Fes

Fes Travel Guide

Morocco's oldest imperial city and home to Fes el Bali, the world's largest car-free urban area. Its labyrinthine medina, with over 9,000 alleyways, preserves millennia-old leather dyeing workshops (tanneries), the Karaouine University (the world's first university), and exquisite zellige tilework. Less commercialized than Marrakech, Fes offers the most authentic traditional Moroccan experience. It's also a culinary destination - the birthplace of pastilla and refined tagines.

Essential Fes Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Fes

★ 4.5

Chouara Tannery

Chouara Tannery is the largest leather dyeing workshop in the Fes medina and the world's oldest, operating the same way since the 11th century for over 1,000 years. Hundreds of stone vats filled with natural dyes - saffron, indigo, henna, poppy - are used to color cow, sheep, and camel hides, creating a scene that seems frozen in medieval times. Leather shop terraces surrounding the tannery offer panoramic views, and it's tradition to hold a sprig of mint to your nose because of the strong smell. Terrace access is free, though shops will encourage leather purchases. About 20 minutes on foot from the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud).

HoursDaily 08:00-19:00 (except Friday mornings)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsVisit in the morning to see artisans at work. Shop staff will guide you to terraces for photos. Always bargain when buying leather goods - 30-50% of the asking price is a fair target.

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★ 4.6

Bou Inania Madrasa

Bou Inania Madrasa was built between 1351 and 1356 by Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris and is the only religious building in Fes where non-Muslims can view the interior. Its layered composition of intricate zellige mosaic tile, stucco arabesque carvings, and cedarwood latticework is considered the pinnacle of Moroccan Islamic architecture. The central courtyard's marble fountain contrasts with green roof tiles, and remains of a clepsydra (water clock) survive. Admission MAD 30. About 3 minutes on foot from Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate).

HoursDaily 09:00-18:00 (closed during prayer times)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsRight next to the Blue Gate, it makes a perfect first stop for medina exploration. The interior is compact - 10-20 minutes is enough. Look closely at the tile details.

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★ 4.4

Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)

Built in 1913, Bab Boujloud is the main entrance to the Fes el Bali medina and the city's most iconic landmark. The inner face is decorated in Fes's signature cobalt blue tile, while the outer face wears green tile, Islam's symbolic color. Passing through it launches you into the maze of the world's largest car-free urban zone. Cafes and restaurants line the square outside, making it a good place to rest before or after exploring the medina, and the first glimpse through the gate leaves a lasting impression. Free entry. About 10 minutes by taxi from the new city.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsSip mint tea on a cafe terrace in front of the gate while admiring it. Hiring a guide here makes medina navigation much easier (half-day about MAD 200-400).

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★ 4.6

Al-Attarine Madrasa

Al-Attarine Madrasa is a 14th-century Islamic college founded in 1325 by Marinid sultan Abu Said Uthman II, tucked into the spice-selling Attarine souk. Compact in size but dazzling in detail, it gathers the essence of Marinid architecture - polychrome zellige tile, fine stucco muqarnas, and meticulously carved cedarwood ceilings - around a small courtyard. From the rooftop you can look across to the neighboring Karaouine Mosque and university, with sweeping views of the medina. Admission MAD 20. Next to the Karaouine University.

HoursDaily 09:00-18:00 (closed during prayer times)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsNon-Muslims can't enter the Karaouine Mosque, but Al-Attarine's roof offers a peek into its courtyard. It sits on the way to Chouara Tannery for an easy combination.

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★ 4.5

Karaouine University (Al-Qarawiyyin)

Al-Qarawiyyin was founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, a woman from Tunisia, and is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the world's oldest existing degree-granting institution. The complex combines a mosque and university; while the prayer hall is closed to non-Muslims, you can glimpse its ornate courtyard from the Al-Attarine Madrasa rooftop or the library entrance. Restored in 2016, its library preserves over 4,000 rare manuscripts dating from the 9th century. Set in the heart of the Fes medina, it pairs well with a stroll through the surrounding alleys. Free to view from outside. Center of the medina.

HoursExterior 24 hours (nearby cafes recommended outside prayer)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsNon-Muslims cannot enter the mosque - view it from the Al-Attarine rooftop or nearby cafe terraces. A guide helps decode the library exterior and the seven gates.

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★ 4.4

Merenid Tombs

The Merenid Tombs are the ruined hilltop mausoleums of 14th-century Marinid sultans on the slopes north of the Fes medina. The tombs themselves are mostly crumbled, but the hilltop position offers the city's best overlook of all of Fes el Bali spread out below. At dusk, when the muezzin's call fills the medina, watching the sunset from here is one of the most memorable experiences in Fes. Free entry. Northern outskirts, about 10 minutes by taxi or 30 minutes on foot from the Blue Gate.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsArrive about an hour before sunset and stay through to dusk. Don't walk back after dark - arrange a taxi pickup in advance.

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★ 4.3

Dar Batha Museum

Dar Batha Museum occupies a late 19th-century summer palace built by Alaouite sultan Moulay Hassan and showcases the depth of Fes's traditional crafts. Its most celebrated pieces are Fes blue pottery and finely woven Berber carpets, alongside medals, weapons, coins, embroidery, and leatherwork spanning the 11th to 19th centuries. Equally remarkable is the Andalusian-style garden, where a huge fig tree provides shaded rest. Between Bab Boujloud and the medina, it makes an easy quick stop. Admission MAD 20. Five minutes on foot from Bab Boujloud.

HoursWed-Mon 09:00-17:00 (closed Tuesdays)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsThe cool garden is a welcome refuge when the medina gets overwhelming. The museum itself is small - 30-45 minutes is enough.

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★ 4.5

Royal Palace of Fez (Dar al-Makhzen)

Dar al-Makhzen, the Royal Palace, was first built in the 14th century under the Marinid dynasty and expanded by successive rulers; it remains in use today for royal ceremonies. The public cannot enter, but the plaza in front, lined with seven massive gilded brass doors (Bab Dakakin) crafted by artisans in the 1960s-70s, is one of Fez's most photogenic spots. The doors, combining intricate zellige tile with carved brass ornamentation, are considered a modern masterpiece continuing Marinid architectural tradition. The open plaza in front offers plenty of room to frame the full gate in a photo. Free to view from outside. Near the Mellah district.

HoursExterior viewable 24 hours (interior closed to the public)

LocationFes Jdid, Fes

TipsMorning light falls softly on the brass doors for the best photos. Guards in formal dress may pose for photos - respond politely whether you accept or decline.

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★ 4.3

Mellah of Fez

The Mellah of Fez was established around 1438 by the Marinid dynasty next to the royal palace as Morocco's first dedicated Jewish quarter, later becoming the model for mellahs across Moroccan cities. Unlike the Islamic medina, its buildings feature balconies projecting onto the street, since Jewish homes opened toward the street rather than being centered on an inner courtyard. The Jewish community, once a significant share of Fez's population, mostly emigrated to Israel and France by the mid-20th century, but the narrow lanes and old synagogue buildings remain, offering a valuable window into Moroccan Jewish history. Free entry. Near the Royal Palace, within walking distance of the Ibn Danan Synagogue.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationFes Jdid, Fes

TipsLook out for the distinctive balcony architecture as you walk through. Combine with the Ibn Danan Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery for a deeper historical picture.

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★ 4.4

Ibn Danan Synagogue

The Ibn Danan Synagogue, built in the 17th century and restored several times since, is a leading example of the Mellah's synagogues and one of the few sites to fully preserve Moroccan-Jewish architectural style. Blue-and-white tiled interiors, a wooden Torah ark, and a subterranean mikveh (ritual bath) survive, and a major UNESCO-supported restoration was completed in 1999. No regular services are held today, but it is preserved as a cultural heritage site honoring Fez's Jewish community, and the rooftop offers a view over the Mellah. Admission about MAD 20 (donation). Tucked in the alleys of the Fez Mellah.

HoursSun-Fri 09:00-17:00 (closed Saturdays, hours vary)

LocationMellah, Fes

TipsAsk the caretaker and they may show you down to the mikveh below. It's safest to confirm opening hours with your riad or guide before visiting.

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★ 4.5

Funduq al-Najjarin (Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts)

Built in 1711 as a funduq - a caravanserai combining inn, warehouse, and trading post - this three-story building around a central courtyard has housed the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts since 1998. Displays cover traditional carpentry, Quranic school furniture, musical instruments, and antique doors, showcasing the artistry of Fez's woodworking guild. The rooftop terrace cafe offers one of the best panoramic views over the medina's rooftops. Right outside stands the beautifully tiled Nejjarine Fountain, one of Fez's finest examples of public fountain architecture. Admission MAD 20. In the Nejjarine Square, near Al-Attarine Madrasa.

HoursDaily 10:00-19:00

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsThe rooftop cafe with mint tea and medina views is the highlight. Combine with Al-Attarine Madrasa and Karaouine University nearby.

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★ 4.2

Borj Nord

Borj Nord was built in 1582 by Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur on a hill north of Fez to defend and monitor the medina, and today functions as a museum of arms displaying weaponry gathered from across Morocco. Thousands of pieces span cannons, swords, and armor from the 8th to the 20th centuries, and the panoramic view of Fez el Bali from the fortress ramparts ranks alongside the Merenid Tombs as one of the city's best viewpoints. It pairs well with the nearby Kasbah Cherarda, an 18th-century garrison fortress. Admission MAD 20. About 10 minutes by taxi from the medina.

HoursWed-Mon 09:00-17:00 (closed Tuesdays)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsIt's close to the Merenid Tombs - pair the two before sunset. The arms collection showcases fine craftsmanship from across the Islamic world.

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★ 4.3

Mosque of the Andalusians

The Mosque of the Andalusians was founded in 859 by the community of Andalusian immigrants from Cordoba, the same year as the Karaouine, and has anchored the 'Andalusian quarter' east of the Fez River ever since. In the 14th century, Marinid sultan Abu al-Hasan added the grand portal and minaret that give it its present-day grandeur. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the massive main gate (Bab al-Makhzen), decorated with intricately carved cedar and stucco, is a Marinid architectural masterpiece appreciable from outside alone. With fewer tourists than the Karaouine district, it offers a quieter place to explore. Free to view from outside. Andalusian quarter east of the Fez River.

HoursExterior 24 hours (visit outside prayer times)

LocationAndalusian Quarter, Fes

TipsQuieter than the Karaouine district, it's a good place to observe everyday local life. Take time to examine the carved details of the main gate up close.

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★ 4.4

Jnan Sbil Gardens

Jnan Sbil Gardens were laid out in 1873 by Alaouite sultan Moulay Hassan between the royal palace and the medina, blending Andalusian landscaping with the European-style garden design introduced during the French protectorate era. Bamboo groves, lily ponds, fountains, and century-old trees offer cool shade in the heart of the city, drawing locals for morning and evening walks and jogs. Reopened after a major restoration in 2010, the gardens include a small on-site cafe for a break. A welcome escape from the medina's noise and crowds. Free entry. About 10 minutes on foot from Bab Boujloud.

HoursTue-Sun 08:00-18:00 (closed Mondays, extended hours in summer)

LocationFes Jdid, Fes

TipsVisit early morning or late afternoon to stroll alongside locals out for a jog. Pairs well with a visit to the Dar Batha Museum.

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★ 4.5

Zawiya of Moulay Idris II

The Zawiya of Moulay Idris II honors Moulay Idris II, who founded Fez around 809 CE, and was built on the site where his remains were discovered in 1437. It is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Moroccans, with a tradition of pregnant women and travelers seeking blessings before a journey. Non-Muslims cannot enter the inner burial chamber, but from beyond the wooden barrier poles marking the boundary, visitors can admire the richly decorated entrance, green roof, and intricate zellige tile. The surrounding alleys are designated a sacred zone off-limits to vehicles and donkeys, preserving a purified space for pilgrims before prayer. Free to view from outside. Near Karaouine University.

HoursExterior 24 hours (visit outside prayer times)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsBe careful not to cross the wooden barrier poles. It's respectful to observe quietly and honor the reverent atmosphere of pilgrims.

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★ 4.3

Place Seffarine

Place Seffarine is a small triangular square shaded by fig trees right beside Karaouine University, ringed for centuries by workshops of artisans hammering copper and brass into pots, trays, and lamps. The rhythmic clang of hammer on metal echoes across the square, and finished pieces gleam in front of every shop. On one side stands the library annex of Karaouine University, one of the world's oldest institutions of higher learning, letting visitors feel how scholarship and craftsmanship have coexisted here for centuries. Free entry. Between Karaouine University and Al-Attarine Madrasa.

HoursMon-Sat 09:00-19:00 (some shops closed Friday mornings)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsVisit in the morning to see artisans actually at work. Sit at a cafe terrace on the square and take in the rhythm of the hammers.

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★ 4.6

Volubilis

Volubilis has been inhabited since the 3rd century BCE and flourished as a Roman provincial city from around 40 CE, making it one of the best-preserved Roman sites in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. A triumphal arch, Capitoline temple, and basilica survive among the ruins, and the remarkably vivid mosaic floors depicting scenes of Orpheus and hunting are a particular marvel, their colors still vibrant. About 1 hour 30 minutes from Fez, it is often paired with nearby Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the birthplace of the Idrisid dynasty, for a full-day tour. Admission MAD 70. About 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Fez.

HoursDaily 08:30-18:00 (until 19:00 in summer)

LocationMoulay Idriss Zerhoun area, near Meknes

TipsThere's almost no shade - bring a hat and water, and visit early. Combining it with Moulay Idriss Zerhoun makes for an efficient day tour.

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★ 4.1

Borj Sud

Like Borj Nord, Borj Sud was built in 1587 by Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur to defend the medina from the south. It is less developed and has not been converted into a museum, which means far fewer tourists and a quiet, hidden viewpoint over all of Fez el Bali and the Atlas foothills to the south. The path up is somewhat steep and unpaved, so wear comfortable shoes, and it's also a quiet spot where locals come to walk or reflect. Free entry (exterior only). About 15 minutes by taxi from the medina.

HoursOpen 24 hours (exterior only)

LocationFes el Bali, Fes

TipsFar quieter than Borj Nord - a great choice if you want a peaceful sunset view. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

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Things to Do in Fes

Tour

Tannery Workshop Tour

Visit the 1,000-year-old Chouara Tannery to watch leather dyeing with natural pigments and see artisans at work in surrounding workshops. Hold mint leaves to your nose as tradition dictates.

Price Free (terrace; leather purchases encouraged)Duration About 1-1.5 hours

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Culture

Moroccan Mint Tea Ceremony

Experience a Moroccan mint tea ceremony at a traditional Fes riad. Learn the art of pouring tea from a height and enjoy Moroccan pastries in a warm Arab hospitality setting.

Price MAD 50-150Duration About 30 min-1 hour

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Tour

Medina Maze Guided Tour

Explore the world largest car-free urban zone with a local guide through 9,000+ alleys. Visit Karaouine University, Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Blue Gate.

Price Half-day guide MAD 200-400Duration About 3-4 hours

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Culture

Pottery Workshop

Visit a pottery workshop on the outskirts of Fes to watch the city's signature blue ceramics and zellige tiles being made, and try the wheel yourself for about 2 hours. Pairs well with Dar Batha Museum's Fes Blue collection.

Price MAD 150-350Duration About 2 hours

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Culture

Pastilla Cooking Class

A 4-hour cooking class with a riad chef making Fes's signature pastilla and a tagine from scratch. Includes a guided market tour to source spices and ingredients in the medina.

Price MAD 500-1,000Duration About 4 hours

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Nature

Merenid Tombs Sunset Tour

A short 2-hour tour climbing to the Merenid Tombs hill north of the medina an hour before sunset, to watch the sun drop over all of Fes el Bali. The moment the muezzin's call fills the medina is the highlight.

Price MAD 150-300 (guide and transport)Duration About 2 hours

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Must-Try Food in Fes

Pastilla (B'stilla)

🍱 Traditional

A Fes specialty pie of pigeon (or chicken) with almonds, cinnamon, and sugar wrapped in crispy filo pastry. The sweet-savory blend is unique. MAD 50-120 per serving. The Ruined Garden and Dar Roumana in the medina are renowned.

Harira

🍱 Traditional

A Moroccan soup of tomatoes, lentils, and chickpeas - the traditional first food eaten to break the Ramadan fast. MAD 10-25. Available at stalls and local restaurants throughout the medina.

Chebakia

🍰 Dessert

Flower-shaped fried pastry coated in sesame seeds and soaked in honey - a traditional Moroccan treat especially popular during Ramadan. MAD 20-40 per bag. Available at medina bakeries and shops near Bab Boujloud.

Fes-Style Tagine

🍱 Traditional

A refined Fes tagine of lamb with prunes, almonds, cinnamon, and saffron - sweeter and more aromatic than the Marrakech style. MAD 70-150 per serving. Try Dar Hatim or Cafe Clock.

Maakouda

🍢 Street Food

Spiced mashed potato cakes deep-fried until crisp - a beloved Moroccan street snack often served in a bread sandwich. MAD 3-10 each. Try them fresh from the Bab Boujloud stalls.

Bissara (Fava Bean Soup)

🍱 Traditional

Smooth pureed fava bean soup finished with olive oil, cumin, and chili - the classic working-man's breakfast in Fes. MAD 8-15 per bowl. Eat it with bread at small medina eateries.

Moroccan Mint Tea

🍵 Drink

Morocco's national drink - green tea brewed with fresh mint and plenty of sugar, served especially strong and sweet in Fes cafes. MAD 10-25 per glass. Cafe Clock and Nagham Cafe are favorites.

Fes Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Fes?

March-May and September-November are best. Summers (June-August) can exceed 40°C.

How much does it cost to travel in Fes?

Daily budget around $35-85 (lodging $20-50; food $7-20; transport and shopping $7-20).

How do I get around in Fes?

About 2 hours 50 minutes from Casablanca by high-speed train (Al Boraq), or 7 hours from Marrakech by ONCF train. Fes-Saiss Airport is about 20 minutes by taxi to the city center. Walk inside the medina; use petit taxis outside it. SIM cards (Maroc Telecom, Inwi) available at the airport (MAD 30-100). Cash (dirhams) essential in the medina; cards accepted outside the old town. Restaurant tipping 10-15%.

Do I need a visa to visit Fes?

Korean passport holders may stay visa-free for up to 90 days.

Is Fes safe for tourists?

Less touristy than Marrakech but touts still operate. Getting lost in the medina is very easy, so hiring a guide is strongly recommended.

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