Cultural Exploration in Fes with Friends

A Day of Panoramic Views and Ancient Echoes

Today was all about seeing Fes from a different perspective – literally! I wanted to soak in the city's beauty from above and delve into its rich history. It turned out to be a day filled with breathtaking views, intriguing stories, and the kind of unique finds that make traveling so rewarding. I even managed to get a bit lost in the medina, but that's half the fun, right?



Our day began, as it often does, with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Clock. The cafe is located down a dark alley, but is a haven in the Medina. The rooftop terrace offered a stunning view of the city as the sun began to rise. Sipping on strong Moroccan coffee, I felt the buzz of the city slowly waking up around me. The menu was incredible, with various artistic events available such as calligraphy lessons and cooking classes.


Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Cafe Clock in Fes - where tradition meets contemporary dining in a vibrant atmosphere.

With renewed energy, we decided to tackle the Marinid Tombs first. It was a bit of a trek uphill, but the views were more than worth it. The tombs themselves are quite mysterious; dating back to the 14th century, they served as a royal necropolis for the Marinid dynasty. It's fascinating to think that no one really knows who is buried there. The tombs get their name from the dynasty who ruled over Fes from the 13th to 15th centuries. What remains today are skeletal ruins, as the tombs were ransacked and looted in the 15th century. The wind whispered through the skeletal remains of the tombs, carrying echoes of centuries past. Looking out over the sprawling medina, I tried to imagine what life must have been like during the Marinid dynasty's reign.


Explore the Marinid Tombs in Fes, a historical landmark showcasing intricate architecture and breathtaking views of the ancient city.

The Marinid Tombs offer a unique vantage point to contemplate the passage of time and the enduring spirit of Fes.

After soaking in the panoramic view from the Marinid Tombs, we made our way to the Borj Nord Museum. This 16th-century fortress, built by Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour, was an imposing sight. Originally designed to monitor the city's population, it now houses an impressive collection of weaponry from around the world. Hans would have loved this place! The museum exhibits some 5,000 weapons and military instruments used from the Stone Age to the twentieth century. It was fascinating to see the evolution of military technology and the craftsmanship that went into creating these tools of war. I was particularly struck by the intricate designs on some of the older firearms; jewel-encrusted daggers and inlaid rifles. The building itself, modeled after Portuguese forts, offered another fantastic viewpoint of Fes.


Discover the captivating military history of Morocco at Borj Nord Museum, a historical landmark offering stunning views and rich cultural insights.

Next on our list was the Viewpoint Medina, which, as the name suggests, provided yet another perspective on the city. By this point, I was starting to feel like I had a good grasp of Fes's layout, but each viewpoint offered something unique. This particular spot was perfect for capturing the bustling energy of the medina below, with its labyrinthine streets and vibrant colors.


Discover the stunning landscapes of Fes from Viewpoint Medina, an iconic tourist attraction offering breathtaking panoramic views and rich cultural experiences.

Lunchtime found us at La Breva, a restaurant recommended by several locals. Located on the seventh floor of a modern building, La Breva provided a great contrast to the traditional settings we had been exploring. The views from the rooftop were stunning, and the food was delicious. I opted for a Moroccan salad, which was a refreshing mix of fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. The atmosphere was relaxed and calm, and was the perfect place to relax.


Experience authentic Moroccan breakfasts at La Breva in Fes – where tradition meets flavor in every bite.

With our bellies full, we ventured into the Cooperative Artisanal de Fes. I was really looking forward to this, as I wanted to find some authentic souvenirs to bring back home. The cooperative brings artisans together to sell their wares, which is a great way to support the local economy. However, I have to admit, the experience was a little overwhelming. The sheer variety of goods on offer was staggering – carpets, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, and more. I spent a good hour wandering through the stalls, trying to decide what to buy. I finally settled on a beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl and a small leather pouch.


Explore handcrafted Moroccan treasures at Cooperative Artisanal de Fes, where tradition meets creativity in a vibrant marketplace.

I was also hoping to visit The Anou Cooperative, which I had read about online. It’s an artisan-run store in the heart of the Medina that aims to provide fair access to the money artisans deserve. They even have Morocco's only sustainable dye studio on their roof! Unfortunately, due to my getting a bit lost in the medina, I didn't have enough time to visit. Next time, I will be sure to visit, as it is literally next door to Cafe Clock.



As the sun began to set, we made our way to Restaurant MB for dinner. Located in Ville Nouvelle, it was a short taxi ride from the medina. The restaurant had a modern, stylish ambiance, and the menu offered a mix of French and Moroccan cuisine. I started with the traditional pigeon pastilla, which was a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors. For my main course, I had the lamb tagine, which was tender and flavorful. The service was excellent, and the overall experience was top-notch.


Experience French culinary excellence at Restaurant MB in Fes—where sophistication meets flavor in a stunning lounge atmosphere.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Bab Boujloud, the Talaa Kebira, and the Henna Souk and pottery. I'm also hoping to relax at the Zen garden bar in the evening. Another day of Fassi adventures awaits!



Today reinforced my love for travel. It's about more than just seeing sights; it's about immersing yourself in a different culture, meeting new people, and discovering hidden gems. And sometimes, it's about getting a little lost along the way. I wouldn't trade it for anything.