Less polished than Marrakech. Less curated. More real. This is Morocco for travelers who want beauty with friction—history you feel under your feet, not just photograph from a rooftop.
Founded in the 8th century, Fes remains one of the world’s most intact medieval cities. Its UNESCO-protected medina is a maze of workshops, mosques, riads, and hidden courtyards—no cars, no shortcuts, no hurry. You arrive curious. You leave changed.
Where to Stay: Discreet Grandeur
Fes does luxury inwardly. The most exceptional stays reveal themselves slowly.
- Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux
The gold standard. A former palace restored with restraint—zellige tilework, fountains, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the medina. Intimate, historic, and quietly impeccable. - Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
Perched above the old city with sweeping views, this is where classic Moroccan craftsmanship meets five-star comfort. Come for the hammam. Stay for sunset. - Riad Laaroussa
For travelers who prefer understated elegance to overt opulence. Serene, personal, deeply atmospheric.
Where to Eat: Elevated, Authentic
Fes rewards those who slow down at the table.
- Nur Restaurant
Modern Moroccan cuisine done with intelligence and restraint. Seasonal menus, refined plating, and a young chef redefining tradition. - Dar Roumana
Elevated Moroccan classics served in a candlelit riad setting. Romantic without being precious. - Restaurant Riad Fès
Formal, refined, and ideal for a first night when you want to be eased into the city.
What to Do: Go Deep
Visit the Chouara Tannery early, before the crowds. Wander the Andalusian Quarter. Step inside artisan workshops where skills have been passed down for centuries. Book a private guide—not for facts, but for access.
“Fes isn’t just a destination.
EMIRA
It’s a reminder that the most beautiful experiences still require curiosity, patience, and presence.”
