Being the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco, Fes el-Bali is the oldest imperial city of the country and is also one of the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Behind the town’s walls lies a magical, fascinating medieval city full of life in each of its 9,000 streets. Experience the vibrancy of it and book an affordable cheap flights to Morocco.
The contemporary part of the city was built by French and looks unique compared to rest of the town with its wide-Boulevards in line with modern-shops and hectic traffic. You also have the luxury of staying in Westernized hotels where you can stay and enjoy your trip. It’s best to visit Fes during September till November and April till June when neither it’s too hot nor are there too many tourists. The famous “Fes Festival of World-Sacred Music” takes place in the month in June and is worth considering if you are planning your trip during that time.
There are many attractions in the city for everyone and its recommended to hire a local guide which can take you around the city. Even without the guide if you feel like being lost the local shop keepers will always be there to help you back on the track. One of the sheer joys you can have in Fes is turning-down the little-alleys and finding a donkey from one of the most fabulously-tiled fountains. You can also enjoy watching local artists at work and ducking into a local-Hammam and enjoying a good-scrub.
Fes consists of2 main alleys namely the Talaa Kenria and the Talaa Seghir which end-up at Bab Bou Jeloud (the main gate). The Bab Bou itself is quite impressive but you’ll enjoy even more at the little-square with rooftop-restaurants. The Kasbah restaurant is a good example with good service and they won’t mind you lingering-over the mint tea while you are staring at what’s happening below.
One of the attractions of Fes is the Tanneries as Fes is quite famous for the leather products it produces. Fes’s tanneries are operational since medieval times using the same old traditional techniques and are a fascinating place to visit if you happen to be in Fes. It’s a good idea to have sprigs of mint as the tanneries are a bit stinky place to visit and it’s also good to visit them in the morning when different-coloured dyes are at their most vivid allowing you to make some great photos.
Kairaouine Mosque is located in the centre of the city and although from distance it may look small but it can actually accommodate 20,000 people at a time. Although due to the local traditions non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, you can still peak in and see the beautiful tile-work.
Fes also offers you to visit three of its museums i.e. The Nejarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, The Dar Batha Museum and The Belghazi Museum. You can also visit the local Medersas (religious schools) and the Mellah (an old Jewish Quarter).
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