For over 1,200 years, the medina (or Fez El Bali) has been a vast market where craftsmen and customers strike a bargain after an amicable chat, a spot of haggling, and a handshake to seal the deal. The system in Fez has changed little over the years, and the shopping streets are grouped into small souks run by guilds, and selling leather goods, items made from wood or metal, henna, and even accoutrements for horses. These are the ten most important street markets, but the best way to make sure you don’t miss anything is to be patient and wander at will through the narrow streets.
The souks of Fez
The Henna Souk
Situated at the end of this area’s main shopping street, Talaa Kebira, is one of the most sought after souks for its varieties of henna, the product used by Moroccan women to colour their hair and hands for traditional celebrations. Nowadays, the souk also sells other, natural cosmetic and health products.
Kiseria Al Kifah
This covered square includes several alleyways full of traders and their goods, and is located near the Mulay Idris II Mausoleum. This is the city of Fez’s oldest souk, but until recently the shops and the area itself were in a dilapidated state. Now it has been restored, in the same way as other parts of the medina, to make it into a kind of Grand Bazaar like the one in Istanbul.
The coppersmiths’ souk
This souk is situated in the famous square, Place Seffarine, and it is easy to tell when you are approaching it because you can hear the hammering as the craftsmen work on their pots. This is the traditional way of working red copper, alpaca and brass to make their famous teapots, bowls, and caddies for storing tea. In fact, here you can find almost anything made of metal.
Ain Allou Souk
This is one of the most popular souks with tourists, because its stalls display all manner of leather items made by Fez craftsmen. It is in these shops that you will find all kinds of leather goods, such as traditional slippers, various types of bags, briefcases, pouffés, and more besides.
Attarine Souk
This so-called spice market can also be reached via Talaa Kebira street. It used to be an area of grocers’ shops, but it has been taken over by stalls full of the colours, aromas, and flavours of ground and whole spices. A unique spectacle. You can find anything here, even a typical photo of these souks, but the most common spices are cumin and oregano.
Chemaine Souk
Once, these houses were where the candle craftsmen worked, but now many of the stalls sell nuts and dried fruits, very important ingredients in Moroccan cuisine: dates, almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds and hazelnuts are important ingredients in the typical sweets sold in this area. Hazelnut nougat is a popular traditional sweet in Fez.
Nejjarine Souk
This pleasant souk is located very close to the Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, a place well worth visiting to appreciate the work of these craftsmen and the importance of wood in typical Fez architecture. In the Nejjarine souk (Nejjarine means ‘cabinetmaker’ in Arabic), you can find all kinds of items made from wood, and you can even watch the carpenters putting the finishing touches to their work.
This souk is home to Fez’s oldest fountain (and one of its most beautiful) — another reason to have a wander around its stalls.
Achebine Souk
Located very near the famous Blue Gate, Achebine souk specialises in the sale of chickens, birds and all kinds of poultry. It is interesting to see how the animals live alongside the specialist butchers’ shops.
Sekkatine Souk
This is a fascinating souk because its very name is derived from the type of goods sold here: equipment for horses, mules and donkeys. It is not at all unusual to see one of the final recipients trying out the piece of equipment being purchased by its owner.
Bellagine Souk
This souk has changed a great deal, but at one time it was occupied by craftsmen making locks and the wooden shoes once worn by the inhabitants of Fez during the rainy season.
Where to stay in Fez
One of the best options for accommodation in the centre of Fez is the Barceló Fès Medina, the perfect place to relax without moving too far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its 134 guest rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, and offer every comfort and convenience that any traveller could require.
In addition, the hotel is easily accessible from the airport, which is just 20 minutes away, while the railway station is only 5 minutes away.
Facilities at the Barceló Fès Medina include a Moroccan-style hammam with a massage menu, and a sauna that can prove a very relaxing experience after a visit to the souks. The hotel also has an international restaurant specialising in Moroccan dishes, and a Jazz Bar where you can enjoy the finest cocktails at the end of the day.
