Are you planning to visit Fez by car?
Here’s everything you need to know to park without any stress:
- The Best Parking Spots for Exploring Fes
- Where to park near the main sites
- Free options and secure parking
- Areas to avoid and safety tips
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is it hard to park in Fez?
Yes, parking in Fez requires a real strategy, and it’s unlike any other Moroccan city. The reason lies in the city’s geography: Fez el-Bali is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and, according to Guinness World Records, even holds the record for the largest car-free area relative to its population. The vast majority of Fez el-Bali is off-limits to cars. However, a few peripheral or through roads remain open to traffic, particularly for taxis, deliveries, and local services. We were able to verify on the ground that this restriction, far from being a problem, actually helps structure your stay quite well once you understand the logic behind it. In the New City, on the other hand, parking operates in a more traditional manner, with blue zones managed by parking meters. So you won’t have to wing it: just choose the right entrance based on the neighborhood you’re heading to.
Parking in Fez: Summary
Careful street parking
In the New City, some streets have regulated or paid parking spaces. Since the rules may vary by area, check the signs and the instructions displayed on the parking meters before parking your vehicle. Around the medina, the situation is completely different: there is no traditional metered street parking. There are parking lots or monitored parking spaces, sometimes managed by attendants. Always ask about the rate before parking, and choose parking lots that have a designated entrance, issue a ticket, or display the rates.
Free parking
It is difficult to find free, clearly regulated parking in the immediate vicinity of the main tourist attractions. On some side streets, parking may appear to be free, but an informal parking attendant will often ask for a few dirhams.
The main parking lots for tourists
- Aïn Zleten Parking Lot – Landscaped outdoor lot, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
Direct access to Talaa Kebira Avenue - Bab Bou Jeloud Parking Lot – Outdoor, 24 hours a day, paid
. The closest to the Blue Gate and the tourist restaurants - Bab R’cif Parking Lot – Outdoor, open 24 hours a day, paid parking
Flat access down to the bottom of the medina - Bin Lamdoun / Oued Zhoun Parking Lot – Outdoor, multi-level, open 24 hours a day, paid
: Large spaces suitable for vans and RVs - Florence Parking Spot – Outdoor street parking, parking meter 8 a.m.–8 p.m., paid parking
Ideal for the Ville Nouvelle, shops, and cafés
Essential tips
- The parking lots at the main gates—Bab Bou Jeloud and Bab R’cif—fill up very quickly between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. It’s best to arrive before 9:30 a.m. or in the late afternoon.
- If you’re staying at a riad in the medina, be sure to let your accommodation know your arrival time: most will send a porter to meet you at the nearest parking lot
- Do not attempt to drive through the narrow streets of the medina unless explicitly instructed to do so by your lodging or local signage.
- In some very crowded parking lots, the attendant may ask you to leave your keys so they can move your vehicle. This practice is common in Morocco, but you are free to refuse and choose another spot. Do not leave any valuables inside the vehicle.
- And check out all our tips for renting a car and driving in Morocco (coming soon)
Accommodation with parking: our recommendations
If you’re staying in a riad in the heart of the medina, parking is handled differently than at a traditional hotel. We recommend choosing accommodations that arrange for luggage pickup from the parking lot at the nearest gate, which saves you a lot of hassle. Here are a few suggestions to consider based on the neighborhood where you’re staying:
- Palais Faraj Suites & Spa Hotel, free dedicated parking on the hotel grounds (outdoor with a attendant)
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - Fes Heritage Boutique Hotel, free private parking, valet parking in front of the hotel at the roundabout
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - Royal Mirage Hotel, free dedicated outdoor parking on the hotel grounds with a security guard, bike parking available on site
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - Jnan Palace Marriott Hotel, free dedicated outdoor parking on the hotel grounds
See prices, photos and availability—and book now! - See our selection of the best hotels in Fez
Since parking conditions and availability may change, please check this service when making your reservation and let the property know if you’re arriving by car.
WHERE TO STAY IN FES
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In Fès El-Bali (old medina)
Hotel Riad Dar Lys – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Riad Dar Laura – See prices, photos and availability
Fès El-Jdid (near the Royal Palace)
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Where to park to get closer to specific locations in Fez
Fez is divided into two distinct worlds: the medina of Fez el-Bali, which is completely closed to traffic, and the more traditional New City. Depending on which neighborhood you want to explore first, the choice of entry point makes all the difference. Here are our recommendations for each area.
See our article on the best attractions in Fez.
Where to Park When Visiting the Blue Gate and Talaa Kebira Street
To reach the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud) and walk up the Talaa Kebira shopping street, the Bab Bou Jeloud Parking Lot remains the most convenient option. It’s the top spot for accessing the gate and the tourist restaurants surrounding it, which explains why it’s in high demand during the day. Right next door, the Aïn Zleten Parking Lot offers a convenient alternative, with direct access to Talaa Kebira just a 2-minute walk away. We particularly appreciate its clean restrooms—a detail that matters after several hours of walking through the souks.
Where to park to visit the lower part of the medina and R’cif Square
Place R’cif is the most convenient access point for reaching the historic center without having to climb any hills. There are two main options for doing so:
- Bab R’cif Parking Lot — opens directly onto the square, with a flat walkway leading down to the medina
- Bin Lamdoun / Oued Zhoun Parking Lot — about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the souks; suitable for large vehicles
Where should I park to visit the New Town?
For business, shopping, and café patios in Ville Nouvelle, the Place Florence Parking Garage is the obvious choice: it’s located right in the heart of this lively neighborhood, on a square with metered parking that’s accessible during the day and secure at night. From this parking garage, all the surrounding shops are just a short walk away.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
The Best Parking Spots for Visiting Fez
Fez does not have a single large central parking lot, but rather a network of facilities located at the entrances to the medina, supplemented by a few parking spaces in the Ville Nouvelle.
Aïn Zleten Parking Lot
The Aïn Zleten Parking Lot is one of the newest facilities on the outskirts of the northern medina, built in terraces.
- GPS coordinates: 34.0645, -4.9813
- Approximately 100 seats (estimate)
- Open 24/7
- Paying
- Outdoor area with terraces
- Secure: Yes — guarded 24 hours a day by on-site security guards
- Clean restrooms on site. No electric charging station
- Visit the official website for more info here
Bab Bou Jeloud Parking Lot
The Bab Bou Jeloud Parking Lot is the most convenient spot for reaching the famous Blue Gate.
- GPS coordinates: 34.0617, -4.9841
- Approximately 80 to 100 seats (estimate)
- Open 24/7
- Paying
- Exterior surface
- Secure: Yes — security guards in vests on duty day and night
- The most sought-after spot in the medina, close to tourist restaurants. No charging station
Bab R’cif Parking Lot
The Bab R’cif parking lot provides level access to the lower part of the medina—a significant advantage in such a hilly city.
- GPS coordinates: 34.0558, -4.9743
- Approximately 70 seats (estimate)
- Open 24/7
- Paying
- Exterior
- Secure: yes — guarded day and night
- Distance from the center: direct, level access to Place R’cif
Bin Lamdoun / Oued Zhoun Parking Lot
The Bin Lamdoun Parking Lot, also known as Oued Zhoun, is the newest and largest parking facility on the outskirts of the medina. Located about a 10- to 15-minute walk from the souks, it is particularly well-suited for large vehicles.
- GPS coordinates: 34.0620, -4.9750
- Approximately 200 seats (estimate)
- Open 24/7
- Paying
- Landscaped outdoor area, multi-level, with large spaces suitable for vans and RVs
- Click here for more information
- Front desk and municipal staff available 24 hours a day; accessible restrooms
- The souks are a 10- to 15-minute walk away
Parking Space in Florence
The Place Florence Parking Lot is the ideal solution if you’re visiting primarily for business or to shop in the Ville Nouvelle district. Located right in the heart of this bustling neighborhood, it offers metered parking during the day and secure, staffed parking at night.
- GPS coordinates: 34.0345, -5.0005
- Approximately 120 seats (estimate)
- Time clock from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday
- Paying
- Outdoor, facing the street, at street level
- Safe: yes — very lively area, night watchmen
- Electric vehicle charging stations are available at the Borj Fez shopping center, 1.5 km away (GPS: 34.0528, -4.9950)
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Where can you park for free in Fez?
Free parking options in Fez are very limited, and there are no free public parking lots in tourist areas. Here, we’ll walk you through the details you need to know, while being transparent about the limitations of each option.
- Residential or side streets: If there are no blue markings, parking is still allowed, but a street attendant will come by asking for a tip, so always make sure you have small change on hand.
- Sundays and holidays in Ville Nouvelle: Blue Zones are free—a real bonus if your stay happens to fall on one of those days.
Whether you’re parking overnight or for an extended period, we recommend using a secure parking lot, especially if your vehicle contains luggage. As always, do not leave any items in plain sight inside the vehicle.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Where should you avoid parking in Fez?
The layout of Fez calls for some precautions, typical of a city whose historic center remains completely closed to traffic.
- Inside the medina: Under no circumstances should you drive inside the city walls. The narrow streets often end in stairways or dead ends that are impossible to navigate.
- Unlit Areas: Avoid isolated, poorly lit, or deserted locations at night, regardless of the area, and choose a parking lot designated or recommended by your lodging.
- Fake parking lot attendants: Near parking lots, some people may aggressively offer their services or claim that access is closed. Rely only on clearly identified staff, signage, and your lodging. For a guided tour, it’s best to choose an official guide.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
FAQ — Parking in Fez
Where can you park in Fez without having to walk too far?
For the Bab Bou Jeloud and Talaa Kebira areas, the Bab Bou Jeloud Parking Lot puts visitors just a few minutes away from the gates and restaurants. For the lower part of the medina, the Bab R’cif Parking Lot opens directly onto the large square of the same name, with no elevation change to navigate.
Secure parking lots in Fez
If you’re leaving your car for several days or traveling with luggage, the parking lots at the gates of the medina offer a satisfactory level of security. Aïn Zleten, Bab Bou Jeloud, Bab R’cif, and Bin Lamdoun all have 24-hour security, provided by security guards in vests or through a municipal ticket office, depending on the facility.
Is there a parking lot in Fez that’s open 24 hours a day?
Good news for travelers arriving at night or departing early in the morning: the parking lots at the gates of the medina (Aïn Zleten, Bab Bou Jeloud, Bab R’cif, Bin Lamdoun) are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Only the Place Florence parking lot, in the New City, has a parking meter that operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., though it remains monitored at night.
What is the cheapest parking lot in Fez?
For short-term parking—2 to 4 hours in the city—the blue on-street parking spaces in Ville Nouvelle remain the most economical option. For overnight or long-term parking, the secure parking lots at the entrances to the medina are still the best option.
Can you reserve a parking spot in advance in Fez?
Public parking lots do not appear to offer online reservations. However, be sure to contact your riad before you arrive: they can recommend the most convenient parking lot and arrange for your luggage to be picked up.
How do you pick up your luggage when staying in the medina?
Since no cars are allowed inside Fès el-Bali, riads generally arrange for your luggage to be picked up from the nearest parking lot. We strongly recommend that you provide your arrival time in advance: a porter will then meet you there and guide you on foot to the riad, which will help you avoid getting lost in the maze of narrow streets.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
