Bab Ziat — Local services in Fez

Warning: Coordinated scam near Bab Ziat. tldr: Group of scammers used the “street closed” lie near Bab Ziat after dark and tried to force us into side alleys. Be cautious.

We were heading toward the Blue Gate in the evening when about 100 meters after Bab Ziat Gate a young man stepped in front of us and said the street ahead was “closed to all non Muslims.” This is false; only mosque interiors are off limits. He tried to force us into a side alley.

I told him we knew our route. He kept pushing. I checked the map and saw the side alley rejoined our path, so we turned to avoid a confrontation. At the next junction, another man was waiting. He repeated the exact same line. We turned back. Around the corner, a third man pretended to be on the phone while taking photos of us.

At that point it stopped being annoying and became frightening. It was already dark. The alleys were empty. We felt an organized group was tracking us. We were lucky and met a group of tourists heading toward Place Batha and joined them.

We still don’t know how they planned to profit. Fake guides stuck to their script even after we called it out, or was it an attempt to isolate us for a robbery? Either way, posting this to...

“Bab Ziat is one of Fez’s lesser-known but equally captivating gates, where history and simplicity blend in the most charming way. As I stood in front of this ancient entrance, I was struck by the serene beauty of its design, with simple yet elegant stone archways that have withstood the test of time 🏰⏳. Unlike some of the more famous gates in Fez, Bab Ziat has a quiet, almost hidden feel to it, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling Medina.

The area around Bab Ziat is less crowded, allowing for a more reflective experience. As I walked around, I could imagine the centuries of travelers, merchants, and locals who passed through here on their way in and out of the city 🏙️. The gate’s understated charm makes it a perfect spot for anyone looking to discover a quieter, more intimate side of Fez’s rich history 🌿.

Bab Ziat might not be as grand as some other gates, but it holds its own as a reminder of Fez’s deep past and its...

Bab Al-Zayat is an ancient historical landmark and inside it there are more than one riad,I stayed in the Golden Zayat house, the first riad on the left after the gate. The reception was very nice by Mr. Ahmed (Abu Imran) and his family were very cooperative. We communicated with the guide Ahmed Al-Saadi to take a tour of the historical city and the popular markets. The experience was enjoyable. I...