Riad Inaya Fez

Your Questions

Yes, absolutely! Fez was founded in the year 789… that’s 1,000 years before the French Revolution! It is the oldest and most spectacular medina in the Arab world. You cannot come to Fez without devoting at least a few hours to discovering it. However, there are a few things you should know:

There is an application that we prefer not to name… it allows you to book a guide before your arrival. Unfortunately, we have too often witnessed the disappointment of several of our guests who booked through this app: sometimes the guide canceled at the last minute, arrived very late, changed the requested language without notice, or, having found a better option, simply never showed up! In our opinion, it is best to avoid this option.

Many guides will offer you tours of the medina. Please note that only official guides, holding a professional card listing their two accredited languages, are authorized to accompany tourists. The tourist police are very present in Fez and actively pursue fake guides. For your safety and peace of mind, only accept offers from official guides.

Another important point: the price! There are no discounts or special offers. The Moroccan Tourist Guides’ Union and the Ministry of Tourism have agreed on fixed rates: 500 dirhams for a half-day tour (for up to 4 or 5 people) and 800 dirhams for a full-day tour. For larger groups, the guide may request an additional 100 dirhams. These rules were put in place to prevent the many scandals caused by amateur guides in the past, which had devastating media repercussions.

At Riad Inaya Fez, we know several excellent official guides with great culture and professionalism, in whom we have full confidence for the satisfaction of our guests. Do not hesitate to ask us—we consider this an important matter for your stay!

You should buy what you cannot find back home! Items that are handmade here and sold in the souks of the Fez medina. Fez is the undisputed capital of Moroccan craftsmanship, and most of the items you see elsewhere in the country are actually produced in Fez. Zellige tiles, pottery, leather goods, woodwork, lamps, and other handcrafted pieces… On the other hand, when it comes to shopping in modern malls, non-food products such as clothing, books, electronics, tableware, home décor, or household items—if not made in Morocco—are imported and usually more expensive than in Europe.

Absolutely, and especially in the medina of Fez! Objectively speaking, Fez offers the finest craftsmanship in Morocco. Most of the leather goods, zellige tiles, woodwork, and textiles sold in Marrakech or elsewhere are actually made in Fez. It is therefore better to buy directly in Fez—it’s usually less expensive and often of excellent quality. Visitors are always amazed by the beauty of certain pieces, whether it’s leather or textile clothing, metal lamps, oriental carpets, zellige tables, damascene work, or cedar wood items. In addition, artisans are accustomed to packaging items for air travel or even shipping them directly to your home. And if you are accompanied by a guide who introduced you to the shop, don’t worry—an official guide will never interfere with the price you negotiate with the seller. They simply step aside and wait until you are done.

A classic question! Nobody really knows, as nothing official exists on the matter. If guides are thanked, it is likely with only modest amounts, far from the stereotypes some travelers imagine! In any case, it is always best to be accompanied by an official guide, as only they are authorized to take you everywhere without risk of being stopped. I still remember an Italian tourist who booked a guided tour of the Fez medina through an online platform. The guide was not official and did not hold a professional card… He was followed, and as soon as he entered a shop with our guest, he was arrested and handcuffed in front of everyone! The tourist came back to the riad alone and very surprised. Unfortunately, she was never reimbursed by the online platform…

Yes, always! Don’t be shy. Prices are rarely displayed in the Fez medina and are always negotiable. The first price is usually exaggerated. It’s meant to set a high starting point, knowing that you can often go down by at least 50%. From there, the bargaining will go back and forth until you both agree on a fair price. Don’t worry—if the price you offer is too low, you’ll feel it immediately, as the seller will stop negotiating on their own. On average, you can easily bring prices down by around 30%, sometimes even more…

When you arrive at the airport, it can be tempting to exchange money right away. It’s simple, and you don’t need to look for an exchange office in an unfamiliar city. The problem is that the exchange rate at the airport is very poor. Since airport exchange counters are open from early morning until late at night, this convenience comes at a cost. If necessary, you can change a minimum of €50 just to have some cash to start with. But very soon, you’ll find a bureau de change in the medina with much better rates. This is especially useful if you need to take a taxi to reach your riad or hotel—you’ll need at least 200 dirhams (around €20).

At Riad Inaya Fez, we actually pay the taxi fare for you and simply add it to your bill at the end of your stay. So, no need to exchange money right upon arrival—it’s much more comfortable!

This is a difficult question, because what does “being ripped off” really mean?

If it means you accepted the first price given by the seller, then yes, you probably paid too much… But if you negotiated and managed to bring the price down by 30%, then no, you were not taken advantage of. It’s important to understand one thing: Morocco is still a relatively poor country. This means that if Moroccans living in the Fez medina had to pay the same prices as tourists, they simply couldn’t afford it. So the system works in a way that tourists help support the local purchasing power by paying a little more, which allows sellers to offer lower prices to Moroccans. In this sense, you’re not being cheated—you’re actually helping local people afford the same goods!

No, that’s not true. Morocco is a Muslim country, but it is also very conscious of being a tourist destination. So, even during most religious holidays, Moroccans are present for travelers. Of course, during the month of Ramadan—whose dates change every year depending on the lunar calendar—shops open later in the morning and close earlier in the evening. Since eating is not allowed during the day, families gather for their meal at sunset, which depending on the season, can be quite early. Likewise, mornings start later because people eat before sunrise, sometimes very early in the night. That said, even if the rhythm and energy of the city are a little different, shops will still be open and activities will go on.

As for the holiday of Eid al-Adha (the “Great Feast” in Arabic), which takes place 40 days after the end of Ramadan and is known as the feast of the sheep sacrifice, things are more delicate. The holiday lasts only a few days, but during that time most shops are closed, workers are on leave, and nothing is more important than prayers and family obligations. It’s a good idea to check the calendar so you won’t be caught off guard. At the same time, it can be a fascinating period for curious travelers to discover a different side of Morocco, where exchanges are more spiritual and less conventional.

If you feel adventurous, you can rent a car and tour Morocco. The roads may surprise you—not in terms of quality, since the main roads are paved—but in terms of driving practices. While traffic laws exist, they are often not respected. Running red lights, ignoring right-of-way rules (at intersections and roundabouts), overtaking on the right, and even driving without a license or insurance are common, and over time, no one seems surprised anymore. Motorcyclists without helmets, carrying children without helmets, or weaving through traffic for fun—don’t be shocked, it’s typical here!

So, if you still wish to drive in this objectively risky environment, be extra attentive to everything happening around you. Do respect speed limits, as they are generally well enforced, with police present everywhere on the roads and quick to issue fines! Also, be aware of police checkpoints at the entrances to cities—they are frequent. You must slow down and only proceed when instructed. Refusing to comply here is not an option!

Fez is not only the cultural, spiritual, and religious capital of Morocco, and for centuries even its political capital, but quite frankly, it is also the country’s culinary capital. You never eat better than in Fez!

That said, it’s best to avoid tourist restaurants, which—as everywhere else—are easy to spot by the arrival of large groups of visitors at mealtimes. Not only is the food usually less tasty, but it is also more expensive and the service less attentive than in simpler, more authentic places. We know excellent addresses for every budget, from inexpensive to high-end, where you will enjoy quality food and a great atmosphere.

At Riad Inaya Fez, it is Bouchra who cooks each morning for the evening meal. She cooks for our guests the same way she cooks for her children and for us. The food is simple, generous, and always delicious. And dining on our terrace with its view over the medina is an experience not to be missed!

Security is a top priority in Morocco. Under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the government has long placed great importance on domestic safety. Honestly, we cannot recall a single case of our guests being robbed or assaulted by Moroccans. The tourist police are very active, with watchful eyes and patrols throughout the Fez medina. Morocco is probably one of the safest tourist destinations in the world!

It’s true that hygiene and food storage conditions in Morocco are not the same as in Europe. That’s why you need to choose carefully where you eat. Street food can be risky if you’re not used to it! Eating outside major cities can also be hazardous. In the medinas of Fez or Marrakech, and in cities like Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, or Agadir, the risks are lower—but still, caution is advised everywhere. Be careful with the water, too!

At Riad Inaya Fez, Bouchra and Marjorie do the shopping each morning for the evening meal. Everything is fresh—we keep no stock, and all food prepared is consumed the same day. Our meat is purchased from a reputable butcher in the new town (not in the medina), as we refuse to take risks with our guests’ health. This is why we ask our guests to let us know in the morning if they would like to dine at the riad in the evening…

Most Moroccans are Muslims. Even though they are used to tourists, they do not see them as Moroccans. In general, women here do not wear revealing or tight-fitting clothing. So it is considered inappropriate for a tourist to walk around in short or tight outfits among people who are not accustomed to seeing that. Outspoken judgments are rare, especially in seaside cities during the summer season, of course.

In Fez, within the old medina—which is a city within the city, with its own very specific, traditional, and rather conservative population—it is wise for female travelers to respect the modesty of the environment by dressing more discreetly. This should not be felt as restrictive, but rather as a sign of respect. In any case, even if they don’t say it, Moroccans do not look at foreign women the same way they look at Moroccan women. They accept different behavior from foreigners, as long as it does not come from Muslim women. In that case, the judgment about clothing may be less forgiving…

Morocco has many sides… and this is not its most glorious one. Of course, it is easy to rent a car anywhere in Fez and beyond. But you must pay close attention to the rental company! If you really want to rent a car, make sure to do so with a professional, established rental agency—and nowhere else. We have too many bad memories of guests who, when returning their vehicle, were pressured by unscrupulous renters inventing old damages, unusual wear, or even imaginary fluid top-ups to keep the deposit. The major car rental companies are well-known. Never rent elsewhere!

Yes, without any problem! Morocco produces a large number of medicines also available in Europe, so buying them here is not complicated. Pharmacies are everywhere, and pharmacists are competent, especially in large cities and important tourist sites. In villages or isolated areas, however, it is more difficult.

Be aware that, just like with doctors’ fees, medicines are paid for directly by the patient, not through a healthcare system as in some other countries. So, you can ask for and obtain anything as long as you pay for it. Of course, the pharmacist will advise you, but if you request a specific medicine they have in stock, they will sell it to you. You will, however, remain responsible for any possible side effects…

It’s not a simple question to answer, as it depends on each individual case. Public hospitals in Morocco do not have a great reputation, whereas private clinics are well-equipped and staffed by highly regarded doctors.

Advantage: no waiting time and fast, efficient care.
Disadvantage: it is expensive, and without strong coverage or good insurance, it can cost a lot. That’s why the situation depends on your personal circumstances. French speakers will have no difficulty being understood. English speakers can usually manage as well… but if you need to explain a medical issue without speaking French, English, or Arabic, it will be more complicated.

Before traveling, it is advisable to check what your personal insurance covers, as well as the benefits of the healthcare system you are affiliated with. Always keep handy the phone numbers you may need for possible repatriation. The level of medicine in Morocco is very comparable to that in Europe. However, unlike in some countries, Moroccan doctors are not paid by the state or by a social security system, but directly by the patient. So, in case of an emergency, you will receive quality medical care, but you will usually need to pay upfront and request reimbursement once back home.

Let’s remember that Morocco is a developing country. Services are not always up to expectations. Photos are often taken once, and over time, the reality may no longer fully match. What might seem serious or unacceptable to you may not be perceived the same way by Moroccans. Things usually work out, as long as you avoid putting too much pressure on your host. The common reflex is often to compensate for a lack of training or management with a smile and kindness. It’s important to accept here what might be difficult to accept back home. Riads or hotels run by Europeans are often more in line with Western expectations.

Yes, sometimes in the evening, some youths seeking easy money give tourists false directions. They may say that certain streets are closed or inaccessible, which is untrue. The best solution is to rely on Google Maps—and not to pay attention to this type of mischief.

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