14 amazing things to do in Fes, Morocco

If you are looking for the most authentic place in Morocco, spend at least two days in Fes, the old imperial city. There are many amazing things to do in Fes, and traditions and customs are preserved better than anywhere else in Morocco.

 

It’s a city where you can get lost in the labyrinthine bazaars, admire the architecture of ancient places, smell intense aromas, and taste delicious but spicy foods.

 

Fes was founded in the 8th century by the Idrisid dynasty. Although very old, it has remained mostly the same over time. It is as if time has stopped in Fez.

 

What I use every time I travel:

• To book hotels: Booking.com
• To book tours: GetYourGuide.com

 

Fes Medina is the world’s most significant and best-preserved and the best area to stay in Fes when you visit the city. Therefore, when you get here, don’t be surprised you will feel you have returned to a distant past.

 
Fes is divided into two very different areas: the old city of Fes el-Bali, which everyone wants to explore when they come here, and the new area, Ville Nouvelle.

 
For a truly immersive experience, I recommend staying in Fes el-Bali and dedicating all your time to exploring its many wonders. There’s an abundance of amazing things to do in Fes el-Bali, ensuring you’ll never have a dull moment!

 

 

14 amazing things to do in Fes, Morocco

 

1. Stay in an authentic riad inside the medina

 

One of my most beautiful experiences in Fes was living in a magnificent riad, a small family business. The inner courtyard and the rooms have authentic, fantastic, and lovely decor.

 

The hosts play music each morning on an ancient device seated in the inner courtyard. The echo of Arabian songs fills every corner of the riad, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

 

Riad Dar el Ghalia also has a terrace with panoramic town views, mainly because it is close to the points of interest inside the medina. This riad is in the best area to stay in Fes.

 

So, if you come to Fes, I recommend staying at Riad Dar El Ghalia. But if you don’t find available rooms, then you can consider one of the following accommodation options:

 

• low-budget: Dar Essoaoude – Fes Nejjarine– fantastic view, inner and outer courtyard, exceptional breakfast, terrace, swimming pool
• mid-budget: Riad Braya – beautiful roof terrace, room service, swimming pool, delicious breakfast, bar, ideal location
• luxury: Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa– gorgeous interior courtyard, pool, very modern rooms, restaurant, spa, delicious breakfast, ultra-modern and very large private bathroom

 

 

READ NEXT: 10 best things to do in Marrakech

 

2. Go to the oldest university in the world | Unique things to do in Fes

 

 

 

3. Buy traditional Moroccan souvenirs in the Fes Medina

 

Among the Fes attractions, shopping stands out as an unforgettable experience. Fez is the perfect place to find a variety of exotic vegetables, fruits, and all kinds of spices and herbs, with sellers always ready to negotiate.

 

Everything is negotiable in Fez, so you don’t need to feel any restraint or embarrassment when bargaining.

 

If you stay at a riad inside the medina, I recommend visiting the market in the morning to experience one of the largest and oldest medinas in the world. What to buy in Fez? The options are limitless. From authentic souvenirs to spices and exotic fruits, you can find everything in the market in Fez.

 

 

4. Enter the medina through the blue gate | Unique things to do in Fes

 

Fes is a city built as a fortress surrounded by high walls. Access inside the walls is made through several main gates that have changed throughout history.

 
The main entrance is through the Bab Boujloud gate or Bou Jeloud, built in 1913. Therefore, you should enter the medina through the most majestic gate of the city, which is also one of the best sights in Fez. The way it is decorated will impress you. The mosaic has two colors, although the place is known as the Blue Gate.

 
The blue color signifies the city of Fes on the outside, while the gate is green on the inside, representing Islam.

 

 

5. Get lost in the labyrinth of the extremely narrow and twisted streets of Fes el-Bali

 

I would not exaggerate if I told you that the medina in Fes is a complicated labyrinth. With over 1000 years old and over 10,000 streets, Fes el-Bali is the perfect place to get lost. The road back to the riad will be an adventure in its entirety but is also one of the most amazing things to do in Fes.

 
No map can prepare you for the sensory overload that is the medina in Fes. The narrow paths, the misleading directions, the quirky corners, and the unique aromas create a true carnival for your senses. It’s an experience that’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

 
Colleagues of the route will not only be people but also donkeys. They are used for transporting goods, skins, and even people. You will break your heart seeing them, but you cannot interfere. These are the cruel customs of the place.
 

As one of the oldest and best-preserved settlements in the Muslim world, Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also a good idea to discover these labyrinthine streets on a walking tour.

 

 

6. Visit Chouara Tannery | Amazing things to do in Fes

 
I found out about this place for the first time 20 years ago. Here was the balcony from which Jade looked at the city in the O Clone telenovela. So it was on the list of places to see in Fes two decades ago.

 
Later, I discovered that it is the most famous place in Fes and that there is no travel guide to the imperial city without a visit to the unique and intriguing Choura tanneries.

 
What happens here? Barbarous acts, dating back to the medieval era, I could say briefly. The Choura tanneries, a place of historical significance, are where animals are sacrificed for their skins. Their skin will be treated for several days in pots made of clay and brick.

 
Archaic methods (pigeon feces, cow’s urine, quicklime) are used to treat the skin, and the odor is completely repulsive. As a “protection” against the unbearable aromas, the sellers in the area will offer you branches of mint. I recommend you use as many as possible.

 
You will have to enter a store to get to one of the terraces where you can look at the tanneries. Many locals will want to guide you to find these stores, but it is enough to have a handy map to figure out where they are.

 
In these buildings, there are shops where they sell the products made of these leathers: bags, shoes, and leather clothes in all possible colors. I don’t encourage the purchase of these items because I disagree entirely with the slaughter of animals, especially for such purposes.

 
But everyone is free to choose, so you must know that this is one of the best places to shop in Fes Morocco.

 

 

7. Visit a workshop for the manufacture of Moroccan carpets

 

Morocco is famous for making exquisite carpets. In Fes, many shops sell all kinds of colorful fabrics, from pillowcases and rugs to curtains and huge carpets. When considering Fez attractions, ensure you put the carpets on the list.

 

In some of these stores, you can see the exact process of manufacturing famous carpets. Attention, though! Many shops try to trick their potential customers, asking for exaggerated prices. So make sure you go on an organized tour for Moroccan rug hunting.

 

 

8. Admire the city from above | Unique things to do in Fes

 

In my case, the riad I stayed at, Hotel Dar el Ghalia Fes, had a terrace with a beautiful view of the medina. However, if the riad you choose does not have this, you can ask the hosts where you can find such a terrace.

 

There are a few available in the vicinity of the Quaraouiyine Mosque, and in general, they are part of the handicraft shops. For a few dirhams offered as a tip to the seller, it is worth looking at the city of Fes from above. Seeing the medina from above is actually one of the best things to do in Fez. 

 

 

9. Buy souvenirs from a craft store

 

 
The images below are part of the store of the man who let us use his rooftop terrace to photograph the city. Although he initially seemed to harass us, the man offered us an artistic tour of his store, showing us his most valuable handmade items.

 
The information provided will be beneficial if you want to learn more about how these objects are made.

 
In the end, you are not forced to buy anything, but it would be advisable to offer some money for his kindness, mainly because he offered his rooftop terrace to get a top view of the city.

 

 

10. Study the daily life of Fes | Amazing things to do in Fes

 

In the oldest and largest medina in the world, you can expect a lot of talk and gossip as long as the day is. Each person runs to buy, see, visit, negotiate, work, and carry out his day until the end.

 
In Fes Medina, you can see how people process raw materials to turn them into decorative pieces or cooking and working utensils. You can attend a street show that is specific to Moroccan traditions. You can look with empathy at the donkeys carrying on their backs much more than they should.

 
Or you can cuddle a kitten eager for attention and some food. From what I noticed, Moroccans are not the most animal-friendly people.

 
Cats are many on the streets of Fes, but they are also very skinny and sick. Every little help given to these animals can mean a lot and be an excellent example for the locals, hoping that things will change for the little furry friends in time. I believe in the power of example!

 

 

11. Visit Al-Attarine Madrasa

 

Moroccan architecture is fascinating and beautiful from all points of view. The best example is Al-Attarine Madrasa, a building built in 1325 by Abu Said, the Marandi sultan of those times. Visiting it is one of the best things to do in Fes.

 
The ornate cedarwood carpentry, the blue mosaic, and the carved marble columns worked in detail, turning this space into an architectural jewel. This stunning 14th century religious school is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. With its intricate tile work, carved wood, and peaceful courtyard, Bou Inania Madrasa is a visual feast.

 

 

12. Admire the gates of the Royal Palace | Things to do in Fez Morocco

 

Another architectural gem and one of the best Fez attractions is the Imperial Palace of Morocco, known as Dar el-Makhzen. It is located a little further, outside the medina, so you will have to take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to get here.

 
The king of Morocco does not permanently inhabit the palace, but it is his temporary home when he decides to visit Fes or has various meetings in the imperial city. Unfortunately, although they say it’s beautiful, we cannot see the interior.

 
An indication of this is the set of 7 golden gates that mark the entrance to the palace. They represent one of the most photographed and Instagramable places in Fes.

 
Even if they didn’t use gold to make these gates, they are still challenging to maintain. Therefore, the only solution used for their cleaning is lemon juice.

 

 

13. Buy essential oils and see how they’re made

 

Near the famous tanneries, you will find some shops where essential oils are made and sold. Among them, the one that attracted my attention the most is the argan oil, produced from argan fruits, cold-pressed using a special device.

 

The whole process is performed right in front of your eyes, is indisputable proof of the quality of the elixir that is so beneficial to our hair and skin.

 

Like any other product bought in Morocco, you can negotiate the price of a bottle, but I warn you that it is not the cheapest. However, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to purchase such a product for which I paid around 60 dirhams (27 lei) for a bottle of 50 ml.

 

 

14. Try Moroccan food | Amazing things to do in Fes Morocco 

 

I must admit that Moroccan food is not one of my favorites. Although I have tried several dishes, I can’t consider myself a fan of these preparations.

 

However, I think you cannot visit a destination so different from the places you are used to without trying the cuisine. You may like it.

 

So, when considering what to do in Fes, don’t leave without trying at least two of the following dishes: tagine, couscous, harissa, khubz (bread in the picture), mint tea, Moroccan Chicken Bastilla, and kafta.

 

Restaurants where you can eat well in Fes:

 

• Nur Restaurant
• Restaurant Dar Tajine Fes
• Yalla Yalla

 

 

Other things to do in Fes Morocco

 

• The Mellah, an old Jewish Quarter in Fes, offers a delightful experience with its small streets, interesting buildings, and renovated Aben Danan Synagogue. The Jewish Cemetery features white tombstones for a peaceful look into the past. Souks filled with crafts, textiles, and spices combine history, culture, and lively life, making it a memorable part of your trip.
• The Nejjarine Museum in Fes is a stunning 18th-century caravanserai with beautiful furniture, designs, and handcrafted woodworking tools. It showcases Morocco’s history and culture and offers a rooftop patio with a spectacular city view. It’s a must-see for those interested in history, culture, and art in Fes.
• Leave the city behind for an exciting day trip to the Sahara Desert tour from Fes. Explore beautiful scenery, ride horses, sandboard, and take stunning pictures. Before going back, eat a traditional Berber meal outside under the stars. This unforgettable adventure is a mix of fun and relaxation that will make your trip to Morocco more special.

 

Things to know before visiting Fes

 

How to get to Fes

• rent a car – you can rent a car in Casablanca and easily tour the country by yourself. Be careful where you choose to rent! Morocco is full of deceivers, and we were almost the victims of such an incident.
• take an organized tour from Chefchaouen
• by bus CTM – the price for a ticket is around 80 dirhams per person

 

Best time to visit Fes 

• if you want to avoid the extremely hot periods, then avoid the months of July, August, and September
• the best periods when you can visit the city are March-May and October-November

 

How safe is Fes

• In the two days when I explored the city, I thought it was pretty safe.
• But I don’t recommend visiting Morocco by yourself, especially if you are a solo woman.

 

What to wear in Fes

• Being a very religious country, where traditions and customs are holy, your outfit should be as decent as possible. This means covered skin and vaporous materials
• I don’t think anyone will attack you because of your outfit, but you certainly do not want insistent and judgmental looks.

 

How to get around in Fes

• Although it is the largest medina in the world, it is very easy to walk around Fez Medina. In fact, it’s your only solution, because cars can’t enter the medina.
• If you want to reach places outside the medina, such as the Imperial Palace, then you can take a taxi from one of the gates of the medina or even a Moroccan tuk-tuk
• Please don’t even think to use donkeys for transport. They are already pretty oppressed

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