Where: Fés el Bali Medina, in Fés Morocco.
Population: 1.15 million
History: The Oldest Imperial City of Morocco, dating to the 8th Century
Mood: Unexpectedly Delightful, whether you’re tucking down a shady alleyway for the sweet-savory pigeon pie or losing your way among throngs of children, playing soccer in tiny, stone squares.
Do: Eat the aforementioned Squab Pastilla with poultry, onions and eggs, all finely ground, and thrust into a puff pastry, topped with cinnamon, cumin, and powdered sugar.
Don’t: Be afraid to venture into the heart of the old city medina without a guide. Every single blog will tell you that you’ll get lost — and, yes, yes, you will — but getting lost is part of the fun of it. I recommend not only having a card with the address and phone number of your Riad, but also memorize a locally known point nearby. Pick a massive mosque, a museum, a local school near your hotel and just memorize that name of it. Memorize the short route to your hotel from it. Then, go! Don’t be led around by a paid stranger. You’ll do great! If you get lost, for $2, some local teenager will happily lead you home. Give him $3 for the effort.
We Stayed: at Riad Fes. And, would 100% again. One of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever seen.
Price: $150/night for the (ultra-opulent) entry-level room
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