Fez, Morocco: A City Living In The Past

There are very few cities I’ve ever visited that truly feel like they’ve been frozen in time in the best way possible.

When you walk through the streets and see the way of life and the traditions that have continued for hundreds of years, it feels as though you’ve stepped into another era that the city still proudly lives in today.

It’s something really special and that was my immediate impression of one particular city I visited in Morocco.

Fez Didn’t “Modernize” Like the Rest of the World

Fez, located in the north, is one of the most unique cities when it comes to keeping traditions alive. It holds onto its authenticity, charm, and deep sense of history in a way that feels almost untouched by modernity.

Exploring Fez felt like diving straight into the heart of Morocco’s cultural identity. I found myself constantly learning about why things are done the way they are and how the people have chosen to preserve their customs rather than adapt to the technological and infrastructural changes that have shaped much of the modern world.

Locals Make This City Feel Alive in a Way You Don’t Expect

What stood out to me the most was how beautiful it was to speak with the locals, experience their way of life, and see how every corner, alleyway, and individual person embodied these deep-rooted traditions.

It’s something you don’t often find in cities anymore, and that’s what makes Fez so unforgettable.

If You Only Visit One Moroccan City, Make It This One

If you’re heading to Morocco, I highly suggest visiting Fez. It’s a super cool city that offers something completely different from anywhere else in the country.

I want to share a few of the reasons why this city makes you feel like you’re stepping straight into the past, and how it continues to preserve its traditions, old ways of life, and daily habits.

Fez truly feels like a place that hasn’t moved on from its roots, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.

The Medina Has Over 9,000 Alleyways — and You Will Get Lost

Let’s start off with the first thing you’re going to notice as soon as you begin walking around and exploring everything the city has to offer: the Medina. The Medina, known as the old city or historical center, is one of the largest and most fascinating in all of Morocco.

It’s made up of over nine thousand narrow alleyways, many of which are far too small for cars to pass through. Some paths lead to dead ends, others connect through to different areas, and some are even closed off during certain times of the day.

Getting around the Medina can feel like stepping back in time because modern tools like Google Maps are basically useless here. No app on your phone will save you from getting lost. You really just have to rely on your instincts, ask locals for help, or use mental markers to remember your way.

It’s part of the adventure and one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Fez.