Local time Fes

Currency

Dh

Shopping in Fes

Shopping in Fès is a genuinely extraordinary experience if you're hardy enough to brave the medina's twisting souks. If you're feeling less confident, book a guide to help you make the most of your visit. The medina is best for handicrafts, with specialist products divided into different quarters. In the carpenter’s quarter, you'll hear hammering and smell fresh wood. Nearby, coppersmiths bang relentlessly as they mould huge copper cauldrons. The unmistakeable smell of dyed leather will signal your approach to the tanneries. Each corner yields a new discovery. And remember - except for a few stores charging fixed prices, bargaining is expected.

Key areas

For cushion covers, try Chez Hamidou on Hay Lablida Chouwara near the Tanneries and for carpets, try Tissage Berbere, 4 Derb Taouil. If you want a Fez (the cylindrical tasselled hat named after its home town), look in the lanes called Kissaria, which are lined with clothes shops. Terrasse de Tannerie, 10 Hay Lablida Chouwara, is dedicated to leatherware specialising in camel, cow, and goat leather products such as babouches, poufes, belts, jackets, wallets, and bags. Around Derb Sidi Moussa, close to the Foundouk Nejjarine Museum, you’ll find a crowd of antiques shops.

Markets

Plunge into the souks where you can buy almost anything. Rue el-Attarine is particularly vibrant, with heaps of fruit, vegetables, spices and herbs; traditional cosmetics and exotic unguents are found around the henna souk in the heart of Fès el-Bali. Haggling is the norm – but don’t expect to outdo the well-practised shopkeepers.

Opening hours

Shops and souks are generally open from around 0900 until around 1800 but closed on Friday mornings and sometimes on Friday afternoon as well. Some shops may close for lunch.

Souvenirs

Popular souvenirs include the Fès famous blue and white pottery, jewellery, wood carvings, leather ware, lanterns, brass work, woven cushion covers, carpets, scarves, shoes or the bright babouches (slippers).

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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Riad Fès

This sumptuous property offers rooms and suites with traditional furnishings, zellig floors, plaster-decorated walls, and exquisite Moroccan fabrics. There is an amazing rooftop bar, plunge pool, restaurant and spa plus fabulous views of the medina and Atlas Mountains. This is a fantastic place to envelop yourself in old world opulence.

Riad Tizwa

This inviting and cosy riad offers homely touches such as coffee delivered to your door each morning and breakfast served at any time of the day. There’s a large roof terrace to slouch out on after exploring the dusty souks and the staff go out of their way to help.

Dar Seffarine

Behind high walls and a discrete doorway in the oldest part of the medina is Dar Seffarine, a beautifully renovated 750-year-old riad that has been restored to its former glory. Guests here are treated like long-lost friends by the sociable owners, who host evening drinks and organise nightly dinners.

Riad Salam Fes

This gorgeously restored riad in the center of the medina offers luxury and charm at a fair price. Rooms are individualised and elegantly decorated, and the food is a must-try. Head up to the rooftop patio for a beautiful view.

Dar Fes Medina

A ten-minute walk from the main door of the medina, this guesthouse is a step outside the central hustle and bustle, but the charm of the architecture, gardens, and home-cooked food make a stay well worth it. The hotel staff are eager to make travellers comfortable and help them navigate Fes—and is always ready to share their tasty mint tea and cookies. 

Dar Finn

Moroccan craftsmanship meets minimalist contemporary styling at Dar Finn, where the light-filled rooms come with stained glass windows, gorgeous original tile floors, and dinky balconies overlooking the internal courtyard. A rooftop bar, plunge pool and shaded garden make this riad an oasis within the medina.