Fes al Bali Travel Guide

 
by Over60
 
  •   Hotels
    by Over60
  •   Hotels
    by Over60
  • Fes/ Fez
      Fes/ Fez
    by cabeyp
  •   Fes al Bali
    by cabeyp
  •   Fes al Bali
    by cabeyp
 

Pro

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 Peaceful and authentic. Distance to Nouvelle Ville 


Con

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 Location within Morocco. Distance to Nouvelle Ville 


In a nutshell

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 This place deserves more than a 2 day pit stop. It requires time to be explored and discovered. 

 

Explore Fes al Bali

Things to Do  

go to ancienne medina with Abdelkader!

go to ancienne medina with Abdelkader!, Fes al Bali

 agngaw Says:  we had a chance to see old medina in Fes with Abdelkader; he is a licensed tour guide in Fes (ps. avoid the fake ones, you can meet them on the streets, if you wish to spend the day with the real one - ask in your hostel or hotel). Without him it would be impossible to see... 

Discover the Souks

Discover the Souks, Fes al Bali

 Waxbag Says:  Ancient craftsmanship still thrives in Fez. The city’s souks have specialized craft zones where Maalems, or master artisans, can still be seen meticulously working their ancient art with their specialized tools and bare hands. If you allow yourself to meander through the... 

The Chouara Tanneries of Fez

The Chouara Tanneries of Fez, Fes al Bali

 Waxbag Says:  The most remarkable sight in Fez, if not Morocco, are the Chouara Tanneries. The Chouara Tanneries are the largest tanneries in Fez and one of the most striking sights in Morocco. It is run by only one family with around 125 members. Little has changed in the production of... 

Madersa Bou Inania

Madersa Bou Inania, Fes al Bali

 Waxbag Says:  Non muslims may not visit a mosque in Fez but they may visit theological colleges like the Madersa Bou Inania. This madera is an exquisite example of 14th century Merinid artisanship and architecture. The zellij glass tile, stucco work, and carved screens are some of the... 

Sacred Music Festival

Sacred Music Festival, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  Here you will come across modern, sufi, gnaoua... a complete mix of music but the focus is on traditional sufi.Dar Tazi being one of the main free event venues for this.You can happily hear enough concerts without payng a penny if you so wish.Some hotels have terrasses... 

Fes Jazz Festival

Fes Jazz Festival, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  This is not to be overseen. Yes, it makes for an interesting alternative to the sacred Music Festival also held in Fes.Free and Ticketed concerts runs over a few days.Excellent acustics on the square at Bab Boujloud. 

Pool Party - Riad Alkantara

Pool Party - Riad Alkantara, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  This ia an amazing riad in the medina. Recently opened. The first to have a legal alcohol license. Every 2nd week they put on a pool party incl. Nibbles and sangria. Entry DH150,- includes use of pool.Normal access to pool incl dinner is DH300, so make a day of it. 

Leatherworks

Leatherworks, Fes al Bali

 hat53 Says:  Your guide will take you to the leatherworks. It is a fascinating view, the man working the leather to make is smooth and give it the desired colors.Some people can't stand the smell and bring some mint to cover it up. Tell me, is it really that bad? 

Hotels  

Riad Numero 9

 182 Opinions

Restaurants  

La Menara: Shabby chique

La Menara: Shabby chique, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:   In a spot you wouldn't just stumble into. After a stroll to R'Cif, it's just round the corner. Run by a local Moroccan family in a non touristy quarter.Pre book so they are open. Always cook on the spot only.Menu only DH140 (€14) for full starters, main and desert. 

Cafe Clock: Meeting point - funky to just hang out

Cafe Clock: Meeting point - funky to just hang out, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  Too pricey for the food you get but good quality and a nice treat.Known for it's camel burger, but I prefered the lamb burger. Expensive at DH90,-Great terrasse to hang out on. WiFiEnglish owned.Dreadlocked staff. Draws the traveller crowd. Lamb burger 

Many places around the city: SPECIALLY FOR GOURMETS

Many places around the city: SPECIALLY FOR GOURMETS, Fes al Bali

 venteeocho Says:  Every inch a capital, Fez is also the capital of gastronomy. It is the birthplace of the legendary and succulent pastilla: a flaky pastry as light as rice paper stuffed with a subtle blend of minced pigeon, sugar, almonds and spices. And then, if you happen to meet a nougat... 

Nightlife  

F-Lounge/ Fez lounge: Modern shisha lounge

F-Lounge/ Fez lounge: Modern shisha lounge, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  Shisha bar in the medina. No terasse but will be great spot for the colder autumn and winter evenings. Trying to appeal to the nouvelle ville crowd but more likely to attract tourists that fancy a change.Modern lounge style athmosphere. Lacking a bit in charm, but that is... 

Club next to Jnan Palace: Go Clubbing with the Moroccans

Club next to Jnan Palace: Go Clubbing with the Moroccans, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  Here you will find the people that want to be seen. The crowd s mainly yound affluent Moroccan men with 20% female, yet not sure how many of them were working vs just going out. The dress code is stylish - designer labels, short skirts (very short skirts, therefor the... 

Transportation  

How to get a petit taxi
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cabeyp 54 reviews

Catching a taxi you have two options: Hailing one in the street or going to a taxi rank.
There are ranks in Bab Boujloud, Batha, R'Cif, etc Just look for the small signs saying Petit Taxi.

But whatever you do be quick!

Once a taxi slows down be ready to prance. You run over qnd indicate it's yours by opening the door. Do not talk to the driver first as it is fairly certain some locals will jump in from the other side and off they go.

Be prepared to argue over it being yours depending on the time of day and the rank you are at taxis can be rare and you do not want to be losing out just because you are too civil to fight your corner.

In Fes taxis go on a meter and most drivers turn it on automatically, but do give a quick glance to make sure it has happened.

The small taxis are legally not permitted to carry more than 3 passengers.

Updated Sep 28, 2009

Related to:
 Singles
 Budget Travel
 Backpacking

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Shopping  

Marjane or Acima: Where do I buy wine & beer?

Marjane or Acima: Where do I buy wine & beer?, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  Big supermarkets in the Nouvelle Ville (taxi ride from th Madina)Marjane being the bigger of the 2 If you do not want to spend a fortune on alcohol in the few licensed places in the medina(e.g. Mezzanine, Riad Fes, Riad Alkantara) then jump in a petit taxi for ca DH12 - 20... 

everywhere...: sugar, tea, coca cola...

everywhere...: sugar, tea, coca cola..., Fes al Bali

 venteeocho Says:  There are few streets in old Fez that do not have many shops. The basic shop is the tiny grocery store, where basic commodities like sugar, tea, tins and Coca Cola can be bought. Often there will be shops selling goods needed by the local craftsmen. In slghtly wider streets,... 

Local Customs  

between the mountains
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venteeocho 542 reviews

Fez was founded in 789
at a place between the mountains
where the river was flushing by.
History has provided the city with long periods of hardship,
but Fez has never died.
Today it has its own culture,
pride, art and even cuisine.

Written Aug 27, 2003

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Warnings and Dangers  

Women being hassled - how to react
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cabeyp 54 reviews

If you get
- Touched on purpose
- insulted
- stered at in an overly sleezy/ perverted way
- have someone exposing themselveds to you
- groping themselves and asking you for a massage

DO NOT be intimidated or ashamed that it has happened to you beacuse that is what the are relying on.

Instead DO make a scene, shout at them, tell them to go away and leave you alone and do this in what ever your own language is as your tone and body language will let others around know that you are upset and they will come to your help and put the offender in his place.

Normally you will also receive a very sincere and appology from the other Moroccans that hope this incident will not tarnish the rest of your stay.

It will also be good for you to express that something was wrong!

Do remember though that streets are full and the genuine accidental touch can happen but if this is the case the person will appollogise immidiately. And pople watching is a Moroccan past time. But we all know the difference between what is comfortable and what isn't.

Written Oct 9, 2009

Related to:
 Backpacking
 Singles
 Women's Travel

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Favorites  

Cats and Fes

Cats and Fes, Fes al Bali

 cabeyp Says:  If you ar a cat lover you could struggle in Fes. Here there are hundreds of cats and most are misformed, malnutritioned or have a problem of some sort.If you think you can save it you can't. Here many expats and tourist often give in to the cuteness but the animals are often... 

clothes

clothes, Fes al Bali

 venteeocho Says:  Visiting some of the clothes shops of Fez is an experience that is worthwhile even if you're not buying anything. Like this one, clothes in all colours and qualities hang from every possible spot as high as the ceiling.Long sticks are easily available when you want to take a... 

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Map of Fes al Bali