The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Things to Do in Fes

Are you willing to move back in time and have a glimpse of the oldest existing medieval city in the world? You can use this universal list of the Best Things to Do in Fes to plan the perfect Trip To Morocco easily. As I stepped through the doorway of the “Blue Gate” the odour of newly cut cedar and bread soon filled my nostrils. I, therefore, discovered immediately that this city was the heartbeat of this country and a place that should not be left out by any person taking the Morocco Tours.

Due to the fact that there are more than 9,000 narrow streets in Fes you may be virtually confused at first. Nevertheless, being lost in the maze is one of the most thrilling Things to Do in Fes. Being a local guide at Morocco Desert Trips, I have been using these old tracks all years long and exploring some of the secrets that a majority of the visitors do not know of. You want a Luxury Trip To Morocco, or you just need a cultural break, Fes is the place to visit and live in a fairy tale life.

Your Grand Journey: Fes Things to Do: An Overview

Your visit to Fes will see you through the phenomenal historical quarters of Fes el-Bali and Fes el-Jdid. We shall first have a glimpse of the huge Royal Palace with its golden doors and of the Jewish Quarter, the Mellah, and its peace. Then we enter the center of the medina, to view the Chouara Tannery, which is the most famous around the world, and the beautiful Al-Attarine Madrasa. These sites are the most visiting Things to Do in Fes and are the ideal setting to your Trips In Morocco.

Moreover, we shall go to the ancient Al-Quaraouiyine University and the colorful spice markets which are pungent with cinnamon and ginger. Since we specialize in Morocco Custom Tours, we are even able to organize special cooking class in a traditional Riad. This gives you an opportunity to sample the true nature of the city whilst transferring the best Things to Do in Fes. As a result, you will walk out of the city knowing all the reasons why a large number of tourists are in love with Moroccan Desert Trips.

8 Incredible Highlights of Your Things to Do in Fes Adventure

Tour nine thousand tiny streets in the old medina.
Watch leather stained in the Chouara Tannery vats.
See the golden gates of the great Royal Palace gate.
Savor tasty camel burgers inside the terrace of the Cafe Clock.
It is home to the oldest university in the world, the Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque.
Examine the pretty mosaic tiles in the ancient buildings of the Madrasa.
Buy coloured carpets and soft leather bags in souks.
Sit and relax watching the sunset at the Merenid Tombs hill.

Detailed Exploration: The Best Things to Do in Fes

Exploring the Ancient Medina as One of the Best Things to Do in Fes

The initial step to take is to enter the medina by Bab Boujloud gate, which known with the tiles, blue and green tiles. As soon as you enter, the world of the contemporary cars forgotten, and it replaced by the hoof of the donkey and the screaming shopkeepers. It is the most real experience of all things to do in Fes. Due to the narrowness of streets you will observe artisans as they are making copper pots and weaving silk before your eyes.

Along with sightseeing, you will also be fascinated by the unbelievable scents of the city such as roasting meat and fresh mint tea. It observed that Fes is usually more conservative and peaceful with many travelers who have booked our Marrakech Day Trips. As such, guided tour is the most appropriate experience to ensure that you see most of the relevant Things to Do in Fes without being lost too much. In your Morocco Desert Trip, you will get the impression that you are in a living history book as you stroll through this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visiting the Chouara Tannery as Part of Your Things to Do in Fes

A trip to the city would not be complete without a visit to the popular Chouara Tannery, which will be one of the most popular Things to Do in Fes. Here you may be on a high terrace and peer over hundreds of stone vats of bright, colourful dyes. In addition, the employees continue to apply the traditional techniques that their forefathers applied almost 1000 years ago. This location is an attraction to all the Moroccan Desert Tours as it is so distinctive and photographic.

The smell of the tanneries is so great, that the shopkeepers will have a sprig of fresh mint to put under your nose. This minor detail makes it a much more comfortable experience and is an entertaining thing to do in Fes. Once you observe the tanning process, you will be allowed to visit the shops to get good quality leather jackets and shoes. Consequently, you will come with an awesome souvenir to your Desert Tour Morocco.

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The Things to Do in Fes; the discovery of Spiritual Architecture

Madrasa Bou Inania and Madrasa Al-Attarine are the two most beautiful buildings that you will ever visit. They crowded with elaborate zellij tilework and hand carved cedar wood which resembles lace. Since these schools were constructed many centuries ago, they are an embodiment of the Moroccan craftsmanship and Things to Do in Fes. Your Luxury Trip To Morocco can be spent doing nothing but admiring the fantastic designs on the walls.

Also, you can see the Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque that contains the oldest university that is still in existence today. Even though non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the prayer room, it is possible to look through the doors to have a glimpse of the marvelous courtyard. This historical location is one of the major components of our Trips In Morocco as it displays intellectual history of the nation. As a consequence, the visit to this university is among the best Things to Do in Fes as a history-lover.

Tasting Local Flavors: Culinary Things to Do in Fes

In case it is a matter of food, visiting the local markets is surely among the best Things to Do in Fes. You should have the Pastilla, a sweet savory pie made of chicken, almonds and cinnamon. Also, the Moroccan hospitality is excellent when one enjoys a meal in a typical Riad. A large part of the reason why people love Marrakech Desert Tours and city break is this delicious food adventure.

Along with the major meals, you must have the fresh orange juice, and the honey-soaked cookies that are available at every street corner. Since Fes known to be spicy you can also purchase a bag of “Ras el Hanout” to prepare it in your kitchen. This renders the food markets among the most interactive activities to do in Fes. Thus, your Morocco Desert Tour will not only make your eyes delight, but also it will make your taste buds happy.

Continuous Travel: Linking Fes to More Things to Do in Fes and Beyond

A lot of tourists decide to begin their Desert Tour Marrakech or Marrakech Desert Tour immediately after they have completed their tours in Fes. Since Fes acts as the entrance to the Middle Atlas, it is easy to drive south of Fes to view the wild monkeys in the cedar forests. This urban to wild transformation is among the most exhilarating Things to Do in Fes regional itineraries. It links your city stay with a bigger Atlas Mountains Tour to the ultimate adventure.

In addition, another tourist destination is the 3-day trip around Morocco Desert, through which you will visit the golden dunes of Merzouga, starting in Fes. You will run through beautiful valleys and rocky mountains which seem to be on a different planet. It is due to this reason that Fes is an ideal starting point of Desert Trips Morocco or even Desert Trips in Morocco. Therefore, you will be able to mix the historical Things to Do in Fes with the magic of the Sahara in order to have a full experience.

Included in Your Fes Adventure Package

Local expert guide.
Private A/C transport.
Medina walking tour.

Excluded from the Tour

Personal lunch meals.
Monument entry fees.
Staff gratuity tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Fes

Traveling to the most ancient imperial city may be a huge puzzle. Since our trip would be the best we have heard, we have answered the most frequent questions asked by the travellers. This is informed by our experience over the years of operation in the streets of the medina as the head of the Morocco Tours.

Can one walk safely in the Fes Medina?

The question that many people pose themselves is whether fes is safe in case the tourist prefers to explore on his own. Generally, the city is quite safe to the tourist since the local citizens are quite welcoming and helpful. Nevertheless, you must take care of your phone and wallet in markets with the presence of crowds. I recall I was once in the souks and one of the shopkeepers assisted a lost tourist to get back to his house without payment. This demonstrates that the central theme of the city is hospitality and respect.

Moreover, you need not accept the services of strangers who are offering to show you the way without having to charge you. At the end, these people may demand money, and it may make you have a stressful walk. Rather, you may request a shop owner to give you directions as they remain in one location and they are very accommodative. Thus, when you utilize the map and keep in the light places, you will see that Fes is a great and safe place to spend. We are Morocco Desert Trips; we are always keen to ensure that our guests are safe and happy throughout each Morocco Desert Tour.

Is Fes in Morocco worth visiting?

The yes is a resounding yes in case you are seeking a place that will make you feel like a time machine. You may find some of the travelers asking is fes worth visiting Reddit and the community almost unanimously answers that it is a must-see place. Fes does not reflect other cities since it did not undergo much development during more than one thousand years. It is thus that you may watch a living artisan at work in copper-pots and weaving silk exactly like the great-grandfathers used to do. The morning light on the old walls is the part that I really like since it gives the entire city a golden painting.

Also, Fes will be the most suitable to experience the actual culture of the nation, with the necessary minimum of modern distractions. The old medina is very quiet, due to the lack of cars in it, and you can listen to birds and fountains. This is the heart of Morocco, and it is the city where you will get a profound spiritual experience that you will never find. To put it in a word, no Trip To Morocco would be complete, without the magic and history of such an incredible place.

What to do in Fes for a day?

In case you only have a day in fes (that is, 24 hours), you expected to concentrate on what you supposed to see in fes within a day in order to maximize your time there. To begin with, in the morning you need to go to the Bab Boujloud gate and go down to the well-known tanneries. Then go to the beautiful Al -Attarine Madrasa and see the wonderful tile work and wood carvings. I will always recommend that tourists should have a Riad lunch since the food is home cooked and quite delicious. This itinerary takes in view of all the well-known destinations that appear in photos of Morocco Desert trip.

During the afternoon, the Jew Quarter is worth visiting to observe the various forms of the balconies and windows. Then you must go to the Merenid Tombs just before the sun sets. The city, as seen out of this high hill, extends itself like a huge maze below you. This is among the finest portions of any Marrakech desert tours itinerary that involves the visit to Fes. Thus, despite having a single day, it is possible to feel the best Things to Do in Fes.

What are some unusual things to do in Fes?

Not to mention the popular attractions, unusual activities to do in fes are numerous, and most tourists have never done them. As an example, you may go on a little hike up Mount Zalagh to have the view of the city in another perspective and have the new mountain air. The other entertaining thing to do is go to the Henna Souk where you will purchase traditional beauty products that made of plants in the area. I have once spent an afternoon getting to know how to make a clay bowl in a school of pottery, and it was the event of the week!

Moreover, you may come to the “Seffarine Square” and hear the big noise of hammers, as men carve huge brass pots. This place is extremely loud yet it is astonishing to observe the art of the laborers. You may as well like to locate the secret Garden of Jnan Sbil and sit between the palm trees and observe the ducks in the lake. The reason is that such spots are not so overcrowded and they provide a most special and silent glimpse of local life. Therefore, these activities are bound to make your visit to Morocco Custom Tours unique.

What are the top night activities in Fes?

The city transforms at night during the setting of the sun and it provides a number of thrilling activities during fes at night. You will be able to have a romantic dinner on a rooftop terrace as you can hear the evening call to prayer echoing over the rooftops. In most of the riads, live music performances are also available where you can hear local Berber and Gnawa songs. I recall that I was sitting by a fire pit and under the stars and felt as though I was in an Arabian Nights scene.

Also, you may have an evening stroll accompanied by someone so that you visit the well-known gates adorned with gorgeous blue and green lights. At the time the medina is quiet, the surroundings of the “Blue Gate” remain active with individuals enjoying street food and mint tea. Nevertheless, it is advisable to always walk with a group or guide when walking in the dark in order to keep safe. This night outing is the ideal manner of concluding a day on your Luxury Trip To Morocco. Thus, you must not forget to visit the city with its shimmering beauty in the evening after the sun sets.

What should you avoid in Fes?

In order to enjoy it the most, there are some things that you should avoid when sightseeing. To begin with, never trust a person who tells you that this or that street is closed or he tells you that a monument is open only to locals. These are typically decoys to get you into a store where they are willing you purchase costly carpets. Moreover, attempt not to purchase products in the first store that you encounter. Due to the number of artists, you are supposed to shop around and compare prices to achieve the best deal.

Moreover, you must not take photos of individuals without seeking their permission prior to taking the photos. Others are timid or may wish to feel honored so that a simple smile and an inquiry will go a long way. You must also not take tap water but use bottled one to keep your stomach happy. These tips are very simple and, by adhering to them, your Trips In Morocco will definitely be pleasant and easy. These are some of the insider secrets that we will always provide to our travelers in Morocco Desert Trips so that they have the best experience in Morocco.

What is the comparison of Fes and Marrakech?

When you are between fes vs marrakech, you must know that the two cities are very different though wonderful. Marrakech is extremely popular in terms of large, open square and liveliness of the night life. Fes, conversely, is a far more conservative place that is reminiscent of a silent library than a loud party. I prefer to mention that the Marrakech is a mirror of the face of Morocco yet it is Fes that undeniably is the heart. Thus, it can be concluded that it is one of the destinations where many people like to visit in order to see various sides of the country.

Besides, Fes tends to be a bit cheaper and it does not have so many crowds as Marrakech does. Since the medina in Fes is so ancient, it is more like a real neighborhood which people do live and work. Marrakech has more modern stores and luxury hotels that have swimming pools. It is, therefore, up to you to decide whether to go on a large scale adventure or enjoy a rich cultural experience. Our Morocco Desert Tours cover most of the cities thus leaving you with no choice on which one to go to!

What is Fes most known for?

Fes city is best known because of its incredible leather, which made by hands and its antique school. Due to the fact that the University of Al-Quaraouiyine is the oldest in the world, visitors flock in to view the history of the institution. Another well-known type of artwork in the city is the so-called Fez Blue pottery that painted in exquisite patterns with the help of a specific blue dye. I keep on telling my friends that until they have visited the giant dye vats of the tanneries they have not seen Morocco.

Also, Fes boasts of the biggest car-free downtown in the world. This cleanses the air and the streets made much safer to walk. It is a giant art, science, and religion center, which has been so hundreds of years. Due to this, it has been referred to as the Athens of Africa. You are hence, walking into a world-known place, the place of the brain and beauty.

What are the free activities to do in Fes?

You do not need to spend a huge amount of money to be amused since there are lots of free activities in fes. You get to explore the beautiful gardens of the Jnan Sbil free of charge and admire the flowers and the fountains. The other brilliant thought is to hike to the hills of Borj Nord or Borj Sud and have a panoramic view of the entire city. I prefer visiting it during sunset as the sky changes pink and also the lights begin to shine in the city.

Furthermore, you have an opportunity to walk around the medina and see the craftsmen doing their job in their shops without paying anything. It is in itself a wonderful experience just to look at the huge wooden doors of the mosques and palaces. The old architecture of the Jewish Quarter can also be seen freely at the Mellah. These activities will enable you to spend a good time in your Trip To Morocco without necessarily being on a budget. Thus, Fes is an excellent destination that any type of traveler would like to visit.

How many days should I stay?

When you look for things to do in fes reddit threads, most people suggest staying for at least two or three days. This gives you one day to see the main medina and another day to visit the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis. Furthermore, you can use the third day to take an Atlas Mountains Day Trip From Marrakech or a local tour of the surrounding hills. If you stay longer, you can really start to feel the rhythm of the city and make local friends.

In addition, staying for a few days allows you to relax and not rush through the sites. You can take your time drinking tea and chatting with the weavers and leather workers. Because Fes is so big, trying to see it all in one day is very tiring. Consequently, a three-day visit is the perfect length for a Morocco Desert Tour or a city break. This way, you will leave feeling like an expert on everything the city has to offer.

Meet the Expert

Authored by the Morocco Desert Trips Team, your dedicated specialists for every Marrakech Desert Tour and cultural exploration. We live and breathe the history of this land, from the high peaks of an Atlas Mountains Tour to the ancient alleys of Fes. Our goal is to provide the Best Morocco Tours by sharing our first-hand knowledge and love for our home. We ensure your Things to Do in Fes organized perfectly so you can focus on making memories.