The Ultimate Fes Morocco Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, See & Eat
The Fes skyline in Morocco.
Stepping Into Another Century
Fes was one of the most disorienting yet magical cities I visited in Morocco. When you first step through the gates of the medina, you’re hit with a rush of sensations: the clatter of donkey hooves (they’re still the main way goods are transported here), the aroma of spices and fresh bread, and the sight of towering walls covered in mosaics.
Unlike Marrakech, which feels polished and tourist-friendly, Fes is raw, intense, and unapologetically authentic. It’s not a city that tries to make travel easy for you. But if you lean into the chaos, you’ll find it’s one of the most rewarding stops in Morocco.
Why Fes Matters
Founded in the 9th century, Fes was Morocco’s first imperial capital and remains its cultural and spiritual heart. The Fes el-Bali medina is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Arab world and is still home to over 150,000 people. It’s also the largest car-free urban area in the world… which explains why you’ll see donkeys carrying crates of Coca-Cola or bags of flour through its maze-like alleys.
Fes is also home to the world’s oldest continuously operating education institution… Al Quaraouiyine… and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So when you visit, you’re not just sightseeing… you’re stepping into a living museum.
Best Things to Do in Fes
1. Get Lost in the Fes el-Bali Medina
This is the heart of the city and the place you’ll spend most of your time. With over 9,000 alleyways, it’s almost impossible not to get lost. A local guide is essential inside the Medina.
👉 Traveller’s Tip: Have your riad’s phone number handy and arrange for someone to meet you at a main gate if you get completely turned around.
Wandering through the Fes Medina in Morocco is best done with a local guide.
2. Visit the Chouara Tannery
This is one of the most iconic sights in Fes, and one of the most photographed spots in Morocco. Standing on a balcony overlooking vats of bright dyes is unforgettable. Workers use methods that have remained unchanged for centuries.
👉 Traveller’s Tip: The smell is strong, vendors will hand you fresh mint leaves to hold under your nose. Visit mid-morning for the best light for photography.
Chouara Tannery in Fes, Morocco. The smell is something else.
3. Explore Al Quaraouiyine University
Founded in 859 AD, this is considered the oldest educational institution in the world by UNESCO and Guinness World Records. While non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, you can peek into the library and courtyard to admire the architecture.
4. Admire the Madrassas: Bou Inania & Al-Attarine
These former Islamic schools are open to visitors and showcase stunning zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, and peaceful courtyards. They’re a calm escape from the chaos of the medina.
Exploring Fes, Morocco.
5. Experience a Traditional Hammam
After hours of walking dusty alleys, there’s nothing better than a steam bath and a vigorous scrub-down. You can choose a simple local hammam for an authentic experience or a luxury riad hammam for more comfort.
6. Take a Food Tour
Fes is considered Morocco’s culinary capital. Some must-try foods include:
Bissara - a warming fava bean soup, perfect for breakfast.
Msemen - layered flatbread served with honey.
Pastilla - a savoury-sweet pie traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken (vegans can find adaptations with vegetables).
Mint tea - sweet, fragrant, and part of daily life.
👉 Traveller’s Tip: A guided food tour is the best way to sample dishes in local, family-run spots you’d never find on your own.
Eating the delicious food of my life in a Riad in Fes, Morocco.
7. Visit the Royal Palace Gates
While you can’t go inside, the golden gates of Dar el-Makhzen are worth seeing. The intricate brass doors and mosaics are stunning for photos.
Reaching up to the beautiful Moroccan doors in Fes.
8. Shop for Souvenirs (But Be Ready to Haggle)
The medina is famous for its leather goods, carpets, ceramics, and brass lamps. Bargaining is part of the culture… expect to negotiate prices.
👉 Traveller’s Tip: Start by offering half of the original asking price and work up from there.
Where to Stay in Fes
Staying in a riad (a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard) is a highlight of visiting Fes.
Budget: Riad Jamaï - social, with plenty of onsite activities.
Mid-Range: Riad Mabrouka - elegant, central, with an on-site hammam.
Luxury: Riad Fes - opulent interiors and world-class service.
Luxury: Karawan Riad - five star luxury riad and spa.
👉 Traveller’s Tip: Book a riad inside the medina for atmosphere, but arrange a porter to help with your bags… you won’t want to drag them through the alleys!
Practical Travel Tips for Fes
Best Time to Visit: March-May and September-November offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can be scorching, while winter nights get very cold.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (cash is essential inside the medina).
Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended… shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Learn What to Wear in Morocco (Female Travellers Guide).
Language: Arabic and French are widely spoken; English is limited but you’ll get by.
Transport: Petit taxis are inexpensive, but agree on a price before hopping in.
Safety: Be prepared by learning the Common Scams in Morocco (and how to avoid them).
Why Fes Belongs on Your Morocco Itinerary
Fes isn’t the easiest destination… you’ll be lost, overwhelmed, and occasionally frustrated. But it’s also where you’ll find some of the most authentic Moroccan experiences.
It’s the place where traditions haven’t been polished for tourists, where you’ll see history alive in every alley, and where you’ll walk away with stories you’ll never forget.
👉 Planning a full trip? Check out my 14 Day Morocco Itinerary to see how Fes fits alongside Marrakech, Chefchaouen, and the Sahara Desert.
Disclosure: This blog includes affiliate links. I will be paid a commission if you use these links to make a purchase.