FEZ - GETTING AROUND

On foot

Fez, particularly its historic core known as Fes-el-Bali, is indeed quite walkable and is often best explored on foot. This part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains a maze of narrow streets and alleyways that are largely inaccessible to cars, making pedestrian travel a necessity. The ancient medina is car-free due to its narrow passages. Walking is not only the best but often the only way to truly experience the vibrant markets, historic mosques, and traditional workshops. Major attractions like the Bou Inania Madrasa, the University of Al-Karaouine, and the Tanneries are all located within walking distance of each other within the medina.

While walking is practical, navigating the labyrinthine alleys can be challenging. It's easy to get lost, so many visitors find it helpful to hire a local guide or use a detailed map. Some areas might also be steep and paved with uneven stones, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Walking through Fez allows for immersive experiences, from spontaneous interactions with local artisans to the aromatic smells of Moroccan spices and street food. Areas outside the medina, like the newer Fez-el-Jdid, are also walkable but spread out more. These areas are more accessible by car or taxi, though still quite rewarding to explore on foot if you have the time.

By petit taxi

In Fez, taxis are the most popular form of public transport, with locals preferring petits taxis (red in color). Not only are they considered safer by locals, they are authorized to only drive in the city center and environs, meaning your driver will be very knowledgeable about the city. Base fare for a petit taxi is around 25 dirhams ($2.50-$3 USD). Beware of aggressive taxi drivers who ask you for business; many of them have been reported to charge per person, so if there are, say, three people in your party, you risk the chance of being charged three times the price (a full fare for each person). Make sure the fare is agreed upon before departing and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself (cause a scene if you have to) if you feel the parameters are not respected. The point of petits taxis is so you don't have to run into these types of dilemmas, but sometimes there are bad apples.

By bicycle

Cycling in Fez, particularly within the historic medina, is generally impractical due to the city's layout. The narrow, maze-like streets of Fes el-Bali, which is the oldest part of the city, are mostly pedestrian and can be quite crowded, making it challenging to navigate on a bicycle. The area is also characterized by uneven surfaces and steep inclines.

Outside the medina, the city becomes more navigable for bicycles, but Fez does not have a developed infrastructure specifically for cycling, such as dedicated bike lanes. This means that cyclists often have to share the road with motor vehicles, which can be less safe, especially on busier streets. For visitors interested in cycling, it's essential to consider these factors and perhaps limit biking activities to less congested areas if you want to do this activity at all.