Exploring the Cultural Riches of Fes with Friends

Fez's Timeless Charms

Today was a sensory feast in Fes! From the grand entrances to bustling squares and the fragrant allure of traditional remedies, I found myself completely captivated by the city's timeless charm. It’s amazing how much history and culture can be packed into a single day, and I’m excited to share all the details with you.

Our day began, as many adventures in Fes do, at the iconic Bab Boujloud, also known as the Blue Gate. I remember reading about it before the trip, but seeing it in person is something else entirely! The vibrant blue mosaics on one side, giving way to the green on the other, are truly stunning. It’s not just a gate; it's a portal between the modern world and the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stepping through it with my friends, I immediately felt transported back in time. The hustle and bustle of the medina was immediately apparent, with shopkeepers calling out and the sounds of daily life echoing through the narrow streets. The gate itself was constructed in 1913, emulating Moroccan architecture, and is now an iconic sight of the historic medina of Fes.


Explore the enchanting Bab Boujloud, the iconic gateway to Fes Medina, where vibrant culture meets exquisite architecture.

We paused for a quick breakfast at Nagham Cafe, a delightful spot just a stone's throw from Bab Boujloud. The cafe's outdoor seating offered a refreshing atmosphere. I opted for a traditional Moroccan breakfast – some fresh bread, olives, and mint tea. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. I really enjoyed the combination of traditional and modern Moroccan cuisine.


Savor authentic Moroccan cuisine and fast food delights at Nagham Cafe in Fès – where every bite tells a story.

From Bab Boujloud, we ventured into the heart of the medina, making our way to Place Rcif. This square is one of the oldest in Fes and a central point of the city. I read that Place Rcif was created in the 20th century to provide easier access to the medina, and it certainly felt like a bustling hub. The square was full of locals going about their daily lives, vendors selling everything from spices to clothing, and children playing. The R'cif Mosque overlooks the square, its tall minaret a striking feature of the cityscape.


Experience the vibrant local culture and community spirit at Place Rcif in Fes, Morocco, where tradition and daily life beautifully intertwine.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones where you simply wander, observe, and let the city unfold around you.

For lunch, we decided to try Bistro Laaroussa, a restaurant I'd heard so much about. The bistro is part of Riad Laaroussa, and the setting was absolutely stunning. We sat on the rooftop terrace, enjoying panoramic views of the city while we ate. The menu offered a mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan dishes, and everything was prepared with fresh, local ingredients. I decided on a tagine, of course, and it was one of the best I’ve had so far. The blend of spices was perfect, and the lamb was incredibly tender. Maximilian would have loved this place, he is so fond of Mediterranean cuisine! The others enjoyed their meals as well, and we all agreed that Bistro Laaroussa was a highlight of the day. I made sure to sample some Moroccan wine, which was a delightful surprise!


Discover authentic Moroccan cuisine at Bistro Laaroussa in Fes, where tradition meets modern dining in a charming atmosphere.

After lunch, we made our way to the Henna Souk, a small square known for its traditional cosmetics and pottery. The souk is centered around a large fig tree, providing shade for the stalls selling henna, spices, and kohl. The aroma of the spices was intoxicating, and the colorful displays of pottery were a feast for the eyes. One of my friends, Sarah, was particularly interested in the henna, and she ended up getting a small design done on her hand. It was fascinating to learn about the different uses of henna and other traditional Moroccan cosmetics. I bought some argan oil, hoping it will do wonders for my skin now that the Bavarian winter has taken its toll…


Explore the enchanting Henna Souk and Pottery Market in Fes, a vibrant hub of Moroccan culture filled with artistry, spices, and traditional craftsmanship.

As the sun began to set, we decided to head to Rooftop Nour Plazza for a drink. The rooftop bar offered stunning views of the city, and it was the perfect place to relax and reflect on the day. We sipped on some refreshing cocktails, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the vibrant atmosphere. The Nour Plazza Hotel features a rooftop pool, which added to the ambiance. It was a great way to unwind after a busy day of exploring.


Discover Rooftop Nour Plazza, a vibrant bar in Fes offering stunning views and a taste of Moroccan hospitality in the heart of the city.

For our final meal of the day, we chose Zagora, a restaurant known for its international cuisine and cozy setting. The restaurant had a charming interior, and the staff were incredibly welcoming. I opted for a Moroccan dish, wanting to end the day on a traditional note, while others in our group tried some of the international options. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed dinner. I really enjoyed the mix of tradition and modernity.


Experience exquisite haute French cuisine at Zagora in Fes - where culinary artistry meets Moroccan hospitality.

As we walked back to our riad, the sounds of the medina began to quiet down, and the city took on a different kind of magic. The narrow streets were dimly lit, and the air was filled with the scent of spices and incense. I felt grateful for the opportunity to experience Fes with my friends and for all the incredible sights, sounds, and flavors of the day. It's moments like these that remind me why I love to travel and explore new cultures.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our Moroccan adventure, and we plan to make the most of it before heading back to Munich. Our itinerary includes visits to Tropicana Parc, the Palais Mnebhi, and the Merinide Necropole. I'm particularly excited about the Merinide Necropole, as I've heard it offers stunning panoramic views of the city. We'll also be enjoying meals at La Truffe, Restaurant Darna Fes, and Restaurant LA Noblesse, and doing some souvenir shopping at La Petite Maison Berbere. I’m hoping to find something special to bring back for Astrid and Maximilian, a little piece of Morocco to share with them.

Reflecting on the trip so far, I realize how much I’ve learned and experienced in just a few days. Fes is a city that truly captivates the senses, and I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. It’s a bittersweet feeling, knowing that our adventure is coming to an end, but I’m also excited to return home and share my stories with all of you. I am already looking forward to planning our next adventure, hopefully with Maximilian and Astrid joining us next time!

As I close out this entry, I'm filled with anticipation for our final day in Fes. I have a feeling it will be another unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you soon. Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll recap our last day in this magical city and share some final thoughts on our Moroccan adventure. Until then, safe travels and happy exploring!