Fez: The Imperial City Waiting to Be Discovered
Stay at independent luxury riad Palais Amani in the heart of the UNESCO medina
While Marrakech often steals the spotlight, those looking to experience Morocco beyond the expected will find something truly special in Fez – the country’s oldest imperial city and one of North Africa’s greatest hidden treasures with direct flights from the UK 3-4 times weekly.
Steeped in history yet alive with creativity, Fez is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. As the nation’s capital during the 13th century, the city flourished into a centre of learning, craftsmanship and architecture. Today, its extraordinary UNESCO-listed medina remains one of the world’s best-preserved medieval cities, where ancient palaces, ornate riads, centuries-old mosques, fountains and libraries continue to shape everyday life. And its completely car free.
Yet Fez is far from a city frozen in time. It has evolved into Morocco’s culinary capital, celebrating both heritage and innovation. Every May, the internationally acclaimed Fez Festival of World Sacred Music fills the city with performances from artists across the globe, bringing together cultures, faiths and traditions in one remarkable setting.
For travellers seeking an authentic Moroccan escape away from the crowds, there has never been a better time to discover Fez.
Stay in the Heart of the Medina at Art Deco Palais Amani
Hidden within the maze of winding streets lies Palais Amani, one of Fez’s most celebrated independent boutique hotels. This family-owned palace, home to just 21 individually designed rooms and suites, offers an oasis of calm within the medina.
Lovingly restored over four years, the palace blends 17th-century architecture with elegant Art Deco details, creating a unique retreat that honours both history and contemporary comfort.
Guests arrive through magnificent carved wooden doors into a peaceful courtyard garden where birdsong replaces the bustle of the medina. At its centre sits a 600-square-metre citrus garden, while the property also features Eden Restaurant for alfresco dining, an atmospheric library bar with fireplace, a rooftop bar, a traditional underground hammam and one of the city’s most distinctive experiences—the Fez Cooking School, located on the palace rooftop.
Wander Through Africa’s Largest Car-Free Medina
The Fez medina is unlike anywhere else in the world. With thousands of narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards and bustling small squares, it remains Africa’s largest car-free urban area and rewards those willing to get wonderfully lost.
Every neighbourhood reveals something new—from spice merchants and traditional bakeries to leather tanneries, artisan workshops and colourful markets. The city’s famous souks are more than places to shop; they are living communities where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive. Many are named after the crafts practised there, whether copperwork, leather, textiles or ceramics, making every stroll an immersive cultural experience.
Best of all, these authentic experiences are all within walking distance of Palais Amani.
Eight Unmissable Experiences in Fez
1. Master Moroccan cuisine at the rooftop Fez Cooking School.
2. Lose yourself in the UNESCO-listed medina, Africa’s largest car-free historic quarter.
3.Escape to the tranquil Jnan Sbil Gardens, one of the city’s most peaceful green spaces.
4. Relax with a traditional Moroccan hammam ritual.
5. Venture into the surrounding hills for a scenic hike and gourmet picnic arranged by Palais Amani.
6. Discover the fascinating history of Arabic writing and traditional calligraphy.
7. Take part in an authentic Moroccan mint tea ceremony at Palais Amani.
8. Visit the vibrant cultural hub Café Clock for music, art, storytelling and panoramic rooftop views.
Taste the Flavours of Morocco
Fez has earned a reputation as Morocco’s gastronomic capital, bringing together flavours from across the country. One of the best ways to experience the city’s rich culinary traditions is through the Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani. A four-hour experience begins with a guided foodie tour through the medina’s bustling markets, where guests sample local delicacies while sourcing fresh ingredients. Back at the rooftop cookery school, participants prepare a traditional Moroccan feast before enjoying lunch overlooking the rooftops of the ancient city. Private and group workshops are available, with experiences priced from €176 per person.
A Timeless Moroccan Tea Ceremony
No visit to Morocco is complete without experiencing its iconic mint tea ritual. Within Palais Amani’s peaceful citrus garden, guests are invited to join the hotel’s tea master, Ba Mohammed, for a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. Learn the secrets behind selecting fresh mint, preparing the perfect tea and serving Moroccan tea using beautifully crafted traditional tea sets, accompanied by Moroccan pastries. Available daily for both hotel guests and visitors, the 30-minute experience is priced from €10 per person.
A Palace Restored with Passion
Palais Amani is more than a boutique hotel—it is a remarkable restoration story. In 2006, Jemima Mann-Baha and Abdelali Mann-Baha purchased the abandoned former home of one of Fez’s most prominent families after it had stood empty for more than 25 years. Following four years of meticulous restoration, the palace was brought back to life, preserving centuries of craftsmanship while retaining elegant Art Deco features added during the 1930s.
Today, the property continues to champion local heritage, craftsmanship and culture while offering travellers an unforgettable stay within the heart of Morocco’s oldest imperial city.
For travellers searching for Morocco’s best-kept secret, Fez offers an unforgettable blend of imperial history, vibrant culture, exceptional food and authentic local experiences. Fez invites visitors to step beyond the familiar and discover a destination where every alleyway tells a story and every encounter feels genuine.
www.palaisamani.com 12 Derb el Miter, Oued Zhoune, Fes Medina, 30000, Morocco
B&B is priced from £180.00 per room per night
