Historic Hotels in Fes

Step into the 9th-century maze of Fes El Bali, where donkeys replace cars on narrow cobblestone paths. This UNESCO treasure trove hides the world's oldest university, intricate madrasas with geometric tilework, and ancient tanneries where leather-dyeing techniques remain unchanged for centuries. Lose yourself among brass lantern makers, spice merchants, and carpet weavers practising crafts passed down through generations. Traditional riads offer peaceful courtyard accommodation away from the bustling souks. Sample authentic tagines and mint tea at family-run restaurants throughout this walkable medieval wonderland. While navigation can be challenging, local guides help visitors discover hidden corners of Morocco's cultural and spiritual heart.

Ville Nouvelle buzzes with European charm where tree-lined boulevards showcase elegant Art Deco buildings. You can stroll through this French colonial district, stopping at lively cafés spilling onto pavements and exploring the fountain at Place de la Résistance. The contrast between this organised grid and the ancient medina nearby gives travellers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's modern cultural identity. Getting around is a breeze with city buses and petit taxis connecting you to the medina just 15 minutes away. The area offers French-Moroccan fusion restaurants, modern boutiques, and mid-range to luxury hotels housed in beautiful colonial buildings. After dark, the sophisticated café culture and upscale dining scene create a pleasant evening atmosphere.

Step into Talaa's labyrinthine alleys where medieval Fes comes alive in technicolour glory. The ornate Bou Inania Madrasa showcases mind-blowing Islamic craftsmanship while the vibrant Chouara Tanneries offer a glimpse into ancient leather-making techniques. Stroll through bustling souks where artisans hammer brass, weave carpets, and carve cedar using skills passed down for generations. Traditional Moroccan cuisine dominates family-run restaurants tucked inside converted riads with stunning courtyard gardens. Getting around means surrendering to your feet—the narrow passages prohibit vehicles but reward explorers with unexpected treasures. Accommodation range from simple guesthouses to luxurious riads featuring intricate tilework and rooftop terraces.

Mellah offers a fascinating dive into Fes's historic Jewish quarter, where narrow cobblestone alleys lead to cultural treasures. The restored Ibn Danan Synagogue showcases intricate tilework and carved cedar ceilings, while the old Jewish cemetery tells silent stories of the past. Traditional riads with distinctive wrought-iron balconies and Star of David motifs create a unique architectural landscape. Family-run restaurants serve authentic Moroccan tagines and couscous throughout the day. This pedestrian-friendly area requires comfortable walking shoes for exploring the uneven terrain. Converted riads with central courtyards offer charming accommodation, placing you within a 15-minute walk of Fes el-Bali's main medina.