Fez
Morocco
- Fes el Bali
- University of al-Qarawiyyin
- Bou Inania Madrasa
- Chouara Tannery
- Al-Attarine Madrasa
About Fez
Fez, in northern Morocco, is the country's oldest imperial city, founded in the late 8th and early 9th centuries by the Idrisid dynasty. For centuries it was a centre of learning, crafts and trade.
Its walled old city, Fes el Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site whose maze of lanes holds the al-Qarawiyyin mosque-university, ornate madrasas and traditional leather tanneries.
How many days do you need?
Allow two to three days: one for the core of Fes el Bali with its madrasas and tanneries, and one for the Royal Palace gates and the Mellah in Fes el Jdid. An optional day trip can take in Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Where to stay
- Fes el Bali — Riads in restored traditional houses inside the medina; luggage is often carried by hand.
- Around Bab Bou Jeloud — On the edge of the medina, with easier taxi access.
- Ville Nouvelle — Modern district with larger hotels, close to the train station.
From the airport to the city
Fès–Saïss Airport (FEZ) is about 9 miles south of the city. Taxis wait outside the terminal; agree on the fare or ask for the meter before setting off.
Getting around
Inside the medina everything is on foot; lanes are steep and confusing, so an offline map or an official guide helps. Red petit taxis link the medina gates, Fes el Jdid and the Ville Nouvelle, and trains run from Fès station to Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.
Good to know
- Non-Muslims may not enter the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque; its courtyard can be glimpsed through the doorways.
- The tanneries are viewed from the terraces of surrounding leather shops; unofficial guides may approach you, so agree on terms in advance or hire a licensed guide.
- Summer temperatures can exceed 104 °F; spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. The currency is the Moroccan dirham.
Useful links
- Visit Morocco (Moroccan National Tourist Office) visitmorocco.com
- ONCF (Moroccan railways) oncf.ma
- ONDA (Moroccan airports) onda.ma
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: February–May and December. The warmest month is August (average high 101 °F); the wettest is November (4.0 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 62.1 | 3.74 | Good |
| February | 64.4 | 3.40 | Ideal |
| March | 69.1 | 3.86 | Ideal |
| April | 74.8 | 2.56 | Ideal |
| May | 82.4 | 1.39 | Ideal |
| June | 90.7 | 0.38 | Very hot |
| July | 100.4 | 0.13 | Very hot |
| August | 101.3 | 0.30 | Very hot |
| September | 90.9 | 1.06 | Very hot |
| October | 82.9 | 2.62 | Good |
| November | 70.3 | 3.96 | Good |
| December | 64.8 | 3.33 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Anniversary of the Independence ManifestoJanuary 11
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9
- Labour DayMay 1
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Feast of the ThroneJuly 30
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- Anniversary of the Recovery Oued Ed-DahabAugust 14
- Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the PeopleAugust 20
- Youth DayAugust 21
- Anniversary of the Green MarchNovember 6
- Independence DayNovember 18
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyMoroccan Dirham (د.م.)
- Dialling code+212
- Plugs & voltageType C, E · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 19 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 15
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.