Be adventurous: Street Food

Street food is food obtainable from a streetside vendor, often from a makeshift or portable stall. While some street foods are regional, many are not, having spread beyond their region of origin. Food and green groceries are available on the street for a fraction of the cost of a restaurant meal and a supermarket. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, 2.5 billion people eat street food every day; In Fez, the local habit for any worker is to have some harira followed by a sandwich or similar standing up or in cubicles no bigger than 3 square metres. It can be a very cozy.
Concerns of cleanliness and freshness often discourage tourists from eating street food. Lack of refrigeration is often construed as a lack of cleanliness or hygiene; on the other hand, street food often uses particularly fresh ingredients for this very reason.

These are our all time winners:



  • Deep fried Doughnouts, in Batha or just inside Bab Boujoloud.



  • Sandwiches from the Tala Kbira market, really tasty



  • Msemen with honey, or cheese, or jam



  • Harira soup stand, just about everywhere



  • Nougat vendor, nice to take back home as a gift to grandma, near Quaraouyine.



  • Snail stand, being the most famous the one in Derb alHorra



  • Giant almond macaron vendor, with a tray in its head walks both Tala's all day long

The Infamous Itineraries, I

If you are proud of being one of a kind, dislike being a tourist and refuse to follow others in the usual discovery of Fez, then we have got something to suggest you. These are our Infamous Tours:






The GASTRO-LAZY TOUR


  1. Batha Square, try one deep fried Doughnout


  2. Walk towards Bab Boujeloud, the "Blue Gate"


  3. Stop at Cafeclock in the Tala Kbira for a tea or coffee


  4. Have a quick glance at the Water Clock. No one knows how it worked.


  5. Stop in the Medersa to learn something.


  6. Do some shopping in style at Made in Medina. Great leather accesories.


  7. Along the Tala Kbira you ll find the best rugs you can possibly dream of. Bargain the price.


  8. Stop for Lunch and Shisha afternoon at Fezlounge.com. Try the hot Brownie.


  9. Visit the Henna Souk for beauty queen products such as natural eye liner.


  10. Visit the Nejjarine Complex.

Moroccan Rugs


Moroccan rugs and art have been widely connected to the west and examples of this can be seen in Bauhaus movement or in the works of American designers like Billy Baldwin during the 1960’s and 1970’s. The simple geometric patterns of Moroccan rugs have been used for long to lend a stylish, urbane and sophisticated look to most of the modern furnishings. The famous pile carpets from the Middle Atlas Mountain region of Morocco are proudly displayed in renowned historic houses such as Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater and Charles and Ray Eames spectacular Pacific Palisades house in California. Moroccan rugs are still made by the Berbers, who are an indigenous tribe of the North African region in Morocco. These weavers use hand-dyed wool to weave the rugs and each rug is unique in its design, use of colors, and patterns.


Another type of Moroccan rugs are ‘kilims’ or ‘hanbels’ though these are lightweight, flat in weave and motifs are made with variations of red, blue, green, yellow, mauve and white. The price of Moroccan rugs and kilims are usably determined by the size, quality of the design and the colors used. But dont be afraid of bargaining, more than double the price reduccion is usually accepted.

Atmospheric Essentials in Fez


As Dorothy Parker said:

"Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves."

Here is a list of essential luxuries, not necessarily expensive, that will improve your life quality when in Fez...or anywhere else.


  • A fireplace in Winter

  • Candles when it rains

  • Air conditioning in Summer

  • Soft Lighting

  • Good music

  • Multiple and Big pillows

  • Clean windows

  • A warm and cozy bed

  • Plants and Flowers

  • Art

Virtual Tour of the Medina


Here is another way of knowing Fez for curious and sofa lovers not willing to travel.

A virtual tour is a simulation of an existing location, usually composed of panoramic images, a sequence of hyperlinked still or video images, and/or virtual models of the real location. They also may use other multimedia elements such as sound effects, music, narration, and text. As opposed to actual tourism you will not get too tired of walking and you wont get cheated by the shop sellers.


The Famous Itineraries


Official guides can be booked in most hotels and riads. The average cost is 150 dhs for a half day and 250 dhs for a day, but you are in Morocco and everything can be negociated. Tips are not included in these rates, nor the rugs and pottery they will invite you to buy. Beware of false guides, even if we like some of them. The medina of Fez is too exceptional to be visited with a false guide, but use their advise, sometimes they do know the last cool place to have a drink or a shisha and if lost tip them 5 to 10 dhs.

Otherwise play Tourist, get a Medina Map or print the one we offer, and try one of those itineraries by yourself:

A. Bab Boujloud - Bab Guissa


  • Porte de Boujloud

  • Medersa Bou Inania

  • Axe Tala Kbira

  • Chrablyene

  • Place Nejjarine (Fondouk and Fontaine)

  • Mausolee Moulay Idriss

  • Seffarine

  • Tanneurs

  • Medersa Attarine

  • Quaraouyine Mosque

  • Souk Attarine

  • Achabine (Palais Jamai)

  • Bab Guissa

B. Palais Jamai - Bab Guissa



  • Tanneurs de Chouaras

  • Medersa Attarine

  • Quaraouyine

  • Seffarine Dinandiers

  • Teinturiers

  • Medersa Ras-Cherratine

  • Mausolee Moulay Idriss

  • Place Nejjarine

  • Attarine, Souk des Epices, Henna Souk

  • Sidi Ahmed Tijani

  • Bab Guissa

C. Bab Ftouh - R'Cif



  • Quartier des Potiers

  • Cooperative Zelligeurs

  • Medersa Sahrij

  • Mosquee nes Andalous

  • Quaraouyine

  • Place Nejjarine

  • Tanneus de Guerniz

  • Mausolee Moulay Idriss

  • Medersa Cherratine

  • R'Cif

D.Tour de Fes


Well, now, just in case you dont like walking or you are not too fit for it, we can suggest a Tour by car that any taxi will be happy to do.



  • Place des Alaouites (Porte Palais Jamai)

  • Bab Semmarine (Fes Jdid)

  • Bab Ftouh

  • Bab Guissa

  • Tombeaux des Merinides

  • Musee d'Armes Anciennes

  • Bab Makina (musiques sacrees)

  • Jardin Andalou Jnan Sbil

  • Batha museum



Places for Dinner

Dinner is the important meal in the daily or another cycle of meals, typically requiring more formal culinary arrangements, table trappings, and etiquette, and probably more abundant foods and drinks.


Vestiges of the English class system remain in the choice of word one uses for the evening meal - a person with upper-class antecedents might use neither "dinner" nor "tea" but, confusingly, "supper." "Supper" traditionally meant a late night meal following a gathering. A ball or party that lasted into the early hours of the morning would often be followed by a "supper," and some people in the North use the word 'supper' to refer to a hot, often milky, drink such as cocoa or hot chocolate and biscuits, taken immediately before retiring for the night.






Zen Garden


Not far from Champ de Course district you will find this stylish villa converted in a lively restaurant. The choice is ample, mixing italian, french and asian specialities. Try the homemade black squid ink pasta with an excellent local wine such as Domaine de Sahari Reserve, or the incredibly filling Nem a la viande. Sometimes they organise special Soirees with live moroccan music than can end up with everyone dancing like crazy.




Le Majestic



Inside the Henri Laconte Tennis Academy. Set quite far from the centre of the city, Le Majestic offers an impressive but quite pricey list of wines and a mix of european-french cooking with stress in some interesting fish proposals depending on the day. The menu is short and compact and can result in some boriness after a while; yet the meat is excellent and a carpaccio is as fresh as it gets.
http://www.lemajestic.net/







La Mezzanine


A favourite amongst the young and trendy crowd of the city, La Mezzanine is just a slice of the modern cool world in Fez, were you can sip good cocktails, a mix of moroccan en european tapas, and end up dancing in the moonlight in its cozy terrace...
Address: just opposite the main gate of Jnan Sbil Gardens. Everyone will know.





Wong


If it sounds chinese, it may be chinese. That's right Wong is a panasian restaurant with the longest menu ever inlcuding every single asian way of cooking chicken, beef, duck and fish. Even if we doubt that a chinese has ever set foot there the flavours are quite right and it makes a very welcome alternative to the usual couscous. Its extremely good value and do serve alcohol.
Address:Lot. Kenza, champs de courses. Tel.035 65 27 60







L'Ambra at Riad Fes

Considering this is probably the best Riad in Fez the restaurant couldnt be disappointing. Tipical fassi cooking in an extremely beautifull and intimate frame, apt for royals, top singers -Bono from U2 dined here-, and luxury lovers in general. Try one of those: Spiced lamb tossed in a unique onion jam; pastilla filled with fish and seafood; or simply the couscous with seven vegetables and lamb.
http://www.restaurantfes.com/



Vesuvio

There are no real italian restaurants in Fes yet,you know the one with the owner sitting around all day long wearing braces to hold his pants, perennial tan and plenty of friends speaking loud piamontese; but this italian makes good pasta and not too bad pizzas and provides a good meeting point for youngsters and families looking for a friendly atmosphere and...no alcohol.
9, rue abi hayane taouhidi Bd.F.A.R(face hotel tghat)
tel. 035930747


Fez Lounge


Last but not least, here you can have a nice dinner in a cozy enviroment lit by canddles. On the menu some moroccan dishes and a selection of european tapas. Chill music on the line and a crowd of expatriates and selected tourist that "know". Around 15 euros. Off Tala Kbira, on Zkak Rouah, 95.

Stay in a Hotel

The word hotel is derived from the French hôtel (coming from hôte meaning host), which referred to a French version of a townhouse or any other building seeing frequent visitors, rather than a place offering accommodation.

In Fez, hotels are an option for large groups or people in real need of a swimming pool. We strongly advise to stay in a Riad insted. Anyway here is a choice of hotels from luxury to charmingly decadent, all have good bars and are interesting places to meet tourists and expats alike. Note that the restaurants inside are highly uninteresting with tasteless food and poor quality service.






Sofitel Palais Jamai


The Sofitel Palais Jamai is housed in a grand 19th- century Moorish palace, built for the Grand Vizier of Jamai, surrounded by verdant gardens and located in the centre of Fez's romantic old town. The 142 guestrooms over six floors are decorated in light, subtle tones with Moroccan-style furnishings have French windows leading to balconies. All are equipped with wireless Internet access, satellite television, direct-dial phones, minibars and complimentary bottled water. Bathrooms include showers, telephones, bathrobes and slippers. The hotel offers a range of spa facilities including a sauna, a steam room, massage treatments and a spa tub. The well-tended gardens feature a tennis court and an outdoor heated pool surrounded by palm trees and a sun terrace.










Hotel Les Merinides


Set in landscaped grounds, with palm trees shading the lawns and terraces, Les Menerides has a tiled outdoor swimming pool with views of the mountains and city. There are concierge services, a bar, and 24-hour room service. Wireless Internet access is available, and onsite parking.






Hotel Jnan Palace


This hotel is an excellent option for travellers willing to stay in the Ville Nouvelle, with all the amenities you can think of on a 5 star hotel including a gorgeous Bond-like swimming pool. The bars inside are cozy and lively and it hosts the only good Disco in the city, Le Palace.










Hotel Batha

One of our favourites for its charming decadence. Right in the entrance of the medina this three star hotel used to host the British Consulate and it is said Churchill smoked some cigars in here. It has a small swimming pool and an almost indecent bar. The prices are rather low and can be a good option for travellers on a tight budget but respect themselves nonetheless.
tel.+21255741077 mail : hotelbatha@menara.ma










Hotel Menzeh Zalagh

This 4 star hotel is situated in the ville Nouvelle just beside Mc Donalds, and can be a good surprise for anyone wanting a traditional big hotel with all the usual amenities. Rooms are tired but spacious and with acceptable air conditioning. The views from the balconies are stunning and the swimming pool is a very cool set. If you book it in advance with http://www.hotelopia.com/ you will have amazing discounts of about 50%, so its quite worth it. Expect to find large groups travelling rather than romantic couples or bohemian artists.










World Sacred Music Festival


Festival des musiques sacrées du Monde


The top sacred music artists from Middle Eastern and Western religious communities gather in Fez for a week of concerts, lectures, exhibitions, and intellectual and artistic exchanges. Performances have included the Sufi Whirling Dervishes of Turkey, Berber trance music, Arab-Andalusian music, Hindustani chants, Celtic sacred music, Christian Gospel, flamenco, and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Morocco. These musicians, young and old, are a part of a groundbreaking effort to bridge huge cultural differences through musical expression.Styles of spiritual music at the Fez Festival vary from transcendent to trance-inducing. Music can claim to hold curative properties, convey religious teachings, praise God, or channel the spirit of the deities. Some music traditions are centuries old, while others are relatively new; some are serious, and others joyful. But despite the vast differences between the cultures, everyone at the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music has come for one reason: to share the way that music allows them to commune with their higher power.

The festival opens early June and tickets can be booked on advanced, and is advised to book the hotel at least a month in advance.

Fez Gastronomy


Moroccan cuisine is like the country: rich in flavours, smells and colours. It is known worldwide for its sweet and sour combinations and its use of spices: saffron, cumin and coriander. A Moroccan meal is an experience that appeals to the senses: sitting on benches around a round table, guests help themselves with their right hand from a single shared dish. It is a world of warmth, textures and dexterity combined with tastes and aromas. Each region has its own specialities, traditions and sense of hospitality, and Fez is the undisputed capital. You will of course taste world famous dishes such as couscous, or rather couscous(es) in the plural, as there are so many depending on the season, region and cooks’ whims. You will savour the many variants of a subtle balance of spices, rich combinations of meat and vegetables. It is a dish offering infinite variety. The jewel in Moroccan cooking is the pastilla. It is fine flaky pastry, combined with chopped chicken, parsley, hard boiled egg, almonds and honey, sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. A real explosion of the senses! You will find this art of flaky pastry in other dishes such as minced beef or chicken briouats. There are also soups like harira soup made with lentils and chickpeas. And you will be unable to resist the pleasures of tajine! This meat, poultry or fish stew, served with vegetables, fruit or olives, is cooked in a traditional covered terracotta pot, after which the dish is named. It’s peaked lid allows the ingredients to steam-cook, to delight your taste buds! You will also love Moroccan pastries, a by-word for the art of living: pancakes with honey and sesame seeds, cakes made with almonds or sultanas… You will be unable to resist these moments of pure pleasure, accompanied by mint tea, for a unique experience of well-being and conviviality.

Basic Basics


Time: Local time is GMT.


Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round plugs are in use.


Money: The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns, but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in major towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants. Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are not prevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.

Currency Exchange Rates MAD 1.00 = A$ 0.16C$ 0.13IRR 1.13NZ$ 0.19£ 0.07US$ 0.13R 1.04
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Language: Arabic is the official language, but eight other languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish. English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is the most widely spoken.


Entry requirements: Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months, providing the passport is endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas) or British Subject, with the right of abode in the U.K. In all other cases a visa is required.

Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens require a passport, but no visa for a stay of up to three months. Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans require a passport and must apply for a visa in South Africa, for travel to Morocco.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals require a passport, but no visa is necessary for a stay of up to three months.

Passport/Visa Note: Proof of sufficient funds are required for visa and entry approval. An extension of six months is available for visa-exempt nationals.

Health: No vaccinations are required to enter Morocco. It is advisable to drink bottled water outside the main cities and towns and avoid street food. Medical facilities are good in all major towns. Health insurance is essential.


Tipping: A tip of 10 to 15% is expected in the more expensive bars and restaurants, though some establishments include a service charge. Most services are performed with the aim of getting a few dirham, but aggressive hustling shouldn't be rewarded. Visitors should note that tips are the only income for some porters and guides.


Safety: Violent crime is not a major problem, but there have been some incidents of theft at knifepoint in major cities and on beaches. Sensible precautions such as avoiding badly lit streets at night should be adhered to. Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities. Most visits to Morocco are trouble-free, however terrorist attacks have occurred in the past, and visitors are advised to be vigilant.


Customs: Morocco is a Muslim country and it is preferable to keep the wearing of swimsuits, shorts and other revealing clothing to the beach or hotel poolside. Women travelling alone will receive less hassle if dressed conservatively. Smoking is practised widely, and it is customary to offer cigarettes in social situations. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. The giving and receiving of things, and the eating of food, should only be done with the right hand, as the left is considered unclean. Homosexuality is a criminal offence, and sexual relations outside marriage are also punishable by law.


Business: Business in Morocco has been influenced by France and therefore tends to be conducted formally, with an emphasis on politeness. Dress is formal, and women in particular should dress conservatively. Most business is conducted in French, although some English is spoken. It is best to ascertain before hand what language the meeting will be in, and arrange an interpreter as needed. Visitors are expected to be punctual, though meetings may not start on time. Moroccans are friendly and enjoy socialising, trust and friendship are important bases for business dealings so be prepared to engage in small talk. A handshake is common when arriving and departing. Women may encounter some sexism in business, although this is starting to change. Most businesses are closed on Fridays, and some are also closed on Thursdays.


Communications: The international access code for Morocco is +212. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)44 for Marrakech and (0)37 for Rabat. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making long international calls. Two mobile GSM 900 networks cover the north of the country. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.


Duty free: Travellers to Morocco over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 400g tobacco; 1 litre spirits and 1 litre wine; and perfume up to 5g.

Links

www.visitfes.org

www.fesfestival.com

www.festivalartculinaire.com

www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293733-Fes-Vacations.html

www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=1170

www.hiptravelguide.com/morocco/map.htm

Places for Lunch


Luncheon, commonly abbreviated to lunch, is a midday meal.


Lunch was originally intended as a vehicle in which working classes could escape their job and purchase (and sometimes consume) alcoholic beverages, a favourite being pear cider.




Ladies whose husbands would eat at the club would be free to leave the house and have lunch with one another, though not in restaurants until the twentieth century. In the 1945 edition of Etiquette, Emily Post still referred to luncheon as "generally given by and for women, but it is not unusual, especially in summer places or in town on Saturday or Sunday, to include an equal number of men".




Fez is a virtual food festival and gourmet lovers will appreciate the large selection of restaurants to choose from. Restaurants in the médina range from fast food stands to gourmet dining rooms found in riads open to the public.



Restaurant Bouayad


Situated in the very entrance of the medina this place is comfortable and serve excellent fish tagine and fish brochette, the waiters are polite and the toilets are clean.




Restaurant Le Kasbah


Le Kasbah is hard to miss and there are waiters outside ready to pounce on any tourist who walks by. But don't let that or the fact that only tourists seem to eat here put you off. Nice roof terrace, but somehow poor service.




Cafe Clock


Very nice restaurant/café with an excellent view of Fez. It is run by an english. They offer a variety of moroccan, english and continental food for reasonable prices. It's a good place for a breakfast or an early dinner, or just having a rest and watching the hundreds of swollows which meet and fly every evening near Bab Bou Jeloud.


7 Derb El Magana, Talaa Kbira






Restaurant Thamis


Thami is a nice old guy who has a street food restaurant at a corner of the Place Bou Jeloud just before Rue Talla Seghira begins. Food is good and cheap. Tagine kefta is a must.




Fez Lounge (or F Lounge) Restaurant-Tapas


Deep in the Tala Kbira where most interesting souks and mosques are to be found, in the so called golden triangle, you will find this cozy eclectic venue mix of ultracontemporary and arab harem where you can have a light lunch with moroccan and italian inspiration: briouates filled with fish, bruschettas, excellent chocolate brownie... and end up lying on a bed smoking Shisha.
And now they propose a 2 course meal at 90 dirhams or 120 dirhams, incredibly good value for Fez.

95, Zkak Rouah Tala Kbira 033 284 874




Restaurant Vesuvio


Interesting italian food, good for a break and for the friendly atmosphere and cozy lighting. Unfortunately the owner is not italian.
9, rue Abi Hayane Taouhidi, bd des FAR - 30000 Fés
Tél. : 035 93 07 47




Restaurant Zagora


Modern and colorful décor welcome you to the Zagora restaurant. Moroccan and international specialty dishes make up the menu.


5, Boulevard Mohammed V. Ville nouvelleTel : 035 94 06 86




Restaurant Palais des Mérinides


Decorated with mosaic designs, zelliges and sculpted wood panelling, this 14th century palace is a feast for the eyes and really quite impressive. Servings are generous and the selection quite good. Alcohol sometimes is served. Afterwords you can head for a drink round the corner in Fez Lounge.


36, ChrablyneFez el BaliTel : 035 63 40 28

Stay in a Riad








A Riad (Arabic: رياض‎) is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden. The word riad comes from the Arabian term for garden, "ryad". The riad became popular to begin with because of the religion of Islam . The riads were inward focused which allowed for family privacy and protection from the weather in Morocco. This inward focus was expressed in the central location of most of the interior gardens and courtyards and the lack of large windows on the exterior clay or mud brick walls. Entrance to these houses is a major transitional experience and encourages reflection because all of the rooms open into the central atrium space. The style of these riads has changed over the years, but the basic form is still used in designs today. Recently there has been a surge in interest in this form of house after a new vogue of renovation in towns such as Marrakech or Fez.

Here is a selection ranging from expensive to affordable, but all of them are worth a stay.



One of the 10 Sexiest Hotels in Morocco, it's chic, luxurious and traditionally Moroccan. There are many areas for you to lounge around at the Riad.




After two years of restoration by skilled and devoted local craftsmen this vast 17th century palace (of a net floor size close to 1000m2), once home to the Minister Mnebhi, is now ready to welcome you - The Riad Laaroussa which offers 5 suites and 2 rooms.


This historic house which has been home to the Alaouites descendants is a small palace and architectural jewel. Careful and meticulous restoration with natural materials and a lot of heart and soul of the German proprietor brought Dar Attajalli back to its former splendour.

This house is one of our favourite choices for its opulent suites and warm welcome. Suites start as little as 90 euros per night. Totally worth it.



http://www.darseffarine.com/

The riad is a magnificent piece of art. Tucked away off the noisy back streets of Fez, Dar Seffarine is an oasis in this hectic vibrant city. Beautifully restored by the most amazing hosts, Alaa and Kate, you feel like you've stepped back in time with a few nods to the modern world.




Riad Number 9 is fabulous. It is a feast for the eyes and sets the perfect pace for Fez. Every item in the Riad has been hand picked and is unique and gorgeous. The transformation of the riad is the work of owners Stephen di Renza and Bruno Ussel, each with their own particular talents.



Dar Hanna is a private home located in the middle of the Fes Medina. Josephine, the owner, has brought this beautiful Dar or home back to its original splendor. Rooms are comfortable and very clean, and Josephine treats guests like personal friends staying in her home.

Ten Ways to Slow Down Time in Fez



  1. Find a cafe, sit and observe life

  2. Lie in a hammock and stare at the stars

  3. Smoke a Shisha listening to some chill music

  4. Go for a walk without direction

  5. Read a book in complete silence

  6. Take a nap in the sun

  7. Sleep till you can sleep no more

  8. Take a bath by candlelight

  9. Extend foreplay

  10. Call for an electrician and wait for him

Getting Around



By Train The train station is situated in the Ville Nouvelle, ten minutes walk from all the hotels around town. From the train station, the buses pass the main bus station, the airport and the outlying suburbs.

For more info http://www.oncf.ma/ but only in french.

By Bus Coming in by bus is rather confusing as there are three terminals: the Ville Nouvelle, the Medina, and the main bus station. If you're coming from Taza and the east, the buses stop at the Medina's southeast gate, Bab Ftouh, before they continue to the main bus station.

Check http://www.ctm.co.ma/ for timetables and more.

By Grand Taxi Like buses, the grand taxis mostly operate from three or four points: the taxi rank opposite the CTM office, the taxi rank at the train station, the taxi rank southeast of Place de la Resistance and Bab Ftouth. You can book the whole taxi or a seat, but knowing that they seat 4 in the back and 2 plus the driver in the front, so you rather buy 2 if you are alone and sit comfortable, or 4 if you are traveling with someone so you get the whole backseat.


By Petit Taxi This is the way to get around outside the walls of old Fes (cars are not allowed in old Fes). Petit taxis are tiny, but they have meters and are cheap. A run from Ville Nouvelle to the Medina will cost around 10Dh-1Euro.


By Air Fez's new airport is 15km south of the city center off the N8. From here you can reach town by bus or by grand taxis - ranks are outside the terminal building to your left. Check the other article in this blog.

By Car If you come by car there is a small car park south of Bab Boujeloud, just a few minutes walk from the old Medina and some of the hotels, where you can leave your car. For maps:


Warm Welcome


Welcome all to the ultimate Fez guide on how to experience this chaotic yet totally charming city with knowledge, sense of adventure, humour and style, in a way that even Lawrence Sterne would have approved of.


Feel alive in its labyrinthic streets rather than take pictures that annoy locals, and dare blend in the context rather than walk shyly. This is an hedonist guide to Fez and its an open party to all your senses; otherwise you can just choose to be a regular tourist...and get only half the fun.


This blog is dedicated to everyone who makes Fez a lilveable and ejoyable city, and to all the rest who serve just as a background and extras to our liberal lifestyle. Remember, you can become a player too, just follow the guide and your instincts..best wishes,


Gatsby

How to Get There



Low-cost airline routes to Fez, all belonging to Ryanair

Belgium
Brussels (Charleroi)













Other Airlines Flying to Fez include
jet4you from:
Paris (Orly Sud)
Atlas-Blue from:
Marseille
Lyon
London Gatwick

Facts about Fez airport


Distance to Fez from the airport:
14 km / 9 miles
Number of low-cost airline routes:
7
Nearest major settlements:
Meknes (53 km / 33 miles)Kenitra (152 km / 94 miles)Rabat (171 km / 106 miles)Al Hoceima (176 km / 110 miles)
Nearest airports:
Al Hoceima (176 km / 109 miles)Tangier (221 km / 137 miles)Nador (237 km / 147 miles)


Most Useful Medina Map




Get Lost in Fez



Fez is one of the most fascinating cities in the world; it is so diverse that each individual will find something or the other to do here. All you need to find is your area of interest and the only thing you should be open to is experimentation.
- Places to visit:There are countless places to visit in Fez, the intellectual capital of Morocco. From gardens to forts, museum to universities and mosque to medersa all are set beautifully in this enchanting city of Fez.
Below are just a few tourist places:- Ibn Danan Synagogue- Kairaouine Mosque and University- Nejjarine Museum- Zaouiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani- Museum of Andalusian Music- Water Clock, part of the Bou Inania complex on Talaa Kibeera- Cherableeyeen Mosque- Royal Palace- Merenid Tombs- Hammams in Fez`
- Besides the above given places there are many sites around Fez which are of immense historical importance and you should see them all on your visit to Fez.- Tickle your taste buds and experience the exotic cuisine, or simply learn how to cook the sumptuous Moroccan dishes.- Learn the Moroccan language and study the standard Arabic.- You can also visit the tanneries of Fez, or the place where beautiful pottery is created. - Maneuver through the streets of the Fez lost in the vibrant market place, absorbing all you can.- Shop till you drop through out the vacation and surely you will still find it less. - Discover new ingredients and new remedies to old ailments with Berber pharmacy in the Medina, the typical Moroccan therapy.- Loiter around the streets of Fez and immerse yourself in the aroma of the city.

Some History First


Fez is the oldest city of Morocco. As with other Moroccan cities it consists of two parts; the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle. Fez differs from other cities by its divided Medina which include New Fez (Fes-el-Djedid) and old Fes (Fes-el-Bali). New Fez was build in the 14-th century so imagin how old Fes-el-Bali (old Fes) is. This city was founded in the 9th century by the first Muslim dynasty to rule Morocco, the Idrissids. Since then Fez has always played a pivotal role in the history of Morocco, right up to the revolt against the French.
Fez-el-Jadid is an outcome of the glorious times in 1248 during the conquest of Fes by the Merenids and therefore it reflects a massive royal city.


Most Fassis -the people of Fes- continue to live in in the Medina-city Fes-el-Bali instead of moving to the Ville Nouvelle; the modern urban and more European city.
Fez is no longer the capital of Morocco, and is not the biggest nor the most important town, but more than any other town it is immersed with the history of Morocco.
By now, most of the original Fassis who trace their heritage back to the time of the Andalusians have either moved to the Ville Nouvelle or to other cities like Casablanca and Rabat. The old medina is now crowded with rural-to-urban migrants and among the old families, very few still occupy their houses there.

Fez Restaurants, Zagora

Restaurant Zagora


'Modern' and 'colorful' décor welcome you to the Zagora restaurant. Moroccan and international specialty dishes make up the menu. The fish is quite good and the meat has never dissapointed Gatsby, pity that is usually crowded with groups from organised tours making too much noise.


5, Boulevard Mohammed V. Ville nouvelleTel : 035 94 06 86

Fez Restaurants, Vesubio

Restaurant Vesuvio


Interesting italian food, good for a break and for the friendly atmosphere and cozy lighting. Unfortunately the owner is not italian.
9, rue Abi Hayane Taouhidi, bd des FAR - 30000 Fés
Tél. : 035 93 07 47

Fez Restaurants, Fez Lounge

Fez Lounge (or F Lounge) Restaurant-Tapas


Deep in the Tala Kbira where most interesting souks and mosques are to be found, in the so called golden triangle, you will find this cozy eclectic venue mix of ultracontemporary and arab harem where you can have a good lunch with moroccan and italian inspiration and drink leaving the bustle behind; on the menu: Cous-cous, tajines, pastilla, briouates filled with cheese, bruschettas, excellent chocolate brownie, homemade cakes... and end up lying on a bed smoking Shisha.
And now they propose a 2 course meal (main course+dessert) at 90 dirhams or 140 dirhams (moroccan salads+main course+dessert & mint tea), or a Moroccan Feast for 150dh each (minimum 2 people) to try pretty much everything in the menu! Incredibly good value for Fez.

95, Zkak Rouah Tala Kbira 0535 63 30 97


Fez Restaurants, Cafe Clock




Very nice restaurant/café with an excellent view of Fez. It is run by an english. They offer a variety of moroccan, english and continental food for reasonable prices. It's a good place for a breakfast or an early dinner, or just having a rest and watching the hundreds of swollows which meet and fly every evening near Bab Bou Jeloud.


7 Derb El Magana, Talaa Kbira





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