Moroccan magic: Why Fez should be your next city break

It’s got authenticity by the bucketload

Fez feels authentic from the moment you arrive. The old city (Fes el-Bali) is the world's largest car-free urban area, preserving a way of life that's remained largely unchanged for centuries. Walking through its streets, you'll feel like you've stepped into a living, breathing history book.

Its medina is the real deal too. A sprawling, labyrinthine world unto itself, where daily life unfolds much as it has for a millennium, it’s still filled with tanners, metalworkers, bakers and weavers practising their crafts.

Getting lost here is all part of the experience. Fez's narrow, winding alleys resist all attempts at easy orientation, leading you to hidden corners where tourist footprints are rare.

There’s history around every corner

Fez is home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD and considered one of the oldest existing, continually operating educational institutions in the world.

The city's intellectual heritage is palpable, with stunning madrasas (religious schools) around every corner. The archways of the mosques and madrasas are particularly striking, their horseshoe shapes adorned with mesmerising geometric patterns and calligraphy.

The Bou Inania Madrasa, with its grand minaret and ornate courtyard, is a prime example of this artistic mastery. Its walls are a canvas of zellige mosaic tilework, its doors richly carved and its mihrab (prayer niche) a masterpiece of design.

Similarly, the Al-Attarine Madrasa showcases exquisite plasterwork and tilework that will have you marvel at the skill of 14th-century craftsmen.

Foodies will leave feeling satisfied

Marrakech may be known for its luxury dining, but Fez holds its own as a top culinary destination. From sizzling street food to elegant restaurants, you'll find flavours here that easily rival the offerings of its glitzier cousin.

Don't miss the chance to try a steaming bowl of bessara (fava bean soup) from a street vendor. It's a local specialty that'll warm you from the inside out.

For a breather from the medina hustle, head to Dar Rafti's rooftop. This stylish Moroccan house dishes up local ingredients with traditional flair and a side of city views. Or slip into Restaurant La Cave where European finesse meets Moroccan taste – their soups and tagines are terrific.

You’ll find pretty pockets of tranquility

Fez’s medina thrums with energy, a whirlwind of sights, sounds and scents that can be just as overwhelming as it is mesmerising. But amidst the chaos, you'll find pockets of tranquillity that offer a welcome respite from the sensory overload.

Take Jnan Sbil, for instance – this lush, 19th-century garden is a verdant oasis in the heart of the city. With its towering palm trees, trickling fountains and fragrant orange groves, it's the perfect spot to catch your breath and recharge.

Beyond Jnan Sbil, you'll discover peaceful corners in many riads and smaller gardens scattered throughout the medina.

You can add a day trip to the capital

Fez pairs perfectly with a visit to Rabat, the country's capital city. The best part? You can easily travel between the two in under three hours thanks to Morocco's extensive rail network.

The train from Fez to Rabat is an experience in itself. You'll glide through rolling hills and fertile plains, getting a glimpse of Morocco's stunning countryside.

In Rabat, you can explore a different side of Morocco. This port city blends history and modernity, from the ancient Kasbah of the Udayas to the sleek Rabat-Salé tramway.

It's a cool, coastal counterpoint to Fez's medieval charm, letting you experience two distinct aspects of Moroccan culture in one trip.