Fes is the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. Founded in the 9th century, the city still works much as it did centuries ago: donkeys carry goods through 9,000 alleys, craftsmen hammer brass by hand, and tanners dye leather in stone vats.
Top things to see in Fes
Al-Qarawiyyin
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, it is recognised by UNESCO as the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but the library and the doorways are worth seeing.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A 14th-century Marinid college with carved cedar, stucco and zellige — open to visitors and stunning.
Chouara Tannery
The famous stone vats of colour, best seen from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops. You will be handed a sprig of mint for the smell. Expect a shop visit; there is no obligation to buy.
Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate)
The main entrance to the medina: blue on the outside, green (the colour of Islam) on the inside.
The Mellah and the Royal Palace gates
The old Jewish quarter with its balconied houses, the Jewish cemetery, and the seven golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes el-Jdid.
Borj Nord and the Marinid Tombs
Climb at sunset for the best panorama over the medina — bring a camera.
Fes crafts
Fes is the capital of Moroccan craftsmanship: blue-and-white pottery, brass, leather, weaving and zellige mosaic. Visiting a pottery cooperative in Ain Nokbi shows the whole process, from clay to hand-chiselled tiles.
Getting lost (and found)
The medina has thousands of alleys and no cars. A licensed local guide for half a day is the best investment of your trip — you will see much more and avoid the “helpful” strangers who lead visitors to shops for commission.
Where Fes fits in your itinerary
Most travellers combine Fes with the Sahara. Popular routes: 3 days from Fes to Merzouga, 3 days Fes to Marrakech via the desert, and the reverse Marrakech to Fes route.
Day trips from Fes
- Meknes and Volubilis: an imperial city and the best Roman ruins in Morocco, with mosaics still in place.
- Chefchaouen: the blue city, about 3.5 hours away — see our Chefchaouen guide.
- Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou: alpine-style architecture and Barbary macaques.
Practical tips
- Stay in a riad inside the medina for the full experience; ask them to arrange luggage transport, as taxis cannot enter.
- Dress modestly — Fes is more conservative than Marrakech.
- Two nights is a good minimum.
- Try local specialities: pastilla, bissara soup and Fassi couscous. See our Moroccan food guide.
Planning a trip that includes Fes? Message us on WhatsApp: +212 606-957514.