Shopping in Fez ranks as one of the essential craft cities where almost all kinds of handicrafts are produced in the country. It is a natural paradise for artisans who work in the many markets scattered throughout the Medina.
We recommend you visit the former Dar Batha Palace, now the Museum of Arts and Traditions, near Bab Bou Jelud to discover the treasures and riches of local crafts.
Shopping areas, markets and souks
The whole Medina of Fez looks like a big market, and it isn’t easy to delimit commercial zones.
The oldest souk is Kissaria Al Kifah, near the Mausoleum of Moulay Idris. It is reached through the Bab Guisa gate north of the Medina. It is being rehabilitated to transform into a large market like the one in Istanbul.
The most important streets are Talaa Sghira and Talaa Kbira (in Fez el-Bali) and the Grande Rue de Fez el Jdid (in Fez el-Jdid).
The new city
As soon as you enter, pay particular attention to the modern Borj Fez shopping center.
You will find, in its streets, more European-style craft shops and fixed prices.
There is an Ensemble Artisanal on Hassan II Avenue, an excellent place to buy handicrafts. Next to Florence Square, you will find the famous Qisariya shopping center.
On Avenue Mohammed V, you will find designer clothing boutiques and various other stores.
Craft Tour in the Medina of Fez
The circuit of artisans is a circular route that begins at the place of Boujloud and goes up by the street Talaa Tabita and down by Talaa Seguera. The fantastic circuit includes hundreds of little shops.
Rug
They are usually in large multi-story shops where hundreds of Amazighcarpets made in rural areas of the mountains are piled up.
Sellers will be able to tell you their design, quality, types of models, etc. All this while drinking tea.
It is best to find out about the type of fabric before buying: silk, wool, other materials… Remember that the smaller the knot, the greater the quality. Ask if they can be machine washed and check their condition.
The Tillis souk is known for its carpets
In the small shops, you will find djellabas, caftans (women’s traditional party dress), tablecloths, etc. However, some are made for lower quality and lower price tourism.
Visit the textile workshops where you can witness the process of fabric development.
The embroidery of Fez in dark blue and red colors and Marrakech, known as the Point of Fez (double-sided), is widely used for tablecloths.
These works with geometric shapes, leaves and birds are executed with great skill using silk threads of different colors.
Visit Dar Sanaa or the house of women’s trades, where women’s cooperatives work in these arts.
The Moorish hat in the shape of glass and red is typical of Fez. It bears the same name as the city.
Bronze
Shops are made spectacular by the color and brilliance of bronze objects such as handmade trays, lamps, boxes and utensils.
Fez is known for having a lot of things made of metal. With tableware, you will also see things like chandeliers and decorative mirrors. These are some of the most popular souvenirs.
Metal
Visit Place Seffarine, northeast of the Medina Fès el-Bali, near the Karaouine Mosque.
Artisans here make items such as teapots and red copper pots. It is possible to see how they hit the metal to shape the pieces. This craft is in decline due to the high price of copper.
The most coveted are leather goods Babouches, shoes, drums, jackets, poufs, bags and suitcases.
tanneries of Fez
Visit the tanneries of Fez to witness the process of making the skin and the traditional way of dyeing it.
The Tanneries of Fez are renowned in Morocco. “Chouwara,” the most important, is located northeast of Place Seffarine.
It is divided into two areas: the white ammonia pots used for the first treatment of the raw hides and the color pots to paint the coats left to soak for several days.
Tanneries are near shops with terraces, so you can see the hard work to make leather.
This way, you can see pots filled with natural dyes like poppy or saffron, ammonia and dove droppings, which will make your skin darker. A person in a bathing suit will help them do this. Bathe in these liquids until you reach your knees, then rinse with clean water.
Most of the time, tourists are given a sprig of mint to help them smell better—quite a sight.
Ceramic
It dates back to the 10th century, and it’s known for being very fine and having a lot of cobalt blue, “the blue of Fez,” which is the city’s color. The models with green and gold are also popular. As with the art of mosaic (zellige), it is also one of the most essential and traditional parts of Fez, which has a lot to do with the experience of the Andalusian Muslims who came to the city.
Visit a Moroccan ceramics factory and the potters’ souz.
There are several rooms: modeling vases, cooking and painting cups, pots and dishes.
It is a truly exquisite work. The young sculptors spend their day shaping and painting in blue, with fine brushes, these objects with no other patron than their imagination.
the wood
Cedar, rosewood, argan, pine, oak… Many plant species used in marquetry and cabinetmaking grow in Morocco.
The wooden furniture decoration inlaid with bone and metal is typical of the region.
Visit the wood arts and crafts museum in the fondouk el Nejjarine.
The artisans of this district produce different furniture inspired by palaces.
Jewelry and silk
Luxury goods are in the souks of Kissaria, where you will find richly decorated fabrics and clothing or Amazighjewelry in gold or silver.
There are other jewelry stores in the mellah, rue des Mérinides, goldsmithing being one of the Jewish specialties.
The weavers are installed in the fondouk of Jiaf.
You can find wide varieties of jewelry, the best known being those of Amazighorigin, typical of the Anti-Atlas region.
Baskets
Made from palm leaves, it makes it possible to make carpets, hats, baskets, and exotic and inexpensive bags.
After visiting the craft workshops, you will be taught hundreds of items to purchase. If you don’t want to buy anything, no problem, they don’t get angry and often just tip.
Price and haggling
Muslim culture is conducive to haggling, and in Fez, an ancestral city, prices are as variable as the customer.
Pay only half the original price and compare multiple stores.
If you’re not convinced, walking out the door is enough for the seller to lower the price.
Other souks selling traditional products
Souk el Henna: traditional cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The most typical product is the one that gives the name to the souk, henna, used by Moroccan women on their hands and hair.
Souk Attarine: famous for spices.
Souk Sekkatin: equipment for horses and mules.
Souk Bellagine: locks and wooden shoes for the rainy season.
Souk Chemainne: dried fruits.
Gastronomy
Dates
They aren’t as common as in southern Morocco, but they are a standard part of many breakfasts. The quality and the price vary as much as they did before the price changed. Some of the best are near the Merzouga desert in Rissani, a city in the north.
Dried fruits. Almonds, figs, walnuts, peanuts, chickpeas, sunflower seeds, etc.
Pastries
Pastries in Morocco are made with coconut, almonds, honey, and a lot of sugar. Hazelnut Nougat is a very old sweet.
Spices
If you like Moroccan cuisine, spices are basic. The best option is to buy some preparations that combine various herbs at the best place, Souk Attarine. There is oregano and cumin, the prevalent spices, among others.
Mint flavored tea
You’ll find ready-to-serve mixes if you don’t want to miss this fabulous, smooth drink.
Saffron
Cheaper than in Europe
Its flower is cultivated mainly in the Anti-Atlas, in Taliouine.
Khlii
Dry cow meat spiced and cooked in beef fat and olive oil.
Maa Zhar
Or, if you want to make cakes or sweets, you can use (orange blossom water) or rose water to make them taste better. If you use it for beauty and makeup treatments, it lowers the fever and makes the skin softer when it is used.
Aesthetics and traditional medicine
In Fez, you can find many traditional herbalists and pharmacies.
Many Moroccans combine modern treatments with traditional medicines. Herbalists have flourished so that pharmacies can prescribe and administer homeopathic therapies.
– Musk perfume with aphrodisiac properties.
– Ghassoul is a powder for the skin and hair, typical of Ksabi of the Moulouya Valley.
– There are also essences and creams of flowers, such as the Kelaa roses of Meguna.
– Oils and creams of argan, nopal, prickly pear, almonds and nigella.
– Soaps with argan oil, lavender flowers, aloe and figs; black soap based on olive oil and eucalyptus.
– Skin and hair creams with Argan oil, nopal, etc., typical of Essaouira and the Anti-Atlas.
– Kessa gloves, scrubs.
Tazarine in the Sahara to decorate the skin, and kohl, powder to darken the eyelids.
– Perfumes and plant extracts, rosa perfumes. The production area is the town of Kella de Mgoumna, near Ouarzazate.
Orange blossom water, chamomile, mint, lavender, thyme, jasmine, apple, and oregano, are typical of the Azrou region.
– A wand made of magic. Color changes in seconds based on the temperature of your lips, giving a natural-looking effect. Henna and argan oil-based dyes provide hydration and gloss with a natural tone that lasts longer than 24 hours.
– Akker Fassi is traditional Amazighlipstick made from poppies.
Natural alum is used as a deodorant and healing and firms the skin.
Other purchases
For non-craft products, you can walk in the city center at the modern BORG FEZ MALL shopping center, with European-style shops and a Carrefour hypermarket.
You will find all kinds of products in the Central Market near Hassan II Avenue.
At the exits of the cities of Meknes and Ifrane, you will find hypermarkets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting Fez?
Fez, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities in Morocco, truly deserves a visit. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval cities in the world.
Its winding streets, intricate architecture, and historic monuments offer a captivating glimpse into its rich history and distinctive culture.
Fez is also renowned for its markets and souks where a variety of traditional crafts such as ceramics, textiles, leather, and pottery can be found at affordable prices.
The cuisine of Fez is a true delight, featuring traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, and harira soup, as well as a flourishing street food scene offering an array of delights, from fresh fruits to meat skewers.
Furthermore, the warm hospitality of the people of Fez is legendary. Many visitors choose to stay in traditional riads for a comfortable and authentic experience.
Fez is a unique destination that caters to history enthusiasts, culture lovers, foodies, and shoppers alike, offering something for everyone.
Is Fez cheap?
Fez prices are generally considered more affordable than in other prominent Moroccan cities such as Marrakech or Casablanca. In Fez, you can choose from lodgings on a budget to high-end luxury hotels, with prices varying according to your desired comfort level and amenities.
Numerous budget-friendly restaurants and cafes in Fez offer traditional Moroccan cuisine at reasonable pricing. In addition, the city’s famous markets and souks offer a vast selection of goods at reasonable prices, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy shopping for a bargain.
Fez may not be the most affordable destination in Morocco. Still, visiting and appreciating the city on a budget is possible. With a little investigation and forethought, you can find inexpensive accommodations, delectable meals, and abundant one-of-a-kind activities.
How do you spend a day in Fez?
Fez is a lively and historic city that has much to offer tourists. Here is a sample itinerary for a day spent exploring Fez:
8:00 am: Begin the day with a traditional Moroccan brunch, such as msemen or bissara. Numerous local cafes and restaurants serve breakfast, or you can sample medina street cuisine.
Explore the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest pedestrian-only areas, beginning at 9:00 am. Peruse the shops and stalls selling fragrances, textiles, ceramics, and other traditional crafts along the narrow alleyways.
11 am: Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a stunning Islamic institution founded in the fourteenth century. Admire the intricate tile work and wood carvings.
Stop for lunch at noon at one of the numerous cafés or restaurants in the medina. Try a traditional Moroccan entrée such as couscous or tagine.
Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, an additional magnificent Islamic institution with ornate architecture and design, at 1:30 pm.
2:30 pm: Visit Fez’s renowned tanneries, where leather is still produced using traditional techniques. Consider bringing a scarf or mask to cover your nostrils and mouth, as the odor may be pungent.
Visit the Merenid Tombs, which offer expansive views of the city and surrounding countryside, at 3:30 pm.
Relax with a cup of Moroccan mint tea at a rooftop café or riad at 4:30 pm Admire the scenery and take in the ambiance of the medina.
Dine at a traditional Moroccan establishment, such as Cafe Clock or Restaurant Dar Tajine, at 6:00 pm.
8 pm: End the day with a stroll through the medina at night, with an entirely different ambiance. Numerous stores and stalls remain open late, making it an ideal time to purchase souvenirs or gifts to bring back home.
How many days should I spend in Fez?
Depending on your preferences and travel plans, the days you should spend in Fez will vary. However, many tourists spend two to three days in Fez investigating the city’s main attractions, such as the medina, souks, and historic sites. You could spend up to five days in Fez if you wish to take your time and thoroughly investigate the city. It is also advisable to consider day excursions from Fez to nearby locations, such as Meknes, Volubilis, and the Middle Atlas Mountains, which can add extra days to your itinerary.