FEZ - GETTING AROUND
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.
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 bicycleCycling
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.