Fes is widely considered Morocco's cultural and spiritual capital, home to one of the best-preserved medieval medinas in the world. At its center is Fes el-Bali, the old walled city, where over 9,000 narrow lanes wind past mosques, madrasas, and artisan workshops that have operated, in some cases, for nearly a thousand years.
Unlike Marrakech's more
tourist-oriented buzz, Fes retains a working, lived-in character. Donkeys still
haul goods through alleys too narrow for cars, and traditional crafts like
leather tanning, metalwork, and ceramics continue largely as they have for centuries.
For travelers interested in history and craftsmanship, Fes offers some of the
richest experiences in Morocco.
Why Visit Fes
•
The largest car-free urban area in
the world, offering an unmatched medieval atmosphere.
•
Centuries-old religious and
educational sites, including ornate madrasas and mosques.
•
Living craft traditions, from
leather tanning to ceramics and metalwork.
•
A genuinely local, less
commercialized feel compared to Morocco's more touristic cities.
•
Easy access to nearby sites like
Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun.
Best Time to Visit Fes
Spring (March to May) and autumn
(September to November) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild
temperatures suited to long days of walking through the medina. Summer can be
intensely hot, often exceeding 35°C (95°F), making early morning sightseeing
more pleasant than midday exploring. Winters are mild during the day but can be
cool and occasionally damp, particularly in the early morning.
To enjoy a better trip, book accommodation, transportation, SIM cards, and more, quickly and easily in Klook
How to Get to Fes
Fes has its own international
airport, Fes-Saïss, with connections to several European cities, though many
travelers arrive overland from Marrakech, Casablanca, or Chefchaouen. The train
network connects Fes efficiently with Casablanca, Rabat, and Meknes, while
buses and shared taxis cover routes to Chefchaouen and the desert towns further
south and east.
Top Things to See and Do
Fes el-Bali Medina
The old walled medina is the
main reason most travelers visit Fes. Its dense, maze-like layout makes a guide
genuinely useful for at least the first day, helping you navigate the lanes
efficiently while pointing out workshops and historic doorways easy to miss on
your own.
Chouara Tannery
One of the oldest tanneries in
the world, Chouara still dyes leather using traditional stone vats arranged in
a honeycomb pattern. Surrounding leather shops offer terraces where visitors
can view the tannery from above, often with a sprig of mint offered to offset
the strong smell.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Built in the 14th century, this
religious school is renowned for its carved cedar ceilings, intricate zellige
tilework, and detailed stucco work. It's one of the few historic madrasas in
Fes open to non-Muslim visitors, making it an essential stop for appreciating
Moroccan architecture up close.
Bab Boujloud
This blue and green tiled gate
marks one of the main entrances to the medina and is among the most
photographed spots in the city. The surrounding streets are lined with food
stalls, making it a good starting point for a walking tour.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Smaller than Bou Inania but
equally rich in detail, this madrasa near the Kairaouine Mosque showcases some
of the finest tilework and woodcarving in the medina, often with fewer crowds
than the more famous sites.
The Mellah and Jewish Heritage
Fes is home to one of Morocco's
oldest Jewish quarters, the Mellah, with distinctive architecture including
wooden balconies rarely seen elsewhere in the medina. The nearby Ibn Danan
Synagogue offers insight into the city's centuries-long history of religious
coexistence.
Artisan Workshops
Beyond the tannery, Fes is known
for ceramics, brass and copper work, and traditional weaving. Many workshops
welcome visitors to watch craftsmen at work, offering a closer look at
techniques passed down through generations.
Save time, money, and skip the queues by booking attraction tickets and tours with GetYourGuide
Where to Stay in Fes
•
Medina riads: traditional
courtyard houses within Fes el-Bali, offering an immersive base close to major
sights.
•
Ville Nouvelle hotels: the newer
part of the city offers more modern hotels with easier street access for cars
and taxis.
•
Boutique guesthouses: a growing
number of restored historic homes blend traditional architecture with modern
comfort.
•
Booking a riad with airport or
station pickup is recommended, since medina addresses can be difficult to find
independently.
Food and Where to Eat
Fes is considered by many to be
the birthplace of refined Moroccan cuisine, with a tradition of elaborate,
slow-cooked dishes developed in the city's historic merchant households.
Restaurants inside converted riads often serve multi-course meals showcasing
this heritage.
•
Try pastilla, a savory-sweet
pastry traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken and dusted with cinnamon and
sugar.
•
Sample a Fes-style tagine, often
richer and more elaborately spiced than versions found elsewhere in Morocco.
•
Visit the medina's food stalls
near Bab Boujloud for quick, affordable bites between sightseeing stops.
•
Finish meals with mint tea and
traditional Moroccan pastries, widely available from medina bakeries.
Practical Tips for Visiting Fes
•
Hire a licensed guide for at least
your first day in the medina, since the lanes are notoriously easy to get lost
in.
•
Dress modestly, particularly
around religious sites such as madrasas and mosques.
•
Carry cash for small medina
purchases, as cards are not widely accepted in smaller shops.
•
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes,
since medina streets are uneven and often crowded.
• Be cautious of unsolicited 'guides' near major gates; confirm credentials or book through your riad instead.
Fes offers a depth of history
and craftsmanship that few other cities can match, with a medina that feels
genuinely lived-in rather than staged for visitors. Spending two full days here
allows enough time to explore the major sights, watch traditional artisans at
work, and still leave room for the kind of unplanned wandering that often
produces the most memorable moments.
Check Morocco Itinerary
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