Fez has rightly been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its walled medina is one of the largest, most intact and impressive medieval cities in the Arab world and, taken as a whole, it’s the architectural highlight of Morocco. Fez also has a French-planned new city and the contrast between the old and the new sections makes sightseeing all the more fascinating. You truly feel as if you’re stepping into the past when you walk through one of the gates to the old medina.

Popular spots in Fez for a panoramic view of the old city are Borj Sud (a ruined fortress atop a hill south of the medina) and the Merenid Hotel (north of the medina). The more distant view from the Zalagh Hotel in the new city is also very nice. The new city, by contrast, has a European feel, with wide streets and squares. Avenue Hassan II and Boulevard Mohammed V are the main thoroughfares there, and both are lined with restaurants, sidewalk cafes and pastry shops.

When to travel to Fez

The best time to visit Fez is from September to November and April to June. It’s not too hot and there are fewer tourists. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is usually held in June and is certainly worth planning your trip around.