I've walked these streets many times, from the narrow alleys of the medina to the peaceful gardens where locals escape the afternoon heat. As a Moroccan who loves showing my country to visitors, I want to share the places that make Fez unforgettable. These twelve spots will give you the real taste of Moroccan culture while you're here celebrating African football.
Let's start exploring Fez for CAN 2025!
1. Fez Medina: The Heart of the City
The Fez Medina is the largest car-free urban area in the world. When you step through the gates of Fez El Bali (Old Fez), you enter a maze of twisting lanes that haven't changed much in centuries. The medina is alive with craftsmen, shopkeepers, and families going about their daily lives.
Walking through the medina feels like time travel. You'll see mosques that are hundreds of years old, hear the call to prayer echoing off ancient walls, and smell spices mixed with leather from the famous tanneries. The streets are so narrow that sometimes you need to press against the wall to let a donkey carrying goods pass by.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The medina's streets are made of uneven stones, and you'll be walking a lot. Also, don't worry if you get lost—everyone does! Just ask for directions to Bab Bou Jeloud gate, and locals will help you.
2. Jnan Sbil: A Garden Escape
After the energy and noise of the medina, Jnan Sbil gardens offer something different. These lush gardens sit between Bab Bou Jeloud and the mellah, making them a perfect resting spot during your Fez CAN 2025 adventure.
The gardens are full of palm trees, flowering plants, and shaded paths. On hot days, many Moroccan families come here to relax. You'll see children playing, couples walking, and older people sitting on benches enjoying the quiet. The sound of water from the fountains makes everything peaceful.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when the temperature drops. Bring a bottle of water and take your time. This is where you slow down and breathe.
3. Merinid Tombs: Views That Take Your Breath Away
High above Fez, the Merinid Tombs sit on a hillside. These 14th-century tombs are ruins now—crumbling walls open to the sky. But people don't come here for the tombs. They come for the view.
From this spot, you can see all of Fez spread out below you. The white buildings, the green tiles of mosque roofs, the mountains in the distance—everything comes together in one spectacular view. At sunset, the whole city glows golden. During CAN 2025, this is where you'll want to bring your camera.
Tip: You can take a taxi up the hill, or if you're feeling energetic, walk from the medina. The walk takes about 30 minutes uphill. Bring water and watch your step—the path can be rough in places.
4. Royal Palace: Gates of Beauty
You can't go inside the Royal Palace, but you don't need to. The seven imposing front gates are art themselves. Each gate is surrounded by detailed tilework in blues, greens, and golds. The brass doors shine in the sun, and the patterns are so intricate that you could stand there for an hour just looking at the details.
This is typical Moroccan architecture—making even the outside of buildings beautiful. When football fans visit during Fez CAN 2025, many stop here for photos. The gates make a stunning backdrop.
Tip: The best time for photos is morning when the sun lights up the tiles. There's usually a guard, so be respectful and don't try to go past the gates.
5. Mellah: The Historic Jewish Quarter
In 1438, Sultan Ar Rashid created Morocco's first official Jewish district here in Fez. The mellah sits just east of the royal palace. At its peak, around 250,000 Jews lived in this area. Today, most have left, but the architecture remains.
Walking through the mellah is different from the medina. The buildings are taller, the balconies are distinct, and there's a different feeling to the neighborhood. You'll see how different communities shaped the city in different ways.
Tip: Combine your visit here with the Royal Palace and Jewish Cemetery—they're all close together.
6. Rue des Mérinides: Architecture in the Mellah
The most beautiful street in the mellah is Rue des Mérinides. The houses here are special because of their wooden balconies. These balconies stick out from the buildings, with carved wood and covered windows. It's a unique style that you don't see much in other parts of Fez.
This street shows how Jewish families adapted Moroccan architecture to their own needs. The craftsmanship is incredible—look up at the details on the balconies and you'll see the skill of the old builders.
7. Jewish Cemetery: A Place of Respect
Established in 1883, this cemetery holds thousands of tombs, all painted blindingly white. In 2019, every tomb was freshly painted, making the whole cemetery bright under the Moroccan sun. You'll find tombs of notable Jewish Moroccans here, people who helped build Fez into what it is today.
This is a peaceful place, quiet and respectful. It's part of Morocco's diverse history—a reminder that our country has always been home to different communities living together.
Tip: Dress modestly out of respect. This is a sacred place for many people.
8. Ben Danan Synagogue: 17th Century Beauty
Built in the 17th century for the megorashim (Jews descended from those expelled from Spain), this synagogue is trimmed in pretty herringbone green patterns. It's one of the most beautiful religious buildings in Fez.
Even if you're not Jewish, you can appreciate the architecture and the history here. The synagogue survived centuries and tells stories about the people who prayed here, raised families, and contributed to Fez's culture.
Tip: Check opening hours before visiting, as they can vary.
9. Borj Nord: A Fortress with European Flair
Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour built Borj Nord in 1582 to watch over the people of Fez. The design was based on Italian forts—something different from traditional Moroccan architecture. Inside, there's a display of European and Moroccan weapons from different periods.
The fortress is strong and imposing. From the ramparts, you get another excellent view of the city. It's a good spot to understand how Fez was defended and controlled throughout history.
Tip: The walk up to Borj Nord is steep. Take your time and enjoy the views along the way.
10. Borj Sidi Bounafae: The Restored Tower
This tower was built in 1550 and went through major restoration. In 2019, it was waiting to officially reopen. Like Borj Nord, the view from the ramparts helps you understand how Fez is laid out—where the old city meets the new, how the walls protected the medina, and how the city grew over time.
These defensive towers show that Fez wasn't just a trading city—it was also a place that needed protection.
11. Art Naji: Where Pottery Comes to Life
If you want to understand Fez's famous pottery and tiles, visit Ain Nokbi district, just outside the medina. This is where the city relocated potters, and you can watch them work. The blue and white patterns that cover buildings all over Fez? They start here.
At Art Naji, craftsmen shape clay on wheels, paint designs by hand, and fire pieces in traditional kilns. You can see the whole process. It's fascinating to watch someone paint complex geometric patterns without any guide—just their skill and memory.
Tip: You can buy pottery here, often cheaper than in the medina shops. Watch it being made first, then decide what you want.
12. American Fondouk: Caring for Working Animals
This might surprise you, but the American Fondouk is one of my favorite places in Fez. Established in 1927, this nonprofit organization helps the working donkeys, mules, and horses of the medina. These animals carry goods through the narrow streets every day. The Fondouk gives them medical care, rest, and better treatment.
When you visit, you'll see how important these animals are to daily life in Fez. The people who work here truly care about making life better for creatures that serve the city. It's a side of Moroccan culture that many tourists miss.
Tip: You can make a small donation to support their work. The animals deserve it.
Making the Most of Your Fez CAN 2025 Visit
Between football matches, you'll have plenty of time to explore these spots. Fez isn't huge—you can visit several attractions in one day if you plan well. Start early in the morning when it's cooler, take a break during the afternoon heat (maybe at Jnan Sbil gardens), and finish with sunset at the Merinid Tombs.
Moroccans love football as much as anyone, so during CAN 2025, the whole city will be excited. You'll find cafes showing matches, people discussing games in the streets, and a special energy everywhere. Mix that with exploring ancient history, and you'll have an unforgettable trip.
Don't rush. Take time to drink mint tea, talk to shopkeepers, get lost in the medina, and discover your own favorite corners of Fez. That's what makes travel special—not just checking off a list, but really experiencing a place.
Your Turn!
Have you been to Fez before? Which of these spots sounds most interesting to you? If you're planning to visit during CAN 2025, which match are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I'd love to hear from fellow football fans and Morocco lovers!
And if you need any specific tips about getting around Fez or finding the best places to watch matches, just ask. We're here to help make your Moroccan adventure amazing.
Safe travels, and enjoy the beautiful game in beautiful Morocco!