Wow, I can't believe this site hasn't had a new review in nearly seven years! However, it's not as if this 1,000+ year old medina has changed much in such a relatively short amount of time. The existing reviews sum up the medina well so in relating my February 2025 experience I won't repeat what has already been said. Do know, however, that the residents of the medina choose to take a day of rest on Fridays, so the streets are significantly less busy that day of the week, and many of the shops are closed.

If you've been to traditional Arab souks before (like the Grand Bazaar in Türkiye, or the souks of Israel or Oman) then you have an idea of what to expect here. Tons of small shops crammed together on narrow streets (often selling similar items) with lots of people and tons of opportunities to haggle. I adore markets like this (I've visited a decent amount) but the Fez medina brings it to a new level by increasing the scale to massive proportions–as others have said, this place is an absolute labyrinth that you can spend hours wandering around in. It's incredibly fun!

If you enjoy:

• The thrill of bustling, very narrow streets
• The energy of tons of people around all the time
• Spending time visiting many shops to haggle effectively

then you will love the Fez Medina. (I, for one, do love all of those things!)

Fez's medina summed up in some quick points:

1. Everything that Fez (medina and otherwise) has to offer can be easily experienced in one day, or two if you want to do it more relaxed. (We opted for two.)
2. Staying in a "riad" (traditional houses turned into what is a blend between an Airbnb and a hotel) is 100% worth it even if it costs a bit more. (Riad Dar Seffarine was our favorite.)
3. Many (though not all) of the most impressive items in the medina are restricted to Muslims only, and can be easily missed if you're not looking carefully. It's worth checking out everything you can!
4. Offline Google Maps (or an equivelant) are an essential, as the entire medina is a giant maze. Don't be panicked if you feel lost, you can always choose one direction and walk to the outside of the medina, then follow the outer walls that surround the complex to get back to where you need to go.
5. The tanneries are super worth seeing.
6. Mint tea is an iconic drink of this place, you will encounter it very commonly. Foods like couscous and lamb tajin are absolutely delicious.
7. If you are able, find somewhere that will let you get to a roof and view a panorama of the medina. (Our riad allowed us to do this.) It's fantastic.