Staying in Morocco, which city?

Spontaneously, when talking about a destination in Morocco, Marrakech is mentioned in the majority of answers. Other destinations exist in Morocco to spend a great time in this North African country. The Riad Jamaï team suggests comparing Fez and Marrakech, two imperial cities with very different characteristics.

Marrakech

The city of Marrakech is world-renowned thanks to its various festivals, the villas built by celebrities, but also for the touristic assets it offers visitors. Jemaa el Fna square is a must-see attraction for any stay in Marrakech. The same goes for the Majorelle Garden, a valley such as the Draa Valley, and the souk of Marrakech in its medina. Marrakech offers numerous accommodation options, and tourists have plenty of choice: private villa rentals, riad rentals, guesthouse room rentals, hotels and club hotels.

Fez

The city of Fez is the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, embodied by the medina, also known as Fes el Bali. This open-air museum deserves a stay of at least 3 days. The city is slowly opening up to tourism with a few reception projects, such as the airport’s second terminal. Fez is above all committed to remaining a city with a way of life where people take the time to share, exchange, and pray. There are more than 300 mosques in the medina, as well as the oldest university in the Arab world, Al Qarawiyyin.

The mindset

Morocco’s richness also comes from the cultural differences between its imperial cities. Fez and Marrakech are both must-see destinations, yet very different in their relationship with visitors. The city of Marrakech began its tourism activity several years ago, and its population has turned towards welcoming tourists, creating tourist facilities, tourist attractions, and tourist products. Marrakech is a comfort destination when it comes to a trip to Morocco. Traveling to Marrakech is above all a relaxing, club and sunny getaway.

The city of Fez, on the other hand, is still untouched by mass tourism; it is a thousand-year-old city that has managed to preserve its way of life and culture. The medina of Fez is the city’s true gem, with neighborhoods organized around craftsmanship. There are few solicitations in the alleyways, making it very peaceful to stroll through the streets of the medina. The city of Fez and its surroundings still have very few tourist facilities, though some hotels have started appearing near the medina. Traveling to Fez is above all an encounter with Arab-Muslim culture.