Fes is one of the oldest imperial cities in Morocco, located in the northern part of the country. Often referred to as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, Fes is home to the world’s oldest university, a vast and chaotic medina, and centuries of rich history packed into every alleyway and arch.
I visited Fes with my friend after spending a few days in Marrakesh, and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But from the moment we arrived, we felt cosy and incredibly welcomed. There was something about the atmosphere. It was calmer, more grounded, and genuine. Fes felt like a place that hadn’t been shaped for visitors, but rather a city still living its own story.
In this post, I’ll share the best things to do and see in Fes, along with some of the most worthwhile tours to help you make the most of your visit. If you're more of a visual person, you can also watch my YouTube video about Fes, where I take you through the city’s highlights and share even more practical tips from my trip. And before we dive into the list, make sure to subscribe to my mailing list so you never miss out on my latest travel guides and tips!
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1. Get Lost in the Fes el-Bali Medina
The heart of Fes is its medina, and it’s unlike anywhere else in Morocco. Fes el-Bali is one of the oldest and largest medinas in the world, and as soon as you step inside, you’ll see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s enormous, full of character, and incredibly alive.
With more than 9,000 narrow alleyways, the medina feels like a maze, and it’s easy to get properly lost. Unlike Marrakesh’s medina, you will see far more locals than tourists here.
It is where people live, work, and go about their everyday lives. It’s also a great place to shop for spices, leather goods, and traditional carpets. The entire medina is car-free, so expect to share the streets with people, donkeys, and many cats.
It’s easy to spend hours exploring without even noticing the time. What I loved most was that the medina hasn’t been overly polished for visitors. It still feels genuine, like a place that’s living its own rhythm.
Tip: If it’s your first visit, I highly recommend joining a guided walking tour. The medina is vast and can feel overwhelming at first, but with a local guide, you’ll not only see the highlights but also learn about the rich history and culture that make Fes so unique.
2. Stay in a Riad
One of the best ways to truly experience the charm of Fes is by staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan home built around a central courtyard. These beautifully restored houses offer a peaceful escape from the medina’s hustle and bustle, often featuring rooftop terraces, intricate tilework, and warm, personal hospitality.
We stayed at Palais Amani, a stunning riad located right inside the medina. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were welcomed with mint tea, pastries, and genuine smiles. The décor was absolutely stunning, colourful mosaics, elegant arched doorways, and a tranquil garden courtyard. It felt like a home, not just a hotel.
Our room was on the rooftop, with a little private balcony that gave us excellent views over the medina and the surrounding mountains.
Check availability at Palais Amani
3. Visit Historic Madrasas and Mosques
The medina of Fes is home to some of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco. As you wander through the narrow alleyways, you’ll come across intricately decorated buildings that have stood for centuries, many of which are still in use today.
One of the most iconic religious buildings in the centre of the medina is the Bou Inania Madrasa, which was built in the 14th century. The architecture is simply stunning, with detailed zellij tilework, carved cedar wood, and a serene courtyard at its heart.
One place that really stood out to me was Al Attarine Madrasa. Tucked away near the spice market, this 14th-century religious school is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The level of detail in the wood carvings, mosaics, and plasterwork is simply breathtaking. It’s not very big, but every inch is covered in artistic beauty, and it’s incredibly photogenic. It gives you a real sense of the artistry and skill that went into these historic spaces.
4. Visit Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
Another important landmark is the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, one of the holiest sites in Morocco. Moulay Idriss II is considered the founder of Fes, and the site holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many Moroccans.
Non-Muslims aren’t allowed to enter, but my friend and I are Muslim, so we were able to go inside. We expected the space to feel peaceful and spiritual, but unfortunately, it was quite the opposite. From the moment we stepped in, we were approached by several people asking for money, which felt overwhelming and uncomfortable. The atmosphere didn’t match the serenity we had anticipated.
If you’re not Muslim and can’t enter, don’t worry, you’re not missing much in terms of experience. You can still admire the beautiful architecture from the outside and even catch a glimpse inside from the entrance, without any pressure.
5. Try the Street Food
One of the best ways to experience the local culture in Fes is through its street food. As you walk through the medina, you’ll find countless little bakeries, food stalls, and vendors selling homemade treats. I highly recommend stopping to try some. It’s such a fun (and tasty) part of exploring the city.
We picked up a few sweets from a small stall run by a teenage boy, who proudly told us his mum had made them. They were incredibly cheap, even though I’m sure we paid the tourist price, but it was worth it. The flavour was rich, comforting, and you could tell they were homemade.
Another local favourite I couldn’t stop eating was cactus fruit (also known as prickly pear). You’ll spot vendors selling them from carts all around the medina. They’re packed with seeds, slightly sour, and so refreshing.
And if you’re looking for something savoury, try the broad bean soup (called bessara). It’s a popular breakfast among locals, simple but hearty, usually served with a drizzle of olive oil and eaten with warm bread.
6. Visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Tucked near the royal palace, the Mellah is the old Jewish Quarter of Fes, and it was Morocco’s first official Jewish district, established in the 15th century. Walking through it feels noticeably different from the rest of the medina. The streets are wider, the buildings have wooden balconies, and there’s a quieter, more residential atmosphere.
At its peak, around 250,000 Jews lived in and around the Mellah, particularly in the area just south of Bab Semmarine. It was once a thriving community with synagogues, markets, and schools. Today, only a handful remain, most having moved to the Ville Nouvelle or emigrated abroad. But you can still spot traces of the community in the architecture and layout of the neighbourhood.
One of the key landmarks to visit is the Ibn Danan Synagogue, a beautifully restored 17th-century synagogue. From the outside, it’s modest and easy to miss, but step inside and you’ll find intricate tilework, wooden features, and a calm, spiritual space that offers a window into Fes’s multicultural past.
7. Visit the Tanneries, If You Can Handle the Smell
One of the most unique (and pungent) places in Fes is the Chouara Tannery, the largest and most famous of the city’s traditional leather tanneries. From above, the view is striking with dozens of stone vats filled with colourful natural dyes, and workers treating animal hides using centuries-old techniques. It’s a fascinating part of Fes’s history and craft culture, and it makes for some incredible photos.
That said, the experience isn’t for everyone. The smell is intense, and I mean really intense. If you’re sensitive to strong odours, it might not be the most pleasant stop. Locals often offer you a sprig of mint to mask the smell, which can help, but some will expect payment afterwards. I recommend bringing your own mint or a scarf to cover your nose, just in case.
Personally, I wouldn’t call it a must-see, but if you’re curious and can tolerate the smell, it’s definitely worth seeing once. The best views are from the terraces of the leather shops surrounding the tannery.
8. Take a Cooking Class with a Souk Tour
One of my favourite experiences in Fes was taking a cooking class combined with a souk tour, a brilliant way to connect with the local culture through its food. We did ours with Fes Cooking School at Palais Amani, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
The experience started with a guided walk through the medina to shop for fresh ingredients. It was such a great way to learn more about local produce, spices, and cooking traditions. We picked up everything we needed straight from the souks, from aubergines and garlic to herbs and lemons, all while chatting with vendors and discovering how locals shop.
Back at the riad, we prepared a full three-course Moroccan meal from scratch. For our starter, we made Zaalouk, a warm aubergine and garlic salad full of flavour and spices. Our main was a delicious chicken tagine, slow-cooked with classic Moroccan spices. And for dessert, we made Jawhara, delicate layers of crispy pastry filled with creamy custard and strawberries, finished with cinnamon and powdered sugar. It was light, elegant, and absolutely delicious.
The class was hands-on, fun, and really well organised. If you enjoy cooking or want to do something a bit different in Fes, I highly recommend it. And of course, you get to sit down and enjoy everything you’ve made in a beautiful, relaxed setting.
Check availability and book the Fes Cooking Class
9. Visit the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud)
The Blue Gate, or Bab Bou Jeloud, is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Fes, and the main entrance to the old medina. You really can’t miss it. The gate is beautifully decorated with blue mosaic tiles on one side (symbolising Fes) and green tiles on the other (representing Islam). It’s a popular photo spot and a great place to start your journey into the heart of the city.
There are also a few restaurants and rooftop cafés near the gate where you can stop for tea or a meal and enjoy views over the medina rooftops.
10. Relax at a Traditional Hammam
If you want to experience Moroccan culture, visiting a traditional hammam is a must. But it’s important to know what you’re signing up for, because not all hammams are created equal.
If you're up for an experience rather than pure relaxation, you can try a local public hammam. These are used by locals every day and offer a very authentic (and very basic) version of the hammam tradition. However, they’re not the most comfortable. There’s usually no proper changing area, no place to sit for a scrub or massage, just tiled rooms at different temperatures, tanks of hot and cold water, and plastic buckets scattered everywhere. It’s certainly an adventure, but not for everyone.
If you’re after something more relaxing and comfortable, I recommend opting for a luxury hammam that some riads offer. We had our hammam experience at Palais Amani, and it was just what we needed after days of walking around the medina. The treatment involved steaming and a full-body scrub, nothing fancy, but incredibly effective. You come out feeling spotless, smooth, and surprisingly relaxed.
Book a Luxury Hammam Experience at Palais Amani
How to Get to Fes
Fes is well connected to other major cities in Morocco, so getting there is easier than expected. You can also fly directly into Fès–Saïs Airport, which has connections from Marrakesh and several European cities.
If you’re already in Morocco and looking for flexibility, buses and private transfers are available too, but the train is by far the most comfortable option.