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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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

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

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

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 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 KRW 50,000-120,000 (lodging 30,000-70,000; food 10,000-30,000; transport and shopping 10,000-30,000).

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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