5 curated properties in Morocco's most authentic city — medieval medina riads, luxury spa retreats, and the world's oldest university as your neighbour.
Fez is Morocco's most spiritual and intellectually profound city. Its medina — Fes el-Bali — is the world's largest car-free urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to 789 AD. Staying in a riad here means waking to the call to prayer echoing across rooftops, and stepping out into labyrinthine alleyways unchanged for centuries.
The city's riads are among Morocco's finest: many are former 14th-century merchant mansions restored to extraordinary standards. The tanneries, madrasas, and Al-Qarawiyyin — the world's oldest university — make Fez an essential stop on any Morocco itinerary.
Fez has three distinct districts — each suited to a different travel style.
The UNESCO-listed heart of Fez — all the best riads are here. Walk to Chouara Tannery, Al-Qarawiyyin, and Bou Inania Madrasa.
💰 $100–280/night
✓ Best for: Culture, riads, authenticity
The 13th-century "new" medina — less labyrinthine than Fes el-Bali, near the Royal Palace and Mellah (Jewish quarter).
💰 $80–150/night
✓ Best for: Historic, quieter, accessible
French-built modern city with the Fes Marriott and standard hotels. Better for business travellers or those who struggle with medina navigation.
💰 $120–200/night
✓ Best for: Modern amenities, easy access
Fez's top-rated riad — a centuries-old mansion with pool, spa, rooftop, and the most beautiful traditional Moroccan interiors.
Fez's premier luxury address — a Relais & Châteaux riad with acclaimed Moroccan cuisine, two pools, and a legendary rooftop bar.
Marriott's Fez property in the Jnan Palace gardens — a reliable 4-star with beautiful grounds, great dining, and city-wide transport.
The most-loved small riad in Fez — museum-quality antiques, a medina rooftop panorama, and near-perfect guest reviews.
A beautifully restored 17th-century riad near Fez's medina with private plunge pool, multiple terraces, and exceptional hospitality.
Fez riads start from $100/night. Mid-range riads average $100–160/night including breakfast. Luxury properties (Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux) reach $280/night. Our 5 listed properties cover all budgets.
Top rated: Riad Le Calife (9.9/10 — perfect score, medina rooftop), Riad Laaroussa (9.8/10 — pool & spa, #1 on TripAdvisor Fez), Riad Layalina Fes (9.8/10 — private plunge pool).
A licensed guide for Day 1 is strongly recommended — 9,400+ alleyways disorient even experienced travellers. Book through your riad (350–500 MAD half-day).
2 full days is ideal. Day 1: guided medina tour. Day 2: Meknes + Volubilis day trip (1.5hr). A 3rd day allows deeper independent medina exploration.
Yes. Fez is safe with less hustling than Marrakech. The main challenge is getting lost — use a guide on Day 1. Your riad can advise on current neighbourhood conditions.
Fès–Saïss Airport (FEZ) is 15km from the medina. Direct flights from Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Brussels. Taxis to the medina cost ~100–120 MAD (~$10–12).
Spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct) are ideal. Summers are very hot (38°C+). Winters are mild and atmospheric, with the medina at its most authentic.
The medina is car-free — you walk or use a mule. Hire a licensed guide for your first day to navigate the 9,000+ alleyways. Riads arrange arrival transfers from the Bab Bou Jeloud gate.