In a nutshell
- Fès is the largest of the four royal cities in Morocco — and for us, one of the absolute highlights in Morocco. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 11 most beautiful things to do in Fès.
- The three top highlights are the Medina (the oldest and largest in all of North Africa), the tanneries, and the panoramic view from the Borj Sud fortress at sunset.
- Most of the attractions in Fès are located in the Medina, so you can reach almost everything on foot.
- As a first-time visitor, you should stay overnight in the Medina. Our top hotel pick is the Riad Lune et Soleil — it has a beautifully traditional Moroccan design and is our absolute reader favorite.
- Once you’ve ticked off the highlights in Fès, there are also some fantastic day trips to the surrounding area worth considering.
The 11 Fès Attractions on a Map
There are some truly wonderful things to do in Fès. Most of the highlights are located in the old city and you can explore them all on foot at a leisurely pace.
To give you a clear picture of where everything is, we’ve marked all the top spots on a map for you.
Fès' Medina
What you need to know: Fès is home to the oldest and largest medina (old city) in all of North Africa. It was established as far back as the 8th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. There are countless narrow alleyways, which is why Fès’ medina is often called the world’s largest labyrinth. This neighborhood is also known as Fès el Bali.
Is it worth it? Definitely! Most of the top things to do in Fès are located in the medina — but the medina itself is a highlight in its own right. Just wander through the alleyways. And don’t worry if you get lost — that’s totally normal. You’ll always find your way out. One more special feature: the entire medina is car-free.
Our tip: Don’t let fake guides talk you into anything — brush them off. You can easily explore the medina on your own. If you’d like some background and want to discover hidden spots, book a professional guide.
3-hour guided walking tour through Fès’ Medina
Souks in Fès
What you need to know: The souks (markets) are located right in the heart of Fès’ medina. Unlike the souks in nearby cities like Meknès, Chefchaouen, or Rabat, things here are seriously lively. Moroccans and tourists crowd the shops filled with all kinds of food and colorful handicrafts — from leather goods to carpets.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Around every corner you’ll catch the scent of oriental spices, and there’s an endless amount to see: towering pyramids of spices, the colorful displays of tailors, yarn merchants, and wool dyers, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Just be prepared for the sight of camel heads at the butcher stalls too.
Our tip: If you want to bring home a souvenir from your Morocco trip, the souks in the old quarter of Fès are the perfect place to shop!
City Gate Bab Bou Jeloud
What you need to know: Built in 1913, Bab Bou Jeloud is not only the main entrance to the medina, but also the most beautiful city gate in Fès. The name translates to the “Blue Gate,” because the massive gate is decorated with beautiful, gleaming blue tiles — with the blue representing the city of Fès.
Is it worth it? The gate is now the city’s landmark and one of the most-photographed sights in Fès. It’s probably the top photo subject — though most people only shoot it from the front. From the other side, it looks completely different: green mosaics adorn it, since green is the color of Islam.
Quranic School Medersa Bou Inania
What you need to know: Just a few meters behind the Blue Gate you’ll reach the Quranic school Medersa Bou Inania. It dates back to the 14th century. Here you can see the typical layout of Moroccan Quranic schools: at the center of the square courtyard is the washing fountain, with students’ rooms arranged on two levels around it.
Is it worth it? If you haven’t yet visited the Medersa Ben Youssef — one of the top highlights in Marrakech — a visit here is absolutely worth your time. The courtyard is covered with marble tiles, mosaic tiles adorn the walls, topped by calligraphic friezes, stucco work, and intricate cedar wood carvings. Admission costs 20 dirhams (about $2).
Our tip: Like all houses of worship in the city, the roof of the Quranic school is covered with green tiles. When you look down from the Borj Sud fortress (our attraction no. 9), you can spot them beautifully among the sea of buildings.
Medersa ech-Cherratine
What you need to know: A lesser-known Quranic school in Fès is the 18th-century Medersa ech-Cherratine. From the outside, it’s barely recognizable as a Quranic school, but once you step through the unassuming entrance, you’ll find the typical courtyard fountain. Here too, the students’ rooms are located in the surrounding buildings.
Is it worth it? The Medersa ech-Cherratine isn’t quite as big a draw as the Medersa Bou Inania — which means it’s noticeably quieter here. The decorations are a bit more understated, but you’ll still find beautiful stucco work and mosaics. We really appreciated the simplicity and the calm. Admission costs 20 dirhams (about $2).
Nejjarine Square and Museum
What you need to know: In the heart of the medina lies Nejjarine Square. The standout feature is the beautiful fountain decorated with mosaics and cedar wood. The Nejjarine Museum is also located here — the former caravanserai now houses an exhibition dedicated to wood.
Is it worth it? You should definitely stroll over to the square — the fountain is the most beautiful in the entire historic district. If you’re interested in different types of wood, intricate carvings, musical instruments, and wooden furniture, the museum is worth a visit too. Admission costs 20 dirhams (about $2).
Our tip: From the museum’s rooftop terrace, you have a lovely view over the old city of Fès. There’s also a small café up there.
Tanneries
What you need to know: Tanning is a time-honored craft in Morocco, and Fès is renowned for the particularly high quality of its leather goods. As far back as the 12th century, they were exported all the way to Baghdad. The tanneries in Fès are tucked away in the inner courtyards of the medina, but you can peek in from various vantage points.
Is it worth it? The tanneries are among the best things to do in Fès — don’t skip them! You can watch the tanners at their hard manual labor: in large vats, they lime, tan, and dye the animal hides. It’s incredibly interesting and unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere.
Where to go: Right next to the Nejjarine Museum, you can get a great view into the Sidi Moussa tanneries from the rooftop terrace of the shop to the left. It’s the oldest tanning district in Fès, and the work there seems to have changed little over the centuries. Larger and better known is the Chouara tannery district, located right on the Oued river, north of the medina’s center. Guided tours through the tannery are also available.
Note: Tanning has one big downside: the smell is absolutely awful. Prepare yourself for that. To help deal with the odor, hold mint leaves in front of your nose — it at least helped us a little.
Half-day city tour of Fès including the Chouara tannery district
Al-Qarawīyīn Mosque
What you need to know: The Al-Qarawīyīn Mosque is the most significant building in Fès and a truly important point of interest. Within the mosque is the University of Al-Qarawīyīn, founded in the 9th century, which is considered the oldest university in the world. To this day, it still houses two faculties for theology and Islamic law.
Is it worth it? Before the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca was built, the Al-Qarawīyīn Mosque was the largest mosque in North Africa — it can hold up to 20,000 people. The entire building is simply enormous and quite impressive. What it looks like on the inside, however, you can only imagine when peering through the gate, since non-Muslims are not permitted to enter.
View from Borj Sud Fortress
What you need to know: The Borj Sud fortress itself isn’t the main draw — the real highlight is the breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The fortress sits a little outside the center, and the easiest way to get there is by taxi.
Is it worth it? We headed up to the fortress at the end of our trip to Fès, and it was the perfect finale. Only from up here do you truly grasp the sheer scale of the medina within its ancient city walls. The green roofs of the various religious sites stand out repeatedly against the beige mud-brick houses — seriously beautiful!
Royal Palace
What you need to know: Fès is the oldest of Morocco’s four royal cities, so a royal palace is naturally part of the picture. It was built in the 17th century and the king visits at least once a year. In addition to the palace itself, the grounds include large gardens and a private mosque.
Is it worth it? The Royal Palace is undoubtedly a top highlight in Fès, but like all palaces in Morocco, you unfortunately can’t visit the interior. Even so, the entrance gate with its seven golden doors is a truly impressive sight from the outside alone.
Our tip: The palace entrance is located at Place du Commerce. From here, you can easily follow up with a walk through the Jewish quarter. The so-called Mellah is very different from the medina — buildings here feature large windows and balconies, a completely different architectural style from the riads of the old city, which are hidden behind closed mud-brick walls.
Note: You’re welcome to photograph the palace from the outside, but don’t take photos of the guards at the entrances or on the square in front of the Royal Palace. Keep that in mind when taking your travel photos.
Jardin Jnan Sbil
What you need to know: The Jardin Jnan Sbil was built in the 19th century by Sultan Moulay Hassan I and is today a public garden in the heart of Fès. A few years ago it underwent an extensive renovation, received many new plants, and now shines in its former glory once again. It covers more than 7 hectares — incredible!
Is it worth it? If you need a peaceful break away from the lively medina, these gardens are the perfect retreat. Sit in the shade under large trees, stroll through bamboo groves, or walk along the lake. Moroccans love coming here too, cooling off at the fountain, the water channels, or the lake.
4 Great Day Trips from Fès
Seen all the must-sees in Fès and still have time to spare? You’re in luck — the surrounding area has some fantastic options. Here are four excursion ideas!
If you’re up for driving in Morocco, you can rent a car. Alternatively, we have some great recommendations for guided tours.
Day Trip to Meknès
Meknès is the smallest of the four royal cities in Morocco, located just about 60 kilometers southwest of Fès — perfect for a day trip.
A visit to Meknès is a great choice if you want to experience a smaller, lesser-known city alongside Fès. You can stroll through the medina much more relaxed.
Among the narrow alleyways, life is still very traditional and authentic. The entire old city is therefore a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Almost all the major points of interest in Meknès are located in the medina and easily reachable on foot.
Day trip to Volubilis, Meknès, and Mouly Idriss
In a dedicated article, we’ve written up all the highlights in Meknès for you, along with further information and tips for a visit.
Day Trip to Volubilis (Walili)
The best way to make the most of your day trip to Meknès is to combine it with a stop at the archaeological site of Volubilis. It’s 30 kilometers from Meknès and one of the most impressive places to visit in all of Morocco.
Volubilis is home to Morocco’s oldest Roman ruins and one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in all of Africa. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
One standout feature is the stunning mosaic floors. Some are over 2,000 years old, laid with meticulous handiwork depicting Roman myths.
The rest is a fascinating open-air museum where you can explore the ruins of former temples, bathhouses, and triumphal arches. You’ll need a little imagination to picture just how magnificent it all once was.
Admission to the Volubilis archaeological site costs about 70 dirhams ($7). It’s open every day from 8 AM until sunset. The best way to see both sites is on a guided tour from Fès.
Day trip to Volubilis, Meknès, and Mouly Idriss
Day Trip to the Middle Atlas around Azrou and Ifrane
Fès sits at the foot of the Middle Atlas, one of the four mountain ranges in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The nearest towns are Azrou and Ifrane, located about 65 kilometers south of Fès.
Azrou and Ifrane are two resort towns with a really idyllic setting — the green meadows and small streams winding through the landscape reminded us a little of southern Germany.
In summer, Ifrane National Park is perfect for hiking in the Atlas Mountains. In winter, the area around Azrou transforms into a popular ski resort, with a very high chance of snow.
Both towns have a solid tourist infrastructure with restaurants, cafés, and beautiful tree-lined avenues perfect for long walks.
You can visit the Middle Atlas on a guided day trip, or head there independently for a few days. A lovely place to stay is the Maurice Bonjean in Ifrane. You’ll need a rental car for that.
Day trip through the Middle Atlas with Ifrane National Park
Desert Tour to the Sahara
A desert tour in Morocco isn’t just a popular excursion from Marrakech. You can head into the Sahara just as easily starting from Fès — how cool is that!
And you don’t even need to do a road trip through Morocco for it. There are great guided tours departing from Fès. You will, however, need two full days for this.
You’ll head out on a desert tour to the Erg Chebbi, the most popular desert landscape in Morocco. This is where you’ll find the largest sand dunes, and the scenery is truly mind-blowing.
You can ride a camel between the dunes, watch the orange sunset, make music around a campfire with locals, and feel the sand between your toes at sunrise.
The drive from Fès to the desert town of Merzouga, just before the Erg Chebbi, takes about seven hours. Along the way, you’ll make a few stops in the Atlas Mountains.
The tour costs about $120. That includes one night in a luxurious desert camp, a delicious dinner, and transportation — really great value!
2-day Merzouga desert tour with luxury tent from Fès
Good to know: The tour also includes a stop in Ifrane. That means you could skip the separate day trip to Ifrane and Azrou.
In a dedicated article, we’ve written up more information and tips from our own experience on our desert tour in the Erg Chebbi.
Annual Highlight in Fès: Festival Musiques Sacrées du Monde
Festivals are hugely popular in Morocco. In Fès, we can highly recommend the Festival de Fès des Musiques Sacrées du Monde (Festival of World Sacred Music).
It takes place every year in June — outside of Morocco’s peak travel season — right in Fès’ medina. The Festival de Fès des Musiques Sacrées du Monde is one of the most renowned festivals in the Arab cultural world and an absolute highlight on the Fès calendar.
The musicians perform in the gardens and courtyards of the old city, in front of the Blue Gate, and at the Bab Makina fortress. The atmosphere in Fès during this time is truly special.
If you’re planning a trip to Morocco around this time and you enjoy music, don’t miss the festival. Just be aware that the city can get quite crowded during this period.
You can find more information on the official festival website.
Where to Stay in Fès?
The best area to stay in Fès is the medina — especially if it’s your first visit. Only here will you experience authentic Moroccan life, and you’ll be able to reach the most beautiful sights on foot.
Just like the accommodations in Marrakech, the hotels in Fès’ medina are not your typical hotels. Places to stay in Moroccan old cities are called riads.
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses. They tend to be small and typically feature a beautiful courtyard and authentic Moroccan design.
Of all the cities in Morocco, we love the riads in Fès and the riads in Marrakech the most. Many of them strike a perfect balance between modern comfort and tradition — we feel right at home!
Our top 3 hotel picks:
In two separate articles, we give you all the further information for your accommodation in Fès. We share tips on where to stay and have hand-picked the 13 most beautiful riads in Fès for you.
Restaurant Tips for Fès
The cuisine of Fès is considered among the best in Morocco. In the many small cafés, Moroccan eateries, and upscale restaurants, you can try the best specialties Morocco has to offer, like tagine or couscous.
Here are our restaurant recommendations in Fès:
#1 Palais de Fès
Palais de Fès serves seriously delicious food, which you enjoy on a rooftop terrace with views over the old city. All ingredients are organically sourced and alcohol is also served. It’s one of the pricier restaurants in Fès, but it’s definitely worth it.
#2 Ruined Garden
Of course, great Moroccan food doesn’t have to break the bank. A fantastic option is the small green oasis known as Ruined Garden.
What makes this restaurant especially charming — beyond the countless plants and fruit trees — is its natural vintage style. The Moroccan dishes are absolutely delicious!
#3 Café Clock
One of the most popular cafés in Fès is Café Clock, right across from the Medersa Bou Inania. Spread across several floors, you can enjoy a mint tea among young Moroccans and international visitors.
#4 Eating in the Medina
You can also eat really well right in or above the rooftops of the medina. Follow the main street behind the Blue Gate and you’ll reach a small square at the next corner.
Several eateries there serve affordable food at tables set directly on the street. Delicious tagine, for example, can be found at the small family restaurant Chez Rachid.
Our tip: One of our favorite activities in Morocco was a cooking class. We did ours in Marrakech, but there are great ones in Fès too. You start by shopping for ingredients in the medina together with the chefs, then prepare an authentic Moroccan three-course meal. Delicious!
4-hour cooking class in the medina of Fès
General Tips and Frequently Asked Questions about Fès
What is Fès known for?
Fès is best known for its Medina (old city) — the oldest and largest Medina in all of North Africa.
The Medina is like a labyrinth: very narrow and lively, and you’ll almost certainly get lost more than once. But you’ll always find your way out somehow.
Fès is also famous for the high quality of its leather goods. Tanning has a long tradition in Morocco, and Fès is home to the most tanneries in the country. It’s absolutely worth a visit!
Is Fès worth a trip?
Absolutely! Here are 6 reasons why Fès is worth the journey:
#1 Fès is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, alongside Marrakech, Meknès, and Rabat — and it’s actually the oldest of them all.
#2 Fès is far less crowded than Marrakech, yet it has just as many incredible cultural sites and things to see. It’s no wonder Fès is often called Morocco’s cultural capital.
#3 The city is also the spiritual heart of the country, home to the oldest Islamic university in the world.
#4 Fès has the largest medina — or old city — in all of North Africa.
#5 The medina of Fès feels very natural and unspoiled. Only donkeys and people navigate their way through its winding alleyways.
#6 The beautiful townhouses of the medina in Fès are largely owned by Moroccans, unlike in Marrakech, where many historic buildings have been bought up by Europeans and other foreigners. As a result, many of the homes in Fès feature even more intricate decorations and richer furnishings than those in Marrakech.
How long should you stay in Fès?
If you want to see all 11 top sights in Fès, you should plan for at least two full days. Three days would be even better.
If you also want to do a day trip or take a cooking class, add an extra day to your stay.
Is Fès dangerous?
No — like almost every city in Morocco, Fès is a safe destination.
That said, to stay safe during your Morocco trip, you should still stay alert and keep an eye on your valuables, especially in the medina. Pickpockets are active here, and in the crowds around the busy souks and sights, it’s easy to get distracted.
Also watch out for fake guides who approach you on the edges of the medina and offer to lead you through it.
Brush them off right away — be firm, but stay friendly. They’ll often simply follow you and then demand money afterward. If you feel uncomfortable, ask someone nearby for help.
How do you get around in Fès?
In the car-free Medina of Fès, you have no choice but to get around on foot. That’s also the best way to explore the city and really soak up the atmosphere.
By Taxi
The best way to get around the area surrounding the Medina is by taking the small taxis (“petit taxi”). In Fès, these are red and can carry up to three passengers.
Our tip: Before setting off, insist that the taximeter is turned on. It starts at a base fare of 1.50 to 3 DH and adds a few dirhams per kilometer traveled.
Taxi prices in Fès vary depending on the time of day, but are generally very affordable.
By Bus
Getting around Fès by bus is even cheaper. However, getting a handle on the bus system, routes, and stops can be a bit tricky.
A good starting point for exploring the city is Place el Baghdadi, near the city gates Bab el Mahrouk and Bab Bou Jeloud (see attraction no. 3). All lines intersect here.
From here, for example, you can take line 10 to the train station. Lines 2 and 23 run to the new town.
How do you get to Fès?
Flights to Fès
Fès is served by several airlines. Direct flights are available with Ryanair from a handful of European airports, with the flight taking about three to four hours. Other airlines such as TAP Air Portugal, Vueling, and Royal Air Maroc offer connecting flights to Fès, though these take significantly longer.
On Skyscanner you can search all available connections to Fès and compare prices.
From the Airport to the City
The airport is about 15 kilometers outside the city. You have several options for getting from the airport to the center of Fès.
By Airport Shuttle Bus
A public airport shuttle bus — bus line number 16 — runs every hour from the airport to the city. The bus departs slightly to the right in front of the terminal building. The ride into the city center takes about 40 minutes.
You buy the ticket for 4 DH (40 cents) directly on the bus. The last stop in Fès is the train station in the new city. From there, you can take an inexpensive petit taxi to your riad or hotel in the Medina.
By Taxi
Alternatively, you can take a grand taxi directly from the airport to the city for about 150 DH (approx. 15 euros). The taxis wait to the left in front of the terminal building.
Our tip: You absolutely must negotiate the price with the driver beforehand. It’s also a good idea to confirm right away that luggage is included and that no additional charge will be added upon arrival.
By Private Transfer
For a stress-free arrival, book a transfer service. For just a few more dirhams than a taxi, you’ll be picked up personally at the airport and taken directly to your accommodation.
This saves you the hassle of finding your riad in the Medina and the wait for a free taxi at the airport.
Book a private transfer from Fès Airport
Getting There from Other Cities in Morocco
If you’re already in Morocco and want to travel on to Fès, you can generally choose between a grand taxi, bus, or train.
For most routes, the train is a great choice — it’s faster and more comfortable than the buses and often cheaper than a taxi.
The train from Rabat takes about three hours to reach Fès. From Tangier, you need about five hours.
For the trip from Marrakech, the bus is the better option. The train takes an inconvenient route via Casablanca, while the bus travels the scenic route through the Atlas Mountains.
The bus company CTM runs several times daily between Marrakech and Fès. The journey takes nine hours and you can travel overnight or during the day.
