This is a complete guide to The best things to do in Fes.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
So if you’re ready to plan your Morocco trip without missing out on the best things to do in Fes, this guide is for you
Let’s dive right in.
Fez, Morocco
The city of Fez is the largest medina in the world and the second most populated city in Morocco, after Casablanca.
The city revolves around three districts: the old medina (Fes El Bali), the new medina (Fes El Jdid) and the Jewish quarter.
It’s wonderfully chaotic medina possesses the oldest university in the world, towers of spices, traditional handicrafts, hammams, and tanneries.
The past is alive here, so take one or two days to enjoy all the best things to do in Fes!
The medina of Fes (Fes el Bali) is the oldest and largest of North Africa and dates back to the 9th century! Because it is one of the most extensive and best conserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world, Fes is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Discover the roots of Fes by wandering it’s ten thousand alleys and 12 gates and enjoy the largest pedestrian urban area in the world. No cars circulate here!
Because of its narrow streets, it is very easy to get lost, something I experienced myself a few times.
Although getting lost is the goal of the game and it made me laugh a lot at first, you don’t want to spend your time in Fes passing 3 times in the same place and especially if you are visiting the city for a short time.
I would highly recommend that you hire a trustworthy guide at least for the first day.
The medina of Fez
Bou Jeloud is the most famous ornate city gate in Fes el Bali since it is the main entrance to the city and one of the most beautiful.
This 1913 gate is decorated with blue and green tiles which are the colors of the city. From the outside you can see it is blue but from the outside it is green.
Starting near the Bab Bou Jeloud and Bab Mahrouk gates in the west and ending at the al-Attarine Madrasa in the east, near the Qarawiyyin Mosque, Talaa Kebira is one of the longest and most important streets in Fes el-Bali souks.
The souks are the very soul of any Moroccan city, and the ones in Fes are some of the most impressive.
Step back into a medieval time of dusty walled streets, where the only transport is donkey and cart.
An unbelievable world where you will see donkeys carrying Coca Cola into the old city, a shop with piles of vibrant spices, a storehouse heaped high with hand-woven carpets in every color and design possible, chickens wandering around, and smell the aroma of fresh baked bread…
If you have been to the Medina of Marrakech before, let me tell you that streets in the medina of Fes are much narrower, with many twists, turns, and forks that make it a true maze.
Fez souk, Fez El Bali
The Bou Inania Madrasa is an iconic religious building in the center of the medina. built in 1350–55 CE by Abu Inan Faris. It is the only madrasa in Morocco which also functioned as a congregational mosque.
The extraordinary architecture of this ancient school is now on display to the public, It’s one of the few religious sites in Fes that can be entered by non-Muslim people.
Admire its breathtaking green minaret that is visible across the medina, and explore its magnificent marble courtyard, intricate wood carvings, and endless mosaic tilework in a variety of colors: green for fertility, paradise; white for innocence; black for secret life; yellow for fortune, the sun; and blue for freedom, heaven and hope.
You don’t wanna miss out on this great thing to do in Fes.
In this museum, you will find fine woodwork from across Morocco, including doors, prayer beads, berber locks, and musical instruments.
This museum is on three floors and has a roof terrace where you can admire the city and drink a coffee.
Travel to Fez to visit the sanctuary of Moulay Idriss (an Islamic shrine and religious complex, also spelled zaouia)
This sanctuary is the most sacred place in Fez, It contains the tomb of Idris II (or Moulay Idris II when including his sharifian title), who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and is considered the main founder of the city of Fez.
The entrance is reserved for Muslims only, but you can observe the interior from the front door and admire its spectacular architecture.
Fez Wooden Arts & Crafts, Morocco
Be sure to check out the world-famous tanneries of Fes! The tanneries are still in operation and the visit is free so you might as well take advantage of it.
The tanneries of Fez consist of many stone vases filled with a vast array of various dyes and liquids spread like a large palette of watercolors used to color animal skin.
The tanneries are a unique part of the Fes culture and are one of the best things to do on any Fes trip.
However, be warned that the smell is unpleasant but it’s not unbreathable. It’s best to remember to take a bit of mint or a scarf with you to camouflage the smell.
Fez tanneries
You will see from the terraces these brave men who work all day, with their feet in the water, to dye the leather and make us beautiful bags.
Founded in 859 AD, the Kairaouine Mosque is known to be the world’s oldest university and it is also the second-largest mosque in Morocco.
It is one of the most important religious buildings in Fes and as such, entry is prohibited to non-Muslims.
Although tourists can’t access the interior, you can discover its exteriors and the details that adorn its walls, its 270 columns and its 24 doors that surround an interior courtyard.
It is the oldest palace in Morocco and surely the most important.
Built in the 14th century, it is called Dar El Makhzen. With its 80 hectares, it was built outside the old medina, it is now located near the Jewish quarter and the Mellah.
Even if visits are not authorized, its stunning walls made up of blue mosaic tiles and its gigantic esplanade where you can discover large bronze doors, framed with ceramic tiles make it a top thing to do in Fes.
The doors are 7 in number like so many days in the week as well as levels in the Moroccan monarchy.
Tourists can also wander through the lovely, green palace gardens outside.
The palace was built by Hassan 1st because he ardently wished to bring together the two cities that make up Fez, namely Fez el Bali and Fez el Jedid.
Dar Batha palace was then transformed into a museum of crafts where you can discover pottery and ceramics from the 13th century, but also embroidery and jewelry from the Middle Ages.
Don't forget to take pictures of the richly decorated gates and the huge padlocks that close the doors for the night.
From the city of Fez, you can take an excursion to Meknes, Chefchaouen, or The hillside town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. If you want to go on excursions, go on Friday because many shops are closed on that day in Fez.
Being the oldest imperial city in Morocco, Fez is home to the most beautiful Riads in Morocco.
Fez Riads, Morocco
Seize this great opportunity, stay in one of these authentic Moroccan guesthouses, and enjoy the calm of their courtyard at the end of your busy days in Fes.
I will happily talk all these points through with you in order to provide a perfectly tailored Morocco tour. Simply tell me what matters to you most, and I will provide my recommendations for the best riads and hotels, times to visit and activities based on your travel dreams!
