Family Adventure in the Heart of Fes

A Day of Discovery in Fes

Today in Fes was a vibrant tapestry woven with the colors of henna, the echoes of history, and breathtaking views. We immersed ourselves in the heart of the medina, explored ancient landmarks, and savored the flavors of Moroccan cuisine. It was a day filled with sensory delights and unforgettable family moments.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Made in M. The aroma of freshly baked bread and mint tea filled the air as we settled into the cozy atmosphere. Saoirse devoured her harcha, a pan-fried semolina bread, while Hans enjoyed the traditional Berber bread. I savored the combination of olives, tomatoes, and cucumber, a refreshing start to the day. It reminded me of similar breakfasts back home in Westport, though with a distinct Moroccan twist. The friendly staff and the delicious food set the perfect tone for our Fassi adventure.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Made in M - where tradition meets taste in the heart of Fes.

Fueled and ready, we ventured into the heart of the medina, our first stop being the Henna Souk. The square was a kaleidoscope of colors, with stalls overflowing with spices, traditional cosmetics, and, of course, henna. The air was thick with exotic scents, a mix of sweet perfumes and earthy spices. Saoirse was particularly fascinated by the henna artists, their hands moving with incredible speed and precision as they created intricate designs on willing customers. I was tempted to get a small design myself but decided to hold off for another time. It was fascinating to see how this ancient tradition is still alive and well in Fes. The massive, gnarled fig tree in the center of the square provided a welcome respite from the sun, its shade offering a cool spot to observe the bustling scene.


Discover the enchanting Henna Souk and Pottery Market in Fes, a vibrant hub of Moroccan culture and craftsmanship, perfect for unique souvenirs.

The beauty of Fes lies not just in its monuments, but in the everyday moments, the vibrant souks, and the warm smiles of its people.

Next, we made our way to Bab Mahrouk, the main western gate of Fes el Bali. This imposing gate, dating back to 1204, stands as a testament to the city's rich history. As we approached, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at its sheer size and intricate design. Hans, ever the history enthusiast, regaled us with tales of the gate's past, explaining how it was once known as the Gate of Justice before being renamed after a gruesome event. The kids were suitably impressed, though perhaps a little disturbed by the stories of rebels being burned here. The gate itself is a beautiful example of Almohad architecture, with its large horseshoe arch and intricate carvings. We took some photos, trying to capture the grandeur of the structure, before venturing through the opening in the walls. It's amazing to think that this gate has stood for over 800 years, witnessing countless events and serving as a gateway to this ancient city.


Discover the historical beauty of Bab Mahrouk, a stunning gateway that connects you to the rich heritage of Fes, Morocco.

Leaving Bab Mahrouk, we explored the adjacent cemetery, a sprawling expanse of graves stretching out towards the horizon. It was a somber yet fascinating experience, a reminder of the generations who have lived and died in this city. The cemetery is also home to the mausoleum of Abu Bakr ibn al-Arabi, a 12th-century Islamic scholar, and the tomb of Ibn al-Khatib, an Andalusi poet from Granada. We paid our respects at these sites, taking a moment to reflect on the lives and contributions of these notable figures. As we wandered through the cemetery, we noticed many locals visiting the graves of their loved ones, tending to the flowers and offering prayers. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of family and tradition in Moroccan culture.

Our appetites were starting to growl, so we sought out Restaurant Tresor Fes for lunch. This charming restaurant, tucked away in the medina, offered a welcome respite from the bustling streets. The decor was warm and inviting, with colorful tiles and traditional Moroccan furnishings. We ordered a selection of dishes to share, including a flavorful chicken tagine with couscous and raisins, and a hearty lamb tagine with vegetables. The spices were fragrant and the meat was tender, a true culinary delight. Saoirse surprised us all by devouring the tagine, declaring it her favorite Moroccan dish so far. Hans and I enjoyed the mint tea, a refreshing and essential part of any Moroccan meal. The friendly service and the delicious food made it a truly memorable lunch.


Discover authentic Moroccan flavors at Restaurant Tresor Fes, where tradition meets contemporary dining in a charming setting.

With renewed energy, we embarked on the final adventure of the day: a visit to the Merinide Necropole. Perched on a hill overlooking Fes el Bali, this ancient site offered panoramic views of the city. The ruins of the tombs themselves were impressive, remnants of a royal necropolis from the Marinid dynasty. As we explored the site, we imagined the grandeur of this place in its heyday, a final resting place for kings and queens. But the real highlight was the view. From our vantage point, we could see the entire city stretching out before us, a sea of rooftops and minarets bathed in the golden light of the late afternoon sun. Saoirse was thrilled, pointing out the landmarks we had visited earlier in the day, like Bab Mahrouk and the Henna Souk. It was a truly breathtaking sight, a perfect way to appreciate the beauty and history of Fes. I felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing that we had experienced so much of this incredible city in just one day. It was also a great opportunity to explain to Saoirse a bit more about the history of Morocco, connecting it to the places we visited.


Explore the Merinide Necropole in Fes, a serene historical site that offers a glimpse into Morocco's rich past and stunning city views.

Before heading back to our riad, we squeezed in a visit to a shop to find the unic scarf in the world. The shopkeeper was a charming man who showed us a variety of beautiful scarves, each with its own unique pattern and design. Saoirse was particularly drawn to a silk scarf with intricate floral patterns, while I admired a wool scarf with traditional Berber motifs. In the end, I bought the wool scarf, a perfect reminder of our time in Fes. Hans, of course, was more interested in the craftsmanship, asking the shopkeeper about the materials and techniques used to create the scarves. It was a fascinating glimpse into the artistry and skill of Moroccan artisans. I am already thinking about how to style it when back in Berlin!


Explore the Unic Scarf in the World in Fès, Morocco - a unique gift shop showcasing exquisite scarves and vibrant Moroccan artistry.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Palais La Médina for dinner. This elegant restaurant, with its stunning interior design and lively atmosphere, was the perfect place to end our day. We were treated to a traditional Moroccan feast, complete with musicians and belly dancers. The food was exquisite, a delicious blend of flavors and textures. I particularly enjoyed the chicken tagine with lemon and olives, while Hans savored the lamb couscous. Saoirse, still riding high from her tagine experience at lunch, happily devoured everything in sight. The belly dancers were mesmerizing, their movements graceful and captivating. It was a truly magical evening, a celebration of Moroccan culture and cuisine. The jazz after dinner was a pleasant surprise as well!


Discover exquisite Moroccan cuisine at Palais La Médina - a culinary gem in Fes offering authentic flavors and enchanting ambiance.

Reflecting on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. Fes is a city that truly captivates the senses, a place where history and culture come alive. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Place de Florence, Bab Makina Plaza and Rainbow Street Art, and I can't wait to see what new adventures await us. As we walked back to our riad, Saoirse snuggled close to me, her eyes shining with excitement. That was the best day ever, Mom! she exclaimed. And in that moment, I knew that our family adventure in Fes was creating memories that would last a lifetime.