Where to Stay in Fez
Fes el-Bali: The Ancient Medina
Fes el-Bali, founded in the 9th century, is the historic core and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world, a labyrinth of thousands of alleys hiding the famous Chouara tanneries, the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university, and the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas.
Staying here puts the city's monuments on your doorstep, but the medina is genuinely disorienting. Expect to walk, hire porters for luggage, and rely on your riad for directions. It is the most atmospheric and authentic choice.
Fes el-Jdid: The Royal City
Fes el-Jdid, meaning New Fez but dating to the 13th century, lies between the old medina and the modern town. It contains the Royal Palace with its famous brass gates, the Mellah (the historic Jewish quarter), and the Jnan Sbil gardens.
Fewer travelers base themselves here, but it can be a quieter middle ground that is still close to history. Accommodation options are more limited than in Fes el-Bali.
The Ville Nouvelle: Modern Fez
The Ville Nouvelle, built in the French era, is the contemporary commercial center with broad avenues, chain and boutique hotels, cafes, banks, and the train station. Cars and taxis move freely and rooms tend to be larger and cheaper per amenity than riads.
This area suits travelers who value comfort, easy arrivals and departures, and a break from medina intensity. It is about a 10 minute taxi ride from the old medina gates.
Riads and Dars in the Medina
A riad is a traditional house with an interior courtyard or garden; a dar is similar but typically smaller and without the central garden. Fez is famous for beautifully restored examples with carved plaster, zellige tilework, and rooftop terraces overlooking the medina.
These are the signature places to stay in Fez. Many owners will arrange airport pickup and send a guide to walk you in from the nearest vehicle access point, which is essential given the maze of lanes.
Practical Considerations
Cars cannot enter most of the medina, so if you arrive by car you will park at a gate and walk. Confirm with your accommodation where to park and whether a porter is needed.
Fez is hilly and the medina streets are uneven, so pack light footwear that grips. Carry a small amount of cash, as many medina shops and cafes do not take cards.
Getting Around
Petit taxis link the gates of the medina with the Ville Nouvelle and the train station quickly and cheaply. Inside Fes el-Bali, everything is on foot.
Saiss Airport is about 15 km from the city. Most riads can organize a transfer, which is the simplest option after a long flight given the medina's complexity.
Which Area to Choose
For a first trip centered on Fez's extraordinary history, stay in Fes el-Bali and accept the walking and navigation challenges in exchange for immersion. For comfort, accessibility, or a longer stay, the Ville Nouvelle is the practical pick.
Some visitors combine both, beginning in a medina riad for the experience and finishing near the new town for an easy departure.
| Area | Best for | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Fes el-Bali | History, riads, immersion | Ancient, maze-like, car-free |
| Fes el-Jdid | Quieter medina-edge stays | Royal, historic, low-key |
| Ville Nouvelle | Comfort, easy arrivals | Modern, drivable, relaxed |
Areas
FAQ
Can you drive into the Fez medina?
No. Fes el-Bali is almost entirely car-free, one of the largest such urban areas in the world. You park at a gate and walk in, often with a porter for luggage arranged by your riad.
Is the Fez medina easy to navigate?
No, it is famously labyrinthine with thousands of alleys. Use a map app, note landmarks, and do not hesitate to ask your accommodation to send a guide to walk you in on arrival.
Is the Ville Nouvelle worth staying in?
Yes, if you prioritize modern hotels, parking, larger rooms, and easy access to the train station. It is roughly a 10 minute taxi ride from the old medina gates.
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