Fes is the most authentic of Morocco’s imperial cities. Its old medina, Fes el-Bali, founded in the 9th century and listed by UNESCO, is a maze of thousands of lanes where donkeys still carry goods and craftsmen work as they have for centuries. Here is what not to miss.
In Fes el-Bali
- Bab Boujloud, the blue-tiled “Blue Gate” and main entrance to the medina.
- The Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century Marinid school with carved cedar, stucco and zellige, open to visitors.
- The Al-Attarine Madrasa, smaller and just as beautiful, near the spice market.
- The Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and often described as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Non-Muslims can look in from the doorways.
- The Chouara tannery, with its stone vats of dye, seen from the terraces of the leather shops around it.
- The Nejjarine Museum of wooden arts, in a restored caravanserai next to a famous fountain.
- Seffarine Square, where coppersmiths hammer pots and trays.
- The Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II, the shrine of the city’s patron saint, seen from the entrance.
Fes el-Jdid and beyond
- The Royal Palace gates, seven monumental brass doors framed by zellige.
- The Mellah, the oldest Jewish quarter in Morocco, with the Ibn Danan Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. See Morocco’s Jewish heritage.
- The Marinid Tombs, the best viewpoint over the medina, especially at sunset.
- Borj Nord, a fortress above the medina with a museum of arms.
- Dar Batha, a palace museum with a large Andalusian garden.
Experiences
- A hammam in a riad or a traditional public bath.
- A cooking class starting with a walk through the food market.
Day trips from Fes
- Volubilis, Meknes and Moulay Idriss: Roman ruins, an imperial city and a holy town in one day.
- Chefchaouen: possible as a long day, better with a night. See our Chefchaouen guide.
- Ifrane and the cedar forest: mountain air and Barbary macaques.
- The Sahara: Merzouga is 7 to 8 hours away; read Fes to Marrakech through the desert.
Tips for visiting Fes
- Hire a licensed guide for your first day; Fes el-Bali is the hardest medina in Morocco to navigate.
- Stay two nights: one guided day and one free morning.
- Many shops close on Friday around midday.
- Sleep in a riad inside the medina for the full experience, near Bab Boujloud for easy access.
Fes is part of most of our itineraries, from the 2-day Fes trip from Casablanca to the 7-day imperial cities tour. Read more in the four imperial cities of Morocco.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Fes?
Two nights are ideal: a full guided day in the medina and a free morning or a day trip to Volubilis and Meknes.
Do I need a guide in Fes?
It is strongly recommended for a first visit. The medina has thousands of lanes, and a licensed guide also keeps unofficial guides away.
Can you visit the Qarawiyyin?
Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but you can look into the courtyard from the doorways and visit the nearby madrasas.
Is Fes worth visiting?
Yes. It is the most authentic medieval city in Morocco and the best place to see traditional crafts at work.
Explore Fes with a local guide. Contact us to include Fes in your private tour.