Fez el-Bali (Old Medina)
Medieval, denseUNESCO historic heart, 9,000 alleys, entirely pedestrian. Exceptional riads. Car impossible: leave it at the Bab Boujloud parking.
Fes-Meknes · Morocco
Location voiture Fès
Fez — The spiritual and intellectual capital of Morocco
Fez el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest medieval pedestrian zone in the world still inhabited. Al-Qarawiyyin University founded in 859, Chouara tanneries, madrasas, and palaces: Fez is the ultimate museum city. It is also the best base for exploring Meknes, Volubilis, and the Middle Atlas.
- Region
- Fes-Meknes
- Population
- ~1.2M inhabitants
- Airport
- Fes-Saiss (FEZ)
- Climate
- Continental, hot dry summers, cool winters
- Time zone
- GMT+1 (summer)
- Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Why go
Why visit Fez?
The real reasons that make the difference when planning your stay.
The most authentic UNESCO medina in Morocco (9,000 alleys, 13th century almost intact)
Al-Qarawiyyin University: the oldest continuously operating university in the world (859)
Chouara Tanneries: medieval spectacle, photos from the leather terraces
Top-tier craftsmanship: zellige, brassware, embroidery, leather
Ideal base for Meknes, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Azrou)
When to go
Best time to visit
Climate, crowds and surf season at a glance.
March → May
Ideal season: 18–25 °C, medina is bearable, gardens in bloom. Our favorite period.
September → November
Perfect late season, golden light, decreasing crowds. World Sacred Music Festival in June (to target or avoid).
June → August
Hot to very hot (30–38 °C), medina is stifling in the afternoon. Morning visits, siesta, go out again at sunset.
December → February
Cool winter (8–16 °C), cold nights (2–6 °C). Riads with a fireplace are welcome. Rain is possible.
Neighborhoods
Where to stay and wander in Fez
The right neighborhood changes everything: vibe, parking, distance to the beach.
Fez el-Jdid
Royal, quiet« New Fez » founded in the 13th c. Mellah (old Jewish quarter), royal palace, Bou Jeloud gardens. Much less crowded.
Ville Nouvelle
Modern, functionalAvenue Hassan II, modern hotels, supermarkets, ONCF railway station. Comfortable base if you arrive by train or rent a car.
Batha & Bab Boujloud
Touristy, livelyMain gateway to the medina. Café terraces, Batha Museum, guarded parking. Ideal for a 1st approach.
Things to do
What to do in Fez
Our cliché-free selection, from must-see highlights to genuine local tips.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Marinid architectural jewel (14th c.). Zellige, stucco, carved cedar ceilings. Open to non-Muslims, 30 min visit.
Chouara Tanneries
Medieval spectacle unchanged since the 11th c. Dye vats, skins drying in the sun. View from the leather terraces (the mint bouquet is offered).
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Oldest university in the world (859). Interior reserved for Muslims, but the main door and the library (restored) can be visited.
Souks by trade
Souk Attarine (spices), Henna (cosmetics), Nejjarine (carpenters), Seffarine (brassware). The most exotic in Morocco.
Visit the potters of Aïn Nokbi
3 km from the medina. Throwing demos, painting, zellige kilns. Good opportunity to buy directly.
Meknes & Volubilis excursion
UNESCO Roman site 1 h away, imperial city of Meknes 1 h 15 away. Perfect day combo with a car.
Around the city
Day trips and road trips from Fez
Distances, driving times and what to expect on site.
Volubilis & Moulay Idriss
Best preserved UNESCO Roman city in Morocco, mosaics in place. Sacred village of Moulay Idriss 5 km away. Half-day combo.
70 km1 h
Meknes
Imperial city founded by Moulay Ismail. Bab Mansour, royal granaries, UNESCO medina. Much less crowded than Fez.
65 km1 h
Ifrane & Azrou
« The little Moroccan Switzerland » at 1,650 m. Azrou cedar forest, Barbary macaques, cool climate in summer. Ideal for a green break.
65 km1 h 15
Chefchaouen
Blue medina of the Rif. Many do a Fez → Chefchaouen road trip (2 nights on site recommended).
200 km3 h 30
Sefrou Waterfalls
Small Andalusian town and family-friendly waterfalls. Effortless relaxing excursion, ideal with children.
30 km40 min
Bhalil & its cave houses
Little-known Berber village, houses partly carved into the rock, view over the Saïss. Local guided tour recommended.
30 km35 min
Getting around
How to get around in Fez
In practice
The medina of Fez is entirely pedestrian (and labyrinthine): forget the car inside the walls and seriously consider an official guide for the 1st half-day. Petit taxis (red) abound in the Ville Nouvelle. To reach Meknes, Volubilis, Ifrane, or Chefchaouen, a rental car is the only truly flexible option — buses exist but waste time.
Rent a car in Fez
Prix réels, sans frais cachés. Filtrez par type de véhicule, transmission et politique carburant.
Car rental
Everything about renting in Fez
Prices, conditions, driving: the full guide, no fluff.
Renting in Fez: Saiss airport or Ville Nouvelle?
Fes-Saiss airport (FEZ) is 15 km south of the medina, about a 20–25 min drive. The major rental desks are lined up there but with less choice than in Marrakech or Casa. The Ville Nouvelle, around Avenue Hassan II, concentrates independent agencies and some major rental companies.
Our rule: if you arrive by plane and go on a Meknes/Volubilis/Chefchaouen road trip, pick up the car at the airport. If you plan to spend 2-3 days inside the medina before moving, wait for the Ville Nouvelle or the train station: no airport surcharge, and no useless car during the medina stay.
- FEZ Airport: open until the last flight, decent choice, ~10% surcharge
- Ville Nouvelle / Atlas: more aggressive rates, choice of independents
- ONCF railway station: drop-off possible with some major rental companies (to be confirmed)
How much does a rental cost in Fez?
Smaller market than Marrakech, but prices remain competitive. As an indication (daily, basic insurance, 7 days):
- Economy (Sandero, i10): 240–320 MAD / day (24–32 €)
- Compact (Clio, Polo, Yaris): 320–440 MAD / day (32–44 €)
- Compact SUV (Duster, Captur): 460–650 MAD / day (46–65 €)
- 4×4 if you target the Middle Atlas off-season: 700–1,100 MAD / day
- Booking 2 weeks ahead: 10–20% savings
Conditions, deposit, and insurance
Credit card mandatory, deposit 5,000 to 15,000 MAD. Minimum age 21, young driver surcharge up to 25.
Third-party liability included, CDW and theft highly recommended. Check your premium bank card coverage.
- National license (1 year of experience) or international permit
- « Full-to-full » fuel policy preferred, refuse « full-to-empty »
- Unlimited mileage with most rental companies
- Notify the rental company if driving on Middle Atlas dirt tracks in winter
Driving in Fez and the region
The Ville Nouvelle of Fez is easy to drive in: wide roads, decent signage. The medina, however, is entirely pedestrian — do not even try to enter. Guarded parking at Bab Boujloud and Bab Ftouh (~30 MAD / 24 h).
Outside the city, the A2 towards Meknes and Rabat is impeccable. The N6 towards Taza and Oujda is free but slow. The roads to Ifrane and Azrou are sublime but can get icy in winter — chains sometimes necessary in January-February.
- Speed limits: 60 km/h in town, 100 km/h on roads, 120 km/h on highways
- Numerous speed cameras on the A2
- Fuel: 13–15 MAD/L diesel
- Middle Atlas winter: check mountain pass conditions before departure
Budget
How much to plan per day
Indicative prices in Moroccan dirhams (MAD), per person.
| Item | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riad / hotel (night, double) | 250 MAD | 650 MAD | 1,700 MAD |
| Meals | 40 MAD | 130 MAD | 320 MAD |
| Car rental / day | 250 MAD | 420 MAD | 720 MAD |
| Activity / guide | 150 MAD | 400 MAD | 1,000 MAD |
| Total / day / pers. | ≈ 380 MAD | ≈ 900 MAD | ≈ 2,000 MAD |
Safety & advice
Good to know before you go
- Fez is safe, but the medina is a labyrinth: an official guide (orange badge) for the 1st half-day avoids scams and stress.
- Beware of « spontaneous guides » who offer to take you to a specific point — they always end up in a shop.
- Tap water not recommended, mineral water 6 MAD / 1.5 L everywhere.
- Useful numbers: 19 (police), 15 (ambulance), 177 (royal gendarmerie).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions — Fez
The questions we get most often by message.
Is it easy to park in the centre of Fez?
Parking can be a challenge in the historic centre of Fez. It is recommended to use the guarded car parks located on the outskirts of the medina, such as Bab Bou Jeloud or Batha. In the Ville Nouvelle, parking is easier, though often paid.
Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Fez?
For holders of a European driving licence, an international driving permit is not mandatory. However, it can be useful in the event of a traffic stop to facilitate understanding by local authorities.
Can I rent a car in Fez with a debit card?
Most rental agencies require a credit card in the name of the main driver to block the deposit. Debit cards are rarely accepted for this formality.
Is the traffic difficult in Fez?
Yes, traffic can be dense and sometimes chaotic, especially during rush hours and around commercial areas. Caution is advised, and it is recommended to avoid driving in the medina, which is pedestrian-only.
What are the popular destinations to visit from Fez by car ?
From Fez, you can easily reach Meknes, Volubilis (historical sites), Ifrane, Azrou (Middle Atlas, nature and landscapes), or even the Blue City of Chefchaouen (about a 4-hour drive).
Are there tolls on the roads around Fez?
Yes, some motorways in Morocco are tolled. For example, the motorway connecting Fez to Rabat or Casablanca is a toll road. Prepare some local currency for these sections.
Go further
Tools & guides for your stay
Prepare every step with our dedicated guides and tools.
Fes-Saiss airport (FEZ) guide
Desks, medina transfers, choosing a rental company.
Marrakech → Fez route
Via Beni Mellal or via Midelt and the cedar forest.
Fez → Chefchaouen route
200 km in the Rif, recommended stops.
Should you rent a car in Fez?
Interactive tool: 6 questions to decide.
Compare transfer vs rental
Estimate the cost FEZ → medina or Ville Nouvelle.
Morocco road trip guide
Tested itineraries Fez, Atlas, Sahara, coast.
Arriving by plane
Airports near Fez
Local hub and regional alternatives to plan your arrival and rent a car straight from the terminal.
- Local hub
Fès–Saïss
FEZ15 km du centre · 20 minAéroport Fès–Saïss, porte d'entrée du Maroc impérial. Trafic essentiellement touristique avec une présence croissante des compagnies low-cost.
Marrakech Menara
RAKAéroport régional · MarrakechPorte d'entrée du Sud marocain, l'aéroport Marrakech Menara se situe à seulement 6 km du centre historique. Hub touristique majeur connecté à plus de 50 destinations européennes.
Rabat–Salé
RBAAéroport régional · RabatAéroport Rabat–Salé, à taille humaine, dessert la capitale administrative. Trafic surtout institutionnel et affaires, avec des liaisons régulières vers l'Europe.
Oujda Angads
OUDAéroport régional · OujdaAéroport Oujda Angads, principal point d'arrivée de l'Oriental. Très saisonnier avec un fort pic estival lié à la communauté MRE.
Routes
Routes from and to Fez
Distance, duration and practical tips for each route.
Nearby
Neighboring cities to combine with Fez
Continue your road trip in the region.
Marrakech
≈ 5 h par la N8
Marrakech, la vibrante "Ville Rouge", attire des millions de visiteurs chaque année, que ce soit pour ses souks animés, ses jardins luxur…
Discover the Marrakech guideRabat
≈ 2 h 15 par l'A2
Louer une voiture au cœur de Rabat offre une flexibilité et une autonomie précieuses, que vous soyez un touriste désireux d'explorer la c…
Discover the Rabat guideOujda
≈ 4 h par l'A2
Oujda, la "Capitale de l'Oriental", est une ville dynamique et un carrefour stratégique pour de nombreux voyageurs.
Discover the Oujda guideapp.karvyx.com
Ready to hit the road from Fez?
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All destinations
Continue exploring Morocco with our other city guides.