RIAD DAR AL OUALI
Fez City, Fez, Morocco
Explore the wonderful City of Fez, what with the medieval streets, buildings, culture and history, coupled with great food and drink, markets with spices, leather and other goods.
At the bottom of this page there is an example of what to do for the 3 nights and 4 days while youre staying there. All this for a long weekend away costing only just over £28 each with return flights and breakfast thrown in each day. Which just leaves you to to sample everything else this charming place offers.
TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELLER DETAILS:
Rated 3.9/5.0 109 Reviews
Great for Walkers – 100 out of 100
168 Restaurants within 0.3 miles
50 Attractions within 0.3 miles
9miles/17.1km from Sais Airport
YOUR FLIGHTS
Thu 15th October 2026
06:20 – London Stansted
08:35 – Saiss (2h 15m)
Ryanair (RK 2772)
Sun 18th October 2026
18:25 – Saiss
22:40 – London Stansted (4h 15m)
Ryanair (RK 2773)
HOLIDAY EXTRAS (if needed)
£42pp/£84 total – Private Taxi journey time: 40m
£56pp/£112 Total – Premium Private Taxi journey time: 40m
£40.24 per Hold Bag each way (Max 20kg)
Riad Dar Al Ouali is the kind of places that make you want to stay longer than you had already planned. Its located in the heart of the old medina, which makes it closer to all the Fezs must see places. The rooms are very clean, the beds are really comfortable and the whole place is beautifully decorated which makes staying inside as fun as wandering around the beautiful City and the staff are very hospitable.
We highly recommend this place for couples, friends and backpackers.
Property Amenities:
Paid Public Parking Nearby
Free Breakfast
Airport Transportation
Conference Facilities
Concierge
Non-smoking Hotel
24-hour Front Reception Desk
Shared Kitchen
Rooftop Sun Terrace with Views
Multilingual Staff
Swanky Airport Shuttle Service
Disabled Facilities Available
Wi-Fi
Luggage Storage
Safety Deposit Box
Shuttle Bus
ABOUT THIS HOTEL
OVERVIEW
Fancy a charming stay in Fes El Bali At Riad Dar Al Ouali, soak up the views from the rooftop terrace while enjoying the complimentary Wi-Fi. Start your day with a delish full breakfast and enjoy the convenience of room service in one of the six air-conditioned rooms. The 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and swanky airport shuttle service make your stay hassle-free.
LOCATION
Smack dab in Fes El Bali, Riad Dar Al Ouali is just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Blue Gate and Medersa Bou-Inania. Culture buffs will love that the Der Batha Museum is just 0.1 km away and Place Bou Jeloud is a breezy 0.5 km stroll. For getting around, Fez Train Station is 3.5 km away and Fez Sais Airport is a handy 17.1 km trip.
ROOMS
Expect nothing but top-notch comfort in the air-conditioned rooms, each decked out with a fridge and free Wi-Fi.
Binge your fave shows with cable programming and freshen up in bathrooms that come with showers, complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
Each room has a desk, daily housekeeping and the option to request an iron and ironing board. Room service during limited hours adds a touch of boujee convenience.
FOOD & DRINK
Wake up to a cracking start with a complimentary full breakfast daily from 9am to 11am. Craving a midnight snack No worries, room service has got you covered during limited hours.
DISTANCE TO MAJOR TRANSPORTATION HUBS
Fez Sais Airport is a breezy 17.1 km from Riad Dar Al Ouali, and Fez Train Station is just 3.5 km awaymaking your arrival and departure bang on.
FREE CANCELLATION ON THIS HOTEL
If you cancel your hotel stay more than 28 days before you travel you wont pay any cancellation fees for this part of the booking. On the Beach administration fees will apply and cancellation fees may apply to the flight element of your booking, please see Terms & Conditions for more information.
ATOL Protected Holidays
When you book a flight-inclusive package holiday through On the Beach, you can do so with confidence knowing your money is fully protected by the ATOL scheme. Please read the protection information carefully before you make your booking.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN FEZ MEDINA
The incredible City of Fez/Fes, Morocco, has so much to do and the best are in the historic centre. These are the tips on what to do in the Medina of Fez.
Planning a few days in Fes, Morocco Youre in the right place
Fes is one ofMoroccos key cultural and spiritual centers, and its home to centuries worth of fascinating history But it can also be quite overwhelming at first, especially if its your first time here. Thats why weve crafted the perfect 3-day itinerary for you to help you get to know this rich, captivating city.
From exploring the bustling medina to relaxing in a traditional hammam, weve covered the must-try experiences as well as the best local eats and even a fun day trip to help you soak up even more Moroccan culture. Ready Lets dive in
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one
Our personal FAVOURITE thing we did was this Chefchaouen day trip Wandering the Blue Citys dreamy alleyways, taking in mountain views, and exploring the quiet medina at our own pace made this an unforgettable highlight of our time in Morocco.
Getting around Fes is easy when you know how The best way to explore the old medina is on foot, as most of it is pedestrian-only anyway. We do recommend downloading an offline map of Fes el-Bali in advance, though, since its easy to get lost in its maze-like layout Saying that, we also found that locals were more than happy to point us in the right direction whenever we needed a helping hand.
Then, for longer trips, you can use petit and grand taxis. Metered petit taxis are affordable and generally the best way to travel within the city limits. They can usually take up to three passengers, so if youre in a group of four or more, youll have to split up Then, grand taxis are designed for intercity travel and can take up to six people, although theyre often shared.
However, for day trips, we would recommend joining guided tours or hiring a private taxi rather than relying on grand taxis. That way, youll enjoy a more personalized experience, and you dont have to go through the process of haggling for a decent fare.
DAY 1: Ease into Fes with a guided tour that helps you navigate the medinas winding alleys and historic highlights. Later, head up to the Merenid Tombs for a golden-hour view before ending the night with dinner and a peaceful wander through the medina as it quiets down.
DAY 2: Today is your big day trip. Choose between the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen or the ancient ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Back in Fes, unwind with a home-style dinner at a cozy riad restaurant.
DAY 3: Spend your morning getting lost in the medina and unwinding with a traditional hammam. Enjoy a relaxed lunch before diving into a hands-on cooking class that doubles as dinner. Then, wrap up your Fes adventure with either mint tea or live music
DAY 1
Morning/Afternoon Explore Fes through the eyes of a local
Exploring Fes with a local guide is honestly one of the best decisions you can make when visiting for the first time It allows you to get to know the city in a way you just cant on your own, not in such a short space of time anyway.
We suggest booking this tour for 10 am at the latest to ensure youll have time for the Merenid Tombs later on. Grab breakfast at your hotel or somewhere nearby before you head out. There will be a stop for lunch before the tour. The meal will be on your own account, but your local guide will be sure to recommend a great spot
Fes is all about tiny alleyways and hidden corners, so exploring by yourself can be a pretty stressful experience at first Having someone who grew up here to show you around makes it so much easier to navigate this bustling city.
After being picked up from your hotel, youll head to spots like the Royal Palace and the old Jewish Quarter, and visit panoramic viewpoints to get a sense of just how big and ancient the city is. Then, youll head to the medina for a guided walk around. It can be a bit of a sensory overload at first, but with a local to guide you, youll be able to relax and actually enjoy the experience
We love this tour because it turns Fes from somewhere quite intimidating to a place you can really connect with. It will definitely set you up well for the rest of your time here
Late afternoon Walk up to the Merenid Tombs to enjoy the sunset
For one of the best views in Fes, head up to the Merenid Tombs overlooking the old city Its a short hike and its a little steep, but not overly strenuous. Its an easy walk that takes about 2030 minutes to get here from Bab Guissa on foot, or you can jump in a taxi if youd prefer not to walk.
The tombs themselves are temporarily closed, but you can still wander up to the area and enjoy the views You get a whole new perspective from Fes up here. We recommend arriving about an hour before sunset and then settling in to watch the sky do its thing. Its also a good idea to bring some snacks and a flask of tea with you.
Just be sure to head back down before it gets fully dark, as the path isnt lit after sunset. We think that this is the perfect way to end a day in Fes and relax after wandering the bustling medina. But if youre feeling tired after todays sightseeing tour, you can always just use this time to rest up before dinner.
Dinner Fondouk Bazaar
There are lots of fantastic restaurants in the medina, but we like Fondouk Bazaar for its delicious mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors. Dining in the medina tends to be less of a formal experience and more about the food and atmosphere. But saying that, this restaurant is very pretty with a lovely rooftop terrace
Fondouk Bazaar is actually housed inside a beautifully restored riad in the very heart of the medina. We fell in love with its bohemian flair, as well as the saffron risottoit was so good The grilled sea bass topped with chermoula is another great choice, or in true Moroccan style, they have plenty of fragrant tagine options on the menu. We recommend ordering several different dishes to tryand you may well have found some inspiration on your walking tour this morning.
Evening Stroll through the medina as night draws in
If youre anything like us, youll leave Fonoduk Bazaar feeling pretty full, so let your dinner digest with a stroll through the medina. It really quiets down in the evening, and its nice to explore as the crowds thin out. Youll see shopkeepers closing down their stalls for the day, and after dark, the streets are lit up with lanterns, which only adds to the charm of the area.
And you can always stop for a drink or a mint tea along the way at a rooftop bar. We recommend Rooftop Riad Fès Relais & Châteaux because its a beautiful bar that offers fantastic views of the medina and beyond. Its a magical place to end your first day in Fes
DAY 2
Weve got two exciting options for day trips from Fes today. The first is to head to Chefchaouen to admire its pretty, blue-painted streets. Its one of Moroccos most iconic destinations, and youll have plenty of time to explore at your own pace, so its a great option to choose if youre quite an independent traveler.
If youd prefer a slightly shorter day trip with less travel time involved, you can head to the ancient city of Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. These are two of Moroccos most important cultural sites, so this is a great choice for history lovers.
Option 1: Morning/Afternoon Snap photos in Chefchaouen, the Blue Town
Set in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is Moroccos famous Blue City, loved for its serene lanes, striking shades of blue, and endless photo opportunities. Its a peaceful escape from Fes, and this day tour is the easiest way to visit without staying overnight.
This tour starts at 8 am, unless you go for the private option, which gives you a bit more flexibility. It lasts for 11-12 hours, so youll get back to Fes at around 8 pm. Its a long day, but its worth it to see this unique town. Its unlike anywhere else weve ever seen
The day starts with a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains, then when you arrive in Chefchaouen, youll have around 4 hours to explore the medina at your own pace. Or if there are eight or more people on your tour, youll get a guided walk around the city.
Key sights in Chefchaouen include Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the kasbah museum, the Grand Mosque, and the Ras Elma river. If youre interested in local culture, we recommend a visit to the ethnographic museum for a fascinating look at the regions musical instruments and historic weapons. Then, its back to Fes
This is a pretty long day with a fair amount of travel time involved, but its worth it if you dont have time to stay overnight in Chefchaouen. You really cant miss the chance to see the Blue City while youre in Morocco, and the glowing reviews certainly attest to that. Plus, its a super affordable experiencealthough we do think the private tour is well worth it if theres room in your budget.
Book above tour via the below link
viator.com/touary
Option 2: Morning/Afternoon Explore ancient Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss
If youre looking to explore Moroccos rich history outside of Fes, this day trip to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes is a must. It offers an insider look into some of the countrys most fascinating ancient sites and makes it so easy to visit them all in just one day.
The tour offers starting times at 08:30, 09:00, or 09:30, so just choose whichever one suits you best It lasts for 7-8 hours, so assuming you go for the latest time, youll finish up somewhere between 17:30 and 18:00.
The tour offers hotel pickup, and it should take about 1.5 hours to get from Fes to Volubilis. Its a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Youll have time to walk among its ancient houses and public buildings and just take it all in.
Then, youll head to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. This is a sacred city that was built around the tomb of Idris I, who founded the Moroccan state. Then, your final stop will be the imperial city of Meknes, where youll see iconic landmarks like the Bab Mansour gate and the Heri es-Souani granaries, as well as the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
This private tour is ideal for history lovers, with friendly drivers and a well-paced itinerary that lets you soak in each stop. And with over a HUNDRED glowing five-star reviews, you can book confidently knowing past travelers loved it too.
Book above tour via the below link
viator.com/touary
Dinner/Evening Fez & Friends
We were absolutely delighted to stumble upon the hidden gem that is Fez & Friends when we were here Its a lovely spot tucked inside a traditional riad near the Blue Gate. Its decorated with lush plants and colorful tiles, so it has a quintessentially Moroccan feel to it. The staff are so warm and friendly tooin fact, chances are that youll end up chatting with the chef before the night is over.
One thing we like about this place is the fact that the menu changes seasonally, so you can be sure that youll be getting the best produce available. The dishes are always beautifully presented, and they put a creative spin on Moroccan classics. I highly recommend trying the chicken pastilla with a light citrus glaze, although they also have camel burgers on the menu if youre looking to try something a bit different.
Related Read: For the best places to stay to follow this itinerary, check out our picks for the best riads in Fes to find traditional guesthouses with amazing extras like pools and rooftop terraces
DAY 3
Breakfast Cinema Cafe
Cinema Caféis one of our favorite breakfast spots in Fes Its a cozy little hideaway inspired by the golden age of cinema, and its decorated with vintage movie posters.
The breakfast menu here is pretty simple, but everything is full of flavor. You can opt for Moroccan classics like msemen (crispy layered pancakes) with honey, or go for a Western breakfast like avocado toast. Either way, we highly recommend washing it down with their smooth, strong coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juiceyum
The cafe opens at 8 am each morning, so aim to get there around then. This will give you a bit of time to explore the medina after breakfast before your hammam experience.
Morning/Early afternoon Explore the medina
Once youve finished breakfast, take some time to explore the medina at your own pace. It features over 9,000 twisting alleys, and its basically a living museum When we first explored its labyrinthine streets, we were amazed. We saw donkeys delivering goods and craftsmen hammering copper by hand.
This is a good part of Fes to just wander around without a plan, and the area is at its liveliest in the morning. As you walk around, youll see the city wake up and probably be enticed by the smell of all the little bakeries dotted around. Keep an eye out for the zellij-tiled fountains, tootheyre really pretty, but people often miss them as theyre usually tucked away down smaller side streets.
Spend some time wandering around before heading for your massage at 10 am. Saying that, if spa treatments arent really your thing, you can always spend some extra time wandering the medina until lunch instead
Enjoy a traditional Hamman
Experiencing a hammam is a must while youre in Fes. I mean, not only is it a great way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, its also just a wonderful wellness experience. This hammam ritual is our favorite one in the city because it takes place in the Palais Amani, a luxury riad thats housed in a restored palace. Its a 23-minute walk or 9-minute drive from the breakfast spot, so if youre walking, we recommend heading roughly in that direction as you explore the medina.
You can either book a massage or go for the full hammam ritual, which involves body scrubs and hot rooms for the ultimate purification. Local assistants will guide you through it all and explain each step along the way. I can certainly vouch for the fact that they leave your body feeling lighter and refreshed
Book above tour via the below link
viator.com/touary
Lunch Zohra
Zohra is a wonderful family-run restaurant right near the Blue Gate. Its small and unpretentious, with traditional decor and a warm and welcoming ambiance. The food here is hearty and everything is homemade, so its the perfect spot to tuck into some authentic Moroccan comfort food.
What initially drew us to this place was that we saw a lot of locals dining here alongside travelers, so we took that as a good sign And, sure enough, the prune tagine was amazing. We even tried pastilla fassia, a traditional sweet-and-savory pie made with pigeon
Since this is a more local spot, the food here is really affordable, too. We recommend getting here around 13:00 to 13:30 for a slightly later lunch, as its located right next to where the cooking class starts. Dont worry, the class lasts for 4 hours, so youll probably be hungry again by the time it comes to actually eating the meal youve prepared.
Afternoon/Dinner Learn to cook local Fes dishes
Whats the best way to get to know Moroccan cuisine By cooking it yourself, of course So rather than eating in a restaurant tonight, book this top-rated cooking class and learn how to prepare meals like a local.
The class starts at 3 pm, and its just a 1-minute walk from todays lunch spot. It lasts for 4 hours, and of course, you get to eat the fruits of your labor at the end of the class, so this will serve as dinner. You should wrap up around 7 pm, in time to celebrate your last night in Fes.
Before you cook, your instructor will take you to a traditional souk in the medina and show you how to pick out the best spices and freshest ingredients for your meal. Then, its back to the stunning restored palace where youll spend the rest of the afternoon cooking up on the rooftop
When we did this class, we prepared a zesty eggplant caviar starter (Zaalouk) and a slow-cooked chicken tajine. It smelled amazing, and it tasted even better. And no worries if youre vegetarianjust let the hosts know when you book the tour and theyll cater for you.
Once the cooking was complete, we got to sit down and enjoy our meal in the lush palace gardens overlooking the rooftops of the medina. It was a nice chance to hear some stories about Fes from people who live and work here, and to get to know our fellow travelers as well.
Book above tour via the below link
viator.com/touary
Evening Relax with traditional tea or catch a show
Its your last night in Fes, so make it count with a fun evening activity If you feel like something calm and romantic, head toThe Ruined Garden. This is a charming restaurant set in a quiet courtyard, and you can either grab dessert here or just enjoy a mint tea to help digest your dinner.
But if youre in the mood for something livelier, check whats on at Café Clock. They often host live Andalusian music, storytelling nights, or even open mic sessions. Its a really fun spot that attracts a lot of creatives. The music usually starts at around 7 pm, so the night should be in full swing by the time you arrive after the cooking class.
