Tips for Traveling to Fez and What You Should Avoid

Are you planning a trip to Fez and wondering what to expect? Do you want to make the most of your visit? Take note of these tips to enjoy Fez to the fullest and avoid the mistakes we made. Follow them for an unforgettable Moroccan experience!

The Best Tips for Traveling to Fez

1. Currency Matters

Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (at the time of writing, 1 euro ≈ 10.6 MAD). Exchange money at Fez airport or, even better, at official exchange offices in the city. Always request a receipt so you can apply the same exchange rate if you need to convert back to euros.

Hotels, riads, large restaurants, and some stores accept cards, but most small vendors require cash. If you run out of Dirhams, many places accept euros.

2. Shop Like a Local

Avoid touristy shops. Follow the locals to discover authentic goods. These areas offer better quality and prices.

3. Haggle Always

Haggling in Morocco feels like a game. Vendors expect it, and not negotiating can seem rude.

Tips for haggling:

• Avoid showing too much interest in the item.

• Start by offering half the initial price.

• Remember: locals have practiced bargaining for centuries—they usually make a profit.

• Don’t haggle endlessly without buying—it’s considered bad manners.

4. Be Curious and Ask Questions

Explore shops freely. Fez vendors remain friendly and rarely pressure tourists, unlike other Moroccan cities. Expect smiles, guidance, and helpful advice.

5. Avoid the Medina at Dusk

Walking through Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira streets remains safe during the day. However, avoid the medina after merchants close or after the last prayer of the day. Fez stays safe as long as you exercise common sense.

6. Respect Photography: TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO FEZ AND WHAT YOU SHOULD

Always ask permission before photographing people. Most will agree or request a small tip.

7. Try Local Cuisine

Enjoy tagines, couscous, mint tea, and fresh street juices like pomegranate, sugar cane, and ginger. Avoid tap water unless necessary.

8. Wear Comfortable Shoes

The medina has narrow, uneven streets, so wear sturdy shoes for long walks.

9. Peek into Mosques

Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques, but looking through the doors often reveals stunning interiors.

10. Use Petit Cabs or Walk

Walk throughout Fez-el-Bali (medina). Take a petit cab to reach Ville Nouvelle or Fez-el-Jedid (Jewish quarter, Royal Palace). Recognize them by their small red size.

11. Bring a Pen

Carry a pen for immigration forms; airport lines get long, and staff rarely provide one.

12. Watch for Donkeys and Carts

Medina streets host donkeys and carts carrying goods. Step aside to avoid accidents.

13. Pack Extra Space

Leave room in your suitcase—or bring an empty one—you’ll want to shop!

14. Get Medical Insurance

Fez has variable public hospital quality, and private care can be expensive.

15. Hire an Official Guide

We rarely hire guides, but Fez proved an exception. Official guides help you:

• Navigate the labyrinthine medina safely.

• Access authentic experiences and monuments.

• Avoid unofficial guides who may push stores for commissions.

• Receive accurate historical information in your language.

Price (2017): 180 MAD (~18 euros) for 3 hours, 400 MAD (~40 euros) for a full day.

The Importance of an Official Guide: Our Experience

We attempted to explore the medina alone. Despite strong navigation skills, we got lost within 15 minutes. A friendly guide offered to take us to the Chouara tannery, the Andalusian quarter, and a slipper workshop for 5 euros.

Suddenly, two men appeared and confronted him. Another man offered to help us escape. Feeling cautious, we followed him until we coincidentally met friends with an official guide, Marian. She escorted us for two days, showing the medina, monuments, and hidden gems safely.

Since then, we always recommend official guides in Fez. They belong to the Ministry of Tourism, don’t earn commission from stores unless you request, and they speak your language.

How to Hire an Official Guide

• Request through your hotel, riad, or the Moroccan consulate.

• Confirm the official price: 180 MAD for 3 hours, 400 MAD for a full day.

• Avoid unofficial guides; they may pressure you or mislead you.

Our guide Marian provided an incredible experience, showing us the best of Fez and teaching us so much. Hiring her made our trip a perfect 10!

Fez offers an immersive Moroccan experience, but following these tips ensures your visit remains safe, fun, and memorable.