Fes Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Travel to Fes without overspending by using these strategies.

Discount cards and passes

Fes has no specific tourist discount cards or passes for attractions.
Most entry fees already hold low values.

Free activities and attractions

Walk the medina for hours, exploring alleys and soaking in the atmosphere.
Visit Bab Bou Jeloud for photos and people-watching.
Explore panoramic viewpoints from Borj Nord or Borj Sud, especially at sunset.
Browse souks without buying (though temptation lingers).

Happy hours and dining deals

Happy hours and specific dining deals are not common in Fes, especially in the medina.
Focus on eating where locals eat for value.

Transportation savings

Walk as much as possible, especially within the medina.
Use local buses for longer distances in the Ville Nouvelle.
When taking petit taxis, always request the meter ("le compteur, s'il vous plaît") or agree on a fare beforehand.
This prevents overcharging.

Time-Saving Tips

Optimize your time in Fes to see more and reduce waiting.

Skip-the-line options

Generally not needed for Fes attractions, as crowds usually remain manageable.
Tickets can typically be bought at the entrance without long waits.

Best and worst times for popular attractions

Visit madrasas (like Al-Attarine or Bou Inania) and the Chouara Tannery early in the morning.
This avoids larger crowds and often yields better light for photography.
Activity at the tannery also peaks earlier in the day.

Express transportation alternatives

Your riad frequently arranges this.

Efficient routing suggestions

Plan medina exploration by sector.
Group nearby attractions or souks (e.g., tanneries, artisan souks, madrasas) to minimize backtracking.
A licensed guide for your first day provides orientation in the labyrinthine medina, leads to hidden spots, and makes initial exploration more efficient.

Local Insights

Discover these hints for better interactions and avoiding common pitfalls.

Common tourist mistakes and avoidance

Getting lost in the medina without a plan: Download offline maps (Maps.me, Google Maps) before deep medina ventures. Alternatively, hire a licensed guide for at least your first half-day.
Falling for "official guide" scams: Only hire licensed guides with a Ministry of Tourism badge. Unsolicited street "guides" are typically unofficial and demand money, often directing you to shops. Firmly say "La shokran" (No, thank you) and walk away.
Not bargaining: Haggling is part of souk and market culture. Engage respectfully and with a smile. Walk away if a fair price is not reached.
Ignoring taxi meters: Always request the taxi meter or agree on a price before entering. If a driver refuses the meter, find another taxi.
Dressing inappropriately: Respect local customs by dressing modestly. This applies to men and women, aiding integration and avoiding unwanted attention.

Local customs visitors should know

Hospitality holds high value in Morocco. Accepting mint tea when offered shows respect.
Politeness and respect go far in interactions.

Unofficial rules and social norms

Be aware of personal space. Moroccans often stand closer during conversations.
Avoid public displays of affection.
Always use your right hand for eating, handling food, and giving or receiving items. The left hand is unclean.
Learning and using a few basic phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) or French receives high appreciation: "Salam Alaikum" (hello/peace be upon you), "Shokran" (thank you), "Afak" (please).

Solo, Family & Group-Specific Advice

Adjust your approach based on your travel companions.

Solo traveler safety and social opportunities

Safety: Remain in well-lit areas at night. Be aware of your surroundings and trust instincts. Inform someone of your itinerary. For medina navigation, consider a guide or stick to busier routes.
Social: Stay in hostels or riads fostering social interaction (e.g., communal breakfasts, shared lounges). Café Clock offers a good spot to meet other travelers and locals.

Family-friendly adaptations and kid-specific tips

Medina: Can present challenges with small children or strollers due to crowds, uneven ground, and steps. A Baby carrier aids infants. Keep children close in crowded areas.
Activities: Visits to Chouara Tanneries (with mint sprigs to mitigate smell!), souk exploration for interesting sights, and a hands-on pottery workshop captivate children.
Jardin Jnan Sbil offers open space for them to run.
Food: Moroccan food generally suits children. Tagines, couscous, and fresh bread are popular. Orange juice is widely available.

Managing group logistics and reservations

For groups, pre-book riads or hotels accommodating everyone. Many riads provide interconnected rooms or full buyouts.
Book large taxis or private vans for airport transfers and day trips to ensure comfortable group travel.
Inquire about group discounts for tours or cooking classes.

Cultural Etiquette

Always use your right hand for greetings, eating, and handling items. The left hand is considered unclean.

Image

A local Fes merchant smiling in a spice souk, surrounded by colorful wares.

Photography

Capture the scenes respectfully. Ask permission before taking photos of people.

Dining Etiquette

Enjoy local cuisine. Eating with your right hand is the local custom.

Bargaining

Haggling is part of the shopping experience; approach it with a smile.

Planning Insights

Pre-Trip Preparation

Book flights and accommodation well in advance.
Check passport validity and visa requirements.
Consult your doctor regarding vaccinations.

On-Site Navigation

Download offline maps for the medina.
Learn basic Moroccan Arabic or French phrases.
Walking is the best way to explore Fes.

Local Tip

Engage with locals. Their insights frequently lead to enriching experiences.

Fes Travel Hacks