Old Medina
A vibrant, lived-in labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with colorful stalls, local life, and unique treasures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full of life and colors
Old Medina
Best Time
Full of life and colors

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, lived-in labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with colorful stalls, local life, and unique treasures.
"Full of life and colours even in the night. Some very good places to have some great Moroccan delicacies or Tea."
🎯 Embrace the Maze
Don't fear getting lost! It's part of the Old Medina experience. Look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends.
🛍️ Shop Smart
Find colorful clothing, toys, footwear, and imitation jewelry. Prices are often reasonable.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Market Alleys
Immerse yourself in a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and smells. A true taste of local life.

Argan Oil Boutiques
Find pure argan oil, celebrated for its culinary and cosmetic benefits. A must-try local treasure.

Local Delicacies & Tea
Savor delicious Moroccan sandwiches and refreshing juices in small, welcoming eateries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Labyrinth
Authentic Finds & Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Come inside the Medina of Fes, Morocco
🎯 Embrace the Maze
Don't fear getting lost! It's part of the Old Medina experience. Look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends.
🛍️ Shop Smart
Find colorful clothing, toys, footwear, and imitation jewelry. Prices are often reasonable.
Fes medina on our own?
💧 Argan Oil Gems
Seek out shops selling pure argan oil for culinary and cosmetic uses. High quality is widely available.
🛵 Watch for Bikes
Motorcycles weave through narrow lanes, so stay alert while exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Maze
Don't fear getting lost! It's part of the Old Medina experience. Look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends.
🛍️ Shop Smart
Find colorful clothing, toys, footwear, and imitation jewelry. Prices are often reasonable.
💧 Argan Oil Gems
Seek out shops selling pure argan oil for culinary and cosmetic uses. High quality is widely available.
🛵 Watch for Bikes
Motorcycles weave through narrow lanes, so stay alert while exploring.
☕ Take a Break
Small restaurants offer delicious sandwiches and refreshing juices for a welcome rest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Old Medina is a vibrant, lived-in market with a lively atmosphere, offering a wide array of goods from argan oil to clothing. Visitors appreciate the friendly people, reasonable prices, and the sensory experience. However, some find it messy and dirty, with a less enjoyable atmosphere compared to other Moroccan medinas, and caution is advised regarding street food.
"The old Medina market just as any other Medina except this is a little modern and looks new. Nevertheless, full of life and colours even in the night. Some very good places to have some great Moroccan delicacies or Tea."
Shaik Masood
"Medina Market is a vibrant and expansive marketplace that captures the essence of local culture and commerce. Spanning narrow alleys and bustling pathways, it can be easy to lose one’s way amid the myriad of shops and stalls. The market offers a diverse array of goods, from colorful clothing and handcrafted toys to stylish footwear and intricate imitation jewelry. Each corner reveals unique treasures that reflect the rich heritage of the region.
Shoppers can explore various vendors offering pure argan oil, celebrated for its culinary and cosmetic benefits. This high-quality oil is available in multiple shops, making it a must-try for visitors.
Amid the shopping frenzy, small restaurants serve delicious sandwiches and refreshing juices, providing a welcome break for weary explorers. However, navigating the market requires some caution, as motorcycles often weave through the narrow lanes, adding to the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking souvenirs, indulging in local flavors, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds, Medina Market promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit."
F K
"We visited the market and were pleasantly surprised. So many friendly people, reasonable prices, delicious street food, and lots of beautiful things to see. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming – a perfect place to stroll around, explore, and enjoy the local vibe. Love from Norway 🇳🇴"
Henriette Korsvold
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Accessing the Old Medina is generally straightforward. Many visitors arrive by taxi or ride-sharing services, which can drop you off near the main gates. Parking is often available nearby, even on sandy areas behind bus stops.
The Old Medina is famously a labyrinth. Locals suggest looking for hexagonal street signs, as these indicate dead ends. Embrace the possibility of getting lost as part of the authentic experience.
While motorcycles are common within the narrow lanes, driving a car directly through the main parts of the Old Medina is generally not advised or feasible due to the tight spaces.
The best way to explore is on foot, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking through winding alleys.
Guided tours can be a great way to navigate the complex layout and learn about the history and culture of the Old Medina. They can help you avoid getting too lost and discover hidden gems.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter the Old Medina itself. It's a living, breathing city quarter. However, specific attractions or historical sites within the Medina might have their own entrance fees.
The Old Medina is typically open 24/7 as it's a residential and commercial area. However, individual shops and stalls will have their own operating hours, usually opening in the morning and closing in the late evening.
To avoid the biggest crowds, consider visiting during weekday mornings or late evenings. Weekends and peak tourist hours can be quite busy.
While photography is generally allowed, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially shopkeepers or residents.
Haggling is a common practice in the Old Medina markets. Be prepared to negotiate prices, but always do so respectfully and with a smile.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of goods, including colorful clothing, handcrafted toys, stylish footwear, intricate imitation jewelry, and authentic argan oil.
Argan oil is widely available in many shops throughout the Old Medina. Look for vendors specializing in pure, high-quality argan oil for both culinary and cosmetic purposes.
Yes, prices are generally negotiable. It's expected to haggle respectfully to reach a mutually agreeable price. Start with an offer lower than the asking price.
Consider handcrafted leather goods, traditional textiles, intricate metalwork, pottery, or local spices. Argan oil is also a popular and practical souvenir.
While you can find electronics and copies of popular brands, quality can vary greatly. Be cautious and inspect items thoroughly. Many reviewers suggest focusing on traditional crafts for more reliable purchases.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find delicious Moroccan delicacies, including sandwiches and refreshing juices. Small restaurants offer a welcome break for shoppers.
Some reviewers advise caution with street food due to hygiene concerns, suggesting it's best for those with a 'stomach of steel.' Opt for established small restaurants for a safer bet.
Many places offer traditional Moroccan tea. Look for small cafes or restaurants that serve it as a refreshing accompaniment to your meal or shopping.
Many traditional Moroccan dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be made so, such as tagines with vegetables or couscous. Fresh juices are also widely available.
Try local sandwiches and fresh juices. If you're adventurous, explore other traditional Moroccan snacks and dishes offered by vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The narrow, winding alleys filled with colorful stalls, vibrant textiles, and bustling activity offer endless photographic opportunities. The main gate often presents a grand entrance shot.
It's always best practice to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially shopkeepers or residents. Respect their privacy.
Early mornings or late evenings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric shots. Evenings also bring a lively glow to the market.
Look for intricate doorways, traditional tilework (zellige), and the unique architecture of the old buildings that line the alleys.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide alleyways and details. A smaller, discreet camera can be less intrusive. Ensure your phone is fully charged for spontaneous shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for handcrafted toys and unique souvenirs that might delight younger visitors. While the variety of food is appealing, parents might want to stick to established small restaurants for meals to ensure food safety for their children. The sheer energy of the Medina can be tiring, so plan for breaks and stay hydrated with the readily available fresh juices.
💰 Budget Travelers
For affordable eats, look for small local eateries serving sandwiches and juices. While some street food might be tempting, sticking to these smaller establishments can offer a good balance of taste and value while mitigating potential risks. The sheer act of wandering and observing the daily life is a free and enriching activity.
couples
Enjoying a quiet cup of Moroccan tea or a shared meal at a small, intimate restaurant can be a perfect way to connect. The sensory richness of the Medina, from the scents of spices to the visual feast of textiles, provides ample conversation starters and shared discoveries. Remember to be respectful of local customs and enjoy the authentic cultural immersion together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Medina Maze
While getting lost is part of the adventure, it's also wise to be aware of your surroundings. Motorcycles frequently navigate these tight spaces, so maintaining situational awareness is crucial for safety. For those who prefer a more structured exploration, consider hiring a local guide. They can expertly navigate the maze, share historical insights, and point out hidden gems you might otherwise miss.
Parking is generally available near the entrances of the Old Medina, with some reviewers mentioning spaces even on sandy areas behind bus stops. This makes it accessible for those arriving by car, though once inside, walking is the only way to truly experience its charm.
Shopping and Treasures
A particular highlight for many is the availability of pure argan oil, celebrated for its culinary and cosmetic benefits. Numerous shops offer this high-quality product, making it a sought-after item for visitors. When shopping, remember that haggling is a common practice. Approach negotiations respectfully and with a friendly demeanor to secure the best prices.
While the market is full of enticing items, some reviewers offer a word of caution regarding the quality of certain goods, particularly electronics and branded copies. It's advisable to inspect items thoroughly. For a more authentic and reliable experience, focus on traditional crafts, textiles, and local specialties like argan oil.
Culinary Delights and Caution
However, when it comes to street food, some visitors express caution. Reviews suggest that while tempting, the hygiene standards can be questionable, and it's recommended for those with a particularly robust digestive system. For a safer culinary experience, opting for established small restaurants is often advised.
Enjoying a traditional Moroccan tea is also a quintessential part of the experience. Many establishments offer this refreshing beverage, perfect for a moment of relaxation while people-watching. Exploring the food offerings is an integral part of understanding the local culture and daily life within the Medina.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit