Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, home to the largest living medieval medina in the world. Its walled old city, Fes el-Bali, is a maze of some 9,000 lanes filled with workshops, madrasas, mosques and markets that have changed little in centuries.
It's a place to slow down, get pleasantly lost, and watch traditional crafts being made by hand. Here are the best things to do in Fes.
Top Things to Do in Fes
Explore Fes el-Bali Medina
The heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fes el-Bali is a labyrinth of narrow, car-free alleys. Getting lost here is part of the magic — follow the flow of people, and you'll always find your way back to a landmark.
Visit the Chouara Tanneries
Fes's most famous sight, these centuries-old leather tanneries are best viewed from the surrounding leather-shop terraces. You'll be handed a sprig of mint to soften the smell as you watch workers dye hides in honeycomb vats of colour.
Admire the Bou Inania Madrasa
One of the few religious buildings in Fes open to non-Muslims, this 14th-century Marinid college is a jewel of carved cedar, stucco and zellij tilework arranged around a marble courtyard.
See the Al-Qarawiyyin
Founded in 859, Al-Qarawiyyin is often cited as the world's oldest existing university. Non-Muslims can't enter the mosque, but you can glimpse its beautiful courtyard from the gates and admire the restored library nearby.
Pass Through Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate)
The ornate blue-and-green tiled gate is the grand entrance to the medina and a classic Fes photo spot. Beyond it, two of the old city's main thoroughfares begin.
Discover the Nejjarine Museum & Fountain
The beautifully restored Nejjarine fondouk (former merchants' inn) houses a museum of wooden arts and crafts, beside one of the city's most elegant tiled fountains.
Shop the Artisan Souks
Fes is Morocco's craft capital. Watch coppersmiths at work in Seffarine Square, browse ceramics and zellij, and visit weaving and leather cooperatives to see traditional techniques up close.
Explore the Mellah & Jewish Heritage
The historic Jewish quarter (Mellah) features distinctive balconied architecture, the Ibn Danan Synagogue and an old cemetery — a reminder of Fes's long multicultural history.
Enjoy the View from the Marinid Tombs
Climb to the ruined Marinid Tombs on the hillside above the medina for a sweeping panorama, especially beautiful at sunset when the call to prayer echoes across the rooftops.
Relax in Jnan Sbil Gardens
These restored historic gardens near the medina offer shady paths, a lake and a peaceful break from the intensity of the old city.
How Many Days Do You Need in Fes?
Two days lets you explore the medina properly, ideally with a local guide on the first day to get your bearings. A third day is perfect for a trip to the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes.
Best Time to Visit Fes
Spring and autumn bring comfortable temperatures ideal for walking the medina. Summers are hot, and winters are cool and can be rainy. Fes also makes an excellent starting point for a Sahara desert tour toward Merzouga.
Day Trips from Fes
The most popular excursion is to Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman site, combined with Meknes and the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss. Fes is also a common starting point for desert tours crossing the Middle Atlas to Merzouga, or northern journeys to Chefchaouen.
Final Thoughts
Fes is Morocco at its most authentic and atmospheric. Take your time, accept that you'll get lost, and let the medina reveal its workshops, courtyards and centuries of history at its own unhurried pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide in Fes?
A local guide is highly recommended for at least your first day. The medina is genuinely maze-like, and a guide adds context and helps you find the key sights and workshops.
Is the Fes medina difficult to navigate?
Yes — with around 9,000 lanes it's easy to get lost. That's part of the charm, but download an offline map and note landmarks, or hire a guide.
How far is Fes from the Sahara Desert?
Fes to Merzouga is a long but scenic drive, usually done over one full day with stops. Most travellers do it as part of a multi-day desert tour.
Can you visit Volubilis from Fes?
Yes. Volubilis is about an hour from Fes and is easily combined with Meknes as a day trip or en route to Chefchaouen.
What should I buy in Fes?
Fes is famous for leather goods, ceramics and zellij tilework, brass and copperware, and traditional textiles — all made in the medina's workshops.
