Fes, one of Morocco's ancient imperial cities, serves as the country's cultural and spiritual heart, drawing visitors into its UNESCO World Heritage medina. This bustling Fes el Bali, recognized as the world's largest car-free urban area, offers a journey through a labyrinth of narrow alleys revealing historic madrasas, vibrant souks, and ancient tanneries, showcasing traditional Moroccan life and craftsmanship.
While Fes is not a primary party destination, the medina itself is the focal point for interaction and experiencing local daily life. Observing the lively atmosphere of places like Seffarine Square, where artisans work, provides an authentic social experience. Many riads also offer inviting communal courtyards and rooftop terraces, serving as tranquil spaces to relax and occasionally connect with other travelers while enjoying panoramic city views.
Top 7 Things to do in Fes
Fes offers a deep dive into historical and cultural experiences, primarily centered around its ancient medina and traditional crafts.
1. Explore Fes el Bali Medina
Stepping into Fes el Bali is like entering a living museum. Its labyrinthine alleys, recognized as the world's largest car-free urban area, invite endless exploration. Wander through the bustling souks, where vibrant spices and handcrafted goods create an immersive sensory experience. It is easy to get lost, which can be part of the adventure; embracing this helps one appreciate the medina's authentic, centuries-old daily life. Hiring a local guide for at least the first day is highly recommended to navigate its complex network of streets and uncover hidden gems, ensuring a more enriching visit.
Cost: Exploring the medina itself is free. A licensed private guide typically costs around 200-300 MAD for a half-day tour, offering valuable historical context and navigation. Group walking tours can be around 100 MAD per person.
Transport: The medina is a pedestrian-only zone, best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are essential.
2. Visit Chouara Tannery
The Chouara Tannery is one of Fes's most iconic and oldest attractions, offering a unique glimpse into traditional leather processing that has remained unchanged for centuries. From a rooftop terrace of a surrounding leather shop, observe hundreds of earthen pits filled with vibrant dyes used to color animal skins. While the smell can be strong, shopkeepers often offer fresh mint leaves to help. It is worth seeing this active historical craft.
Cost: Entry to the tannery viewpoint from leather shops is technically free, but a small tip (20-50 MAD per person) for the shop owner is expected, or consider purchasing a leather item. Be cautious of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment.
Transport: The tannery is located within Fes el Bali medina. It is a 20-25 minute walk from Bab Bou Jeloud. Navigating independently can be challenging, so a map or a guide is helpful.
3. Admire Al-Attarine Madrasa and Bou Inania Madrasa
These two madrasas, or historic Islamic schools, are exquisite examples of Marinid architecture and a testament to Fes's scholarly past. Al-Attarine Madrasa, known for its serene ambiance, features stunning tilework and intricate carvings. Bou Inania Madrasa, the grandest in the city, showcases magnificent marble courtyards, detailed wood carvings, and vibrant mosaic tilework. Entering these spaces allows one to appreciate the intricate artistry and peaceful scholarly atmosphere.
Cost: Entrance fees for each madrasa are typically around 20 MAD (approximately 2 euros).
Transport: Both madrasas are centrally located within the Fes el Bali medina and are easily accessible on foot. Al-Attarine Madrasa is about a 15-minute walk from Bab Bou Jeloud.
4. Pass through Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate)
Bab Bou Jeloud, often referred to as the 'Blue Gate,' serves as a grand and iconic entrance to the Fes el Bali medina. Built in 1913, its distinctive blue and green zellij tilework makes it a striking architectural landmark and a popular spot for photographs. It is a bustling hub where the old city meets the new, offering an immediate sense of the medina's vibrant energy as one steps through its triple-arched structure.
Cost: Free to visit.
Transport: Located on the western flank of Fes el Bali, it is a key entry point and easily reachable by walking from nearby areas or by taxi from outside the medina.
5. Discover the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai (fondouk) known as Fondouk Nejjarine, this museum offers fascinating insights into Morocco's rich woodworking heritage. The collection includes intricately carved furniture, musical instruments, and traditional tools, showcasing the importance of wood in Moroccan art and daily life. A highlight is the museum's rooftop terrace, which provides panoramic views of the medina.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 20-25 MAD (around 2 euros).
Transport: The museum is located in Nejjarine Square within the Fes medina, making it easily accessible on foot from many other attractions.
6. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class
Engage with Moroccan culture through its cuisine by participating in a hands-on cooking class. Many classes begin with a visit to a local souk to select fresh ingredients, providing a sensory introduction to Moroccan spices and produce. Afterwards, learn to prepare traditional dishes like tagine and various salads under expert guidance. This experience offers a deeper understanding of local culinary traditions and allows one to recreate the flavors of Morocco back home.
Cost: Prices for cooking classes vary but typically range from 40-106 USD per person, often including a market visit and the meal.
Transport: Many cooking classes offer pick-up services or are located within or near the medina, making them accessible by walking or a short taxi ride.
7. Enjoy Sunset at the Marinid Tombs
Perched on a hill overlooking the medina, the ruins of the Marinid Tombs offer one of the best panoramic viewpoints of Fes. This spot is particularly popular at sunset, as the golden light bathes the sprawling ancient city below. It provides a peaceful escape from the bustling medina and a breathtaking perspective of Fes's vastness and intricate layout, making it an ideal location for photography.
Cost: Free to visit.
Transport: Located outside the main medina area. A taxi from just outside Bab Bou Jeloud or other medina exits typically costs around 20-30 MAD one way. Alternatively, it is a significant uphill walk (20-30 minutes from areas like Fes El Bali or Bou Inania Madrasa).
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
