Parking in Fes (Fez) can be confusing for first-time visitors. The city is divided between one of the world’s largest pedestrian medinas and more modern districts built for cars. Knowing where you can and cannot park, especially near riads, the Blue Gate, and Ville Nouvelle, can save hours of stress and avoid fines or vehicle access issues.
This 2025 guide explains the best parking options, what to expect in each area, and how to plan arrivals when staying inside the medina.
Table of Contents
Understanding Fes Parking Zones
Can You Drive Inside the Medina?
Parking Near Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Best Parking Options for Medina Riads
Ville Nouvelle Parking (Modern Fes)
Street Parking Rules & Local Practices
Paid Parking, Guards & Tipping
Best Time of Day to Arrive
Common Parking Mistakes Tourists Make
FAQs About Parking in Fes
Final Tips for Stress-Free Parking
Understanding Fes Parking Zones
Fes is divided into three main areas relevant to drivers:
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina) – pedestrian-only
Fes el-Jdid – palace area with limited access
Ville Nouvelle – modern city with wide streets and parking
Each zone has different rules, and confusing them is the main reason visitors struggle.
Can You Drive Inside the Medina?
Short answer: No.
The Fes Medina (Fes el-Bali) is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world. Access is restricted to:
Pedestrians
Donkeys and carts
Emergency and authorized service vehicles
This restriction is strictly enforced and is part of the city’s protected urban heritage. Vehicle-free historic centers like Fes are recognized internationally for preservation and safety reasons under urban planning and heritage protection frameworks:
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/170/
If your accommodation is inside the medina, parking must be arranged outside, followed by a short walk or porter assistance.
Parking Near Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Bab Boujloud, also called the Blue Gate, is the most popular entry point into the medina.
Parking Characteristics
High demand
Mix of small lots and street parking
Constant pedestrian activity
Best Options
Small supervised parking lots near the gate
Short-term stops for drop-off
This area is ideal for:
Short visits
Dropping luggage before moving the car
Accessing cafés and guided tours
Avoid leaving valuables visible, this is a busy tourist zone.
Best Parking Options for Medina Riads
If you are staying in a riad inside the medina, parking strategy matters more than proximity.
Recommended Approach
Park at a designated medina-adjacent lot
Contact your riad for:
Exact gate name
Walking time
Porter arrangement
Why This Matters
Medina streets are:
Narrow
Non-linear
Not navigable by car
Most riads expect guests to arrive on foot for the final stretch.
Ville Nouvelle Parking (Modern Fes)
Ville Nouvelle is the easiest area for drivers.
What to Expect
Wide avenues
On-street parking
Hotels with private lots
Less congestion
This area suits:
Business travelers
Families
Visitors who prefer easy access
Parking here is similar to other Moroccan cities and far less stressful than near the medina.
Street Parking Rules & Local Practices
Markings & Signs
White or unmarked curb areas are commonly used
Official signage may be limited
Morocco follows internationally recognized road signage principles for parking and stopping, based on conventions governing traffic rules and driver behavior:
https://unece.org/road-traffic-and-road-signs-and-signals-agreements-and-conventions
Parking Guards (“Gardiens”)
Common throughout Fes
Wear informal vests or badges
Watch the car in exchange for a small tip
Typical tip:
2–5 MAD short stay
5–10 MAD longer stays
This is normal practice, not a scam.
Paid Parking, Guards & Tipping
Paid Lots
Fixed price per hour or per day
Best option near medina gates
Usually supervised
Informal Guarded Parking
Street-based
Payment on return
Widely accepted locally
Always confirm:
Price
Overnight permission
Closing hours
Best Time of Day to Arrive
Timing makes a big difference in Fes.
Best Arrival Times
Morning: 8:00 – 10:00
Early afternoon: 13:00 – 15:00
Times to Avoid
Late afternoon (school & work traffic)
Evening near medina gates
Festival or holiday periods
Arriving early gives you more parking options and less pressure.
Common Parking Mistakes Tourists Make
Trying to drive into the medina
Following GPS too literally near gates
Parking without confirming overnight access
Not asking riads for gate instructions
Ignoring local guards
Most issues are logistical, not safety-related.
FAQs About Parking in Fes
Can I park inside the medina?
No, vehicles are not allowed.
Is parking safe?
Yes, especially in supervised or guarded areas.
Do riads provide parking?
Usually nearby, not on-site.
Is Ville Nouvelle better for drivers?
Yes, it’s the easiest area for parking.
Are parking guards official?
Often informal but widely accepted.
Should I tip guards?
Yes, small tips are customary.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Parking
Parking in Fes is manageable with planning. Accept that the medina is pedestrian-only, choose parking near the correct gate, and rely on local systems like guarded parking. For drivers who understand the city’s layout, Fes becomes far less intimidating and far more enjoyable.
Knowing where to stop the car is the key to enjoying everything else the city offers.
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