The best things to do in Fes are walking the medina of Fes el Bali through the Blue Gate, looking down on the Chouara tannery, visiting the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, seeing the golden doors of the Royal Palace and watching sunset over the old city from the Marinid Tombs. Plan two days: one for a guided tour of the medina and one for Meknes and Volubilis.
Fes is one of the best cities to visit in Morocco and one of the imperial cities. Its medina, Fes el Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, so most travelers explore it on foot with a guide. Here are 20 of the best things to do and places to visit. For where to stay, see our ranking of the best riads in Fes.
1. The Chouara Tannery
Fes’s most famous tannery has been dyeing leather in stone vats for centuries. The best view is from the terraces of the leather shops around it, where you will usually be handed a sprig of mint for the smell. Go in the morning, when the vats are most colorful.
2. Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, Al Quaraouiyine is widely considered the oldest university in the world that is still operating. The mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but you can look into its courtyard from the doorways.
3. Bab Bou Jeloud, the Blue Gate
The Blue Gate is the grand entrance to Fes el Bali, covered in blue tiles on the outside and green on the inside. It is the natural starting point for a walk through the medina.
4. The Golden Doors of the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Fes el Jdid is closed to visitors, but its huge brass doors, framed by zellige tiles and carved cedar, are one of the most photographed spots in Morocco.
5. Bou Inania Madrasa
Built in the 14th century, this former Koranic school is one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture, with carved plaster, cedar wood and zellige around a marble courtyard. Unusually, it is open to visitors.
6. The Marinid Tombs
The ruined tombs on the hill north of the medina are the best place to see the whole of Fes el Bali at once, especially at sunset.
7. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
Set in a restored caravanserai next to a beautiful fountain, this museum shows the carved cedar and woodwork Fes is famous for. Do not miss the rooftop cafe.
8. Al-Attarine Madrasa
Smaller than Bou Inania but just as beautiful, this 14th-century madrasa near the spice market has some of the finest tilework and carving in the city.
9. The Henna Souk
A small, shady square under an old tree, where stalls sell henna, kohl, argan oil and traditional cosmetics.
10. Zaouia Moulay Idriss II
The shrine of Moulay Idriss II, who founded Fes, is one of the holiest places in Morocco. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but you can see the richly decorated entrance from the street.
11. Dar Batha Museum
A former palace with an Andalusian garden, now a museum of Moroccan arts and crafts, including traditional Fes ceramics.
12. Palais El Mokri
A grand early 20th-century mansion with a large courtyard, fountains and decoration that shows how the wealthiest families of Fes once lived.
13. Cafe Clock
A cafe and cultural space in the medina, with a rooftop terrace, live music, storytelling evenings and cooking classes. Try the famous camel burger.
14. Jnan Sbil Gardens
These royal gardens between Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid are a calm, green break from the medina, with fountains, palms and shaded paths.
15. Borj Nord and the Arms Museum
This 16th-century fortress above the medina houses a collection of historic weapons and offers wide views over the old city.
16. A Traditional Hammam
A hammam is the perfect way to end a day of walking. Choose a traditional public hammam for a local experience or a riad spa for a more private one.
17. A Carpet Shop
Fes is a great place to see Moroccan rugs and learn how they are made. Take your time, ask questions and only buy what you love.
18. The Ibn Danan Synagogue
This restored 17th-century synagogue in the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, is one of the best preserved in Morocco.
19. Rue des Merinides
The main street of the Mellah is lined with houses with carved wooden balconies, a style very different from the rest of the medina.
20. The Jewish Cemetery
Next to the Mellah, rows of whitewashed tombs climb the hillside. It is a quiet, moving place that tells the story of Fes’s Jewish community.
How Many Days in Fes?
Two days is ideal. Spend one day on a guided tour of the medina, and the second on a trip to Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Meknes is about an hour’s drive from Fes, and Volubilis about an hour from Meknes. See how Fes fits into a 7, 10 or 14 day itinerary.
Do You Need a Guide in Fes?
For your first visit, yes. The medina has thousands of narrow lanes and few signs, so a licensed guide saves time and helps you find the best workshops, madrasas and viewpoints. On our private tours, a guided tour of Fes is included.
Where to Stay in Fes
Stay in a riad inside or beside the medina to walk to the sights. Compare our ranking of the best riads in Fes, or read what it is like to stay in a riad.
Best Time to Visit Fes
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, with mild days for walking. Summer is very hot and winter nights are cold. See the best time to visit Morocco and what to wear in Morocco.
How to Get to Fes and Get Around
Getting to Fes
- With a private driver. On our tours, Fes comes with Meknes and Volubilis. Volubilis to Meknes is about 1 hour, and Meknes to Fes about 1 hour more.
- By train. The railway station is in the Ville Nouvelle, with trains from Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Tangier and Marrakech.
- By air. Fes-Saïss airport is about 15 km south of the city. Most travelers from the USA fly into Casablanca instead.
Getting Around Fes
- On foot. Fes el Bali, the old medina, is largely closed to cars, so you explore it on foot. Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate, is the busiest entrance.
- With a guide. The medina is a maze, and a licensed guide for at least half a day helps you find the tanneries, madrasas and workshops without getting lost.
- By petit taxi. City taxis are small and red, useful between the medina and the Ville Nouvelle. Ask for the meter.
- Your luggage. Cars can only reach a few squares at the edge of the medina, so your riad will usually arrange help with bags from the drop-off point.
See how Fes fits into our 7, 10 and 14 day Morocco itinerary.
From Fes to the Sahara
Most trips continue from Fes to the Sahara at Merzouga, about 468 km and around 7 hours with stops at Ifrane, the Azrou cedar forest and the Ziz Valley. Read our guide to the drive from Fes to Merzouga and our Sahara desert camp guide.
Things to Do in Fes FAQ
Its medina, Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chouara tannery, Al Quaraouiyine and its craft traditions.
Two days: one for the medina and one for Meknes and Volubilis.
Yes. It is one of the best preserved historic cities in the Arab world and the cultural heart of Morocco.
Yes. As in any busy city, watch your belongings, decline unofficial guides politely and use a licensed guide for the medina.
Fes is more traditional and historic, Marrakech livelier and more varied. Most trips include both. See our first time in Morocco guide.
Mostly no. Fes el Bali is largely pedestrian, and cars can only reach a few squares at its edge, so you explore the medina on foot.
Plan Your Visit to Fes
Fes is part of most of our private tours, together with Meknes and Volubilis, before the drive to the Sahara. Compare routes in our Morocco itinerary planner, see what a private tour costs, or explore Marrakech with our best riads in Marrakech.
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