Flights to Fez

Local Tips for Fez

• Navigate the medina with a local guide initially - the 9,000 alleyways can be overwhelming, and guides help you avoid tourist traps whilst finding authentic workshops.
• Bargain respectfully in souks by starting at 30% of the asking price. Learning basic Arabic greetings like 'As-salamu alaikum' shows respect and often gets better prices.
• Visit tanneries in the morning when the light is best for photography. Guides provide mint leaves to mask the strong smell of traditional leather processing.
• Eat at local restaurants in the medina rather than tourist spots. Look for busy places with Moroccans eating - they serve the freshest tagines and couscous.
• Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees, and women should carry a headscarf for mosque visits.
• Friday prayers (12-2pm) mean many shops close temporarily. Plan museum visits or lunch during this time rather than souk shopping.
• Take cash in small denominations for tips and small purchases. 10-20 dirhams is appropriate for guides, porters, and restaurant service.
• Book riads well in advance as the best ones fill quickly. Request ground floor rooms if you have mobility concerns - many riads have steep, narrow stairs.
• Try local specialities like pastilla (sweet-savoury pastry), mechoui (slow-roasted lamb), and fresh orange juice from street vendors.
• Respect photography etiquette - always ask before photographing people, and never photograph inside mosques or during prayer times.