Once you find yourself getting claustrophobic within the confines of the Medina, there are plenty of other attractions in Fes to visit.

Merenid tombs from the Borj Nord

The Jardin Jnan Sybil are found next to the Bab Chems, which is easily found by crossing the Place Bouljoud after exiting the Bab Bouldjoud. The Place Bouljoud is a large square that fills up in the evening with people selling odds and ends from sheets laid on the ground. During the day it is empty with no shade. A school lies along one side of the square, and there were a few orange juice sellers in the shade here.

Place Bouljoud

We found the gardens a fantastic place to sit in the shade and people watch whilst relaxing. They are full of flowering shrubs, and a large pond, although this was empty when we visited presumably due to the heat. It was nice being somewhere so lush after the dusty heat of the rest of the city, and there are plenty of benches.

Jardin Jnan Sybil

From the gardens, Fes Jdid or new Fes is easily reached. This isn't the new French town, but the 1276 new town founded by the Merenids. This contains the Jewish quaters of the town, and a calmer shopping street. The palace is also situated here. Whilst there aren't many attractions to see, it was nice wandering around streets without any harassment, and seeing a different style to the medina.

Bab Makina in Fes Jdid

Our favourite spot in Fes outside the medina was the Borj Nord, which contains the Musee Armes. Borj Nord is a fort overlooking Fes reached from Ain Azliten or Bab Mahrouk.We were lazy and got a taxi up due to the heat, but it would probably only be a 10-15 minute walk.

Borj Nord

The view over Fes is stunning, and the museum is well worth a visit if you have any interest in arms. The collection contains a wide range of weapons, both Moroccan and from elsewhere including armour and a large collection showing the evolution of gun technology. 

Suit of armour in the Musee Armes

 You can go on the roof, which seemed to sometimes have a cafe, but most importantly has the best views. It is a shame the cafe wasn't open, it would have been a great spot to spend time having tea and enjoying the view.

Fes el Bali from the Borj Nord

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