With winding medieval alleys, vibrant souks, and iconic tanneries, Fes packs in centuries of history and culture. As one of Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Fes offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Moroccan life. However, visiting this complex city also comes with its share of pitfalls for travelers.
Follow these tips to avoid common mistakes and hassles during your Fes explorations.
Stay in Fes El Bali (Old Medina)
Fes el Bali, the old walled medina, is the historic heart of the city. Dating back to the 9th century, this car-free urban labyrinth envelops you in Moroccan culture. Spend most of your time wandering the medina’s 9,000 alleys and lanes.
Don’t make the mistake of booking a hotel outside the old city walls. Staying in one of Fes el Bali’s riads lets you immerse yourself in the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. You’ll be steps from top Don’t make the mistake of booking a hotel outside the old city walls. Staying in one of Fes el Bali’s riads lets you immerse yourself in the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. You’ll be steps from top attractions like the Chouara Tannery. the Chouara Tannery.
Recommended Riads in Fes El Bali:
- Riad Myra – Stunning restored riad with a rooftop terrace.
- Riad Maison Bleue – Luxurious riad blending traditional decor with modern amenities.
- Riad Dar Bensouda – Charming budget riad in the heart of the medina.
Avoid Tap Water
Locals may drink Fes tap water with no issues, but visitors often react poorly. Don’t drink from taps during your stay. Instead, buy bottled water or use a filtered water bottle to be safe.
Getting sick from tap water can quickly ruin your trip. I love my LifeStraw Go bottle for filtering water while traveling. It removes 99.9% of bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and more from any water source.
Wander Without An Itinerary
The magic of Fes comes alive when you ditch the map and get purposefully lost wandering the medina’s maze. Let your senses guide you, venturing down captivating side alleys overflowing with artisan workshops and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
Don’t overplan packed sightseeing days. Leave room to leisurely meander, stopping for spontaneous conversations and glasses of mint tea. Let the gritty, exotic medina reveal its hidden treasures.
Book A Guided Tour
Navigating the labyrinthine medina solo can prove challenging, especially on a first visit. Hiring an authorized local guide helps maximize your experience.
Don’t randomly accept offers of unsolicited “help” in the medina, which often comes with sneaky fees. Instead, pre-book a guided Fes medina walking tour to enrich your understanding of landmarks like the Bou Inania Medersa.
Take Communication Cues
Locals may enthusiastically promote their shops or offer to guide you. While well-meaning, the attention can feel intrusive. Don’t be afraid to firmly decline unsolicited approaches.
A simple “No, thank you” and continuing on your way is often most effective. Engaging further may invite prolonged sales pitches. Be polite but unambiguous to deflect unwelcome approaches in the medina.
Learn Local Customs
Morocco blends Berber, Arab, and European influences. Don’t assume it will mirror your own cultural norms. Research local etiquette before visiting.
Some key customs to know include:
- Dress modestly – cover knees, shoulders, and cleavage
- Greet others respectfully with “salam alaykum”
- Eat communally with the right hand only
- Ask before photographing people
- Remove shoes before entering mosques or homes
Ask Cab Fares Upfront
Petite taxis zip around Fes. But don’t just hop in. Confirm the fare beforehand, as some drivers claim meters are “broken” to charge foreigners more.
Offer a reasonable counter offer, like 20-30 dirhams for medina trips. Don’t rely on the meter, which may be “accidentally” left running after you exit. Agree to the rate first.
Mind Your Money
Morocco’s currency is the dirham (MAD), issued in coins and colorful banknotes. Carry small change and bills to easily pay for taxis, snacks, tips and bargaining.
Don’t pull out 200 dirham notes for small purchases. Vendors may claim not to have change in hopes you overpay. Keep a stash of 10, 20 and 50 dirham notes easily accessible.
Download Offline Maps
Don’t rely solely on cell service when navigating the sprawling medina’s 9,000+ streets. Download offline Google Maps and get a SIM card as backup.
Alternatively, take a photo of your guidebook map or pick up a paper medina map as backup. Combining digital and analog maps means you can’t get totally lost.
Ask First Before Photographing People
Fes offers endless Insta-worthy photo ops. But don’t snap pictures of locals without permission. Many decline photos for religious reasons.
If you want to photograph someone, ask first in French or Arabic:
“Puis-je vous photographier, s’il vous plaît?”
“Hal sahra alatassawur min fadlik?”
Only share portraits publicly with explicit consent.
Dress Modestly and Avoid Religious Sites on Friday
Morocco is a Muslim country. Be respectful by not wearing revealing clothing near mosques. Shoulders, knees, and cleavage should be covered.
Avoid visiting holy sites on Fridays during prayer time. Instead, plan museum trips on Fridays when they’re less crowded.
Bargain Respectfully
Haggling is common at bazaars, but don’t ruthlessly negotiate the lowest price. Offer fair rates considering relative incomes and expenses.
Vendors factor tourist paying capacity into initial quotes. Counter once or twice, then settle on a price acceptable to both parties. Pay what the item is worth to you.
Venture Beyond Fes
Don’t limit yourself to the medina. Day trips to Meknes, Moulay Idriss, and Volubilis offer glimpses of Morocco beyond Fes.
Consider visits to:
- Chefchaouen – The “Blue Pearl” city tucked in the Rif Mountains
- Meknes – Morocco’s smallest Imperial City
- Ifrane – Morocco’s “Little Switzerland” mountain town
Trust Your Instincts
Fes moves at a slower pace. Don’t feel rushed or pressured to purchase items or services. Politely decline anything that doesn’t feel right.
Visiting Morocco as a solo female? Use street smarts at night. Have your accommodation call trusted taxi companies rather than hailing one yourself after dark.
By avoiding these common mistakes in Fes, you’re sure to have an enriching Moroccan experience. Have any other Fes tips? Share below!
