Oued Bou Khrareb Banks Fez
The iconic Bab Bou Jeloud, a stunning triple-arched gate with intricate blue tilework, serving as the vibrant entrance to Fez's ancient Medina.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Oued Bou Khrareb Banks Fez
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic Bab Bou Jeloud, a stunning triple-arched gate with intricate blue tilework, serving as the vibrant entrance to Fez's ancient Medina.
"Impressive gate into the vast Medina of Fes .. great meeting point and place to start your tour."
Embrace the Labyrinth
Don't fear getting lost in the Medina; it's part of the experience! Look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends. :world_map:
Photo Ops at the Blue Gate
Bab Bou Jeloud is incredibly photogenic. Capture its intricate blue tilework, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate)
Western entrance to the Fez Medina
Stunning triple-arched gate with intricate blue tilework, a vibrant symbol of Fez and a gateway to the bustling Medina.
Talaa Kebira Street
Directly beyond Bab Bou Jeloud
A lively artery of the Medina, packed with shops, cafes, and historic sites. Perfect for people-watching and experiencing local life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Medina Labyrinth
The Iconic Blue Gate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Come inside the Medina of Fes, Morocco
Embrace the Labyrinth
Don't fear getting lost in the Medina; it's part of the experience! Look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends. :world_map:
Photo Ops at the Blue Gate
Bab Bou Jeloud is incredibly photogenic. Capture its intricate blue tilework, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
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Visiting Fes for an exam – how to enjoy the rest of the week there?
Start Your Medina Tour Here
The Blue Gate is an excellent meeting point and starting point for exploring the Medina's shops and sites. :walking:
Local Hospitality
You might encounter friendly locals offering advice. Be open to genuine interactions; not everyone is trying to sell you something. :handshake:
Visiting Tanger and Fes
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace the Labyrinth
Don't fear getting lost in the Medina; it's part of the experience! Look for hexagonal signs to avoid dead ends. :world_map:
Photo Ops at the Blue Gate
Bab Bou Jeloud is incredibly photogenic. Capture its intricate blue tilework, especially during golden hour. :camerawithflash:
Start Your Medina Tour Here
The Blue Gate is an excellent meeting point and starting point for exploring the Medina's shops and sites. :walking:
Local Hospitality
You might encounter friendly locals offering advice. Be open to genuine interactions; not everyone is trying to sell you something. :handshake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bab Bou Jeloud is a beautiful and central landmark, serving as an impressive gateway to the vibrant Fez Medina. Visitors appreciate its photogenic qualities and its role as a convenient meeting point and starting location for exploring the old city. While the Medina itself is a labyrinth, the overall experience is often described as lively and authentic.
"Beautiful and central place. If you are looking for a central guest house, check to be near the blue door."
Betty
"Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) – This is one of the most famous and photographed landmarks of Fès. Built in 1913, the gate marks a main western entrance into the Medina. Its exterior is decorated with striking blue tilework (symbolizing the city of Fès), while the interior is green (representing Islam). From here, you step directly into the lively Talaa Kebira street, lined with shops, cafés, and historic sites. It’s an ideal spot to pause for a tea break, enjoy the view of the gate, and watch the bustle of daily life flow in and out of the Medina."
Nesma Attiatalla
"Impressive gate into the vast Medina of Fes .. great meeting point and place to start your tour of the Medina. Also good place to catch a taxi or be dropped off"
Oliver Zimmermann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bab Bou Jeloud is a primary entrance to the Fez Medina. If you're arriving by taxi, ask to be dropped off at 'Bab Bou Jeloud'. It's a well-known landmark and a common starting point for exploring the old city.
Yes, Bab Bou Jeloud is one of the most famous and easily recognizable gates in Fez. It serves as a major hub and meeting point, making it straightforward to locate.
No, private vehicles are generally not allowed inside the Medina. You'll need to park outside the Medina walls and walk to Bab Bou Jeloud. Taxis can drop you off nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Bab Bou Jeloud is a public gateway and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely pass through it to enter the Medina.
As a public gate, Bab Bou Jeloud is accessible at all times. However, the shops and cafes within the Medina will have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Bab Bou Jeloud is the gateway to the vibrant Talaa Kebira street, lined with shops, cafes, and historic sites. It's a great place to start your Medina exploration, people-watch, and enjoy a mint tea.
The Medina is generally safe, but like any busy tourist area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Friendly locals may offer advice, as noted by some visitors.
The Medina is a labyrinth. Look for hexagonal street signs which indicate dead ends. While getting lost is part of the experience, having a map or using a GPS app can be helpful.
Absolutely! Bab Bou Jeloud is one of Fez's most iconic landmarks and offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially with its distinctive blue tilework.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the streets immediately surrounding Bab Bou Jeloud and leading into the Medina are filled with cafes and restaurants offering traditional Moroccan cuisine.
You can find delicious tagines, couscous, and refreshing mint tea at the many eateries. Enjoying a tea break while people-watching is a popular activity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for open squares or quieter side streets for breaks. Cafes offering mint tea or fresh juices are plentiful. The sheer novelty of a car-free ancient city can be a memorable experience for kids, turning a potential challenge into a fun discovery.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the gate, explore the souks for candid shots of artisans at work, colorful textiles, and bustling market scenes. Don't be afraid to respectfully ask permission before photographing individuals. The Medina's architecture, with its hidden courtyards and ornate doorways, also provides stunning photographic subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Bab Bou Jeloud
Visitors often find it to be a perfect spot to pause, take in the view, and observe the daily flow of life. The gate is a testament to the blend of Andalusian and Moroccan architectural styles, making it a captivating sight for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. It's a place where the past and present converge, offering a glimpse into the enduring spirit of Fez.
Navigating the Fez Medina
Many travelers recommend embracing the maze and allowing yourself to wander. Along the way, you'll encounter artisans at work, vibrant spice stalls, traditional tanneries, and numerous small mosques and fountains. If you feel truly lost, don't hesitate to ask a local for directions; many are happy to help guide you, though it's always wise to be polite and respectful.
For those who prefer a more structured approach, consider hiring a local guide for your first exploration. They can help you navigate the most important sites and provide historical context, ensuring you don't miss key attractions while still experiencing the authentic feel of the Medina. This can be particularly helpful for first-time visitors aiming to understand the layout and significance of different quarters.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit