Nagham Cafe

Nagham Cafe sits in the Kasbah Bou Jeloud area right by the main entrance to the medina, and its rooftop has views over the old city and the busy square around Bab Bou Jeloud. It is one of the most convenient places in Fes for a drink before or after a walk through the medina, and National Geographic Traveller has recommended it for a fresh fruit smoothie with a view.

The menu is simple and good value. The café promises coffee for every taste, along with burgers and desserts, and it also serves Moroccan meals at lunch and dinner. It works for a quick snack, a full meal or simply a mint tea while you plan your route, and it is a sensible place to meet friends or a guide before setting off down Tala'a Kebira or Tala'a Seghira.

The rooftop is the main attraction. From above you can watch the crowds coming in and out of the gate and look out over the surrounding rooftops. It is particularly pleasant in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the square below fills with people. In summer, choose a shaded table or come later in the day, as the sun on the terrace can be strong.

Nagham opens from late morning: the café lists hours of 11am to 11pm on weekdays and 11am to 10pm on Saturdays, so check before relying on it for breakfast or a Sunday visit. Tables can be reserved for lunch or dinner through the website, which is useful for groups. The simple menu makes it a practical option for families and budget travellers.

The café is a short walk from the Al Batha Museum, the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Jnan Sbil gardens, so it fits easily into a day spent in the upper medina. As with all cafés around the gate, the immediate area attracts unofficial guides and touts; a polite refusal is enough, and you can enjoy the rooftop in peace. Bring cash for small bills. If you prefer a quieter setting, the cafés deeper inside the medina or in the gardens are calmer, but for a first view of Fes from above, Nagham is hard to beat for convenience.