Away With The Steiners

10 Unique things to do in Fes, Morocco. 

Sarah Steiner

Welcome to the incredible historical and cultural city of Fes, Morocco!  If you are considering adding the Rif Mountain region of North Morocco to your itinerary there are plenty of unique things to do in Fes, Morocco that are truly a sight to behold and explore. 

The old city of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with iconic architecture.  Or there is the bustle and energy of the vibrant souks that make you feel like you really have been transported back in time.  

It is a great destination in Morocco to experience the history and culture.

Here is everything you need to know about visiting the city including what to see, where to eat and stay and all about the best things to do in Fes, Morocco.

A little bit about Fes, Morocco 

Fes (also spelled Fez) is the oldest city in Morocco and was the first capital of the country.  The history of the city of Fes dates to the 9th century. 

Today it is the second most touristic city in the country after Marrakech.  

For visitors, it is an incredible experience to wander the historic city that in many places feels largely as it might be unchanged for centuries.  

Fes comprises of three main areas. The medina is the Old City and is the iconic maze of winding streets and alleyways. Mellah or the Middle Town is the Jewish Quarter, and the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) continues to develop today.

The medina is known as Fes el Bali. It is one of the best-preserved old towns of the Islamic world, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A brief history of Fes and the Rif Mountain region of Morocco

The city of Fes is often referred to as the ‘cultural capital’ of Morocco.  

The history of Quranic scholarship spans over a millennium since its founding in the 9th century by Idris.  

Fes fast become a centre of Islamic learning and culture before becoming a centre of prosperity and influence in the 12th to 14th centuries and the medieval age.

Exploring the Medina things to do in Fes Morocco.
The incredible labyrinth of laneways in the pedestrian-only old city is an adventure on its own.

What is it like to visit at a tourist?

Today, Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest pedestrian or car-free urban areas in the world. 

It really does feel like a city with a perpetually prolonged past that is a privilege to experience as a traveller. 

With its deep connection to Morocco history and Islam, it is one of the best places to visit in Morocco. 

What is the best time of year to visit Fes and Morocco?  

The best time to visit Fes is in the shoulder seasons of tourism and weather.  

March to May or September to November are beautifully warm and sunny but without being too hot during the day. 

The winter in Morocco is typically December to February. Although the daytime temperature can still be lovely.  At this time of year, the days are much shorter.  (Sometimes the sunrise is not until nearly 8:00am during winter in Morocco!). 

Many of the shops shut during Friday prayer time.

How long do you need to see all the best things to do in Fes, Morocco? 

Fes is one of those places where its uniqueness becomes instantly engrained in memory with even a short visit well worthwhile. 

I suggest two nights in Fes. You need at least one complete full day to explore the old city, Ville Nouvelle and Mellah area.  

With two days in Fes, you can see all the highlights of the historic old city and new city too. 

Is it safe to visit Fes? 

Fes is generally a safe destination for travellers.  We didn’t feel unsafe or concerned.   

As always it pays to be aware of your surroundings.  Especially take care in the ultra-busy and crowded areas of the old city, as petty crime or pickpocketing can happen anywhere in the world. 

Make sure to adhere to and respect the local culture and customs.  Fes is more conservative than other cities of Morocco, despite having a big tourist presence. 

Of course, there are the usual touts and hawkers, but Fes is a friendly city.  It does after all have a history of welcoming travellers that dates back literally centuries!   

Narrow laneways and the perpetual feeling of being a wee bit lost but happily so.

Do you recommend a guide or tour for the things to do in Fes, Morocco? 

We visited Fes independently and explored the medina and new town areas over three days the first time.  However, we’ve spent more than eight months travelling all over Morocco. 

If it is your first time in Morocco, I recommend considering a half-day or morning tour on your first day to see the key things to do in Fes with a guide. 

It is absolutely doable independently and especially as most of the things to do in Fes are within walking distance.  Though seeing the city with a guide makes for a completely different experience.  

It is pretty much a guarantee in Fes that you will be approached by numerous people on the street asking if you want a guide.  However, they may not be official or registered guides. 

The reality is countless people fancy themselves as a tour guide in Fes.  But especially if you have only a short time you will want to ensure you are getting the best value for money and it is worth paying for a registered – and well-reviewed – tour guide. 

Choosing the best things to do in Fes, Morocco

In no particular order, here are 10 things to do in Fes, Morocco. 

1. Fes el Bali / Medina – Things to do in Fes

Fes is home to the oldest medina in North Africa.  Known as Fes el Bali, the medina dates to the 9th century making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited walled cities.  It is estimated that around 600,000 people live within the old city walls. 

The main entrance is through Bab Bou Jeloud, a large gate featuring stunning blue tiles and horseshoe archways.  Though from there it is all about getting gloriously lost and embracing the maze!  

Talaa Kebira (which means ‘big slope’ and Talaa Seghira (‘small slope’) are the main arteries of the medina.  These are the major – and busiest – shopping streets.  Which from there lead outwards in a maze of narrows streets and traditional buildings. 

Inside the medina is the University of Al-Karaouine which is recorded as having been founded in the 859 AD.  The school is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. 

The labyrinth of narrow streets and busy pedestrian laneways is exciting to explore. 

Welcome to imperial Morocco by the way.
Tajines galore in the souk.

2. Bou Inania Madrasa

Among the top attractions in the medina of Fes is the Bou Inania Madrasa.  The Madrasa was built between 1351 and 1357 as a mosque and Quranic school.  It is unique of the many Madrasas in Fes as it is adjoined with the mosque.  

Today the mosque is still operational and open to Muslim visitors.  But as a non-Muslim it is possible to visit the Madrasa, and it is well worth seeing. 

The small rooms around the courtyard were used historically as classrooms while the top floor was for accommodation of the Madrasa students. 

3. Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II

This is the sacred tomb of Fes’ founder, Moulay Idriss II.  

It is considered one of the holiest shrines in Morocco.  Though thus the area outside the mausoleum shrine is humming with vendors selling candles and all sorts of spiritual paraphernalia.  

The mausoleum is open to Muslims 24-hours a day.  However, followers of other religions can only see it from the outside.  It is still one of the most famous things to do in Fes and it is worth a peep if only for checking out the hustle and bustle of the area surrounding this sacred shrine. 

Or you can admire it from further away.  It is one of the tallest minarets in the medina, meaning you can spot it from afar when exploring the surrounding streets.

4. Chouara Tannery – Fes, Morocco

This is one of the city’s largest tanneries and an iconic image of Fes.  Chouara Tannery has been in operation since the 16th century and is the oldest leather tannery in the world.  A visit here is a must. 

It was renovated in 2016 though still has the traditional and medieval atmosphere. 

Albeit the method of entering the tannery to view the pits field and colourful dyes does feel a bit unlikely.  To get up to the viewing terrace you need to find the small staircase which starts inside one of the many leather shops below.  

It is likely that you will be accosted boldly approached by some of the salesmen come hawkers in the medina nearby and invited.  Though in this case this really is the way to enter the tannery. 

The salespeople can explain the dyeing techniques of their work though of course they will expect a sale or tip in return. 

Views from above (with a mint leaf in hand) overlooking the iconic tanneries.
Chouara Tannery has been in operation since the 16th century and is the oldest leather tannery in the world

5. Place Seffarine

This is one of the iconic but small town squares in Fes and is home to one of the oldest libraries in the world.  If you have already been to Marrakech, this square is the equivalent of the busy Djemaa El Fna.  

Place Seffarine has been an important meeting point in the city since medieval times.  The square takes its name from the word Seffar which refers to the colours of the metals pounded by the Moroccan Jewish coppersmiths.  

It is filled now with copperware shops and artisans still pounding their wares right then and there. 

Jewellery and all kinds of souvenirs for sale lining the laneways to Place Saffarine.

6. Al Attarine Madrasa – Fes, Morocco

This is just around the corner from Place Saffrine and is another of the old Quranic schools in Fes.  Al Attarine Madrasa was established as a school in 1325 and is now one of the most visited landmarks in the city.  

It is stunning!  The designs along the walls are so intricate and the attention to detail is incredible.  

7. Mellah – Fes, Morocco

Considered holy by Arabs, Fes was the first Moroccan city to establish a mellah — Jewish quarter — in the 15th century, in response to southern Spain’s Jewish expulsion.  

Many of the Moroccan cities have a mellah, but none are as old or historic as Fes.  It’s here you’ll find the Aben Danan, a 17th-century synagogue built for the Jews who were pushed out of Spain at the time.

Fes el-Jdid became a refuge for the Jewish community and was originally home to 250,000 Jews.  The Mellah in Fes is full of history and Jewish-style architecture and is well worth a wander.

Leaving Fes el Bali headed for Mellah.

8. Ville Nouvelle (Fes New Town)

Ville Nouvelle is literally the ‘New Town’ and is a relatively modern central district of Fes. It was created by the French in the early 20th century, 

Fes el Jdid, or (new Fes) is much smaller than the old Fes (El Bali) or medina. The streets are wider, there are less tourist shops and you will pleasant eateries and modern amenities of the city. 

It is mix of French colonial architecture with bustling markets, though this is a part of the city that is conversely more local.  

I always believe that in visiting a new city to get a better feel of the culture it is worth stepping out of the touristic hub.  The Ville Nouveau is not as famous as the historic things to do in Fes, but it is great for a wander. 

9. Fes Moroccan Hammam

Hammams are traditional steam baths, incorporating elements of massage and scrubbing, that originated during the time of the Roman Empire and have been in use ever since.  If you haven’t yet tried a Moroccan hammam you are missing out! 

We have spent eight months travelling and exploring Morocco and I freely admit I got addicted to the Moroccan hammam routine! 

It is an amazing traditional and authentic Moroccan experience. Not to mention that it will leave you feeling fresher (and cleaner) than you have ever felt before. 

In Morocco, people of all classes go to the hammam usually once a week for hygiene and the social aspects too.  

In Fes there is a choice of local (and very local) hammams and touristic private spas too.  So it really depends what you are after and how courageous you are feeling to try something totally new.  (Which we absolutely recommend you do!). 

In Fes, Hammam Mernissi is located in the medina and is the best authentically Moroccan experience. 

A man restocking the hammam fire with wood.

10. Al Aachabin Food Market – Fes, Morocco

Because Fes was the first Moroccan city to establish a Mellah (Jewish Quarter) the food today has influence like a melting pot of culture itself.  

This ancient mixing of cultures is at least partly responsible for Fez’s reputation as the birthplace of many of Morocco’s signature dishes — pastillas and tagines among them.  

You can find those dishes in any of the tourist-focused restaurants.  But one of the best things to do in Fes (in our taste-expert opinion) is to wander the medina and try the street food. 

Head towards the Al Aachabin food sections of the El Bali Medina.

Barbecued meats marinated in spices are served as a sandwich.  Or if you haven’t tried Babouche (snails) this is one of the most popular street foods in Morocco!  

Olives are aplenty and there are a multitude of flaky pastries and Moroccan sweets in literally lines of stalls inside the medina. 

M’smen flatbreads with Amlou (nut butter).
Pastries and sticky delicious Chebakiya inside the Medina food streets.
More pastries (some traditional and some otherwise).

Other things to do in Fes, Morocco

There are plenty of things to do in Fes, Morocco including day trips and tours just out of the city.

A day trip to the historic city of Vollubilis is well worth it from Fes.

Getting there

Fes is one of the main imperial cities of Morocco and it is a major tourist destination.  Thus it is well connected from all directions.

The Fes Sais International Airport is about 13km from the city.  There are regular domestic flights and international flights from Europe and North Africa.  

You can travel by train to Fes.  The main railway station is the Fes-Ville Station which has regular daily connections to Casablanca, Tangier and Rabat.  

To get to Fes from Marrakech by rail the train connects with stops in Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes. 

Fes is also well connected by a network of long-distance buses that run between major cities in Morocco.  Buses in Morocco are affordable and comfortable enough for a journey of a few hours.  The main companies for bus travel in Morocco are SupraTours and CTM.  

It is easy to book the SupraTours bus online.

Getting around in Fes

Once you’re there, the main things to do in Fes are within walkable distance in the city.  To explore outside of Fes, the best way to get around is to rent a car. 

Where to eat / Restaurants in Fes, Morocco

Fes is one of our favourite Moroccan cities for cheap local eats.  There are designated ‘food streets’ in the medina with food markets, sweets and pastries.  

Though there is an abundance of tourist-friendly restaurants and cafes in Fes offering the typical Moroccan fare of Tagines and couscous along with fusion-dishes and more. 

And did I mention the fabulous street food of Fes?  Just head for the smells wafting through the medina! 

Breads before our meal at La Cave.

Where to stay / Accommodation in Fes, Morocco

For an authentic Moroccan experience, I would recommend taking the opportunity to stay in a traditional riad in Fes. Most riads are in the Medina or the nearby Mellah neighbourhood. 

More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond

These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel. 

Exit mobile version