20 Dhs/person. Open all days from 10:00 – 17:00)
  • Batha Museum – this former palace became a museum in 1915. Museum rooms surround a beautiful sunken garden with raised walkways in the center. The artifacts aren’t nearly as interesting as the garden area. (Entrance fee: 10 Dhs/person. Open Wednesday through Monday from 9:00 – 17:00, closed Tuesdays) 
  • Borj Nord Museum – this fort was established by the Saadi dynasty in the 16th century and is now open to the public as a Weapons Museum. The spectacular views of the city alone make a visit worthwhile. (Entrance fee: 20 Dhs/person. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 17:00, closed Mondays)

9. Shop in the Souk

Morocco is world-renowned for its leather goods, spices, ceramics, colorful blankets and rugs, and metal lamps. While you’ll find many similar souvenirs in almost every souk in Morocco, the souk in Fes sells leather goods that are actually hand-made at the tannery in the medina! You can feel the difference in quality here and you will have the opportunity to see products being made in their small workshops.

Fes is the best place to stock up on gorgeous bags of all sizes. Check the stitching and the lining to make sure they’re high quality and ask if the bag is made of goat, cow, or camel. Leather cushions referred to as “poofs” are also popular to purchase in Fes. Haggling is expected and welcomed in all of Morocco so when shopping in the souk you should never accept the first price offered.

Don’t take the negotiations too seriously and be sure to have fun with it. And be willing (and able) to walk away. My advice is to counter with a price that is half of their initial offering and plan on meeting somewhere in the middle. So about 3/4 of their initial asking price.

by moroccotraveling

Family  ·  Holidays  ·  Morocco  ·  Tangier  ·  Travel  ·  Trips
The Top Things To See And do in Tangier

The top Things to see in Tangier

 

Things to do in tangier

Things to see and do in tangier

The gateway to Africa, Tangier never fails to enthrall its innumerable visitors each year. The best attractions in this intriguing Moroccan town are listed below.

   ✅  Kasbah

tangier kasbah

Things to do in tangier

Walk through the Kasbah walls’ cobblestoned residential and commercial lanes after entering through the lovely Bab Haha gate. The best and least stressful approach to visit the sites is not to search for them, but rather to just happen upon them. If you end up getting lost, keep moving upward, and you’ll eventually come upon one of the babs (doors) that let you leave the building. During your stroll, you will come across the renowned 17th-century palace, which is now a museum and is situated off the Place du Menchoar. It is the location of an intriguing collection of artifacts that date from the Stone Age to the 20th century. Visitors can enjoy expansive views of both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas from the hilltop sites of the Kasbah.

   ✅  Mosquée Of Tangier

A Roman temple once stood here in the fifth century. It was transformed into a cathedral during the Portuguese invasion, and a mosque was built there in the ninth century because of its strategic location and suitability as a site of Muslim devotion. Since then, it has been transformed twice, first into a mosque and then back into a church. It is both an architecturally interesting building and a fascinating example of Morocco’s fascinating history due to the numerous transformations it has undergone throughout the years.

  ✅   Delicious Glass Of  Orange Juice

Due to the subtropical Mediterranean climate, oranges have gained considerable notoriety throughout all of Morocco. A freshly squeezed glass of orange juice should be simple to get and cost-effective because it is widely available everywhere. If you do want ice, just be sure it was prepared using bottled water.

   ✅  Stroll The Beach Promenade

Funding has been allocated throughout time as the tourism sector expands to maintain the cleanliness of Moroccan cities and tourist destinations. Particularly have benefited from this are Tangier’s beaches. They have golden beaches and azure waters, making them an oasis outside of the metropolis. Because of the beaches’ close vicinity to the port, there is constantly a busy atmosphere. Being the entryway to Africa from Europe keeps the area lively and vibrant.

  ✅ Visit St Andrew’s Church

One of the most captivating sights in Tangier is St. Andrew’s Church. This well-known tourist destination, which King Hassan I of Morocco completed in 1905 as a gift, is a combination of several architectural types and styles, symbolizing Morocco’s multiracial people. For Christians in Tangier, the church serves as a focal point. Additionally, it has Quranic writings on its Moorish interior and designates the direction of Mecca for Muslim prayer. The interfaith experience takes on new significance after visiting this sacred location.

   ✅ The American Legation Museum

Many people are unaware that Morocco was the first nation to recognize the United States as an independent state following the American Revolution. This museum, which is tucked away among the bustle of the Medina, gives the city a somewhat exotic vibe. This museum takes you back in time to the 1940s and features a variety of interesting displays, including one on Paul Bowles. The regionally well-known painting frequently referred to as the “Moroccan Mona Lisa” is a must-see.

   ✅ Relax At The Grand Socco

The Grand Socco is where the broad road splits into the confluence of the old and new. This location is a meeting point of the ages with a mosque on one side and a movie theater on the other. Spend your money on a variety of kaftans, dried nuts, and fresh meals at the traditional market stalls. The benches surrounding the central fountain make it the ideal location to experience this nexus of periods.

         ✅  Cap Spartel

You may sit on its nice patio and take in the views of the Spanish coast adjacent to the Cape Lighthouse, which is situated about 14 kilometers west of the city.

 

by moroccotraveling

Exploring  ·  Holidays  ·  Morocco  ·  Travel  ·  Trips
Things to see in Chefchaouen

 

Chefchaouen Morocco

Chauen or Chefchaouen is a municipality and a city in Morocco, capital of the province of the same name. It is located in the northwest of the country, in the foothills of the Rif Mountains, near Tetouan. It belongs to the Tangier-Tetouan-Alhucemas region.

  • How to get to chefchaouen.

Chefchaouen, which is its name since the independence of Morocco in 1956, is easy to reach by car crossing to Ceuta from Algeciras, or by direct flight from Madrid to Tangier. In both cases, you must pass through the city of Tetouan, whose medina is well worth a visit, and proof of this is that it has been declared a World Heritage Site. And from Tetouan you will go up little by little along a winding road, in which it will be impossible to pass even a bus, which will take you to the foot of the mountains where the city of Chefchaouen is located.

  • Things to do in chefchaouen.

– Entrance arch to the Medina of Chefchaouen

Your visit to Chefchaouen should focus on walking and enjoying the charm of its medina, for which I advise you to enter through its main door. This access is arranged with an entrance arch located to the south of the medina, which you find on the main street that crosses this small Moroccan city from west to east. Well, indeed, when you arrive in Chefchaouen, do not expect to find a small town, but it is a small city of about 43,000 inhabitants, capital of the province of the same name, in the Tangier-Tetouan region.

–Souk of the medina of Chefchaouen

From the entrance arch of the Medina of Chefchaouen you must go up the narrow alley that at the end will take you to the nerve center of it, the Uta el-Hamman square. This alley is a true souk with a succession of souvenir, clothing and craft shops, which if you visit Chefchaouen on a bridge or during the holidays, you will find it overflowing with people, to the point that you can feel some overwhelm. From this alley, another souk-like alley starts to the right, which in fact is advertised as a commercial street, which leads you to the back of the alkasabah located in the square, from where you will also get to it.

–What to see in the medina of Chefchaouen?

To continue your visit, from Uta el-Hamman square you must continue going up through the different alleys of the medina. You should know that Chefchaouen is located in the foothills of the Rif mountain range, a mountainous area of always surprisingly green landscapes, in such a way that the small town and its medina extend on a mountainside. In this walk through the alleys of the upper part of the medina is where you will discover the true charm of Chefchaouen. Although there are still shops, most of them local artisans, you will find yourself especially in a residential area that encloses corners with the great charm of the prints of the facades of the houses with the characteristic blue color. Stairs, arched passages, interior patios … there is the charm of Chefchaouen. also known as the Blue Town. If you are a fan of photography, you will not get tired of discovering those corners.

Artisan shops in Chefchaouen.

Local artisans and artists will show you their artistic works in the shops dotted around this upper part of the medina.

Painters, potters, iron craftsmen, sculptors…; In short, it will be difficult for you not to take an artistic souvenir from Chefchaouen, of course, after the usual and essential haggling.

On this walk you can refresh yourself with an orange juice for (0.50 euros) freshly squeezed in front of you. Or buy dyes, or the typical jelaba.

–Waterfall in Chefchaouen.

On your walk through the medina you must continue climbing in a northeast direction until you reach the exit arch that opens in the wall in that area, and then go down to the waterfall and the washing places.

It is an area that on holidays is filled with visitors, especially Moroccans who cool off in the pools that form in this gorge where the water runs down, and where the washing places are located.

There you can see the peasant women who gather with their typical and colorful straw hats, which they sell to tourists or, failing that, they ask you for a tip for taking a photo of them.

–Where to eat in Chefchaouen.

The vast majority of restaurants in Chefchaouen are concentrated around the Uta el-Hamman square or in its vicinity.

BAB SSOUR restaurant.

Those who know this beautiful town well advise against sitting down to eat on some of the terraces in the square. Instead, the restaurant recommended by locals is Hassan, at the top of the square. Quite large and very touristy, there you will find a menu to choose from with Moroccan dishes at a good price. Another recommended restaurant is Casa Hassan and Riad Hicham, easily recognizable by its covered viewpoint and its terrace that rises above the square. You also have Moroccan specialties, and you can eat well with a menu that with drinks will cost you less than 10 euros. And without a doubt, the best way to end your day in Chefchaouen is to sit down now on the terrace of a café in the square to drink a typical green tea with sugar and fresh mint leaves. I anticipate that you can spend hours watching people wander, in a mixture of cultures. You will see from the most exotic local characters, to the many tourists, both Western, Japanese and even Chinese. In short, a visit that I anticipate will always remain in your memory.

by moroccotraveling

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