Visiting the Moroccan city of Fez is like stepping into another world — chaotic, colorful, and endlessly fascinating. When I first arrived here with my father during a Christmas trip, I honestly felt overwhelmed by the noise, the smells, and the labyrinthine alleys of the medina. But after a couple of days wandering, the spiritual capital of Morocco grew on me in ways I’ll never forget. If you’re planning your own adventure, here’s my travel guide to the best things to do in Fez, including where to eat and stay, travel tips, how to move around, and some day trip ideas. At the end of this post, I’ve also included a map so you can pinpoint all the locations mentioned here, as easily as possible.

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Disclaimers:

• I originally traveled to Fez during a Christmas road trip with my Dad in December 2014 that also took us to Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. This post has now been updated to reflect the latest information available to this date.
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Top things to do in Fez

Welcome to Fez (also known as Fes or فاس in Arabic), Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart! Located in the northeastern part of the country, this is one of the largest cities in the country as well as the oldest of the Moroccan imperial towns, a destination where tradition and daily life intertwine. The city can certainly feel intense at first, but I can guarantee that’s part of its magic!

Broadly speaking, Fes can be divided into the following districts:

• Fez el-Bali: this is the old town and the heart of the city, encompassing a lively medina within defensive walls. The Fez River divides the Andalusian neighborhood to the east and the Karaouiyine district to the west. During our visit, we devoted most of our time to this area of Fez.
• Fes el-Jedid: literally meaning the “new Fez”, it once was the imperial city of the Merinids and is set on a hill south of the medina. The most iconic landmarks here include the Royal Palace and the old Jewish quarter (mellah).
• The new town (or Ville Nouvelle) is located all the way south and was built during the French Protectorate.

Let´s now dive into the main things to do in Fez, broken down by area!

✨ Get lost in the medina (Fes el-Bali)

The entangled medina of Fez (Fes el-Bali) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and trust me, it’s impossible not to get lost in it. With hundreds of narrow alleys, ornate fountains, fondouks, madrasas, mosques, royal palaces, souks, roaming animals and hidden courtyards, it’s like a living maze with ever-changing streets.

As a tip, note that it is helpful to have a mental map of the main gates and use visual memory to get around the medina of Fez el Bali — but don’t panic if you get lost. It’s part of the adventure! Alternatively, you can always ask a local or download an offline map on your phone prior to your visit.

Bab Boujloud, the iconic and monumental Blue Gate, was built in 1913 and is the main entrance to Fez el- Bali. As soon as you walk through this gate, you´ll be immediately swallowed by the buzz of markets, mules carrying goods, and vendors shouting their offers.

Keep in mind that the main streets in the medina are Rue Talaa Kebira and Rue Talaa Sghira, which are flanked by lively shops and souks. This is where the economic and cultural life of the medina is concentrated, and where its most important buildings are located.

📸 Landmarks within the Fez medina

When exploring the fascinating medina of Fez, these are the main monuments you should pay attention to:

• Al-Qarawiyyin (Karaouiyine) mosque & University 🎓 : founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, it’s the oldest continuously operating university in the world, a historic center of Islamic scholarship and spiritual life.
• Andalusian mosque (Mosquée des Andalous) ☪: located in the Andalusian quarter of Fez, this religious temple was built in the 13th century and included a fountain and a library. Note that non-Muslims aren´t allowed into the mosque.
• Chrabliyine mosque 🕌: located in the heart of the medina, this mosque is closely linked to the shoemakers’ (slipper-makers’) souk, reflecting Fez’s tradition of guild-based organization.
• Dar el-Magana ⏰ : this 14th-century hydraulic water clock built opposite Bou Inania madrasa once used to regulate prayer times. The carved wooden facade remains a unique landmark.
• Fondouk Nejjarine 🪵 : originally built in the 18th-century as a caravanserai that offered shelter to merchants trading luxury goods, nowadays it houses the Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, with exquisite pieces of furniture, doors, and tools, alongside an elegant central fountain. A similar place worth mentioning is fondouk Tetouani, that accommodated merchants and students from Tetouan.
• Musée Dar al-Batha 🏺: once a royal palace built in the 19th century, today it serves as a museum showcasing Moroccan arts and crafts, including ceramics, carpets, woodwork, and traditional artifacts. Don´t miss the gardens in the courtyard!
• Rainbow street 🌈: located on Rue Talaa Sghira, this alley displays street art that brightens up the walls of Fez, adding a modern and creative touch to the city’s historic charm.

Outside or around the walled medina of Fez, you can also explore the following sites:

• Borj Nord: modeled after the Portuguese forts and built in 1582 by the Saadi dynasty, this fortress served to defend and control Fez el-Bali. It now hosts a war museum (Musée des Armes) with weapons from around the world.
• Marinid tombs: located on a hill with panoramic views over the city of Fez, these ruins dating from the 16th century once housed a royal palace and a Marinid necropolis with monumental tombs.
• Mausoleum of Sidi Ali Boughaleb: it belongs to an Andalusian saint who lived in Fez in the 12th century.
• In addition to Bab Boujloud that will give you access to the medina, you might see these other gates when exploring the old town of Fes el-Bali: Bab Dekkakin (head to the tranquil Jnan Sbil garden steps away), Bab el-Semmarine, Bab Ftouh, Bab Guissa (we enjoyed the panoramic views from the nearby city walls at sunset), Bab lboujat, Bab Mahrouk, Bab Sbaa or Bab Ziat.

🕌 Discover the madrasas of Fez and other religious jewels of the medina

Madrasas — Islamic schools for both religious and scientific learning — are among the most beautiful and atmospheric landmarks in the city of Fez. Tucked within the medina’s maze of alleys, these buildings combine education with art, showcasing the city’s role as Morocco’s intellectual heart.

Bou Inania madrasa 📚

Built in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan, Bou Inania is one of the few religious sites in Morocco open to non-Muslims. Stepping into its courtyard feels like entering a sanctuary of artistry: ornate cedar wood carvings, shimmering zellij tilework, marble columns, stained glass windows and a finely detailed minaret that rises above the medina. I remember standing there, completely mesmerized, just taking in the serenity amid the chaos outside.

Al-Attarine madrasa 🌿

Smaller but no less exquisite, the Al-Attarine madrasa was built between 1323 and 1325 around the spice merchants’ souk — hence its name (“attarine” meaning spices). It’s a hidden gem tucked away inside the medina, famous for its delicate stucco work and a courtyard so finely decorated it feels almost jewel-like. Head to the rooftop for panoramic views of Fez el-Bali and the nearby courtyard of the Qarawiyyin (Karaouiyine) mosque.

Note that you can also get inside if you pay a fee. This is another must-see if you’re exploring Fez’s religious architecture!

Cherratine madrasa 🕌

Less known than Bou Inania or Al-Attarine, the Cherratine madrasa was built in the 17th century by the Alaouite dynasty. Unlike the earlier Marinid masterpieces, it has a simpler design, intended to house a large number of students from across the Islamic world. Its dormitories and austere charm reflect the city’s enduring role as a hub of scholarship.

Other madrasas worth mentioning in Fez include the Mesbahiyya madrasa, the Sahrij madrasa or the Seffarine madrasa, built in 1280 near Place Seffarine.

Beyond the madrasas, Fez is dotted with countless mosques and religious brotherhood lodges (known as zaouias or zawiyas). Regarding the latter, these are the main zawiyas to watch out for:

• Among the most sacred is the Zawiya of Moulay Idriss II, the shrine of the city’s founder and one of Morocco’s most important pilgrimage sites. It attracts thousands who come to pay homage to the saint during a moussem in August.
• Another one worth mentioning is the Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani, dedicated to the founder of the Tijaniyya Sufi order, and remaining an important pilgrimage site for Tijani followers from across Africa.

Last but not least, note that religious life in Fez is deeply interwoven with the daily rhythm of the medina — be ready for the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer echoing across the city, often at dawn, when the whole old town seems to pause and breathe in unison.

🪢 Visit the famous chouara tanneries of Fez

No visit to Fez is complete without experiencing the Chouara tanneries, arguably the most iconic and photographed site in the medina. Located near the Fez River, this tanners’ quarter has been operating since the Middle Ages, and remarkably, much of the process remains unchanged to this day.

From the terraces of surrounding houses and shops, you can see the dye vats, a mesmerizing mosaic of colors where artisans work tirelessly to transform raw animal hides — sheep, goat, cow, and even camel — into supple leather. The process is laborious: hides are first soaked to remove hair and flesh, rinsed, and softened in vats of natural solutions before being dried under the Moroccan sun in Rue des Teinturiers. Only then are they submerged into vats of natural and chemical pigments, creating vibrant reds, yellows, and blues.

Walking through the tannery area is a sensory overload — the sight is spectacular, the smell unforgettable. I remember standing above the vats, scarf in hand, both amazed and overwhelmed as workers stomped hides waist-deep in dye, carrying on a tradition that has defined Fez for centuries.

The finished leather is then crafted into embroidered bags, belts, slippers (babouches), and jackets, sold in the countless stalls of the medina. While the process can feel harsh and the smell intense, it remains one of the most authentic and lively experiences in Fez. Definitely one of the main things to do during your visit!

👉 TIP: bring a scarf or mint leaves to soften the pungent smell before heading up to the terraces. Note that walking around the tanneries as we did is free, although the area is known for scams and having a local guide might be helpful to avoid just that. Otherwise, a little tip or small souvenir purchase would be appreciated too.

🪔 Dive into the souks and artisan workshops

If you´re looking for an authentic shopping experience, head to the streets between Chrabliyine mosque and the mausoleum (zawiya) dedicated to Moulay Idriss II. The souks of Fez are a world of their own, each dedicated to a specific craft or product.

Find your favorite souk by browsing this list:

• Aïn Allou 🪞 – lamps, mirrors, and decorative crafts.
• Ancient silk market (alcaicería) 🧵 – historic hub for luxury goods, textiles including silk, and jewelry; it marks the exact center of the souks.
• Henna souk and pottery 🌸 – known for henna, and traditional cosmetics, as well as colorful ceramics and pottery.
• Ras Tiyalin 🧥 – textiles, fabrics, and traditional garments.
• Seffarine square (Place al-Seffarine) 🔨 – tanneries and copperware workshops, where artisans hammer away at pots and trays in tiny spaces with ancient tools. It’s noisy, chaotic, and even stinky at times, yet beautiful.
• Slipper souk 👡 – colorful leather babouches (traditional Moroccan shoes).
• Souk al-Attarin 🌶️ – famous for spices and aromatic treasures.
• Spice markets 🌿 – scattered throughout the medina, with vibrant stalls of herbs, teas, and olives.

👑 Explore Fez el-Jadid and Ville Nouvelle

Fez el-Jadid, literally meaning the new Fez, was built in 1276 by the Marinid dinasty as a vantage point over the old town of Fes el-Bali. Also surrounded by walls, it was originally a kasbah.

Fez el-Jadid is made up of distinct areas, namely including:

• To the west, the Royal Palace and other buildings associated with it, as well as the Moulay Abdallah neighborhood.
• To the east, the Muslim districts.
• To the south, the Jewish quarter (mellah), a labyrinth of narrow streets.
• All the way to the south you will find the new town (or Ville Nouvelle), built during the French Protectorate. Considered Fez’s modern district, it has wide boulevards, cafes, and gardens that contrast sharply with the medina’s chaos.

👑 The Royal Palace of Fez

One of the landmarks of Fes el-Jdid is the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen), dazzling with its golden gates and impressive size. Behind the high walls are a group of disparate buildings, ranging from palaces and courtyards to official, military or administrative buildings and even gardens, a madrasa, a mosque and a zoo!

This vast palace complex is still used by the king of Morocco when he visits the city of Fez, although it is closed to the public. Actually, I had a funny scare when I almost took a forbidden photo near a guarded entrance of the Royal Palace— let’s just say I made sure I deleted it quickly before the guards could inquire further!

⚔ The méchouars and Royal precincts of Fez

Fez is also home to several méchouars (or mexuars)— large ceremonial squares or courtyards associated with the royal palaces. These spaces, often walled and imposing, once served as both military parade grounds and venues for public gatherings.

• Grand Méchouar: the largest of these squares, it fronts the Royal Palace and remains the most impressive. Surrounded by monumental gates, it underlines the prestige of the Alaouite dynasty.
• Méchouar de Bab Dekaken (Vieux Méchouar): a smaller yet historically significant square near Bab Dekaken, traditionally linked to the older royal precincts.
• Petit Méchouar: as the name suggests, this more intimate space was used for restricted court activities and reflects the layered hierarchy of Fez’s royal urbanism.

Nearby, you’ll also encounter:

• Bab el Seba – Known as the “Gate of the Lions,” it served as a ceremonial entrance into the royal complex.
• Kasbah Cherarda – A fortified quarter built to house the sultan’s troops, ensuring both the defense of Fez and the stability of royal power.
• Makina – Once a vast military arsenal built in the 19th century, it highlights Fez’s strategic importance in Moroccan history.

✡ The mellah: Fez’s historic Jewish quarter

Tucked just outside the medina lies the mellah, the former Jewish quarter of Fez. Unlike the labyrinth of the old town, the mellah feels architecturally distinct, with taller, narrower buildings, two-story houses around small courtyards, and elegant wooden balconies typical of Jewish craftsmanship. Back in the day, this quarter flourished with souks, workshops, schools, synagogues, and a cemetery, providing the Jewish community with a strong sense of social and cultural cohesion.

After accessing through Place des Alaouites or Bab el-Semmarine, the main arteries of the mellah are Rue Bou Ksissat and Rue des Mérinides, where jewelers once displayed their craft and aristocratic families lived in fine houses with carved façades. One of the quarter’s highlights is the 17th-century Ibn Danan synagogue, which has been carefully restored. From its rooftop, you can admire sweeping views of the mellah and the white tombs of the Jewish cemetery below.

👀 Other districts worth exploring in Fes el-Jdid

The Moulay Abdallah neighborhood lies near the Royal Palace of Fez. Here, the main sights of interest include two gates (Bab Dekkakin, Bab lboujat) and two mosques (the Great Mosque of Fes el-Jdid dating from the 13th century as well as the mosque dedicated to Moulay Abdallah, built 500 years later).

Moving to the east of Fez el-Jadid, you will find the Muslim districts, encompassing Blaghma, Boutouil, Lalla Btatha, Llla Ghriba, Sidi Bounafaa and Zebbala. They can be accessed through the gates of Bab Dekkakin and Bab el-Semmarine that connect along the lively Grande Rue de Fes El Jdid. The main mosques in this area are the red mosque (Mosquée El Hamra) and the white mosque (Mosquée Al-Beida).

📝Travel tips for visiting Fes

Fez is a city that rewards preparation. In case this is your very first time visiting this Moroccan town, here are a few tips to help you navigate this fascinating destination. For further details about useful words in Arabic, as well as recommendations on cultural norms, haggling or safety, head to my Morocco destination page.

• 🗓 Best time to visit and key events: spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal seasons for pleasant weather in Fez. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters are cooler but less crowded. During religious events, like Ramadan, expect slower schedules and closures. If you’re visiting Fez, try to catch one of its major cultural events such as the Festival of Sufi Culture (in April), the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (in May), or the moussem of Moroccan saint Moulay Idris II (in August).
• ⏳ Historic background: Fes was founded in 789 by Idris I on the right bank of the Fez River, and later expanded by his son Idris II in 808 on the opposite bank. In the following years, waves of Muslim refugees from Andalusia and Kairouan (Tunisia) settled in the area, shaping its cultural and religious identity. By the 11th century, the Almoravids united the two settlements with protective walls, and under the Almohads and later the Marinids, Fez rose as Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual capital. The Marinids established Fez el-Jdid (the “new Fez”), adding royal palaces and madrasas. Though it lost political prominence when the capital moved to Meknes, Fez remained a key cultural and religious hub. During the French Protectorate (1912–1956), the Ville Nouvelle was built, contrasting with the ancient medina, and today Fez stands as one of Morocco’s most historic and vibrant cities.
• 📍Itinerary: we stayed two days and one night in the city of Fez. I would say that two full days are enough to cover the highlights, but three to four days allow you to explore at a slower pace and enjoy some day trips.
• 💬 Language: note that Arabic and Berber are the two official languages in the country. Throughout Moroccan cities, including Marrakech, you will often find street signs in both Arabic and French, since the latter remains the main way to communicate for business or politics (and tourists 🙂 ). On that note, when visiting the country and others in the Middle East, chances are you will repeatedly run into some Arabic words such as kasbah, riad or souk. Head to my glossary in the Morocco destination page for the full list. Additionally, a friendly ´salaam alaikum´ (peace be upon you) is a warm and appreciated greeting when interacting with locals.
• 🛟 Safety: Fez is safe, but be cautious in crowded areas such as the bustling medina or the vibrant souks by being mindful of your belongings and staying alert. For extra peace of mind when traveling abroad, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below.

🍴Where to eat in Fez

Food in Fez is an adventure on its own and hygiene in street food can be questionable, so follow your instincts.

That being said, from street stalls to riad restaurants, the variety is endless. Check the options below and note that I color-coded the places where we ate in dark orange in the map.

• Kasbah Restaurant Café: located next to the iconic Bab Boujloud, this is where we were first introduced to the delicious Moroccan food. We tried harira soup with chickpeas, noodles, and beans, Moroccan salad, lamb and plum tagine, chicken couscous, and mint tea.
• Café Clock: we came here for dinner and ordered the famous camel burger (it tasted surprisingly like beef, but the sweet ketchup was the star!), the vegetarian pastilla, and a Sephardic cake with orange and almonds.
• Other restaurants that came recommended by friends or the travel guides I browsed: Cafe Kortoba, Cafe Majestic, Chez Vittorio (pizzeria), Chez Wong (Vietnamese cuisine), Dar Roumana, Fez Cafe (within Riad Jardin des Biehn), Les 3 Sources (at the golf course), Palais des Mérinides, restaurant MB, Restaurant Nejjarine, Restaurant Palais Al Firdaous, Restaurant Palais Tijani, restaurants at Palais Médina, Restaurant Zagora, Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai Hotel (it´s pricey), various restaurants at La Maison Bleue, The Ruined Garden.

🛏 Where to stay in Fes: best riads and hotels

Accommodation in Fez usually means choosing between a quintessential riad in the medina – more authentic but also noisier and trickier with luggage – or a modern hotel outside it. That being said, wherever you are staying, chances are you might sleep near a mosque, so be ready for the call to prayer echoing across the city even at night. I still remember waking up at dawn to that sound! 🙂

If you’re wondering where to stay in Fes, here’s a selection of the best hotels and riads sorted by budget (the one where we slept is marked in dark grey in the map):

• Riads in Fez: Algilà Fès, Dar Bensouda, Dar Roumana, Le Grand Alcazar, Palais Amani (they have a hammam and also offer cooking classes!), Palais de Fès, Riad Alya, Riad Anata (you can learn how to cook Moroccan food too), Riad Fes (presumably one of the best rooftops in town!), Riad Fes Maya, Riad Ibn Battouta, Riad Laaroussa, Ryad Mabrouka, Riad Moulay Driss & Giacomo, Riad Tizwa, Riad Verus, Riad 9.
• Luxury hotels in Fes (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): Hotel Jnan Palace, Hotel Les Mérinides (check out the terrace for panoramic views), La Maison Bleue (it houses various restaurants), Palais Shéhérazade & Spa, Sofitel Palais Jamai, Zalagh Parc Palace.
• Medium range hotels in Fez (⭐⭐⭐ or ⭐⭐⭐⭐): Barceló Fès Medina, Dar Elinor, Dar El Yasmine, Hotel Batha, Hotel Mounia, Hôtel Wassim, ibis Fes, Royal Mirage.
• Budget accommodation in Fes (⭐⭐ or below): Dar Seffarine (great rooftop views), Dar Tazi, Guesthouse Dar Othmane (this is the place we had initially booked but after a reservation mishap we ended up at Hôtel Jardin Public, which was cozy, welcoming and included a delicious, traditional Moroccan breakfast), Funky Fes, Medina Social Club.

For more accommodation options in the Moroccan city of Fez, feel free to check out Airbnb, Booking or Hostelworld, my go-to platforms wherever I travel.

🚕 How to get around the Moroccan city of Fez

Navigating Fez can be challenging, but it’s part of the experience. Here’s how to move around this fascinating Moroccan destination.

• 🚌 By bus: there are urban buses connecting the new city (Ville Nouvelle) to the historic districts of Fez el-Bali and Fez el-Jdid. If you´re traveling to other cities in Morocco from Fez, head to the bus station (gare routière) near Bab Boujloud.
• 🚙 By car: driving in Morocco is certainly not for the faint-hearted. When we rented a car to travel to Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech, we learned this the hard way: traffic felt chaotic and rules seemed optional. But if you plan day trips from Fez, a car certainly gives you more freedom.
• 👣 By foot: most of the medina in Fez el-Bali as well as in Fez el-Jedid are pedestrian-only, so walking is inevitable. Be prepared for uneven streets, steep slopes, and the occasional mule blocking your way though! Also, be ready to get lost when wandering the old town. It can be helpful to book a walking tour to get a sense of the urban layout before exploring solo, or to download an offline map on your phone.
• ✈️ By plane: you can reach Fez easily via the Fez-Saïss airport, located about 12 km south of the city center. The airport is well connected with several domestic and European destinations.
• 🚕 By taxi: as in other Moroccan cities, petits taxis are everywhere and inexpensive, though they won’t take you deep into the medina. Don’t expect space for big luggage either!
• 🚂 By train: Fez is well connected by train to major Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Marrakech or Rabat, offering services that are generally affordable, comfortable, and reliable. The train station is located in the Ville Nouvelle (New Town), from where you can easily take a taxi to reach the medina or other parts of the city.

📍Map with what to do in Fez

For your ease of reference, below you will find a Fez map with all the spots mentioned throughout this blog post. They are color-coded by category (things to do, restaurants, hotels, day trip destinations). Use it to plan your next trip!

🧳Best day trips from Fes, Morocco

Fez makes a perfect base for exploring northern Morocco. Here are a few day trip ideas in that area!

• 💙 Chefchaouen: the famous blue city in the Rif Mountains, ideal for photography lovers.
• 👑 Meknes: a quieter imperial city with beautiful gates and mausoleums.
• 🏛 Volubilis: ancient Roman ruins with stunning mosaics.

Browse my Morocco resources for further inspiration!

My ultimate Essaouira travel guide

Things to do in Agadir: my travel guide + map

Things to do in Casablanca: a complete travel guide & map

Things to do in Marrakech: travel guide + map

Things to do in Rabat: map & travel guide to the capital of Morocco

Top 6 cities in Morocco to visit (+ more for your bucket list)

If you´re feeling adventurous, discover other destinations across Africa (such as Ethiopia) or the Middle East (Jordan, Turkey).

🎒 Final thoughts on Fez

Fez is not always easy. At first, I found it overwhelming — the crowds, the smells, the constant noise. But once I embraced the chaos, I began to see its beauty. The medina, with its hidden courtyards and vibrant souks, left a deep impression on me. Fez is a city that stays with you: challenging, surprising, and unforgettable. If you’re looking for authenticity and cultural immersion in Morocco, Fez is definitely the place to start.

How did you like this travel guide detailing what to do in Fez? Feel free to leave your questions and comments below, or show your support by loving this article.

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

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