Pottery Quarter Ain Nokbi
A place to witness Moroccan pottery artisans, but beware of inflated prices and aggressive sales tactics. Admire the craft, but shop elsewhere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less pressure
Pottery Quarter Ain Nokbi
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less pressure

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A place to witness Moroccan pottery artisans, but beware of inflated prices and aggressive sales tactics. Admire the craft, but shop elsewhere.
"Many visitors report being significantly overcharged or scammed. Be extremely cautious with pricing and pressure tactics."
🚶♀️ Explore, Don't Buy
Admire the craftsmanship but be very wary of purchasing. Prices are often inflated for tourists.
💰 Compare Medina Prices
If you do decide to buy, compare prices with the Medina. You'll likely find similar items for a fraction of the cost.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artisan Craftsmanship
Throughout the quarter
Witness skilled artisans at work, creating intricate pottery and decorative items. A feast for the eyes, even if you don't buy.

Intricate Moroccan Doors
Various locations in Fes
Admire the detailed metalwork and traditional designs on historic Moroccan doors. A common highlight for visitors exploring Fes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beware of Tourist Traps
Research Prices Before Buying
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Last year I traveled to Morocco, the Royal Palace doors in Fez were definitely a highlight. They use lemon juice to polish the brass doors.
🚶♀️ Explore, Don't Buy
Admire the craftsmanship but be very wary of purchasing. Prices are often inflated for tourists.
💰 Compare Medina Prices
If you do decide to buy, compare prices with the Medina. You'll likely find similar items for a fraction of the cost.
🚫 Resist the Pressure
Artisans can be pushy. Be firm in your decisions and don't feel obligated to buy if you're not comfortable.
🍋 Lemon Polish Secret
Discover traditional polishing techniques, like using lemon juice on brass doors for a brilliant shine.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore, Don't Buy
Admire the craftsmanship but be very wary of purchasing. Prices are often inflated for tourists.
💰 Compare Medina Prices
If you do decide to buy, compare prices with the Medina. You'll likely find similar items for a fraction of the cost.
🚫 Resist the Pressure
Artisans can be pushy. Be firm in your decisions and don't feel obligated to buy if you're not comfortable.
🍋 Lemon Polish Secret
Discover traditional polishing techniques, like using lemon juice on brass doors for a brilliant shine.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Reviews for Pottery Quarter Ain Nokbi are highly polarized. While some praise the ethical business practices and craftsmanship, a significant number of visitors report being scammed with exorbitant prices and aggressive sales tactics. Many advise appreciating the artistry but avoiding purchases due to inflated costs and potential deception.
"Fantastic business and ethical. We bought some pottery and then realized, after the fact how expensive it was. We were still in Fez for another day, so I called and asked if we can cancel the transaction. We attempted to come to a good barter, but my price was too low, and they were unable to sell at that price. I appreciated that. Ended up canceling the transaction. They were honest, direct and easy to work with. I wish I could have afforded the piece of art we left behind. I cannot recommend this art collective highly enough."
Alex major
"Scam scam scam!!!! I entered the shop with a group. We were with a guide. I did not make any purchase and I see a $540 charge on my card. I wish I could give this place zero stars. My cc company did not resolve my claim in my favor. Terrible! A tourist trap! I feel so cheated."
Perzen Akolawala
"i was here 2 years ago and it still makes me depressed how badly we got scammed here lol 2 tables came out to 3000 USD, we wanted to support artisans but when we told others the price they told us it was terrible, we at least thought well they will be family heirlooms but one of the tables is already falling apart, they were extremely pushy and you should go somewhere else"
xiao liang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Pottery Quarter Ain Nokbi is located in Fes, Morocco. It's often visited as part of a guided tour. If you're exploring independently, you can take a petit taxi to the general area and then walk. Be aware that some guides may steer you towards specific establishments.
While the general area is known, specific workshops can be a bit spread out. Having a local guide can be helpful for navigation, but be mindful of potential commission-based recommendations.
Petit taxis are the most common and affordable way to get around Fes. Always agree on the fare before starting your journey or ensure the meter is used.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is generally no entrance fee to wander through the Pottery Quarter itself. However, individual workshops or demonstrations might have associated costs or be part of a tour package.
Workshop hours can vary, but they are typically open during daylight hours, aligning with the general business hours in Fes. It's best to visit during the day to see artisans at work.
Browsing is free, but be prepared for sales pitches. Many visitors recommend enjoying the visual experience without the pressure to purchase.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can observe artisans creating traditional Moroccan pottery and crafts. It's a chance to see the process firsthand, though many advise against purchasing due to high prices.
Yes, you can often witness demonstrations of pottery making. These can be fascinating, but be aware that they might be followed by a strong sales pitch.
The vibrant colors and intricate details of the pottery and workshops can make for great photos. However, always be respectful and ask permission before taking close-up shots of artisans.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be on your feet. Dress modestly, out of respect for local culture, especially if visiting during prayer times.
Children might find the visual aspect interesting, but the high-pressure sales tactics could be overwhelming. Supervise them closely and be prepared to leave if they become uncomfortable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be small local eateries nearby, the Pottery Quarter itself is primarily focused on artisan workshops. For a wider selection of dining options, head to the Fes Medina.
No, the pottery is for decorative or functional use (like serving dishes), not for consumption. Ensure you understand the purpose of the items you are looking at.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the glazed pottery, the textures of the clay, and the skilled hands of the artisans at work. The traditional Moroccan doors in Fes are also iconic photo subjects.
It's always best practice to ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially artisans. Some may expect a small tip for posing.
Use natural light whenever possible. A macro lens can be great for capturing intricate details, while a wider lens can showcase the workshop environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sales Tactics
To avoid falling victim to these scams, it's highly recommended to research typical prices for Moroccan pottery and crafts in the Fes Medina before visiting the quarter. Be prepared to politely but firmly decline offers, and do not feel obligated to make a purchase. If you feel uncomfortable or pressured, it's perfectly acceptable to leave. Many travelers suggest enjoying the visual spectacle of the artisans at work but refraining from buying anything to avoid overpaying or being scammed.
If you do decide to purchase, ensure you have a clear understanding of the final price and consider using a credit card for better dispute resolution, though even this has not always been successful for tourists. Ultimately, the consensus from many reviews is to appreciate the artistry from a distance and shop for souvenirs elsewhere in Fes for better value and a less stressful experience.
The Art of Moroccan Doors
Many travelers are captivated by the sheer variety and beauty of Moroccan doors, from the grand entrances of palaces and riads to the more modest doors found in residential areas. The use of materials like wood, brass, and iron, combined with traditional techniques, results in visually striking pieces. Some doors are polished to a high sheen, while others showcase a more weathered, antique charm.
When exploring Fes, take the time to look up and around; you'll find these architectural gems around almost every corner. They offer fantastic photographic opportunities and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city. While not directly part of the Pottery Quarter's offerings, the appreciation for detailed artistry extends to these iconic Moroccan features.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit