Fez – Historic City on a Budget

Fez is Morocco's oldest imperial city and one of North Africa's most authentic historical destinations. The soul of the city lies in Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO-listed medina, which is the world's largest contiguous car-free urban area. Here, you can navigate a bustling labyrinth of over 9,000 narrow alleys where daily life, trade, and craftsmanship have followed the same rhythms for centuries. The medina is home to iconic landmarks such as the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest continuously operating university, as well as the famous tanneries of Chouara, where leather is still dyed manually in open stone vats using natural pigments. Fez is renowned for its exquisite madrasas, especially Bou Inania and Al-Attarine, which showcase some of Morocco's finest examples of zellij mosaics, carved cedarwood, and intricate stucco work. Unlike Morocco's more polished cities, Fez maintains a raw and vibrant atmosphere where traditions dominate daily life. At the same time, the city is relatively budget-friendly, making it particularly appealing to travelers seeking deep culture, history, and authentic experiences without a high price tag.