Where to stay in Fes?

Accommodation in the old medina of Fes

The medina, also known as Fes el Bali or the old medina, is the fortified historic center of the city. It was founded here in the 8th century.

Access is through one of the gates, and the narrow streets form a labyrinth where it's easy to get lost. It's also the place where almost all cultural visits take place:

• mosques and Koranic schools
• various souks: spices, foodstuffs (butchery, fruit, etc.), souvenirs, handicrafts, etc.
• tanneries
• ancient palaces or riads

In terms of accommodation, we find a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from small family-run riads (often called dar) to more luxurious riads with swimming pools. All feature traditional architecture, and it's not possible to stay in a classic hotel in the historic heart of the city. The price range is wide, but it's relatively easy to find inexpensive accommodation. However, the most luxurious riads can cost in excess of 200 euros per night.

Numerous cafés and restaurants line the streets and alleys. Almost all serve traditional Moroccan dishes at very good prices. Some cafés have roof terraces where you can admire the panoramic view.

Finally, if you're planning to stay in the narrow streets of the old town of Fes, you should be aware that they are not accessible by car or public transport. To get there, you'll have to go to one of the entrance gates (called bab) and move around the area on foot. On arrival at your accommodation, the riad will offer to pick you up at the nearest medina gate. So you don't get lost with your bags or suitcases.

In conclusion, Fes el Bali is the place to spend most of your time if you want to discover the historical treasures of Fes. It's also the best place to stay in Fes to enjoy the charm of the traditional riads.

Stay downtown in the heart of the new town

Dating from the 20th century, the new town is the most recent part of Fes, built during the protectorate. It features wider streets and a more Western-style appearance. This area tends to attract a more affluent population, while the center is less authentic and more international. In terms of stores, restaurants and tourist accommodation.

Indeed, you won't find any riads here, but a wide variety of hotels and apartments ranging from the more classic to 5-star. Slightly more expensive than Fes el Bali, there's accommodation to suit all budgets, with prices starting at around €30 a night.

When it comes to eating out, the area abounds with stores, cafés and restaurants of all kinds. Although there are far fewer of these than in the medina, you'll still be able to find an address serving traditional Moroccan dishes. There's also a wide range of international cuisine, including fast-food outlets, to suit different tastes and budgets.

If you're planning to stay in this part of Fes, you won't find any historic sites close to your accommodation. And during the day, you won't come across many tourists. Avenue Hassan II and Boulevard Mohammed V, with their many palm trees and parks and fountains, are very popular with locals, especially in the evening.

Staying close to the train station means you can get around quickly by car, bus or cab. Staying in the new town is therefore an attractive option if you have a car or want to get around more easily. This area will be chosen by travelers preferring a fairly large hotel with a range of services (swimming pool, parking, etc.).

Is staying at Fes station a good idea?

Fes station is located in the north of the new town. The one and only advantage of this neighborhood is its quick access to trains. Indeed, there are no places to visit in the vicinity and the district lacks charm.

It serves several places of tourist interest:

• Meknes in 40 minutes by train
• Rabat in about 2 hours

Just a stone's throw from the station, you'll also find a large cab rank and the bus station, from which a number of bus routes depart. Lodging in Fes around the station means easy access to the above-mentioned stations, as well as to the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Azrou, etc.). On the whole, it's pretty standard hotels, for small budgets. But then again, you won't be able to stay in a riad here.

The selection of cafés and restaurants isn 't very wide either. And as with the rest of the new town, they're mainly aimed at locals.

In conclusion, it may be wise to stay in this part of Fes if you plan to visit the area several times or for a very short stay. Some travelers prefer to forego the charm of a riad in favor of convenience.

The El Jdid district, the new Medina

Dating from the late 13th century, the district known as Fes el Jdid, also known as the New Medina, lies between the New Town and the historic heart of the Idrisid city. Although its geographical location seems appropriate, it's more a place to see for half a day than a district to target for accommodation.

Indeed, there are very few places to stay in this part of town. What's more, if you want to stay in Fes in this area, you won't have much choice of restaurant, especially in the evening.

What's more, this newer part of the city is far less interesting than the older part. Nevertheless, there are a few places and buildings you won't want to miss;

• Jnan sbil Gardens, a large garden where locals love to stroll
• The Aben Danan synagogue,
• The Mellah district, Fes' former Jewish quarter
• The Royal Palace, which unfortunately is not open to visitors.

However, it is highly recommended to spend a day or a little less there to visit the sights mentioned above. Its geographical location means you can get there on foot from Fes el Bali, or from the center if you like walking. It takes about 20 minutes to walk there. It's much more a place to discover during the day than an area to choose for accommodation.