Fez is one of Africa’s most historically significant cities, a place where medieval architecture, vibrant craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage are still living parts of daily life. As Morocco prepares to host AFCON 2025, Fez stands proudly among the tournament’s official host cities, offering football fans a rare opportunity: the chance to experience world-class matches in a setting that feels untouched by time.
This guide gathers everything supporters need to navigate Fez with confidence, from stadium access and transportation to food, safety, budgets, and cultural highlights, making it the most complete AFCON-focused guide available today.
1. Why Fans Should Choose Fez During AFCON 2025
Fez is the third-largest city in Morocco, but unlike Casablanca or Marrakech, it has preserved a uniquely medieval character. For fans moving across Morocco during the tournament, Fez offers four major advantages:
Official AFCON 2025 Host City
Fez Stadium (Stade de Fès) is confirmed to host multiple group-stage matches.
It forms part of Morocco’s enhanced football infrastructure validated for AFCON 2025 and aligned with the 2030 World Cup roadmap.
Affordable Compared to Other Host Cities
Accommodation, food, and transportation in Fez are cheaper than in Tangier, Casablanca, or Marrakech, ideal for traveling fans.
A Calm, Magical Break Between Matches
The Medina’s alleys, gardens, and riads offer peaceful resets from stadium crowds and fan zones.
Excellent Rail Access
ONCF trains connect Fez to all major tournament cities:
- Rabat (≈ 2.5–3h)
- Casablanca (≈ 3.5–4h)
- Tangier (via Kenitra connection)
- Marrakech (direct trains + future high-speed upgrades underway)
This makes Fez a strategic base for fans following multiple teams.
2. Understanding Fez: History in Motion
Founding & Timeline
- 789 AD — Founded by Idris I (first Moroccan dynasty) near today’s Andalusian Quarter.
- 808 AD — Expanded by Idris II, creating the nucleus of Fez el-Bali.
- 9th–10th centuries — Arrival of Andalusians (from Córdoba) and Kairouanese migrants, shaping crafts, mosques, and trade.
- 13th–15th centuries (Marinid Era) — Construction of magnificent madrasas (Bou Inania, Attarine), intense scholarly activity.
- 1981 — Fez Medina added to UNESCO World Heritage List for its outstanding preservation.
Fez today remains one of the largest car-free medieval urban zones in the world, a rare phenomenon for any AFCON host city.
3. Stadium Guide: Everything Fans Must Know About Fez Stadium
About the Stadium
- Name: Stade de Fès
- Capacity: approx. 45,000 seats
- Opened: 2003
- Tournament Role: AFCON 2025 group matches
- Facilities: Good seating visibility, wide concourses, easy taxi access
Fez Stadium has hosted several high-level games over the past decade, including national team fixtures and major Moroccan club matches.
Getting to Fez Stadium
- Taxi: The fastest option. From Medina or Ville Nouvelle: 20–40 MAD daytime, slightly more at night.
- Shuttle Services: Expected during AFCON (Morocco often deploys them for major events).
- Driving: Possible but parking fills quickly on match days.
Fans’ Best Advice
- Arrive 2 hours early, Medina traffic can slow down taxis during peak times.
- Wear layers, Fez evenings in December can be cold (10–12°C).
- Bring snacks, stadium catering is usually limited to basics (sandwiches, soft drinks).
4. Where Fans Should Stay: Best Areas for Comfort, Access & Vibes
1. Fez el-Bali (Old Medina): For Culture-Loving Fans
Stay here if you want the true Fez experience:
- riads with rooftop views
- artisanal neighborhoods
- restaurants & markets
Perfect for fans exploring between matches.
2. Batha & Bab Boujloud.. Best Balance
Close to Medina gates = easy taxi pickups.
This is the sweet spot for supporters who want comfort and walkability.
3. Fez Jdid: Calm & Safe
Quieter, near the Royal Palace.
Ideal for families, couples, or those wanting restful nights.
4. Ville Nouvelle: Best for Practicality
Modern hotels, wide avenues, mall access.
Closest to ONCF train station and easiest for taxis on match days.
5. What Fans Must See in Fez (Between Matches)
A. The Legendary Fez Medina (Fez el-Bali)
A UNESCO-listed labyrinth of more than 9,000 alleys, entirely car-free.
Don’t-miss zones for fans:
- Tala’a Kebira — main artery with cafés & shops
- R’cif Market — bustling food stalls
- Seffarine Square — copper workers hitting metal by hand
- Foundouks — old caravan inns now artisan hubs
B. Chouara Tanneries: The Icon of Fez
One of Morocco’s defining images: circular dye pits filled with natural colors.
Visit a terrace around mid-morning for best light.
C. Al-Quaraouiyine University: Heart of Islamic Scholarship
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, considered by UNESCO and historians as one of the oldest continually operating academic institutions.
Even without interior access, the district around it is mesmerizing.
D. Bou Inania & Al-Attarine Madrasas
Photogenic masterpieces with:
- carved cedar
- geometric tile mosaics
- Arabic calligraphy panels
- quiet reflective courtyards
E. Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Meeting point for fans staying in or entering the Medina.
Excellent cafés and quick eats nearby.
F. Jnan Sbil Gardens: A Peaceful Escape
Beautiful walking paths, fountains, and a lake.
Perfect pre-match chill zone.
G. Borj Nord: The Viewpoint of Fez
Climb or taxi up here for a panoramic look at the entire city — one of Morocco’s best skyline views.
6. Eating in Fez: Fans’ Food Guide
Fez is Morocco’s gastronomic capital, meaning visiting supporters will eat incredibly well.
Essential Traditional Dishes for First-Time Fans
- Pastilla (Fez specialty)
- Tajine of lamb with prunes
- Couscous (best on Fridays)
- Harira soup in the evening
- Seffa medfouna (vermicelli with almonds & cinnamon)
- Mrouzia (sweet-spiced lamb)
Street Food for Fans
Best spots:
- Bab Boujloud
- R’cif Market
- Tala’a Kebira’s lower section
Typical prices:
- Brochettes: 10–20 MAD
- Sandwiches: 15–25 MAD
- Fresh juice: 5–10 MAD
International Dining
Ville Nouvelle offers:
- pizza
- burgers
- Lebanese grills
- sushi
- vegan options
Perfect for fans needing something familiar.
7. Moving Around Fez (Fans’ Logistics)
On Foot
Inside the Medina, walking is the only option.
Wear comfortable shoes, many streets are steep or uneven.
Taxis
- Petit taxi: for city travel (cheap & fast)
- Grand taxi: for regional trips (Meknes, Ifrane, Volubilis)
Always check the meter or agree on the fare.
Public Transport
Exists but not ideal for new visitors, taxis remain the easiest.
Navigation Tips
- GPS struggles inside the Medina
- Always note the name of your riad/hotel
- Your riad can send a staff member to guide you upon arrival
8. Fan Day Trips From Fez
When there’s no match, Fez is a gateway to amazing destinations:
- Meknes (40 min)
- Another imperial city.
- Volubilis (1h15)
- Morocco’s best-preserved Roman ruins.
- Ifrane (1h)
- Garden-like mountain town called “Little Switzerland.”
- Sefrou (35 min)
- Waterfalls, orchards, and a charming medina.
All perfect half-day or full-day escapes.
9. Safety, Budgets & Essentials for AFCON Fans
Safety Tips
Fez is generally safe, but:
- avoid empty alleys late at night
- keep valuables secure
- be cautious of unsolicited “guides” inside the Medina
Budget Guide
Fez is fan-friendly:
- Street meal: 20–60 MAD
- Standard restaurant: 70–150 MAD
- Riad stay: 350–700 MAD/night
- Taxi inside city: 10–30 MAD
Connectivity
Using an eSIM or buying a local SIM makes navigation and match planning much easier.
Related: Why an eSIM Makes Your Morocco Journey Easier
Weather Gear
December–January
- cool afternoons (15–18°C)
- cold evenings (8–12°C)
bring a jacket for night matches
10. Final Thoughts: Why Fez Will Be a Fans’ Favorite
Fez offers something rare in global football travel:
the chance to step out of a modern stadium and walk straight into a world shaped over 1,200 years.
Fans will enjoy:
- intense football nights
- calm mornings in ancient alleys
- rooftop breakfasts in riads
- affordable food and accommodation
- easy train links to other AFCON cities
- a cultural depth unmatched anywhere else in Morocco
Whether you’re following your team across Morocco or staying in Fez for several matches, the city promises a unique blend of passion, tradition, and atmosphere.
Fez is ready and it welcomes AFCON 2025 fans with open arms.
Related:
