Things to Do in Fes: 30 Best Experiences (2026 Guide)

Fes is not a city you simply visit; it is a city you step into. Pass through the blue-tiled arch of Bab Bou Jeloud and you leave the twenty-first century behind: donkeys carry gas bottles through lanes barely wider than your shoulders, coppersmiths hammer trays by hand, and the call to prayer rolls across a sea of rooftops that has looked much the same for centuries. Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes was Morocco's first imperial capital and remains its spiritual and cultural heart.

This guide covers the 30 best things to do in Fes, from the Chouara tannery and the Marinid madrasas to hidden gardens, cooking classes, hammams and day trips to Volubilis, Chefchaouen and the Middle Atlas, plus a 2-day itinerary, advice on guides, where to stay, the best time to visit and answers to common questions.

Fes at a Glance

Location: northern Morocco, between the Rif and the Middle Atlas mountains
Old city: Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world
Three districts: Fes el-Bali (the old medina), Fes el-Jdid (the Marinid "new" city with the Royal Palace and the Mellah) and the Ville Nouvelle (the modern French-era city)
Ideal stay: 2 to 3 full days, plus 1 to 2 days for excursions
Best seasons: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November)
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD); roughly 10 to 11 MAD to 1 EUR
Getting there: Fes-Saïss airport, trains from Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Meknes, or a private transfer

Exploring the Medina of Fes el-Bali

1. Enter the Old City through Bab Bou Jeloud

The Blue Gate is the classic way into Fes el-Bali. Built in the early 20th century in traditional Moorish style, it is covered in blue zellige on the outside and green on the inside, the colours of Fes and of Islam. Frame the minarets of Bou Inania through its arches for the most iconic photo in the city, then dive into Talaa Kebira, the main lane that runs downhill toward the heart of the medina.

2. Get Lost (on Purpose) in the Labyrinth

Fes el-Bali is a maze of thousands of alleys and dead ends. Spend an hour wandering with no plan: peek into workshops and watch bakers slide bread into communal ovens. The main lanes, Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira, run downhill, so heading uphill usually brings you back to Bab Bou Jeloud.

3. See the Chouara Tannery from Above

The most photographed sight in Fes is a medieval tannery where hides are still soaked in stone vats of lime, pigeon droppings and natural dyes such as poppy, indigo, henna and saffron. You view it from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops; entry is free, but a small tip or a look around the shop is expected. Go in the morning when the vats are most colourful, and accept the sprig of mint offered at the door: the smell is strong.

4. Admire Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University

Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman from Kairouan, Al-Qarawiyyin is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating places of learning in the world. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but you can glimpse its elegant courtyard, fountains and green-tiled roofs through the open doors. Its historic library, beautifully restored in recent years, holds manuscripts of great value.

5. Marvel at the Bou Inania Madrasa

Built in the 1350s by the Marinid sultan Abu Inan Faris, Bou Inania is one of the few religious buildings in Fes open to non-Muslims, and it is breathtaking: carved cedar, delicate stucco lacework, marble floors and zellige mosaics in perfect geometric harmony. Look out for the remains of a medieval water clock across the street. Entry costs around 20 to 30 MAD.

6. Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa

Smaller and more intimate than Bou Inania, the Al-Attarine Madrasa (1320s) stands beside the old spice market near Al-Qarawiyyin. Many consider its decoration the finest in Fes. Climb to the upper floor, where students once lived in tiny rooms, for views over the green roofs of the great mosque.

7. Explore the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts

Housed in a restored 18th-century caravanserai (funduq), this museum showcases Moroccan woodwork, from carved doors to wedding chairs. Do not miss the tiled Nejjarine fountain outside and the peaceful rooftop café.

8. Discover Moroccan Art at Dar Batha

Set in a 19th-century palace with an Andalusian garden, Dar Batha has been renovated as a museum dedicated to Islamic and Moroccan arts. Its highlight is the famous collection of cobalt-blue Fes pottery, alongside embroidery, astrolabes, carpets and woodwork. The shaded garden is a perfect pause from the bustle of the souks.

9. Glimpse the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II

The shrine of Moulay Idriss II, the ruler who expanded Fes in the early 9th century, is one of the most sacred places in Morocco. Entry is reserved for Muslims, but from the surrounding lanes you can see pilgrims, candle sellers and nougat stalls, and admire the richly decorated doorway. Dress modestly and be respectful.

10. Listen to the Hammers of Seffarine Square

Place Seffarine is the realm of the coppersmiths, who beat huge cauldrons, trays and lanterns under the shade of a fig tree, a soundtrack that has echoed here for centuries.

Fes el-Jdid, Viewpoints and Gardens

11. Photograph the Golden Gates of the Royal Palace

The Dar el-Makhzen Royal Palace in Fes el-Jdid is closed to the public, but its monumental gates are among the most photographed in Morocco: seven golden brass doors framed by zellige and carved cedar. Come early in the morning for soft light and fewer people.

12. Walk Through the Mellah, the Old Jewish Quarter

Next to the palace lies the Mellah, founded in the Marinid era, with wooden balconies opening onto the street. Visit the restored Ibn Danan Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery, whose whitewashed tombs cascade down the hillside, a moving reminder of Morocco's Jewish heritage.

13. Relax in the Jnan Sbil Garden

Between Fes el-Jdid and the medina, Jnan Sbil is a restored green oasis of palms, bamboo, orange trees and fountains. It is free, cool and loved by local families.

14. Watch Sunset from the Merenid Tombs

On a hill north of the medina, the ruined Marinid tombs offer the most famous panorama of Fes. At sunset the valley of white houses and minarets turns golden as the call to prayer rises. Go by taxi, ideally with a companion or guide rather than alone after dark.

15. Climb to Borj Nord and Borj Sud

These two 16th-century Saadian fortresses guard the city from opposite hills. Borj Nord has housed an arms museum (check opening status), while Borj Sud offers a quieter viewpoint over the medina.

16. Enjoy Mint Tea on a Medina Rooftop

Many riads and cafés have terraces over the sea of rooftops. Order sweet mint tea in the late afternoon and watch the swallows dive between the minarets.

Souks and Traditional Crafts

17. Visit a Pottery and Zellige Cooperative

The pottery workshops in the Ain Nokbi area, just outside the walls, let you follow every step of Fes ceramics: shaping the grey clay, firing in kilns, painting the famous blue designs and cutting tiny zellige tiles by hand with a hammer. You can buy directly from the makers, and many workshops can arrange shipping.

18. See Weavers at Work

In small workshops across the medina, artisans weave scarves and blankets on wooden looms. So-called "cactus silk" was traditionally made from agave fibres, though much sold today is viscose, so buy what you love rather than what you are told is rare.

19. Wander the Henna Souk and Spice Stalls

The tiny Souk el-Henna sells henna, kohl, argan products and ghassoul clay, while nearby stalls pile up cumin, ras el hanout and dried roses: perfect for light souvenirs.

20. Shop Smart for Leather

Fes is famous for leather babouches, bags and poufs. Check stitching and smell (good leather should not smell chemical). Bargaining is normal: start at around a third to half of the first price and settle with a smile.

Food, Wellness and Riad Life

21. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class

Many riads and culinary schools run half-day classes that begin with a market visit and teach you to cook a tagine, Moroccan salads and bread. Expect roughly 400 to 800 MAD per person.

22. Taste Authentic Pastilla

Fes is the home of pastilla (bastilla), a flaky pie that blends savoury and sweet: pigeon or chicken, almonds, eggs, cinnamon and powdered sugar wrapped in thin warqa pastry. Seafood pastilla is a popular alternative. Order it as a starter in a good riad or restaurant and share it: it is rich.

23. Start the Day with B'ssara and Street Food

Locals breakfast on b'ssara, a velvety fava bean soup with olive oil and cumin, served with bread for a few dirhams. Also try msemen flatbread, sfenj doughnuts and harira soup, and eat where locals queue.

24. Join a Medina Food Walk

A guided food tour lets you taste a dozen specialities safely, from olives and dates to honey pastries and fresh juices, and reveals communal ovens and stalls you would never find alone.

25. Unwind in a Hammam

The steam bath is central to Moroccan life. A local public hammam costs only around 10 to 30 MAD (bring black soap, a kessa glove and a towel), while a spa hammam with scrub and massage typically costs around 250 to 700 MAD.

26. Sleep in a Traditional Riad

A riad is a house built around an inner courtyard or garden. Staying in one, with carved plaster, painted ceilings and breakfast on the terrace, is an experience in itself and a peaceful refuge from the medina.

Best Day Trips from Fes

27. Volubilis and Meknes

About an hour from Fes, Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, famous for its mosaics, triumphal arch and basilica set among olive groves. Combine it with Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Ismail, with its monumental Bab Mansour gate, granaries and royal stables. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

28. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Just a few kilometres from Volubilis, this whitewashed holy town clings to two hills and shelters the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, founder of Morocco's first Islamic dynasty. Climb to the viewpoint terraces for a superb panorama, then enjoy a simple lunch of grilled meat in the main square.

29. Ifrane, Azrou and the Cedar Forest

In the Middle Atlas, Ifrane is a surprising alpine-style town with sloping roofs and tidy parks. Nearby, the cedar forest around Azrou is home to wild Barbary macaques; please observe them without feeding them.

30. Chefchaouen, the Blue Pearl

The famous blue town of the Rif is about four hours from Fes. It works as a long day trip, but an overnight stay lets you enjoy the blue lanes in the early morning before the crowds.

From Fes to the Sahara Desert

Fes is an excellent starting point for a Sahara adventure. The classic route crosses the Middle Atlas via Ifrane, continues through Midelt and the palm-filled Ziz Valley, and reaches the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. With stops it takes around 8 to 9 hours, so most travellers choose a 2- or 3-day tour with a sunset camel ride and a night in a desert camp, often ending in Marrakech via the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley.

Guides and How to Avoid Hustlers

The Fes medina has a reputation for persistent "faux guides" who offer directions and then demand payment or lead you to shops on commission. A few simple rules make all the difference:

Hire an official licensed guide for your first half day; they carry an official badge and typically charge around 300 to 600 MAD for a half day, depending on group size and season.
Politely decline unsolicited help with a firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and keep walking.
Be wary of "that road is closed" or "the tannery is closing" stories: they are classic tricks.
Shopping is never mandatory. You can always say you are just looking.

The Perfect 2-Day Fes Itinerary

Day 1: The Heart of the Medina

Morning: Bab Bou Jeloud, Bou Inania Madrasa, Talaa Kebira, Nejjarine Museum and fountain
Midday: Al-Attarine Madrasa, views of Al-Qarawiyyin, Seffarine Square; lunch in the medina
Afternoon: Chouara tannery, henna souk, weaving workshop
Evening: hammam, then dinner with pastilla on a riad terrace

Day 2: Fes el-Jdid, Crafts and Views

Morning: Royal Palace gates, the Mellah and Ibn Danan Synagogue, Jewish cemetery
Midday: Jnan Sbil garden and Dar Batha museum
Afternoon: pottery and zellige cooperative or a cooking class
Sunset: Merenid Tombs and Borj Nord viewpoint

With a third day, add Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes, or Ifrane and the cedar forest.

Where to Stay in Fes

Inside the medina (near Bab Bou Jeloud or Batha): the most atmospheric choice, with riads at every price level and easy access to the main sights. Choose a riad within a short walk of a taxi-accessible gate, as luggage must be carried through the lanes.
Medina edges and Fes el-Jdid: quieter, often good value and close to both the palace and the old city.
Ville Nouvelle: modern hotels with pools and parking, ideal for families or travellers with a car, about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from the medina.

As an approximate guide, simple guesthouses start around 35 to 60 EUR per night, comfortable riads around 70 to 150 EUR, and luxury riads and palace hotels from around 200 EUR.

Best Time to Visit Fes

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring warm days and cool evenings, perfect for walking. July and August are often above 35°C, so sightsee early and late. Winter days are mild but nights are chilly and riads can feel cold, so ask about heating. The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, usually in late spring, is a highlight. During Ramadan, opening hours change and evenings become festive after sunset.

Getting to and Around Fes

Fes-Saïss airport is around 15 km from the city, and trains link Fes with Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Meknes. In the medina you walk everywhere; for longer distances, red petit taxis are cheap (insist on the meter). To combine Fes with Chefchaouen, the Atlas or the Sahara, a private driver is the easiest option.

Budget: How Much Does Fes Cost?

Monument entries: around 20 to 70 MAD each
Street food meal: around 20 to 60 MAD
Restaurant dinner: around 120 to 350 MAD per person
Licensed guide, half day: around 300 to 600 MAD
Cooking class: around 400 to 800 MAD per person

What to Pack and Cultural Tips

Comfortable shoes: the lanes are steep, uneven and can be slippery.
Modest clothing: cover shoulders and knees; a light scarf is useful for both women and men.
Small change: carry coins and small notes for tips, tea and snacks.
Layers: evenings can be cool, even in spring and autumn.
Ask before photographing people, and respect a "no".
Greet with "salam alaykum" and accept tea when offered; hospitality is at the heart of Fassi culture.
Give way to donkeys and carts when you hear "balak!" (watch out!).

Frequently Asked Questions About Fes

How many days do you need in Fes?

Two full days are enough to see the main highlights of the medina and Fes el-Jdid at a relaxed pace. Three to four days let you add a day trip to Volubilis and Meknes or the Middle Atlas, a cooking class and time simply to soak up the atmosphere.

Is Fes safe for tourists?

Yes, Fes is generally safe, and serious incidents involving visitors are uncommon. The main annoyances are unofficial guides and pushy sellers. Use normal precautions, keep valuables discreet, avoid empty lanes late at night and hire a licensed guide on your first day.

Do I need a guide in the Fes medina?

It is not compulsory, but a licensed guide is highly recommended on a first visit: the medina is a true labyrinth, and a good guide explains its history and keeps unofficial guides away.

Is Fes or Marrakech better?

They are different. Marrakech is livelier and more cosmopolitan, with Jemaa el-Fna square; Fes feels more traditional, with a larger, more intact medieval medina. Ideally, visit both and connect them with a desert tour via Merzouga.

Can non-Muslims visit mosques in Fes?

Non-Muslims cannot enter active mosques or shrines such as Al-Qarawiyyin or the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, but they can view them from the doorways. The Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas are open to all visitors and offer the best close-up look at Marinid religious architecture.

How far is Fes from the Sahara Desert?

Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes are roughly 450 to 470 km from Fes, a drive of about 8 to 9 hours with stops. That is why a 2- or 3-day desert tour from Fes, with a night in a desert camp, is the most comfortable way to go.

Discover Fes with Travsus Private Tours

Fes rewards travellers who explore with the right people. At Travsus, we design private Morocco tours around you: a licensed local guide for the medina, a comfortable private vehicle with a professional driver, handpicked riads and a flexible schedule. Combine Fes with Volubilis, Meknes and Chefchaouen, cross the Middle Atlas to spend a night under the stars in Merzouga, or link the imperial cities from Casablanca and Marrakech.

Tell us your dates, your interests and your travel style, and our team will create a tailor-made itinerary for you. Your Moroccan adventure starts in the heart of Fes.