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Fes is a rotten cesspool of overtourism and opportunistic vultures. Every few seconds someone will try to trick, swindle, or connive their way into your wallet. The entire historic center has been converted into a tourist trinket supermarket, and very little authenticity remains. Go to Essouaira if you want to get a feel for Moroccan culture without nearly as much hassle from touts. And for the love of God stay away from Marrakech.

Fez is Morocco ! If you visit Morocco and skip Fes, go back. Also, if you visit Fez, you have to stay inside the Medina in a Riad. The walk up and down Talaa L'Kebira and Tala Sghira has to be experienced, walking down to Quaroyine, Attarine, Nejjarine, Seffarine...inside the Medina are all must sees. The food along these streets, the crafts worth the visit and stay. It is also a good base for day trips to Chefchaouen (will take the whole day) , excursion to Volubilis, Moulay Idris, Meknes (will take most of the day, but you will have the evening back at Fes). There is a Thai restaurant Maison Moi Anan, a nice break from Tajine and couscous. Don't forget to take a taxi to the pottery factory.

We are expats living in Marrakech. We figured Fez would be just like Marrakech, but we were mistaken. It is less touristy, less busy, the air is cleaner, the Medina is quieter, and we were more at ease in Fez. We were able to enjoy the culture and explore the Medina without being hassled by vendors or run over by scooters. It is well worth a visit.

There are some great old streets, packed full of beautiful wares, and beautiful viewpoints outside the old city walls. It doesn't feel like a tourist trap, but if it's souvenirs you're looking for you'll be spoiled for choice.

Fes was a beautiful place with tons of history and beautiful sights. It is also full of people who are looking to separate you from your money. You should always seek to negotiate with anyone you wish to purchase an item from. Generally speaking, you should pay no more than 1/4 to 1/3 of what they're asking for an item. Don't ever be afraid to walk off, in fact, they may chase you down the street and accept a lower offer from you. You don't owe them anything no matter how nice they may seem or how much mint tea they bring you. Always be super wary of the people at the Tannery, the Pottery Factory and Rug shops. They often try to charge absolutely unreal prices for goods that can be had elsewhere for much less. We ended up buying a rug for $600 that we were initially asked more than $2500 for. We also found that at the tannery the goods were substantially overpriced. We found items of similar quality in the Medina for 80% less than they wanted at the tannery. While the tannery did have a larger selection, the prices were absolutely astronomical. Also know that your guide, regardless of who they are and where you got them from, is likely associated with the stores they take you to and will receive a percentage of any purchase you make. If you get a guide from your Riad, it is likely that they will take you to stores owned by the owner of your Riad. Many of the Riads in Fes feel like they own all your business from the minute you walk in until the minute you leave. I don't say all this to scare you or deter you from going, just so you are aware and don't become the victim of a scam. Remember, you don't owe anyone anything and you are not obligated to purchase anything from anyone. Finally, if you get a guide, make sure that you agree to a price up front and do not pay them anything until the end of your day. If you feel uncomfortable during the day, leave.

Very interesting city with lots of alleys and different markets. Beware of young man who try to be helpful guides. They will try to intimidate you so just walk away or take a local tour guide. The city was almost closed on a Friday but we managed to have a great day roaming around without the 'guides' and stop and take pictures of the market and its small streets. Definitely worth a visit but I would not recommend d more than 3 days there.