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Looking for the best riads in Fes? You’re exactly where you should be.
This city blends deep tradition with a lively cultural pulse, and where you stay can shape how you experience it. A riad isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s part of the journey, offering calm corners, warm hospitality, and a style of architecture that feels distinctly Fassi. It’s a way to feel connected to the city’s heritage from the moment you wake up to the moment you climb onto the rooftop at night.
With so many beautiful riads to choose from across the city, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve highlighted the best areas and the standout riads in each one. Let’s find your ideal base in Fes!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the riad and area we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE area to stay is in the Fes Medina. It brings the authentic charm and bustling atmosphere that we love, and there are plenty of riad options.
We recommend staying at Riad Al Makan Fes & Spa, which is simply stunning and gives that authentic Moroccan feel you hope for in a riad!
Where to Find the Best Riads in Fes
Fes is a city shaped by its contrasting neighborhoods, each offering its own rhythm, history, and sense of place. Most of the city’s riads, or traditional Moroccan homes built around serene interior courtyards, sit inside the ancient Fes Medina, where winding alleys, artisan workshops, and centuries-old architecture create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Historically, riads were designed as private family residences centered around tranquility and inward-focused living, a reflection of Andalusian and Moroccan architectural traditions. Today, these beautifully restored homes operate as intimate guesthouses filled with carved woodwork, mosaic tilework, and rooftop terraces overlooking the old city. While nearly every riad in Fes is found within the medina, a small handful sit in Ville Nouvelle, offering a modern, spacious alternative for travelers who prefer contemporary comforts.
Here’s a look at the best areas to stay in Fes, and the riads that make each one special:
- Fes Medina (Fes el-Bali) – Best for first-time visitors – A timeless maze of workshops, courtyards, and historic landmarks, perfect for travelers who want to dive into Fes’s most atmospheric and culturally rich streets. Riad Al Makan Fes & Spa offers a warm, welcoming escape with traditional décor, a rooftop terrace, and a wellness center just steps from the Blue Gate.
- Ville Nouvelle – Best for a relaxed stay – Fes’s modern, spacious district of cafés, leafy boulevards, and relaxed neighborhoods, ideal for visitors who prefer contemporary comforts while staying close to major sights and easy transport links. Riad Dar Ziryab delivers a serene, riad-style retreat with a garden, hammam, and outdoor pool right in the heart of the new town.
Important Tip
Multiple Fes trips have taught us that this city doesn’t reward spontaneity when it comes to planning. The good places get snapped up months in advance, leaving the overpriced and underwhelming options for last-minute travelers.
The sweet spot for booking a riad in Fes is 3-4 months out—enough time to secure good rates but not so far ahead that you’re locking in plans excessively early.
The Best Riads in Fes
Fes Medina
BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS
Pros
- Walking distance to major historical and cultural sites
- Rich traditional atmosphere and artisanal workshops
- Stunning, authentic riads full of character
Cons
- Easy to get lost in the maze-like streets
- Can feel intense and crowded during peak hours
- Limited vehicle access—walking is essential
The Fes Medina is Morocco at its most timeless—a living slice of history where daily life unfolds inside one of the world’s largest car-free urban zones. Wandering these narrow alleys feels like stepping centuries back, with artisans hammering copper by hand, the scent of fresh bread drifting from communal ovens, and the call to prayer echoing off ancient stone.
It’s ideal for travelers who want deep cultural immersion, especially first-timers who crave authenticity over modern comforts, and repeat visitors who want to understand the city more intimately.
Staying here puts you close to Fes’s most iconic landmarks: the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa, the legendary Chouara Tannery with its colorful dye pits, Al-Attarine Madrasa, and the University of Al Quaraouiyine—often cited as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Every turn brings another surprise, whether it’s a hidden mosque, a quiet courtyard, or a shop selling hand-woven rugs straight from the loom.
What sets the Fes Medina apart is its layered calm and chaos. Yes, it can be disorienting, but that’s part of its magic. Once you ease into its rhythm, the medina reveals a world of craftsmanship, tradition, and warmth that stays with you long after you leave.
Palais Nazha Fes – $$$
Palais Nazha Fes – Luxury Lodging feels more like a resort than a traditional medina stay. Its location is just beyond the busiest alleys and it effortlessly blends Moroccan architecture with spacious, modern comfort, making it an easy place to unwind after exploring Fes.
Many rooms feature private terraces or mountain views, giving you a peaceful retreat without leaving the city. Guests love the generous breakfast, the welcoming on-site restaurant, and the relaxed atmosphere throughout the property.
With 24-hour service, airport transfers, and plenty of quiet spots to recharge, it offers a level of space and serenity that’s rare inside the historic center. Rooms typically range from $70–$750 USD per night, depending on your travel dates and room choice.
For resort-style luxury—book this riad here!
Riad Rcif & Spa Originale – $$$
Riad Rcif & Spa Originale is one of the most captivating historic palace stays in the Fes Medina, filled with carved cedarwood, colorful zellij tiles, and a beautiful patio centered around a traditional fountain. Located just an eight-minute walk from Bou Inania Madrasa, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the medina’s iconic sites, from artisan workshops to the open-air tanneries.
Rooms overlook the patio or medina and feature generous seating areas and stunning tiled bathrooms with separate baths. Guests also appreciate the on-site restaurant, where you can reserve Moroccan dinners or even join a cooking class.
With its hammam, peaceful seating areas, and richly detailed architecture, Riad Rcif is best for travelers seeking a true historic palace stay. Prices typically range from $80–$200 USD per night, depending on the room style.
Check prices and availability for this traditional riad here!
Riad Rcif Alif Suite & SPA – $$$
Riad Rcif Alif Suite & SPA is a beautifully renovated riad that blends traditional Fassi charm with modern comfort, making it a great choice for families and spa lovers. The riad features an indoor pool, full spa facilities, a rooftop terrace, and spacious suites, many with thoughtful extras like coffee makers and robes.
The on-site restaurant is a highlight, serving Moroccan dishes with options for halal, kosher, vegetarian, and gluten-free diets. Guests appreciate the variety, whether they’re enjoying dinner, high tea, or drinks after a day exploring the medina.
Its location is excellent too—just minutes from Bab Bou Jeloud, Medersa Bouanania, and Karaouiyne, with easy access to the airport via shuttle. With roomy suites and a relaxing spa atmosphere, this riad is best for families and those wanting a rejuvenating stay. Prices typically range from $110–$200 USD per night.
Reserve your stay at this family-friendly riad here!
Riad Al Makan Fes & Spa – $$
Riad Al Makan Fes & Spa offers a warm, welcoming stay with its location only steps from the Blue Gate—one of the best places to stay in the Fes Medina for first-time visitors. This charming riad blends traditional design with modern comforts, offering air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, electric kettles, and thoughtful extras like free WiFi and a wellness center.
Guests love the rooftop terrace overlooking the old city, perfect for unwinding after a day of wandering the medina. The on-site restaurant serves Moroccan dishes with plenty of options, and the friendly team can arrange tours, activities, and even nearby parking.
With Batha Square, Medersa Bouanania, and Chouara Tanneries all a short walk away, sightseeing couldn’t be easier. Standard rooms start around $50–$165 USD per night, making it a fantastic value in such a prime location.
Check prices and availability for this centrally located riad here!
Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda – $$
Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda is a beautifully restored palace riad tucked deep within the Fes Medina, offering an elegant blend of history and modern comfort. Centered around tranquil courtyards and a shimmering pool, this riad offers one of the best medina pool escapes after a day in the bustling lanes. Rooms and suites overlook the main fountain courtyard and feature air-conditioning, traditional details, and spacious bathrooms, with suites adding bathtubs and cozy sitting areas.
One of the highlights is the rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic views of the medina and even the Atlas Mountains. Guests can unwind in the Moroccan tent lounge or visit the hammam for massages and beauty treatments.
With its serene atmosphere, excellent service, and top-rated location, Dar Bensouda is perfect for travelers seeking refined comfort. Rooms typically range from $80–$175 USD per night, depending on the suite and season.
Snag your stay at this palace-style riad here!
Riad Semlalia – $$
Riad Semlalia is a stylish, modern riad that still captures the charm of traditional Fassi design—complete with a rooftop pool, sauna, lush garden, and serene sun terrace. Guests love the peaceful atmosphere, especially after exploring the medina’s lively streets.
Rooms are comfortable and elegant, featuring air-conditioning, tiled floors, private bathrooms with bidets, and thoughtful touches like bathrobes, a hot tub, or even a fireplace. The on-site restaurant serves authentic Moroccan cuisine, while the bar and terrace are perfect for unwinding in the evenings.
Service is exceptional too, with guests frequently praising the attentive staff and warm hospitality. Located just a short walk from Batha Square, Medersa Bouanania, and Bab Bou Jeloud, it’s ideal for sightseeing. Rooms typically range from $90–$180 USD per night, with suites also available.
Don’t miss out—reserve this rooftop-pool riad here!
Riad Alya – $
Riad Alya offers a refined yet affordable escape in the heart of the Fes Medina, making it one of the best options for travelers seeking a budget-friendly spa and hammam experience. The riad blends traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern comfort, featuring beautifully decorated suites, air-conditioning, and private bathrooms designed for relaxation.
Its restaurant is well-loved for serving authentic Moroccan cuisine, and the on-site spa offers a traditional hammam and body treatments—perfect after a long day of walking the medina. Guests also rave about the spacious rooftop terrace, which serves up sweeping views of the old city and the surrounding mountains.
With an exceptional location and warm hospitality, it’s easy to see why Riad Alya is such a favorite. Standard rooms typically range from $60–$110 USD per night, with suites also available at higher rates.
For a spa-friendly riad in Fes Medina—book Riad Alya here!
Dar D’or Fes – $
Dar D’or Fes is an elegant adults-only riad set inside a beautifully preserved historic building, offering an intimate and peaceful retreat just steps from the Blue Gate, making it one of the best stays for travelers who want to be close to this iconic entrance of the medina.
The rooms are thoughtfully designed with air-conditioning, walk-in showers, private entrances, and soundproofing, blending traditional charm with modern comfort. Guests love the riad’s terrace and outdoor seating areas, perfect for relaxing with tea after exploring the medina.
The on-site restaurant serves classic Moroccan dishes, and breakfast includes pastries, pancakes, and fresh fruit. The location couldn’t be more convenient—Batha Square, the Royal Palace, and Medersa Bouanania are all within easy walking distance. Rooms typically range from $60–$75 USD per night, with suites available at higher rates.
Stay close to the Blue Gate and secure this riad here!
Related Read: Need help planning the rest of your trip? See our 3-day Fes itinerary, which includes our favorite activities, hidden gems, restaurant recommendations, and more!
Ville Nouvelle
BEST FOR A RELAXED STAY
Pros
- Wide streets, modern amenities, and easier navigation
- Close to the train station, the Royal Palace, and great restaurants
Cons
- Further from Medina attractions
- Lacks the traditional atmosphere that many travelers come to Fes for
Ville Nouvelle is Fes’s modern heartbeat—a complete contrast to the ancient medina and a welcome option for travelers who prefer wide boulevards, cafés, and contemporary comforts. Built during the French Protectorate in the early 20th century, this district blends European-style urban planning with Moroccan culture, offering a calm, spacious, and easily navigable base for your stay.
This area is ideal for travelers who want convenience: families who appreciate quieter streets, business travelers who need modern amenities, or visitors who love the medina by day but prefer a more relaxed setting at night. Ville Nouvelle is also home to many international hotels, stylish boutique stays, and a growing restaurant scene, making it perfect for those seeking comfort without sacrificing atmosphere.
Staying here puts you close to key sights like the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen), Jnan Sbil Gardens, and the lively cafés along Avenue Hassan II. It’s also well connected to the train station and a short taxi ride from the medina, which is great for those who want easy transport options.
With leafy parks, shopping avenues, and a distinctly modern feel, Ville Nouvelle offers a refreshing balance to Fes’s historic core.
Riad Dar Ziryab – $$
Riad Dar Ziryab is a charming traditional stay located right in the heart of Ville Nouvelle, making it one of the best options for travelers who want to stay in the new town while still enjoying classic Moroccan style. Just five minutes from the Fes-Ville Nouvelle Train Station, it offers easy access to cafés, modern amenities, and transport, all while maintaining a calm, riad-like atmosphere.
Rooms are individually decorated and feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi, with some offering fireplaces or private terraces. Guests can relax in the garden, unwind on the furnished terrace, or enjoy the riad’s hammam. The outdoor pool adds an extra dose of comfort, especially on warm afternoons.
A continental breakfast is served each morning, and the on-site restaurant features local Moroccan specialties. Rooms typically range from $85–$170 USD per night, with larger suites and apartments available.
Stay in the new town in style—book this riad here!
Riad Raouia HAMMAM & SPA – $$
Riad Raouia HAMMAM & SPA offers an authentic Moroccan stay in Ville Nouvelle with its location in a quiet part of the New Town. It’s complete with a peaceful courtyard, garden, fountain, and a traditional hammam, making it one of the best choices for travelers planning a longer stay spa experience.
Each room and suite is uniquely decorated with colorful tiles and features air-conditioning, private bathrooms, seating areas, and free WiFi. Some rooms even include private terraces for added comfort. Guests can enjoy daily breakfast, request homemade Moroccan dinners, or relax in one of the lounge areas by the fireplace.
The riad also goes above and beyond with its services, offering airport pickups, guided medina tours, quad excursions in the Middle Atlas, and transportation throughout Morocco. Rooms typically range from $95–$140 USD per night, with larger options available for families or extended stays.
Book your long-stay spa retreat at this riad here!
Top Activities to do in Fes, Morocco
Staying in a riad is a cultural experience in itself, but there are even more epic adventures to have in Fes! We loved how different Fes felt from the rest of Morocco, and the most popular activities certainly highlight that. So to make the most out of your time here, check out our favorite things to do!
- Take a cooking class – Love Moroccan food? Us too! So we couldn’t pass up this cooking class to learn how to make classic dishes, my favorite being Chicken Tajine! It was held in the luxurious Palais Amani Riad, which just added to the vibe as well.
- Relax with a traditional Hammam – This hammam experience is not only a great cultural experience, but super relaxing. It’s a purification ritual and spa treatment that’s been done for centuries, so they truly have tranquility down to a science.
- Explore the city with a local guide – Fes is full of history and hidden gems that are impossible to uncover without this locally guided tour. It made us feel confident to weave around the Medina, and we learned the history of the Royal Palace, the old Jewish Quarter, and more.
- Take a day trip to the Blue City – This day trip to Chefchaouen is a great way to see the Blue City if you can’t spend a few days there! You’ll see the highlights, take in the views, and learn the history, all while having transportation taken care of.
- Visit the Middle Atlas Mountains – Escape the city on this Middle Atlas Mountains tour for some outdoor adventure. You’ll visit an authentic Berber town and Azrou, Africa’s largest cedar forest, as well as other small villages and viewpoints along the way for an overall perspective of the region.
Related Read: Looking for more fun activities? See our blog about the best things to do in Fes, which includes these top picks and our personal favorite recommendations!
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Picking out the perfect place to stay can be overwhelming, especially when picking a traditional riad – there are so many unknowns! Don’t stress, though, just stick to our recommendations. We’ve done the research for you and have picked out the top options so you can simply book your stay and pack your bags.
If you need help planning the rest of your travels, see all of our Morocco blogs! We loved traveling around this country, but there is a lot to know – so check out our city guides, where to stay blogs, and top things to do lists for an easy travel experience. Here are a few related blogs to get you started. Cheers!
The 15 Best Riads in Marrakech, Morocco
How to Spend ONE or TWO Days in Chefchaouen, Morocco: 1 or 2-Day Itinerary