For years, Morocco held this weird allure for me. There’s something about the North African country with its middle-eastern vibe, French influences and mix of Muslim traditions and Spanish music that’s really captivating.
That, and the Ryanair flights to Fez were £55 return (I kid you not, they had the sale to end all sales back in May).
After a short three-hour flight from London you’ll find yourself transported to the most melted of cultural pots and if you’re looking for a cheap city break with a difference, Fez is full of surprises. Situated 240 miles north of its big-sister-city, Marrakech, Fez is a medieval and magical place where you can live like a Queen and still come back with change.
Be clued up on the customs…
Before you set off remember that the Moroccan dirham is a ‘closed’ currency meaning you can’t get it changed before you arrive. You’ll find a decent rate at the airport, but bring some widely-accepted Euros with you for a cab.
Haggling is normal. If you ever feel pressured into buying something you can’t afford (and trust me the sales talk is better than anything you’ve heard in House of Fraser for a store card), then get up and walk away and you’ll probably secure yourself the best bargain of your life.
The city of Fez is also just getting used to tourists and everyone’s curious as to where you come from. Learning the odd word is definitely appreciated, but also don’t be afraid to turn down all the offers of dinner/dates/a free tour of the city.
Also pack some long skirts and dresses. Morocco is a liberal, Muslim country but if you’re travelling during Ramadan like we did, then covering up a bit more in the day is advised.
Mentally prepare yourself to stay in some palaces…
Now I’d like to think of myself as a bit of a seasoned backpacker (do I sound like a dick?), but I was blown away by the stunning décor in hostels and guest-houses in Fez.
I first stayed at Riad Verus, a backpacker hostel with a difference – the main one being that you don’t actually feel like a backpacker when you stay here, which is a huge plus.
We were told to treat the place like our second home when we arrived and stayed up smoking shisha with the owner on the first night. There’s a rooftop terrace and shared dorm rooms which start at £10 a night. The guys here also arranged for us to have a tour of the medina, sorted us out with taxis, and took us out to coffee bars to meet locals during our stay.
Located within the walls of the medina, it’s perfect if you want to fully immerse yourself in all that Fez has to offer.
And eat the most delicious Moroccan cuisine
When you want to check out of the madness of the medina, you should check into Dar Anabar – a spectacularly palatial, family-run guest house with a roof-top terrace and rooms spacious enough to make you feel like royalty.
After one night here, I was ready to move in – such was the comfort of my mattress and the level of Moroccan hospitality I received. (There’s sweet-mint tea on tap here and the staff gave me a tour of the whole house.) The staff were so accommodating and the amazing restaurant served some real Moroccan delicacies, including sweet-quail pastry, lamb and date tagine and sweet cous-cous. Take me back, please.
Take a tour of the medina
The medina of Fez is the city’s main attraction. An assault on the senses, walking around the labyrinth of little streets soaking up the smells, sounds and tastes of the souks (markets) is well worth the average price tag of 200 dirhams (£35), if not just because you’ll need to find your way back to your hostel at some point.
The shopping experience is out-of-this-world and my friend ended up parting with four days’ worth of money in exchange for some killer cushions and a Moroccan throw in the first shop (a life-investment).
Be sure to haggle your hat off and hold your ground even when you think you’re being ridiculous because there is no set price here.
Beware of unofficial guides who will take you to lots of different shops for commission and always book through your hostel and agree a price before you set off.
Try the best mojitos in the city
When you feel like going a bit Western again, check out Mezzanine – a three-storey roof-top bar which serves banging mojitos and appetisers in a loungy atmosphere with chilled house music. One of the owners, Pippa, originally from Norwich, is a mine of information on Morocco having lived in Fez for years.
Over the past decade a hip, young expat community has flocked to open shops, bars and restaurants in the city, and this bar is stylish without trying too hard.
Unwind in the royal gardens
If you’re still walking after the boozing in the 47-degree heat (seriously, I survived that) take a stroll to the public gardens, directly opposite the Mezzanine bar. Gifted to the public by the Moroccan King, you can relax, unwind and take some pretty pictures near the flowers and lakes – just what you need after the frenetic circus that is Fez.
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
How To Have A Cheap Weekend In Brighton If You Can’t Afford To Leave The UK
How To Travel Like A Kardashian When You’re On A Backpacker Budget
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.