Practical information reviewed on 27 October 2026. Accommodation rates, availability and conditions may vary depending on the season and travel dates.
Where to Stay in Fez: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Trip
Fez is unlike any other city in Morocco. One of the country's great historic capitals, it boasts an exceptional old medina, remarkable monuments, traditional craft districts and architecture that reflects centuries of history. Here, narrow streets, monumental gates, zellige-covered madrasas and historic residences reveal a different way to experience Morocco.
Choosing where to stay in Fez is therefore an essential part of the experience. Unlike destinations where hotels are concentrated around an easily accessible city center, Fez has several distinct sides. In Fes el-Bali, the old medina, visitors often stay in a riad or a former palace hidden behind an unassuming doorway. In the Ville Nouvelle, or New Town, broad avenues, conventional hotels and easier car access make getting around more straightforward. On the surrounding hills, some hotels offer panoramic views of the rooftops and minarets of the historic city.
Further afield, the area around Fez also offers opportunities to extend your stay with a thermal retreat or excursions to Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
The best neighborhood depends on your priorities: cultural immersion, modern comfort, peace and quiet, a family holiday or a trip focused on discovering Morocco's heritage.
In this guide, discover the main areas to stay in Fez, their advantages and drawbacks, the differences between riads and hotels, and the criteria to consider before booking.
Our recommendation: For your first visit, plan to spend at least two nights in the medina if possible. This is where you can best experience Fez's atmosphere, architecture, artisans and everyday rhythm.
Which Neighborhood Should You Choose in Fez?
Before comparing accommodation options, ask yourself five simple questions. They will help you identify the part of the city that best suits your trip.
- Is this your first visit? The medina contains many of Fez's major monuments and allows you to explore much of its heritage on foot. Staying here makes sightseeing easier and lets you enjoy the atmosphere early in the morning or in the evening.
- Are you arriving by car or carrying a lot of luggage? The medina is largely pedestrianized. A hotel in the New Town, on the surrounding hills or near a convenient access point may make your arrival easier.
- Do you prefer traditional immersion or modern comfort? Riads and historic residences offer a distinctive architectural experience. Conventional hotels often provide standardized amenities such as lifts, parking and a 24-hour reception.
- Are you travelling by train? The railway station is located in the New Town. Accommodation in this area can be convenient for late arrivals, early departures or short stays.
- Are you planning excursions? If you want to visit Meknes, Volubilis or Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, accommodation with convenient road access can simplify your travel arrangements.
These factors are particularly important in Fez, where the distance shown on a map does not always reflect how long it takes to reach your accommodation. In the medina, even a short journey may involve stairs, sloping alleys and several turns.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Fez
1. The Western Medina: Talaa, Batha and Bab Boujloud
Best for: First-time visitors, architecture enthusiasts, travellers who want to explore the main monuments on foot, and those who prefer to stay near the medina's most famous gate.
Founded in 789 by Idris I, Fez is one of Morocco's oldest imperial cities. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. It stretches along both sides of the Oued Fez and preserves a historic urban landscape of narrow streets, squares, mosques, madrasas, fondouks and traditional residences.
The western section is often the first part of the medina that visitors discover. The Bab Boujloud Gate, recognizable by its blue ceramic decoration, is an important landmark and a convenient reference point for entering the old city. Nearby, the Batha district provides a transition between the medina and areas that are more accessible to vehicles.
The two main traditional streets, Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira, descend towards the heart of the old city. They are lined with shops, workshops, food sellers and passageways that offer a glimpse into everyday life.
Several important monuments are located in this area or nearby. The Al Batha Museum, housed in a former nineteenth-century palace, introduces visitors to Moroccan artistic heritage. The Bou Inania Madrasa is known for its Marinid architecture and elaborate decoration. Continuing towards the center of the medina, you can reach the Nejjarine Museum, dedicated to wood arts and crafts, as well as the Moulay Idriss II Mausoleum.
Why Choose the Western Medina?
- A well-known entrance that is easy to identify when starting your sightseeing.
- Walking access to several historic monuments.
- A wide choice of riads, guesthouses and former residences converted into accommodation.
- Shops and restaurants nearby.
- Relatively convenient access in areas along the edge of the medina.
This area is particularly suitable for travellers who want to explore the city without having to arrange transport for every visit. It also allows you to head out early, when the streets begin to come alive, or return after a day of sightseeing without crossing the entire city.
Accommodation Around Batha
Batha can be an interesting compromise between immersion in the medina and convenient access. Some streets remain close to the historic atmosphere, while the outer areas are more practical for transfers.
You will find traditional riads, guesthouses and historic residences. Some have terraces, courtyards, small pools or relaxation areas. Facilities vary from one property to another.
What to Know Before Booking
The medina is closed to car traffic across much of its network of alleys. A taxi may drop you off at a gate or an accessible square, but the final part of the journey often has to be completed on foot.
If you are arriving with suitcases, ask your accommodation where to meet your driver and whether someone can accompany you to the entrance. This service can be particularly useful on your first visit.
The alleys are numerous and can look very similar. Allow yourself some time to get your bearings, even if you use a map on your phone.
Our recommendation: For a first cultural visit, consider accommodation near Bab Boujloud or Batha if you want to combine walking access to the sights with a relatively convenient arrival.
2. The Eastern Medina: Karaouiyne, Seffarine and R'cif
Best for: History enthusiasts, lovers of traditional crafts, travellers who want to stay close to the heart of Fez's historic life, and visitors who enjoy lively neighborhoods.
The eastern part of the medina offers a deeper immersion in Fez's historic and artisanal world. Around the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, founded in the ninth century, several of the city's most famous landmarks can be found.
Seffarine Square is particularly known for its coppersmiths. The sound of hammers, metal objects and workshops illustrates the importance of craftsmanship in Fez's identity.
Nearby, the Al Attarine Madrasa demonstrates the refinement of Marinid architecture. The Cherratine Madrasa is another historic monument in the area. A little farther away, the Chouara Tanneries offer a view of an ancient craft that remains closely associated with the city.
Across the river begins the Andalusian district, another historic area worth exploring if your schedule allows.
Why Choose the Eastern Medina?
- Close to the Karaouiyne, madrasas and traditional tanneries.
- A lively atmosphere shaped by artisans and workshops.
- The opportunity to discover souks and traditional trades while walking through the district.
- Intimate riads, sometimes with rooftop terraces overlooking the old city.
- Relatively convenient access to some accommodation near R'cif Square.
R'cif Square is particularly useful for travellers carrying luggage. It is one of the points where a road enters the medina, making transfers easier than at accommodation located deep within the narrow alleys.
A More Immersive Experience
Staying in this part of the medina allows you to discover a side of Fez that remains closely connected to its traditional activities. In the morning, shops gradually open, artisans prepare their workshops and the streets come to life.
This lively atmosphere appeals to travellers who want to see more than the monuments. It can also provide a better understanding of the historic role of the souks in the organization of the medina.
What to Know Before Booking
Activity begins early in some areas, particularly around workshops and shopping streets. Light sleepers may prefer a side street or a room overlooking an interior courtyard.
As elsewhere in the medina, the final part of the journey is on foot. Even if your accommodation is close to a road, check the actual distance between the drop-off point and the entrance.
Our recommendation: Choose this area if you are comfortable navigating medinas or want to make traditional crafts, monuments and local life the focus of your stay.
3. The Hills Above Fez: Space, Views and Comfort
Best for: Travellers arriving by car, visitors who prefer conventional hotels, guests looking for a swimming pool and those who appreciate panoramic views.
Fez is not only experienced from its narrow streets. From the hills surrounding the medina, the historic city comes into view as a whole, with its rooftops, minarets and neighborhoods spreading across the landscape.
To the north, Borj Nord Hill is dominated by a fortress dating from the late sixteenth century. To the south, the heights around Dhar El Mehraz also offer views over the old city. Some hotels in these areas have large terraces, swimming pools and direct road access.
Why Choose the Hills?
- Panoramic views over the medina.
- Easier access by car.
- Parking options at some properties.
- Hotels with swimming pools and large terraces.
- An environment that may feel quieter than the busiest streets.
One of the main advantages is the opportunity to enjoy more spacious accommodation while keeping the medina within reach.
At sunset, the rooftops and minarets take on changing colors. For travellers who enjoy urban photography or simply looking out over the city, a well-positioned terrace can be a real advantage.
What Are the Drawbacks?
If you stay on the hills, you will not experience the medina from within. You will generally need a taxi to reach the monuments before continuing your visits on foot.
If you plan to return to your hotel several times throughout the day, these journeys can become inconvenient. However, if you organize your sightseeing by area or half-day, this type of accommodation can be comfortable.
Our recommendation: This area is particularly suitable for travellers arriving by car, those who want a swimming pool or those who prefer the comfort of a hotel with views over Fez.
4. The New Town: Modern, Convenient and Well Connected
Best for: Travellers arriving by train, short or business stays, families looking for modern facilities and visitors travelling by car.
Built during the twentieth century, the New Town has a very different urban layout from the medina. Its avenues are wider, driving is easier and modern shops are more numerous.
The area is organized around major roads, including Avenue Hassan II, with cafés, restaurants, shops and the railway station nearby. Hotels tend to be more conventional, with facilities such as a permanent reception, lift and sometimes parking or a swimming pool.
Why Choose the New Town?
- Easy access to the railway station and main roads.
- Conventional hotels with familiar services.
- Generally simpler access by car.
- A variety of cafés, restaurants and shops for everyday needs.
- Family rooms and practical facilities at some properties.
The New Town is a good base if you do not necessarily want to stay in a traditional riad or if convenience is your main priority.
It is also a sensible option for business travellers or visitors spending just one night in Fez before continuing their journey through Morocco.
Fes el-Jdid: A Historic Area Between Two Worlds
Between the New Town and the old medina lies Fes el-Jdid, the historic “New Fez” founded by the Marinids from 1276 onwards.
The area includes the Royal Palace and the former Jewish quarter known as the Mellah. It is an interesting place to explore on foot, especially for travellers who want to understand the city's development beyond Fes el-Bali.
What Are the Drawbacks?
The historic medina is not immediately accessible from every hotel in the New Town. You will generally need to take a taxi to reach the gates of the old city.
This choice therefore offers greater convenience for arrival and everyday logistics, but less immediate immersion in the historic environment.
Our recommendation: Choose the New Town if you prioritize modern services, access by car or proximity to the railway station. For a trip focused mainly on cultural sightseeing, check how long it will take to reach the monuments.
5. The Surroundings of Fez: Thermal Springs and Excursions
Best for: A wellness break, a longer stay or an itinerary combining Fez with Meknes and the region's historic sites.
Fez can also serve as a starting point for exploring part of northern Morocco's heritage. Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to spend a night outside the city center or add a stop focused on relaxation.
Moulay Yacoub: A Thermal Retreat
West of Fez, the thermal resort of Moulay Yacoub has accommodation focused on treatments and wellness.
It can suit travellers who want to slow down after several days of sightseeing. One or two nights may be enough for a relaxing break, depending on the activities you have planned.
Services and facilities vary by property. If you are particularly interested in treatments, a hammam or relaxation facilities, consider these factors when comparing accommodation.
Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Fez is also a useful starting point for discovering several historic destinations in the region.
The ancient city of Volubilis offers the opportunity to explore the remains of a Roman settlement. The holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun has a distinctive historical and spiritual identity. Meanwhile, Meknes is one of Morocco's imperial cities.
If these places are part of your itinerary, the location of your accommodation can make transfers easier. For a road trip, a property with convenient access may be more practical than a riad deep inside the narrow alleys.
Should You Stay Outside Fez?
For a first visit, it is generally easier to keep your accommodation in Fez and organize excursions from there.
An overnight stay elsewhere may nevertheless be worthwhile if you want to focus on a thermal retreat or spend more time exploring a nearby destination.
Our recommendation: Choose this option according to the length of your trip. If you have only two or three days, it is often better to focus on Fez before adding too many accommodation changes.
Comparing the Best Areas to Stay in Fez
The following table summarizes the main differences between the neighborhoods and can help you identify the one that best suits your trip.
| Neighborhood | Atmosphere | Access to monuments | Access by car | Main accommodation types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Medina: Talaa, Batha, Bab Boujloud | Historic and commercial | On foot | Limited to accessible gates and squares | Riads and historic residences |
| Eastern Medina: Karaouiyne, Seffarine, R'cif | Traditional crafts and lively streets | On foot | Easier near R'cif | Riads and guesthouses |
| Hills above the city | Quiet and panoramic | Generally by taxi | Easy, depending on the property | Hotels with terraces and sometimes pools |
| New Town | Urban and convenient | Generally by taxi | Easy | Conventional hotels |
| Moulay Yacoub surroundings | Thermal and relaxing | By car | Essential for reaching Fez | Wellness and treatment hotels |
Riad, Dar, Palace or Hotel: Which Should You Choose?
The type of accommodation matters just as much as the neighborhood. In Fez, traditional architecture is an important part of the experience, but travellers have different expectations when it comes to comfort and facilities.
The Riad: A Traditional Experience
The riad is Fez's signature type of accommodation. It is a traditional house arranged around an interior courtyard, sometimes decorated with a fountain, plants and zellige tiles.
The decoration may combine carved wood, intricate plasterwork, mosaics and traditional doors. Rooftop terraces sometimes offer views over the medina.
Riads often have a relatively small number of rooms, which can create a more intimate atmosphere than a large hotel.
They are particularly suitable for travellers who want to discover Moroccan architecture and stay in a setting rich in history.
However, riads vary considerably. Some have a swimming pool, restaurant or wellness area, while others offer a simpler experience.
The Dar: A Traditional House
In Fez, the term dar also refers to a traditional house, often organized around an interior space. In tourism, the distinction between a dar and a riad can vary according to the property and how its architecture is presented.
The main attraction is similar: the opportunity to experience a form of housing that is part of Morocco's urban heritage.
When booking, focus on the practical details of the property: room size, natural light, terrace, shared spaces and accessibility.
Former Palaces Converted into Boutique Hotels
Fez has a number of former residences and palaces that have been converted into characterful accommodation.
These properties may feature several lounges, large interior courtyards, remarkable architectural details and, in some cases, wellness facilities.
They are well suited to travellers who want to combine a heritage experience with a comfortable stay.
Their size and services can differ significantly, however. A historic residence may offer considerable charm without having the same facilities as a modern hotel.
Conventional Hotels
Conventional hotels are mainly found in the New Town and on the surrounding hills.
They may offer a permanent reception, lift, parking, restaurant and sometimes a swimming pool. These facilities make them an interesting option for families, business travellers and visitors who value convenience.
A conventional hotel can also be useful if you arrive late, travel with a lot of luggage or want to avoid carrying bags through narrow streets with children.
Hammams, Spas and Swimming Pools: What Should You Consider?
Many riads and hotels in Fez offer a hammam, treatments or relaxation facilities. The type of service and access conditions vary from one property to another.
It is useful to distinguish a traditional hammam, a private treatment area and a spa offering several services. These terms do not necessarily describe the same experience.
Swimming pools also deserve attention. In a riad, the pool may be a small decorative basin or a place to cool off. In a hotel, it may be larger and designed for swimming.
Read the descriptions and look at the photographs to understand what each property actually offers.
Where to Stay in Fez Depending on Your Travel Style
For a First Visit
Choose the medina, particularly around Batha and Bab Boujloud or in the areas near Karaouiyne.
You will be able to reach several monuments on foot and experience the atmosphere of the old city from the morning onwards. Two nights are a useful starting point for a first visit, depending on your itinerary.
For Couples
A riad or historic residence in the medina can offer a particularly appealing experience, thanks to its courtyard, terrace and traditional architecture.
If you prefer more space, a swimming pool or more conventional hotel services, the hills and some properties in the New Town are also worth considering.
The choice depends on your preferred style of travel: immersion in the old city or a more relaxing stay in a property with extensive facilities.
For Families
With children, access and the organization of transport become particularly important.
A riad near a gate or R'cif Square can reduce the distance you need to walk with luggage. A hotel with a swimming pool on the hills or in the New Town may also make the stay easier, particularly if you need more spacious rooms.
Check the stairs, room layout and whether it is easy to move around with a stroller.
For Travellers on a Budget
The medina has many small riads and guesthouses. The New Town also offers simpler hotels.
Compare the total cost of your stay rather than the nightly rate alone. Cheap accommodation far from the sights may result in additional transport expenses.
The time of year, room type and booking conditions can also affect your budget.
For a Luxury Stay
The historic residences in the medina can offer a remarkable architectural experience. Large hotels on the hills and in the New Town are alternatives if you prioritize modern facilities.
Compare the services that matter most to you: restaurant, swimming pool, wellness area, terrace, parking or transfers.
For a Relaxing Stay
Hotels with swimming pools on the hills and thermal establishments in Moulay Yacoub may suit a trip focused on relaxation.
If you also want to visit the monuments, choose accommodation that allows you to reach the medina easily and plan your sightseeing in advance.
Before Booking: The Details That Can Make a Difference
In Fez, a few practical details can have a significant impact on the comfort of your stay. Take the time to consider them before choosing a property.
- Arrival access: In the medina, identify where a taxi can drop you off and plan the walk to your accommodation.
- Slopes and stairs: Some alleys rise and fall steeply. Riads may have several floors without a lift.
- Season: Summers can be hot and winters cool, sometimes cold at night. Air conditioning and heating may therefore be important.
- Swimming pool: In a riad, it may be a small basin rather than a pool designed for swimming. Photographs can help you assess the facilities.
- Noise: Accommodation near shopping streets can be lively from early in the morning.
- Breakfast: Check whether it is included in the price and how it is served.
- Transfers: If you arrive at the railway station or airport, compare the transport options available to reach your accommodation.
- Booking conditions: Review the cancellation policy and any additional fees.
- Total price: Rates may change depending on the season, dates and room type.
Accommodation rates, availability and services may vary depending on the season and travel dates.
Make the Most of Your Stay in Fez
Once you have chosen your accommodation, organize your visits according to its location and the time available.
If you stay in the medina, you can devote one day to its main streets, madrasas and monuments. Another day can focus on traditional craft districts, museums and quieter discoveries.
If you stay in the New Town or on the surrounding hills, group your medina visits into well-organized days to reduce the number of taxi journeys.
To plan your itinerary, explore our complete guide to Fez, our article on Al Quaraouiyine University, our guide to the Chouara Tanneries and our introduction to the Bou Inania Madrasa.
You can also find all our sightseeing ideas and practical information on the page dedicated to the destination Fez.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accommodation in Fez
What Is the Best Neighborhood to Stay in Fez?
For a first cultural visit, the medina is generally the most interesting choice, particularly around Batha and Bab Boujloud or near Karaouiyne. The New Town is better suited to travellers who prioritize comfort and access by car. The hills are attractive for those looking for panoramic views or a swimming pool.
Should You Stay in a Riad in Fez?
It is not essential, but a riad is an excellent way to experience traditional architecture and the atmosphere of the medina. If you are unsure whether to choose a historic setting or a modern hotel, you could divide your stay between the two types of accommodation.
Can You Drive Through the Medina of Fez?
No. Most of the medina is closed to car traffic. Taxis stop at gates or certain accessible squares, including areas around R'cif and Bab Boujloud. The final part of the journey is completed on foot.
Is the New Town Suitable for a First Visit?
Yes. The New Town suits travellers looking for conventional hotels, convenient access by car and proximity to the railway station. You simply need to plan a journey to reach the medina and its monuments.
Which Area Is Best for Travellers with Luggage?
The Batha area and the surroundings of Bab Boujloud can be interesting if you want to stay in the medina while remaining relatively close to a convenient access point. Hotels in the New Town and on the hills are generally easier to reach by car.
Where Can You Stay in Fez if You Want a Swimming Pool?
Hotels on the hills and in the New Town may offer larger swimming pools. Some riads also have an interior basin or a small swimming area. Facilities vary between properties.
How Many Nights Should You Spend in Fez?
Two nights give you time to begin exploring the medina and its main monuments. Three nights or more allow you to discover traditional craft districts, visit museums and organize an excursion into the surrounding region.
The ideal length of stay depends on your preferred pace and the number of places you want to visit.
Can You Visit Meknes and Volubilis from Fez?
Yes. Fez is a possible starting point for visits to Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. When planning these excursions, take travel times and the duration of each visit into account.
What Is the Difference Between a Riad and a Hotel in Fez?
A riad is generally a traditional house arranged around a courtyard, often located in the medina. A conventional hotel offers more standardized services and may have a lift, parking or a swimming pool. The best choice depends on the experience and level of comfort you prefer.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Neighborhood to Discover Fez
Fez offers several ways to experience a stay, and your choice of neighborhood can transform your trip.
The western medina, around Talaa, Batha and Bab Boujloud, is particularly suitable for first-time visitors because of its recognizable access points and proximity to many monuments. The eastern medina, around Karaouiyne, Seffarine and R'cif, is better suited to travellers who want to immerse themselves in the city's traditional crafts and historic life.
The hills appeal to visitors looking for panoramic views and more spacious hotels. The New Town prioritizes practical comfort, particularly for travellers arriving by car or train. Finally, the area around Fez offers opportunities to add a thermal retreat or excursions to the region's historic sites.
Before booking, consider your priorities: cultural immersion, access to monuments, ease of transfers, facilities, budget and length of stay.
For a first visit, staying in the medina remains a particularly rewarding experience. However, if you prefer modern comfort or a more relaxing break, the other neighborhoods offer suitable alternatives.
Plan Your Stay with MoroccoMuseum
Explore our guides to Fez, its monuments, architecture, historic neighborhoods and traditional crafts. You can plan your visits, organize your itinerary and discover Morocco's heritage at your own pace.
Article written by the editorial team at MoroccoMuseum.com, your guide to discovering Morocco's heritage, culture and experiences.
