Fez, Morocco

Known for its large markets and festive, colorful environment, Morocco is an African nation situated above the Equator providing a limitless bounty of enticing sites and surprises millions the world over have come to see, touch, smell, and taste. Its most popular cities among travelers are its capital, Rabat, the metropolis-sized party known as Marrakesh, and Casablanca, a romantic and historic city touching the Atlantic. Despite their popularity, there's another Moroccan treat worthy of praise as well that is a great alternative to those national staples with the added splendor of uncrowdedness. Fez is its name. Though the Arabic language is the most commonly spoken in Fez, the city is a medieval masterpiece throughout which architecture and history seem to transcend the limitations of tongues. Its population is perfect for its proportions. At 60,000, the residential body makes the city feel open, but not too open - many concur with such a thought as well. There's little room for feeling parched here, as the city sits in and around a basin of the Fez River, a position it has held since the 9th Century AD. Walking through Fez's avenues and alleyways, you get the sense that you're roaming highly esteemed land, yet on the face of things, Fez is considered a secondary city among the nation's treasures. Still, the feelings of awe remain, and in our opinion, are quite warranted. You can be passing through en route to the summit of Jebel Tazzaka to the east, have made a stop here after entering port in Tangier and have your sights on Marrakesh, or are here in Morocco strictly for the historic palaces of Fez, but you can be certain that a double-take of the city will be made on your part, one that will indeed not bring regret.

When to go

The best period for a visit to Fez starts a month into autumn ending in March or April, a window open to change as travelers' moods shift as time progresses. Though the Atlantic Ocean is a far more powerful body than the Mediterranean, the atmospheric pathways in the north of Morocco bring the air and natural effects of the tract to the northeast. Stone may be the prevailing theme in Fez, but in spring a wondrous display of wildflowers in the hills and bouquets upon trellises emerges, making a trip to the city between March and April a must.

Getting there and around

Fez and its neighbor Meknes share many things - one of them being an airport. It's a short ride from terminal to city center (both Fez's and Meknes's), and though vehicles are available for renting, we tend to be pro-public transit in Morocco, especially when talking about its chief destinations.

Attractions

Fez is big on showing off its architectural and historic wonders. If you're looking to start small and work your way up to the larger players, Aux Merveilles du Tapis is a good place to start. Offering a comprehensive scope of the Moroccan textile industry in the way of a collection of carpets, rugs, and tapestries, a tour of Aux Merveilles du Tapis will lead you through a detailed exploration of a traditional country home. Built in the early 20th Century, Bab Boujeloud is a beautifully designed gateway to Fez's medina that, despite its heavily contrasting age with its surroundings, is truly a spectacle to see firsthand. Covered in ceramic decorations, calligraphy, and never lacking in fresh flowers, Bab Boujeloud is a sight one can hardly overlook.