Fes Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Fes is Morocco's oldest imperial city and its cultural and spiritual heart. Home to a UNESCO-listed medieval medina, historic madrasas and the famous tanneries, it offers one of the most authentic city experiences in the country. Here's how to explore it.
Explore Fes el-Bali
The old walled city is the world's largest car-free urban area, a maze of thousands of lanes. A local guide is invaluable for navigating it and understanding its history and crafts.
Visit the tanneries
The Chouara tannery is Fes's most iconic sight, where leather is still dyed in stone vats using centuries-old methods. View it from the surrounding leather shops' terraces.
See the madrasas and gates
Don't miss the intricate Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, and the grand blue gate of Bab Bou Jeloud. The Al-Qarawiyyin is among the world's oldest universities.
Shop for crafts
Fes is renowned for artisan work — leather, ceramics, brass and traditional blue-and-white pottery. Watch craftspeople at work in their workshops.
Day trips from Fes
Use Fes as a base for the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the holy town of Moulay Idriss, or the start of a Sahara Desert tour toward Merzouga.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Fes?
Two days lets you explore the medina thoroughly and add a day trip. One full day is enough for the main highlights if time is short.
Is Fes or Marrakech better?
Marrakech is livelier and more tourist-focused; Fes feels more traditional and authentic. Many travelers visit both, connected by a desert tour.
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