You can drive near royal palace fes, but you cannot enter the royal residence. Head towards Place des Alaouites, find legal parking nearby, and visit the golden gates on foot. Allow 20–30 minutes for photographs or 60–90 minutes to explore the nearby Mellah. Bab Boujloud is approximately 2 km away by walking route.

The Royal Palace FES is one of the city’s architectural landmarks. Its impressive golden gates attract those interested in Moroccan history, photography and traditional design.

The palace is located in Fes el Jdid, near the old Jewish quarter. First time visitors may, however, have difficulty locating suitable parking and understanding local access restrictions.

If you are driving around Fes, knowing where to stop and which streets to explore on foot makes visiting the royal palace fes easier.

Getting to Royal Palace Fes by Car

Vehicles may drive to the roads around Place des Alaouites, but cannot enter the royal compound. For visitors coming to the royal palace fes, the main point of reference is the public square.

Driving from the New City

Leave central Ville Nouvelle on the roads for Fes el Jdid and Place des Alaouites.

Depending on where you are starting from and traffic conditions, give yourself about 10–20 minutes for the journey.

If you are using GPS, select Place des Alaouites, not the palace building.

The approach to royal palace fes has a zone where temporary traffic restrictions can be imposed during official events.

GPS of the older districts

Vehicle access is possible to the streets of Fes el Jdid, but many of the surrounding historic lanes are best explored on foot.

Don’t follow navigation into narrow streets without checking road signs.

UNESCO says the historic district of Fes el Jdid was established in 1276 and has the Royal Palace. Discover more about the Medina of Fez on the UNESCO website.

Read our GPS, offline maps and navigation guide for Fes to make route planning easier.

Local tip: Book the Place des Alaouites and a separate parking space before leaving the hotel. This cuts down on unnecessary driving near the entrances of the Palace.

Where is there parking in Fes el Jdid?

Parking around Fes el Jdid is possible around permitted public areas, but spaces just outside the gates of the palace may be restricted.

If you arrive by rental car, the sensible thing to do is park somewhere legally and then walk to royal palace fes .

Parking near the Royal Palace Fez

The Place des Alaouites is the main open space from which to access the decorated palace gates.

Look for parking spaces on accessible roads that are marked or have supervised facilities in the vicinity. Follow instructions from local authorities and observe all signs.

Do not park next to security barriers, entrances to the palace or pedestrian routes.

Access restrictions may change the exact nearest parking available.

Alternative parking close to the medina

If you are also visiting Bab Boujloud or Fes el Bali, park closer to those areas.

Parking facilities are available in the medina, historic. In 2024 CDG Développement opened seven new parking facilities with approximately 2,300 spaces.

For more information on parking in Fes, please see our guide to Fes Medina parking and car access.

Parking fees vary by facility and time of day. Always check the shown tariff.

Local tip: Have some small Moroccan dirham notes or coins. Check the parking charges before you leave your car, especially if you are using supervised street parking.

What can I see near the Royal Palace of Fez?

The biggest draw is the decorated entrance of the royal palace fes. But there are a number of other historical sights in the surrounding district of Fes el Jdid.

Visitors can connect the palace gates, the Mellah and the streets nearby into a walking route of about 60-90 minutes.

Take a photo of the golden palace gates

The royal palace of fez is distinguished by its golden doors, colorful zellige tiles, carved plasterwork and traditional moroccan architecture.

As the palace is a working royal residence, normal visitors cannot explore the interior.

Alternatively, visitors can view the ornamented outside from designated public areas.

Photographs and architectural details should take about 15 to 30 minutes.

Royal palace fes’ golden entrance is particularly beautiful when natural light hits the doors and tilework around it.

Historical Mellah and Jewish Quarter Fes

The Mellah of Fes is situated close to the palace and represents the city’s historic Jewish heritage.

The jewish quarter of fes is famous for its traditional buildings, balconies, historic streets and religious landmarks.

The most important sites of heritage are the synagogue of Ibn Danan and the Jewish cemetery.

Check opening arrangements before visiting places of worship or heritage buildings.

A visit to royal palace fes can therefore be included in a wider walking tour of Fes el Jdid.

Understanding of Dar el-Makhzen

Dar el-Makhzen Fes (also spelled Dar el Makhzen) is the royal palace complex.

The name is useful when reading local travel guides or researching the history of the site.

Visitors should be aware of the difference between the palace compound and the outer gates which can be accessed from public areas.

Local’s tip: Begin at the palace gates and walk in the direction of the mellah. This means you won’t be returning to your parked car between nearby attractions.

When to go? How long to stay?

If you are a traveler, who is interested in architectural photography, the best time to visit royal palace fes is in the morning.

The exterior can be seen from public areas, subject to local access restrictions. There is no schedule for tourists to go inside the palace.

Royal Palace Fes Best Time for Photos

If you are planning a morning photography outing plan to be there between 8:00 and 10:00 AM.

The light conditions vary depending on the season, but earlier visits can result in softer light and fewer people in the foreground.

Spend 20–30 minutes photographing the gates and the surrounding architectural details.

Maintain a respectful distance from guards and security arrangements.

Walk from Bab Boujloud.

Bab Boujloud is one of the main entrances to Fes el Bali and is located about 2 km from the gates of the palace by a typical pedestrian route.

Allow 25-35 minutes for the walk depending on your speed.

The route covers several historic neighborhoods, so it’s a good choice for visitors who want to see more of Fes.

Travelers with reduced mobility can also use a taxi to an accessible drop-off point near the square.

Combining nearby attractions

A practical plan for visiting royal palace fes is to figure on 90 minutes for the surrounding district.

The first 20 to 30 minutes take pictures of the entrance to the palace. Spend the rest of your time exploring the Mellah and its surrounding streets.

If you are visiting individual heritage buildings allow extra time and check opening arrangements.

Local tip: take drinking water and wear comfortable walking shoes. Historic streets may have uneven surfaces and require longer walks than you might expect.

Mistakes You Should Not Make

If you know that the royal palace in fes is mostly a stop for exterior sightseeing, it is easy to see.

Rather than touring the royal residence, plan to admire the golden gates expecting to enter the palace.
Parking near restricted entrances: Park in a legal parking space according to local regulations.
Don’t confuse Fes el Bali with Fes el Jdid, just punch in the right destination for your GPS.
Leaving valuables in your car: Do not leave luggage and personal items in plain sight.
Rush the visit: Allow a minimum of 60–90 minutes if you want to explore the Mellah as well.

Easier option: Rent a car in Fes

MarHire Car Fes offers rental cars delivered to hotels in convenient locations, carefully selected no-deposit vehicles and 24/7 WhatsApp booking assistance.

A rental car makes it easier to combine royal palace fes with other sights outside the historic center.

Once you confirm your reservation, look at the insurance terms, the mileage and the pick-up arrangements.

For your next travel, compare car rental in Fes with CarRentals.com.

FAQ: Visiting the historic palace

Is it possible to drive to the Royal Palace in Fes, and where is the closest place to park?

Yes, you can drive to the Place des Alaouites and streets immediately around it. But there may be a parking ban in front of the palace gates. Prior to arrival, especially during official events, please check local access protocols and use a designated public parking facility nearby.

Can you go into the Royal Palace of Fez (Dar el-Makhzen)?

Yes, tourists are generally allowed to enter the interior of the palace, which is open to the public. Visitors can see the decorated golden gates from public spaces near Place des Alaouites. Official activities or security arrangements may temporarily impact access.

What's the best time of day to photograph the Royal Palace gates in Fes el Jdid?

Morning 8:00 am-10:00 am is a good time window for shooting. Visitor numbers and natural light change throughout the year. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for photos. Follow all security instructions. Do not take photos of guards or restricted areas without permission.

How far is the Royal Palace and Bab Boujloud from the medina of Fes el Bali?

The distance from the palace gates to Bab Boujloud is around 2km, a typical walk. Most visitors will spend about 25 to 35 minutes walking. If you’re a traveler with a mobility limitation, a taxi can be useful, though access to nearby vehicles may vary.

We propose

Budget travelers can walk to the royal palace and the Mellah. If you are here for the first time, go to Place des Alaouites. Families might prefer a shorter walking distance while those who drive themselves should park legally nearby.

Compare Fes car hire options with MarHire for your visit.