Fez is a safe city and a magical place for children because of how different the old city is from our perspective. Labyrinthine streets, unimaginable squares, incredible doors, craftsmen working with wood, metal, or leather…a whole world that can be a lot of fun to discover with the little ones. Here are some of the activities you can’t miss if you’re visiting here with children.
Range of child-friendly activities
Visiting Fez El Bali
The old city of Fez is a bit of a challenge with children because you never know what you might find around the next corner. There are thousands of streets, some so narrow that only one person can fit in them, leading to almost hidden squares where it’s not uncommon to see children playing ball.
Souks featuring different trades, fountains, decorated doors, entrances and exits of mosques, with lights and shadows marking the passage through the different quarters that are full of craftsmen and vendors offering their products.
The best way to make sure you don’t miss anything is to hire a guide to help you along the way.
See how the coppersmiths work
One of the most important squares in Fez is Seffarine Square. You’ll know you’ve reached it before you even step on one of its stones, as the work of the coppersmiths pounding metal can be heard from the moment you come near. It’s in this souk that the famous metal teapots or tea boxes are made. Also eye-catching are the giant cauldrons in the centre of the square, which are usually rented out for ceremonies.
The Jnan Sbil Gardens
This paradise located a 15-minute walk from Fez El Bali is a haven of peace and greenery that was built in the 17th century by Sultan Moulay Abdellad for the enjoyment of his family. In the 20th century, benches were installed so that people could enjoy a space where the lake, noria (or water wheel), and the Andalusian garden are three of the must-see attractions.
There’s also a promenade with palm trees and a bamboo forest with different species of these gigantic plants, which are a welcome respite on the hottest days. Admission is free of charge.
Chouara Tannery
It’s worth bearing in mind that this tannery, the largest in Fez and one of the oldest in Morocco, is a place with very strong odours. In fact, before starting the visit, the vendors who allow visitors to enter their terraces to enjoy the views give each visitor a few leaves of mint. But if you think your children can handle the stench, it’s an incredible place to see how leather is processed in Fez in the traditional way, as people have done all their lives. What’s more, seeing how the leather takes on different colours thanks to the dyes can turn into a sort of magical game for the little ones.
The Royal Palace
The gates of this imposing monument in Fez are one of the most photographed images in the entire city, and they’re not the only ones ornately decorated. It’s not possible to visit the inside, but it’s worth walking through the seven gates, which are full of symbolism, representing the seven days of the week and the seven levels of the monarchy.
You can also visit Fez Al Jdid, the new city, which emerged around the palace and that forms the Jewish quarter, a very different place from the Muslim part of the city, especially when it comes to the balconies.
Walking along the Ramparts
The ramparts of Fez must be seen from a different perspective to understand how the largest medina in the world has been preserved thanks, in part, to this structure that has protected the heart of the city for centuries. The best way to see it is to walk around the main gates and out of the medina in some sections to appreciate its majesty. You can also climb the two remaining towers, Borj Nord and Borj Sud, to get a better vantage point of this defensive barrier.
The Borj Nord is home to the Arms Museum, also a fun visit for children, which explains the history of warfare in one of Morocco’s four imperial cities.
The Nejjarine Museum
It’s housed in a former 18th-century inn where businessmen who came to Fez to buy luxury goods stayed. The building itself is a good reason to visit, but it’s also home to an exhibition of traditional woodworking objects, which is one of the most important decorative features in the city. Among other things you can see tools, musical instruments, furniture, and even antique carved doors.
Eating a camel burger
For the little ones, it’s always a treat to try something new, such as the camel burgers served at Cafe Clock, a rather touristy restaurant with a rooftop terrace offering good views. It’s located near the Bab Bou Jeloud gate and has a fairly westernised menu where you can have breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a cup of tea. The burgers come with chips and salad.
Taking a dip
While some hammams do indeed allow children over the age of six, the best thing to do if you’re travelling with children is to stay in a hotel with an outdoor swimming pool where they can have a swim, especially during the hottest hours of the day and if you’re travelling in the middle of summer.
It can be fun to freshen up right after visiting the old city and before moving on to the next thing on your agenda.
Excursion to Middle Atlas
If travelling to Fez in the warmer months, going to the Middle Atlas is a day trip to areas where the air is cooler and the views are incredible. Among the possibilities are Imouzzer and Ifrane, famous for their low temperatures and where you can ski in winter, and Azrou, with its cedar forests, home to the friendliest and hungriest macaques in Morocco.
Tips and advice
Fez is a city with an extreme climate in summer and winter, so the best time to visit the city is in spring. If you’re travelling during peak holiday months, we recommend staying in a hotel with a swimming pool where the little ones can take a break from the heat and recharge their batteries. If you visit Fez in winter, make sure that the hotel or riad has heating, especially after dark.
It’s also advisable if you’re travelling with children to have medical insurance to be able to access a hospital if need be.
Where to spend the night in Fez
One of the best hotels with a swimming pool near the old city is the Barceló Fès Medina, a good place to have your base camp if you’re travelling with children.
Moreover, this hotel is very well connected to the airport, only 20 minutes away, and to the train station, just five minutes away.
It’s a modern building with designer décor and its 134 rooms are equipped with all the comforts you may need on your trip.
Next to the outdoor swimming pool, the Barceló Fès Medina has a hammam with sauna and treatments as well as a gym so you can stay in shape even on holiday.
The international restaurant offers typical Moroccan dishes on its menu and the jazz bar serves cocktails or drinks in the evening so you can recuperate while you relax.
