Exploring the Cultural Riches of Fes with Friends

Day 3: A Day of Gardens, Museums, and Ancient Wonders in Fes

Explore Fes's serene gardens, historical museums, and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis on a captivating day trip with friends.

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Fes's Hidden Gems Unveiled


Today was a whirlwind of exploration and discovery here in Fes! From tranquil gardens to ancient Roman ruins, the day was packed with experiences that deepened my appreciation for Morocco's rich history and vibrant culture. Sharing these moments with my friends made it all the more special, as we laughed, learned, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Le Tarbouche. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a charming ambiance that perfectly captured the spirit of Fes. I ordered a traditional Moroccan breakfast, complete with fresh bread, olives, and flavorful spreads. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of adventure. My friend mentioned that Le Tarbouche is known for its tagine de kebab, which I'll definitely have to try next time!

After breakfast, we strolled through the serene Jnan Sbil garden. This lush oasis provided a welcome escape from the bustling city streets. The air was filled with the sweet scent of orange blossoms, and the vibrant colors of the flowers created a feast for the eyes. We wandered along the peaceful pathways, admiring the diverse plant species and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax and recharge before our next adventure.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Jnan Sbil, a historic garden in Fes, Morocco, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery and vibrant blossoms.
Discover the tranquil beauty of Jnan Sbil, a historic garden in Fes, Morocco, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery and vibrant blossoms.

The beauty of a place lies not just in its landmarks, but in the moments of connection and shared experiences it fosters.


Next on our itinerary was the Borj Nord Museum, a 16th-century fortress offering panoramic views of Fes. The museum itself is home to an impressive collection of historical arms and weaponry, showcasing Morocco's military history. As we explored the exhibits, I was struck by the intricate craftsmanship and the stories behind each artifact. From the top of the fortress, we gazed out at the sprawling cityscape, marveling at the maze-like alleys of the ancient Medina and the picturesque hills that surround Fes.

Explore Morocco's military history at Borj Nord Museum in Fes, featuring impressive artifacts and stunning city views.
Explore Morocco's military history at Borj Nord Museum in Fes, featuring impressive artifacts and stunning city views.

For lunch, we indulged in a culinary experience at Restaurant Palais Lahlou. The restaurant's interior was stunning, with traditional Moroccan decor and a warm, inviting ambiance. We savored a variety of Moroccan dishes, including flavorful tagines, couscous, and an array of delectable salads. It was a true feast for the senses, and the perfect way to refuel after a morning of exploration. I particularly enjoyed the chicken with lemon, which was cooked to perfection.

Experience authentic Moroccan flavors in an enchanting setting at Restaurant Palais Lahlou in Fes.
Experience authentic Moroccan flavors in an enchanting setting at Restaurant Palais Lahlou in Fes.

The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the Fes-Volubilis tour. Venturing outside of Fes, we journeyed back in time to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. As we wandered through the well-preserved mosaics and architectural remains, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the ingenuity of the Roman civilization. The site is set against a backdrop of rolling hills, adding to the dramatic atmosphere. It was fascinating to imagine what life must have been like in this ancient city, so far removed from the bustling Medina of Fes.

Explore the rich history of Morocco with the Fes-Volubilis Tour, a captivating journey through ancient ruins and vibrant culture.
Explore the rich history of Morocco with the Fes-Volubilis Tour, a captivating journey through ancient ruins and vibrant culture.

Our tour also included a stop at the holy city of Moulay Idriss, a charming town nestled in the hills. Although our time there was brief, we were captivated by the town's serene atmosphere and the stunning views from its elevated location. It's a place steeped in history and tradition, and I would have loved to have spent more time exploring its narrow streets and ancient landmarks. Some reviews mention that the stop at Moulay Idriss can be skipped, but I found it to be a worthwhile addition to our tour.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Fes, our hearts full of memories and our minds buzzing with newfound knowledge. Before heading back to our riad, we stopped at Medin Art, a unique concept store in the heart of the Medina. This shop offers a curated collection of handmade items, blending traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with contemporary designs. I found a beautiful silk scarf to take home as a souvenir, a perfect reminder of my time in Fes. My friend purchased a t-shirt, as they have quite original stuff unique to Morocco and Fes.

Discover authentic Moroccan handicrafts at Medin Art in Fes, where tradition meets creativity in a beautiful collection of unique treasures.
Discover authentic Moroccan handicrafts at Medin Art in Fes, where tradition meets creativity in a beautiful collection of unique treasures.

For our final meal of the day, we dined at Les Mystères de Dar Tajine, a restaurant renowned for its authentic Moroccan cuisine and enchanting ambiance. The restaurant is situated in a beautifully restored riad, creating a magical setting for our dinner. We savored a variety of traditional dishes, each bursting with flavor and aroma. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the service was impeccable. I opted for the beef skewers and was not disappointed. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration and culinary delights.

Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in Fes at Les Mystères de Dar Tajine, where tradition meets flavor in every dish.
Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in Fes at Les Mystères de Dar Tajine, where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into the heart of Fes, exploring the Dar Batha Museum, the Aben Danan Synagogue, and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. I'm particularly excited to learn more about the city's Jewish heritage and to discover the hidden gems that lie within the Mellah's ancient walls. We also plan to have breakfast in Restaurant Ouliya, lunch at Chez Hakim and dinner at La Maison Bleue. And perhaps have a drink at Zen Garden.

As I reflect on today's adventures, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience the magic of Fes with my friends. Each day brings new discoveries, new friendships, and new memories to cherish. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!

Today was a true Moroccan feast! I savored:


My most memorable moments of the day were:

  • Strolling through the tranquil Jnan Sbil garden, escaping the city bustle.

  • Exploring the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, stepping back in time to another civilization.

  • Discovering unique handmade items at Medin Art, a concept store blending tradition with contemporary design.


Looking forward to tomorrow's adventures, I can't wait to:

  • Delve into Fes's Jewish heritage, visiting the Dar Batha Museum, Aben Danan Synagogue, and the Mellah.

  • Savor more culinary delights, with breakfast at Restaurant Ouliya, lunch at Chez Hakim, and dinner at La Maison Bleue.

  • Unwind with a drink at Zen Garden, reflecting on the day's discoveries.

Go to day 2 A Sensory Overload in Fes: Tanneries, Madrasas, and Midnight Tapas
Go to day 4 A Sunday Stroll Through History and Culture in Fes
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Exploring the Cultural Riches of Fes with Friends

Join Ida and her friends on a 7-day cultural exploration of Fes, Morocco, discovering ancient medinas, vibrant markets, and traditional riads.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Ida Hansen
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Freelance Translator (Norwegian-German-English)
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 36

Hei verden! I'm Ida Hansen, a Norwegian-born, Munich-based travel blogger, freelance translator, wife and mother. I'm passionate about sustainable and culturally immersive travel experiences. Join me as I share my adventures, tips, and insights on exploring the world with my family, one language and one delicious meal at a time. From hiking in the Alps to exploring local markets, I'm always seeking authentic experiences that connect me with the people and places I visit. Velkommen!

Interests:
  • Linguistics
  • Cultural exchange
  • Sustainable living
  • Scandinavian design
  • Hiking
More about Ida Hansen

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Explore locations from this diary

  • Jnan Sbil

    Discover the tranquil beauty of Jnan Sbil, a historic garden in Fes, Morocco, offering a serene escape amidst lush greenery and vibrant blossoms.

  • Borj Nord Museum

    Explore Morocco's military history at Borj Nord Museum in Fes, featuring impressive artifacts and stunning city views.

  • Fes-Volubilis Tour

    Explore the rich history of Morocco with the Fes-Volubilis Tour, a captivating journey through ancient ruins and vibrant culture.

  • Le Tarbouche

    Savor authentic Moroccan flavors at Le Tarbouche in Fes – where tradition meets culinary delight.

  • Restaurant Palais Lahlou

    Experience authentic Moroccan flavors in an enchanting setting at Restaurant Palais Lahlou in Fes.

  • Les Mystères de Dar Tajine

    Experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in Fes at Les Mystères de Dar Tajine, where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

  • Medin Art

    Discover authentic Moroccan handicrafts at Medin Art in Fes, where tradition meets creativity in a beautiful collection of unique treasures.

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