Fes or Marrakech?
 

I've spent hours reading through forums and travel sites and cannot for the life of me figure out what will be best. Opinions badly needed!

We have a Saturday through Wednesday in mid-March available to see Morocco for the first time after a work trip in Germany. Basically 1/2 day Saturday, then three full days, and then a travel day home.

I can't decide between just doing Fes the whole time or if Marrakech is a must-do for the first visit? (the hope is to return someday with our daughters so we'll be back again!)

I'd been leaning towards Marrakech in order to do a guided day trip to Atlas Mtns. I primarily want to explore the markets, restaurants, explore on foot, a cooking class, etc. We're frequent travelers and very comfortable managing on our own, but I'm a serious introvert and not big on socializing - for example, bed and breakfasts are my kryptonite because I don't much like small talk with strangers. I've come to acknowledge this about myself and make peace with it! :)

Would we really be missing out by only doing Fes on such a short visit, or should we try to do both with only 4 nights to stay somewhere? Is this just too subjective and everyone will feel differently because they're both wonderful in their own way?

I think Fes is the more interesting city, but coming from Germany I believe you'd appreciate the warmer weather of Marrakech. There should be direct flights there.

I agree with the Bedar's weather assessment, averages in March for Fes, 66F high, 9 days of rain, Marrakech 72F, 6 days of rain. However, March weather isn't reliable and in my experience it can be cold & gloomy anywhere, but chances for warm better in Marrakech.

I find there's also more in the way of places to visit & things to see in Marrakech. Some visitors prefer the atmosphere of Fes and while I've enjoyed several visits there, I do prefer Marrakech. Both medina & new town are bigger and I never seem to run out of things to do and places to walk. For a few days Fes is fine but I'd never dream of living there, while I could certainly stay indefinitely in Marrakech.

As you've discovered, I suppose because they're quite different, everyone has a preference it seems. Console yourself with a visit to the one you think you'll like best this time and plan to return to visit the other. Do stay your few days in one or the other, I wouldn't recommend splitting your time, if indecision tempts you.

don't split...if it's an ancient medina environment that is sure to be excitingly different for you, choose Fes. Marrakech seems much more tourist oriented. I would recommend the full time getting to experience the sights and the sounds, the aromas and the overall "feel" of ancient, exotic Fes.

I will post Fes pics...I also have two further installments featuring the desert, the gorges, Ait Behadou casbah, Marrakech, Essaouira.

I will post my Fes pics to give you some ideas of what Fes is all about.

NYC Girl:

https://goo.gl/photos/iftWNjWPXKbbMM9B6

If you wish more Maroc just ask and I will comply.

I will argue, per the preference for 1 city or the other, with tower's statement that Marrakech "seems much more tourist oriented" than Fes. The Marrakech medina is vast and one need not venture far from the beaten path to find streets & alleys completely devoid of other than residents. And if you enjoy markets, touristy & otherwise, Marrakech has something for everyone. There are markets where you won't see another foreign face, the shopkeepers are friendly and don't regard one as a walking $/€/£, have time to chat and make us glad we strayed.

Yes, you should see both to enjoy & compare, 1 this trip, 1 the next, not both in just a few days. It's my guess that those who call Marrakech "too touristy" haven't wandered far enough to discover the rest. If you haven't gotten lost, you haven't gone far enough. IMO.

One more observation, from what I've gathered in my searches for places to stay in both, there's a much greater variety of accommodations in Marrakech.

Since we did not visit Fez, I can only ‘tout’ for Marrakech. It is a complete assault on your senses & not to be missed. Sure the area around Jemaa el-Fna is touristy, but it is easy to dive into the souks & be lost in minutes. And since you brought up the Atlas Mtns, the drive up to the mid-Atlas area is stunning & Ait Benhaddou gives you a good excuse to make the trip. You could easily overnight in the palmeraie at Skoura rather than rush back the same day. Read some of the trip reports here for suggestions & impressions.

Ian

thank you all! I had been leaning towards Marrakech and think we'll take the plunge to focus our trip there this time. Really appreciate the input and photos!!

If its not too late, do go to Fez! It's like going back in time! ANd it's more friendly, less frenetic, safer, etc. YOu can see my comments in a few other posts.

Either way enjoy Morocco!