City in Fez-Meknes, Morocco
Fes
Morocco's oldest imperial city, with the world's largest car-free medina, tanneries, madrasas and craft workshops. Cheaper and less polished than Marrakech; harder navigation and persistent guides are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$911–1,420Comfortable, one person · DH9,000–14,000Details
- Value for money69/100Better value than 68% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMar–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 38°CDetails
- Air quality12.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · ModerateDetails
- Internet57 MbpsFixed broadband, Morocco medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilCity tap water is treated and chlorinated; visitors usually drink bottled or filtered.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$20–40Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundinDriveWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash for souks, taxis and cafés; cards in hotels, riads and some restaurants.Details
Where to stay in Fes
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Fes el-Bali (old medina) | Atmosphere and riads; confusing lanes, steep, no cars |
| Ville Nouvelle (Hay Riad) | Cafés, restaurants, train station; quiet and walkable |
| Batha / Bab Boujloud | Medina edge with easy taxis and shops |
| Fes el-Jdid and Mellah | Quieter historic area near the royal palace |
Apps that work in Fes
Ride-hailing
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Glovo | Restaurants and groceries in Ville Nouvelle |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- ONCF: Train times and e-tickets
- CTM: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Petit taxis (red) must use meters; ask hotel for a fair price. Inside the medina, only mules and carts drive.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Morocco.
- Mostly cash Cash for souks, taxis and cafés; cards in hotels, riads and some restaurants. ATMs are in Ville Nouvelle and near Bab Boujloud.
- Currency: Dirham (MAD). US$1 ≈ DH9.88 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Plentiful in cities, scarce in desert and mountain villages; dirhams can't be bought abroad, so withdraw on arrival.
- Tipping: Expected: about 10% in restaurants, 10–20 DH for porters and small help, more for guides and drivers.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals in cities; local wallets need a Moroccan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-required nationalities can often apply online through the official eVisa portal (acces-maroc.ma); avoid paid look-alike sites.
- Passport must be valid at least 3 months on arrival and undamaged; damaged passports have been refused entry.
- Make sure your passport gets an entry stamp; travellers without one have had trouble leaving.
Emergency numbers
Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150
Plugs
Type C, E · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Maroc Telecom, Orange and inwi kiosks at airport arrivals and shops everywhere; data top-ups are cheap. Passport needed to register. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Morocco
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.