Fez City
The UNESCO-listed medina of Fez, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, becomes a mesmerizing sight when darkness falls. The ancient car-free streets have witnessed more than a millennium of history. These streets grow quiet at night, yet a different kind of energy pulses through Morocco's cultural capital.
Traditionally your exploration of Fez, the medina should start at the Bab Boujlloud Gate. The first monument to visit is the vast Bou Inania medersa, with its cedar woodwork, its sculptured stucco, and its marble and onyx decoration. As you continue along Talaa Kebira Street (big climb), you will particularly admire the Tijani zaouïa (zaouïa, the sanctuary of a religious brotherhood) and the instrument makers' souk before arriving at the mzara (shrine) of the ancient sovereign Moulay Idriss situated at the place where he took the decision to build the town.
The Medina, Fez City
Once you have passed the babouche vendors, you arrive at En-Nejjarine Square and the cabinetmakers' souk—the magnificently carved foundouk (caravanserai) on the square houses the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. The Kissaria (covered market), where jewelry and fine fabrics are on sale, is nearby (it is shut at night). Next to it, you can admire the most visited and revered attraction in Fès: the zaouïa of Moulay Idriss, founder of the town.
The Tanners' Quarter
Your walk continues to Es-Seffarine Square, the Coppersmith Square, and then to the tanners' Quarter just before the Andalusian Quarter with its mosque and the Es-Sahrij medersa. Your walk ends at the old Dar Batha Palace whose Arabo-Andalusian style makes it a museum to visit absolutely. As it specializes in the arts and traditions of Fès, it gives an excellent overview of all the local products of the town reputed for its craftsmen's skills.
This lively museum also hosts some of the concerts of the Festival of World Sacred Music which takes place every June. The Moqui Palace, hidden nearby behind high white walls, houses treasures of rare architectural refinement. Prolong the dream by spoiling yourself with a night in the Jamaï Palace, previously the residence of a rich vizier now converted into a hotel.
Tissa Horse Festival Trip from Fez
Tissa, a town located 30 miles away from Fez, is a one-hour day trip, where the Tissa Horse Festival is held in October to transform the city into party central. Visitors can always enjoy festive music, dancing, traditional food, and fancy tents. However, the main event involves riders in colorful garb demonstrating their equestrian skills and the quality of their purebred Arab and barb stallions.
Zaouia Moulay Idriss II Shrine
Zaouia Moulay Idriss II is considered one of Medina’s most holy shrines. It was dedicated to the founder of the city of Fez and the ruler of Morocco from 807 to 828. H shrine was completed in 1824, it was designed in a style that was widespread during Moulay Idriss’s period. For Muslim visitors, they consider visiting the shrine as good luck, and many women believe that visiting that place will help them with their fertility. For everyone else, it’s possible to glimpse part of the beautiful interior and tomb from the entrance and witness the burning of incense and candles.
The famous Kairouine Mosque
Kairouan Mosque is the second-largest Mosque and one of the oldest in all of Morocco. The mosque was built in the ninth century by Fatima al-Fihri, the daughter of a wealthy Tunisian. The mosque is not accessible to non-Muslims, but it’s possible to peek in at the amazing interior that includes two chandeliers that were originally church bells from Andalusia. The mosque’s Islamic college is often referred to as one of the oldest continually functioning universities in the world.
Night Food Adventures
The narrow pathways of the medina burst with tantalizing aromas of grilled meats and fresh bread after sunset. Spices and sizzling delicacies fill the air, drawing visitors to explore Fez City's nighttime food scene.
Street food spots after dark
Talaa Kebira, the ancient main street, buzzes with culinary activity as people line up at snack vendors. The souk turns into a feast for your senses with stalls packed with local delicacies. You can sample these treats:
- Fresh pastilla (savory pastries)
- Grilled meats and kebabs
- Sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts)
- Local cheese varieties
- Freshly fried potatoes
Market vendors make your evening food adventure special by offering free samples as you browse. The Souk al-Henna area comes alive after dark, and vendors love sharing stories about their culinary traditions.
Late-night local restaurants
Cafe Clock is the lifeblood of nighttime dining in Fez. Hidden in an alleyway, this spot blends traditional and modern flavors perfectly. Their signature camel burger is a nutritious delicacy that locals usually save for celebrations.
Dar Hatim welcomes you to a family-run spot where home-cooked specialties shine in an ornate setting. The restaurant's traditional house with cedar roofs and beautiful light fittings creates an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
Restaurant Dar Roumana brings together Moroccan and French cuisines beautifully. Chef Younes Idrissi uses seasonal local ingredients to create dishes like roast pumpkin salad with tahini and fresh chili. Nur Restaurant puts a fresh spin on Moroccan cuisine with unique dishes such as duck confit on herb meringue.
Fez's rich culinary heritage means restaurants here give you more than just meals - they create memorable cultural experiences. The Ruined Garden, nestled in an old riad's ruins surrounded by flowers, serves authentic Fassi cuisine including slow-roasted lamb mechoui. These spots are perfect for enjoying one of Fez's greatest pleasures - its nighttime food culture.
Indulge yourself in the handcraft, meditation, and cooking workshops with one of our Fez Day Tours and Excursions, or Tour the real Morocco with one of our Morocco Travel Packages
Evening Entertainment Spots
Sweet melodies float through Fez's moonlit alleyways, beckoning us into a world where ancient rhythms dance with starlight. Every corner of our beloved medina holds musical treasures waiting to be discovered.
Traditional music venues
My soul finds its rhythm at Cafe Clock, where music paints pictures of Morocco's rich heritage. Each evening brings its musical colors:
- Mondays sparkle with delicate Qanun notes that remind me of rainfall
- Tuesdays and Fridays belong to Jamal, whose Oud strings weave tales of desert winds
- Wednesdays and Saturdays pulse with spontaneous jam sessions that make hearts soar
- Sundays glow golden with Issawa Band concerts that chase the setting sun
Just around the corner, Le Petit Rocher cradles Morocco's musical heart in its walls. Here, the haunting voices of oud and gimbri transport you to times long past, each note echoing centuries of tradition.
Cultural performances
Nothing captures Fez's magical spirit quite like the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. This United Nations-recognized celebration turns our ancient city into a grand concert hall where musical traditions from across the globe embrace each other. Sacred melodies drift through historic courtyards and secret gardens, turning stone walls into vessels of harmony.
Year-round, our theaters overflow with Andalusian music that speaks of Morocco's golden age. Sometimes, the sweetest surprises come from street musicians whose impromptu performances turn ordinary evenings into unforgettable memories.
Rooftop lounges
When twilight wraps its gentle arms around Fez, Palais Amani's rooftop becomes my favorite perch above the city. Mountains paint purple shadows against the horizon while below, the medina slowly dons its evening jewelry of twinkling lights.
The Golden Bar at Palais Faraj weaves modern comfort into ancient splendor. Sipping cocktails while soft jazz mingles with distant prayer calls, I watch the setting sun turn our thousand-year-old city into a canvas of amber and rose. Each evening here feels like a love letter to Fez, written in light and shadow across the endless sky.
These precious spaces hold more than entertainment - they cradle moments where past and present dance together, where every note of music and every sunset view tells another chapter of our beloved city's endless story.
FAQs
Q1. Is it safe to explore Fez at night?
While Fez is generally safe for tourists, it's advisable to take precautions after dark. Stick to well-lit main streets, travel with companions, and consider using the "walk home" services offered by many riads and restaurants. It's best to avoid isolated areas and dimly lit alleys in the medina at night.
Q2. What kind of nightlife can I expect in Fez?
Fez offers a more subdued nightlife compared to other Moroccan cities. You can enjoy traditional music performances at venues like Cafe Clock, dine at late-night local restaurants, or relax at rooftop lounges with panoramic views. While bars are limited, some upscale hotels offer cocktail experiences with a cultural twist.
Q3. How many days should I spend in Fez?
To fully experience Fez's rich cultural heritage, plan for 3-4 days. This allows time to explore the medina, visit historic sites, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the city's unique atmosphere both during the day and after dark.
Q4. What are some must-try evening experiences in Fez?
Don't miss the sunset call to prayer, a mesmerizing auditory experience. Explore the evening markets for local delicacies, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, and take in the panoramic views of the illuminated medina from viewpoints like the Marinid Tombs or Borj Nord.
Q5. Are there any specific safety tips for visiting Fez?
Yes, it's important to dress modestly to respect local customs, keep valuables secure, and be cautious of unsolicited guide services. Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers, including 190 for police and 150 for ambulance. It's also wise to arrange transportation in advance for evening outings, especially when visiting attractions outside the medina.