Things to Do in Fes, Morocco: 9 Unforgettable Experiences
If you’re planning a visit and wondering about the best things to do in Fes, Morocco, this guide highlights the city’s most unforgettable experiences, from wandering the ancient medina to visiting iconic landmarks and immersing yourself in local culture.
During my time traveling through Morocco, I spent several days exploring Fes as part of a longer itinerary, which gave me the chance to experience both its highlights and everyday rhythms.
Fes is one of Morocco’s most historic and culturally rich cities, and while it can feel overwhelming at first, it’s also deeply rewarding. This list combines must-see attractions with personal insights to help you explore Fes with confidence, curiosity, and intention.
Quick Guide: Highlights of Fes for First-Time Visitors
If you’re short on time, these highlights cover the best things to do in Fes for first-time visitors. This quick guide focuses on the experiences that define the city: its ancient medina, craftsmanship, history, and everyday rhythms.
✔ Wander the Fes el-Bali Medina (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
✔ Visit the Royal Palace gates
✔ See the Chouara Tannery from above
✔ Explore Al Quaraouiyine University
✔ Shop for ceramics in the artisan quarter
✔ Stay in a traditional riad
✔ Take a guided walking tour for context and ease
Practical Tips for Visiting Fes
Visiting Fes is most enjoyable when you understand the city’s pace, customs, and logistics in advance. These practical tips will help you navigate the medina confidently, plan your days efficiently, and travel respectfully.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and comfortable weather for exploring the city.
- Suggested Duration: Spend 2–3 days in Fes to fully experience the medina, cultural landmarks, and local food. You can follow my detailed Morocco itinerary to see how Fes fits into a more extended trip.
- Many travelers also add an overnight Sahara Desert tour from Fes to their itinerary.
- Accommodation Options: Stay in a traditional riad for an immersive Moroccan experience, or choose a hotel for more modern amenities.
- Getting Around: The medina is best explored on foot, but taxis are useful for longer distances. Guided tours are highly recommended for first-time visitors to navigate the maze-like streets and uncover hidden gems.
- Safety and Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, respect local customs, and be mindful when photographing people or religious sites.
With these tips in mind, here are the top things to do in Fes that showcase the city’s history, culture, and everyday life.
Top Things to Do in Fes, Morocco
The top things to do in Fes center on history, craftsmanship, and daily life inside one of Morocco’s oldest cities. This list highlights the most meaningful experiences, from iconic landmarks to immersive cultural moments within the medina.
1) Visit the Royal Palace of Fes
The Royal Palace of Fes, or Palais Royale is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, best known for its massive brass doors, intricate zellige tilework, and royal symbolism—even though it isn’t open to the public.
We began our tour at the famous Royal Palace; although visitors aren’t allowed inside, the exterior alone leaves a lasting impression. Seven stunning brass doors mark the entrance, each one framed by detailed zellige tiles and carved cedar wood.
Standing in front of the palace gates, it’s easy to appreciate the level of craftsmanship and history they represent. The current King of Morocco stays at the Royal Palace during visits to Fes, which adds to its significance. I can only imagine how beautiful the palace must be inside.
Pro-Tip: The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the light enhances the doors and tiles. While entry isn’t allowed, the surrounding area offers great photo spots. Bring a zoom lens for close-up details and respect the restricted zones.
2) Walk through the iconic Blue Gate of Fes (Bab Bou Jeloud)
With its stunning blue and green mosaics, the Blue Gate, known locally as Bab Bou Jeloud, is the most famous entrance to the old medina, Fes el-Bali. The blue side of the gate faces outward, symbolizing the city of Fes, while the green side, facing inward, represents Islam.
When I first entered the medina through Bab Bou Jeloud, it immediately felt like crossing into a different world. On one side is modern Fes; on the other, the ancient medina, waiting to be explored. It’s a natural meeting point for guides, travelers, and locals moving in and out of the old city, and a place where the energy of Fes is immediately felt.
For first-time visitors, Bab Bou Jeloud serves as both a visual landmark and a convenient orientation point before entering the medina’s maze-like streets.
Pro-Tip: Visit early in the morning or around sunset for the best light and fewer crowds. It’s also a great place to grab a mint tea at one of the nearby cafés and watch daily life unfold at the gate.
3) Explore Fes el-Bali Medina – A Top Fes Experience
Fes el-Bali is the historic heart of the city and one of the world’s largest surviving medieval medinas, where daily life unfolds much as it has for centuries
Roaming through the alleyways of the old medina was my favorite part of the tour. As a UNESCO World Heritage, Fes el-Bali feels like a living, breathing museum rather than a place frozen in time.
Once you pass through the Blue Gate, you’ll find two main pathways into the medina, Tala’a Kbira and Tala’a Sghira. But honestly, it doesn’t matter which you choose—getting lost here is part of the experience.
We arrived early in the morning, just as shopkeepers were washing the stone pathways and preparing for the day. The air smelled faintly of spices and freshly baked bread.
One thing our guide, Hassan, emphasized as soon as we entered was that the medina is also home to over 150,000 residents. As we walked, he greeted nearly everyone we passed, and it felt less like a tourist attraction and more like a close-knit neighborhood unfolding around us. Walking the medina with a local guide completely changed how I understood the scale and daily life of Fes, especially during the quieter early-morning hours.
I loved watching the rhythm of daily life unfold: children hurrying off to school, craftsmen hammering away in tiny workshops, and women selecting vegetables at the market stalls.
Many travelers opt for a guided walking tour of the medina with a vetted local guide that ensures safety, ease of navigation, and the discovery of hidden corners.
Pro-Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. If you’re traveling alone, check out my guide on solo female travel in Morocco for extra tips on exploring confidently.
4) Discover Al Quaraouiyine University
Located in the heart of the old medina, Al Qarawiyyeen is a masterpiece of history and faith. Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, a visionary woman who used her inheritance to create a center of learning, it is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest continuously operating university.
Originally established as a mosque and madrasa, Al Qarawiyyeen became a true center of learning that drew scholars from across Africa and the Middle East. What started with Quranic studies soon grew to include astronomy, mathematics, medicine, and philosophy, fields that helped shape both the Islamic Golden Age and early European thought.
For travelers interested in history and culture, Al Quaraouiyine offers a rare chance to stand beside a living institution that shaped education far beyond Morocco.
The building itself is breathtaking. Its intricate tilework, carved cedar details, and peaceful courtyards feel like stepping into a living piece of history. Standing just outside the university, it was powerful to realize how much of global educational history traces back to this very place.
Pro-Tip: Non-Muslims can’t enter the main prayer hall, but you can still appreciate the university’s beauty from the courtyard or nearby viewpoints.
5) See the Chouara Tannery
The Chouara Tannery is the oldest and largest leather tannery in Fes, where traditional leather-making methods have been used for nearly 1,000 years.
Being here feels like stepping back in time. Stone vats filled with natural dyes sit beneath the open sky, while workers stand waist-deep in the mixtures, carefully treating each hide by hand using techniques passed down through generations.
The mix of vibrant colors, textures, and the earthy, unmistakable scent creates a sensory experience I won’t forget. Seeing the process up close gave me a new appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Moroccan leather goods.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring, watching the process, and soaking in the atmosphere. Always ask before photographing workers, and respect their space to ensure a more authentic and enjoyable experience.
Pro-Tip: For the best perspective and photos, head to one of the nearby rooftops overlooking the vats. The smell can be strong, so carrying fresh mint leaves helps. If you want to purchase leather goods, remember that polite bargaining is part of the tradition.
6) Shop Traditional Moroccan Ceramics
Art Naji is a ceramic pottery shop and factory, and visiting it was one of the highlights of my Fes trip. Throughout my time in Morocco, I saw exquisite ceramic work everywhere, but being at the factory and watching these masterpieces come to life by hand was something special.
For travelers, visiting a ceramic workshop offers deeper insight into Morocco’s artistic heritage while supporting artisans who continue these traditions by hand.
Every step of the process, from cutting tiles to chipping mosaics and painting intricate designs, is done without machines, which gave me an even deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication of the artisans. Fes’ distinctive blue and green patterns really shine here, and seeing them created in real time is mesmerizing.
Look for handmade details, such as slight imperfections or unique brushstrokes, when buying. Polite bargaining is expected, and asking about the process often reveals fascinating stories. The factory also offers excellent photo opportunities of the artisans and their colorful creations.
Pro-Tip: Spend around 30 minutes here to enjoy the experience fully, and consider combining this visit with other Moroccan craft experiences, such as exploring traditional rugs, leatherwork, or other artisan workshops in Fes.
7) Try Local Food and Street Experiences in Fes
One of the best ways to experience Fes is through its vibrant food scene. Must-try dishes include tagine, pastilla, and a variety of sweet Moroccan pastries like chebakia and ghriba. On my visit, stopping for mint tea between exploring the medina became a daily ritual.
For travelers, food is one of the most accessible ways to connect with Fes’s culture, offering insight into daily routines, traditions, and hospitality.
For a truly local experience, stop by Cafe Clock, a lively spot known for its camel burger and fresh mint tea, or Riad Rcif’s restaurant, where you can savor traditional tagines in a beautiful courtyard setting. Wandering through the medina, you’ll also find street vendors selling warm, flaky pastries and spiced snacks that are perfect for tasting on the go.
For a deeper dive, join a guided food tour or a cooking class to discover hidden culinary gems and learn how to make your favorite Moroccan dishes yourself.
Pro-Tip: When sampling street food, stick to busy stalls, follow basic hygiene precautions, and consider any dietary restrictions. Don’t be shy to ask vendors about ingredients or preparation since it’s all part of the local charm and learning experience.
8) Relax at a Traditional Hammam
A traditional hammam is a communal Moroccan bathhouse where locals go to cleanse, relax, and socialize, making it one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Fes.
Visiting a hammam is a centuries-old ritual in Moroccan life, and it offers a deeper connection to local customs beyond sightseeing. Public hammams provide a glimpse into everyday life, while private hammams in riads or hotels offer a quieter, more personalized experience.
The experience typically involves hot steam rooms, exfoliating scrubs, and time to unwind, leaving you feeling both refreshed and grounded in local tradition.
Pro-Tip: The best time to visit is mid-morning when the hammams are less crowded. Bring a towel, flip-flops, and your own toiletries if you prefer. To ensure an authentic experience, look for well-reviewed traditional hammams rather than tourist-only options.
9) Stay in a Riad with a Rooftop View
Staying in a traditional riad is one of the most memorable things to do in Fes, offering a peaceful retreat above the medina’s energy.
One of my favorite moments in Fes was watching the sunrise from a riad rooftop. As the city slowly came to life, rooftops, minarets, and winding alleys glowed in soft morning light, creating a calm contrast to the busy streets below.
Where to Stay in Fes (Top Riad Recommendations)
Staying in a traditional riad is one of the best ways to experience Fes, especially for first-time visitors. These riad recommendations are well-located for exploring the medina while offering a calm retreat from the city’s energy.
📍 Best Budget Spot: Riad Rasia
Nestled in the heart of Fes el-Bali, it offers a prime location that’s quiet enough to relax yet a short walk from the city’s main sights. With rooftop terrace breakfasts, spotless rooms, and excellent value, it’s a smart choice for budget-savvy travelers seeking an authentic Fes stay.
📍 Best Mid-Range Spot: Riad Rcif
This beautiful riad combines historic charm with modern comfort, featuring hand‑carved doors, zellige tilework, and a serene courtyard. Its rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of the medina, and the on‑site hammam provides a relaxing, authentic experience.
📍 Best Luxury Spot: Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux
This lavish getaway is housed in a beautifully restored 14th‑century palace where traditional Moroccan artistry meets refined comfort. From its rooftop terrace that overlooks the medina and mountains to its serene spa and hammam retreat, it offers an elevated experience of Fes’s heritage.
How to Get to Fes
Getting to Fes is straightforward, whether you’re arriving from another Moroccan city or flying in from abroad. These options outline the easiest and most reliable ways to reach the city based on budget, comfort, and travel style.
Fly into Fes (FEZ)
Fes is served by Fes–Saïss Airport (FEZ), which has regular domestic connections and seasonal international flights. Royal Air Maroc, low-cost carriers and several European airlines operate routes into FEZ, so flying is the quickest option if you’re coming from Casablanca, Marrakech, or Europe.
By Train: Comfortable and Scenic
Morocco’s national rail operator (ONCF) runs frequent, comfortable trains to Fes from major cities. The Casablanca–Fes route is fast and convenient (around 3 hours 40 minutes on typical services), making trains a great choice for travelers who want speed and comfort.
From Marrakech you can catch a direct train to Fes in roughly 6.5–7 hours, a longer trip but scenic and relaxing if you prefer rail travel. Book ONCF tickets in advance for the best seats.
By Bus: Reliable and Budget Friendly
Intercity bus operators such as CTM and Supratours connect Fes with Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier and beyond. Buses are a wallet-friendly option and usually reliable.
Journey times vary by route, for example Marrakech–Fes by bus can take 7–10 hours depending on service and stops. For long overnight hops, a comfortable coach can be a sensible choice.
Private Transfer or Driving
If you’re traveling with luggage or a group, a private transfer from the airport or between cities adds convenience and reduces stress navigating big stations. Driving gives flexibility to stop at towns like Meknes or Volubilis on the way, but be aware that medina streets in Fes are narrow and parking near the old city can be tricky.
Local Arrivals: Airport and Station Transfers
From Fes–Saïss Airport, you can take an official airport taxi or a pre-booked transfer into the medina; travel time is roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Trains arrive at Fes-Ville station, a short taxi ride from the medina gates. Always agree taxi fares up front for airport taxis or ensure the meter is used.
Pro-Tip: Keep copies of booking confirmations and allow extra time between connections. Moroccan transport is generally reliable but delays can happen.
Things to Do in Fes – FAQs
These frequently asked questions cover what travelers most want to know before visiting Fes, from safety and timing to whether a guide is worth it. Each answer is designed to help you plan confidently and decide which experience makes the most sense for your trip.
Is Fes worth visiting?
Yes, Fes is absolutely worth visiting, especially for travelers interested in history, culture, and traditional Moroccan life. It’s one of the country’s oldest cities and offers a more immersive experience than larger, more modern destinations.
How many days should you spend in Fes?
Most travelers should spend 2–3 days in Fes to explore the medina, visit key landmarks, and enjoy the city without rushing. A guided tour can help maximize time.
Do you need a guide in the Fes medina?
While not required, hiring a local guide is highly recommended. The medina is vast and maze-like, and a guide provides cultural context while helping you navigate confidently.
Is Fes safe for tourists?
Fes is generally safe for tourists, including solo travelers. As with any busy city, staying aware of your surroundings and respecting local customs goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Fes
The best things to do in Fes reward travelers who slow down and engage with the city beyond the surface. From wandering the ancient medina to witnessing artisan traditions and everyday life unfold, Fes offers an experience that feels deeply rooted, layered, and unforgettable.
After spending time exploring Fes at a more intentional pace, I came to appreciate how much the city gives back when you approach it with curiosity and patience. Whether you’re visiting for a day or staying several nights, these things to do in Fes create meaningful moments in Morocco.
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