Fes Travel Guide

Things to Know Before You Go

Fes is an incredible destination, but it helps to arrive prepared. The medina is famously intricate, and cultural norms are deeply rooted in tradition. Understanding how life works here will make your visit smoother, more enjoyable, and more respectful.

The languages most commonly spoken are Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and French, with English understood in tourism-heavy areas. Most locals are welcoming and helpful, but the medina’s winding passages can be overwhelming at first. It’s normal to feel disoriented—everyone does—but getting lost is part of the experience. If you ask someone for directions, especially inside Fes el-Bali, expect they might offer to guide you for a small tip.

Dress tends to be more conservative than in Marrakech or coastal cities. Visitors don’t need to cover their heads or dress in traditional Moroccan clothing, but long, breathable layers will help you feel comfortable and blend in. This is especially true when entering religious sites, although many mosques in Fes (including Al Quaraouiyine) are not open to non-Muslims.

Haggling is part of daily life. Whether you're buying pottery, leather bags, or a simple snack, bargaining is expected. The key is to stay friendly and patient—negotiation here is a cultural exchange, not a confrontation.

Finally, remember that Fes has a reputation for persistent “unofficial guides,” especially near busy gateways like Bab Boujloud. A polite but firm “no thank you” is usually enough. If you prefer extra peace of mind, ask your riad to arrange a certified guide; they can offer context, history, and navigate you through places you might not find on your own.

When to Visit Fes

Fes can be visited year-round, but certain months offer a more comfortable experience, especially for travellers planning to spend long days walking through the medina. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are widely considered the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm but not overwhelming, and the evenings feel refreshing as the city winds down.

Summer can be intense, with daytime heat often exceeding 35°C (95°F). While the medina’s narrow streets provide shade, exploring for hours can feel draining. If you visit during this period, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for sightseeing.

Winter brings cool days and chilly nights. Riads can feel especially cold due to traditional architecture, so it’s wise to choose a property with heating. The trade-off is smaller crowds, lower prices, and a quieter, atmospheric version of the city.

Fes also hosts the annual Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, usually in June. This globally recognized festival brings artists from around the world for performances in historic venues, blending music, spirituality, and culture in a memorable way. If your dates align, it's a wonderful time to visit, but be sure to book accommodation early.

Getting to Fes

Reaching Fes is straightforward thanks to its well-connected airport and Morocco’s reliable rail network. Most international travellers arrive via Fès–Saïs Airport (FEZ), which offers direct flights from major European cities including Paris, Madrid, London, and Barcelona. From the airport, taxis are readily available, and the ride to the medina typically takes around 30 minutes.

If you’re traveling within Morocco, trains offer a comfortable and scenic option. ONCF, Morocco’s national railway, connects Fes with cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, and Marrakech. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and punctual. From the station, petit taxis can take you to the medina’s gates or directly to your riad’s meeting point.

Buses and shared grand taxis provide additional routes, especially between Fes and towns like Azrou or Ifrane. These options are less comfortable than trains but useful for regional travel.

Getting Around Fes

Exploring Fes is both rewarding and challenging. The medina’s layout is famously intricate, and GPS often loses accuracy inside narrow alleyways. The best way to get around Fes el-Bali is on foot, allowing yourself to wander and absorb the city’s rhythms.

Most travellers navigate using landmarks like Bab Boujloud, Zaouia Moulay Idriss, and the Tanneries, which serve as reliable orientation points. Locals are accustomed to visitors asking for directions, though some may expect a tip if they guide you.

Outside the medina, petit taxis are plentiful and inexpensive. They operate on meters—though you may need to politely remind drivers to use them—and are ideal for reaching Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah, or Ville Nouvelle.

Riads typically provide clear instructions for reaching them from the nearest gate. In some cases, staff may even meet you to assist with luggage and navigation, a welcome service given the maze-like pathways.

Where to Stay in Fes

Choosing where to stay in Fes can shape your entire experience. The city is divided into three main areas—Fes el-Bali, Fes el-Jdid, and Ville Nouvelle—each offering a distinct atmosphere and level of convenience.

Fes el-Bali, the UNESCO-listed old medina, offers the most atmospheric experience. Here, beautifully restored riads feature inner courtyards, mosaic fountains, and rooftop terraces. Staying in this district immerses you in the rhythms of daily life, though narrow alleyways can make luggage transport challenging.

Fes el-Jdid, home to the Royal Palace and the Mellah, provides a quieter experience while remaining close to historic attractions. Accommodations here range from traditional guesthouses to modest hotels, making it a balanced option for travellers seeking calm without sacrificing convenience.

Ville Nouvelle, built during the French colonial period, feels modern and spacious. Wide boulevards, cafes, and international hotels offer familiar comforts, ideal for travellers who prefer contemporary amenities and easy transportation access.

Regardless of where you stay, Fes offers exceptional hospitality—especially in riads, where hosts often arrange transfers, book tours, and prepare homemade meals that add warmth to your stay.

Top Attractions in Fes

Al Quaraouiyine University & Mosque

Founded in 859 AD, Al Quaraouiyine is considered the world’s oldest continuously operating university. While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer halls, the exterior views reveal its elegant white walls, green-tiled roofs, and historic wooden doors. Its presence anchors the scholarly and spiritual identity of Fes.

Bou Inania Madrasa

One of the few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims, Bou Inania Madrasa is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Intricate tilework, carved cedarwood, and a tranquil courtyard make it one of the most beautiful historic sites in the city.

Al-Attarine Madrasa

Smaller but equally exquisite, Al-Attarine features some of the finest stucco carvings and zellij mosaics in Morocco. Its cozy scale intensifies the detail, offering a jewel-box–like experience.

Chaouwara Tanneries

These iconic tannery pits are a sensory experience—colourful dye vats, manual leatherwork, and centuries-old techniques. Visit in the morning for softer light and cooler temperatures.

Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)

A central landmark with blue tiles on one side and green tiles on the other, Bab Boujloud serves as a main entry point into the medina. It’s a useful meeting spot and photography destination.

Fes el-Bali Medina

A dense labyrinth of over 9,000 alleys, the medina is one of the world’s largest car-free urban zones. Wandering is the experience—donkeys, workshops, markets, and artisans shape its living heartbeat.

Dar Batha Museum

Set within a former palace, this museum highlights regional craftsmanship, from pottery to embroidery, and includes a beautiful Andalusian-style garden.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

A restored funduq displaying traditional woodworking, tools, and furniture. The rooftop offers stunning views of the medina.

Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

Fes’s Jewish heritage is preserved through the Ibn Danan Synagogue, distinctive architecture, and the historic cemetery. Exploring this area adds depth to the narrative of Fes.

Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen)

Closed to the public but admired for its ornate brass doors and immaculate tilework. A must-see photo stop.

Borj Nord & Marinid Tombs Viewpoint

For panoramic views of the medina, head to Borj Nord or the nearby hilltop tombs—especially at sunset.

Jnan Sbil Gardens

A peaceful retreat with ponds, greenery, and walking paths—perfect for a break from the medina’s intensity.

Food & Dining in Fes

Fes is one of Morocco’s culinary capitals, with dishes that reflect centuries of tradition. Iconic meals include b’stilla (a sweet-savoury chicken pastry), harira (a warming tomato-lentil soup), and mrouzia (a honey-and-raisin lamb tagine often prepared for celebrations). Fresh bread, grilled meats, citrusy salads, and seasonal pastries add variety to every meal.

Dining options range from rooftop restaurants with panoramic medina views to intimate riad dinners made with family recipes. Street food—msemen, stuffed breads, kebabs, and pastries—offers an authentic, affordable taste of daily life.

For travellers who experience anxiety or sensitive digestion, Fes’s slower pace and emphasis on home-cooked meals often feel gentler than in larger cities. Choosing a riad with breakfast and optional dinners can provide extra comfort.

Shopping in Fes

Fes is one of Morocco’s great artisan hubs. The medina’s souks are organized by traditional craft: copper in Seffarine Square, pottery in specialized ateliers, leather goods near the tanneries, and natural cosmetics in Souk el Henna.

Many workshops welcome visitors to observe artisans shaping clay, hammering metal, weaving textiles, or carving wood. Bargaining is expected—approach it with patience and a friendly tone. Even if you’re not shopping, learning about these crafts deepens your understanding of the city.

Day Trips from Fes

Fes is perfectly positioned for exploring northern and central Morocco:

Meknes & Volubilis – Explore an imperial city and one of North Africa’s best-preserved Roman ruins.
Chefchaouen – The famous Blue City, ideal for photography and relaxed wandering.
Ifrane & Azrou – A cool mountain escape known for cedar forests and Barbary macaques.
Sefrou & Bhalil – Traditional towns with springs, hillside homes, and unique cave dwellings.

These day trips offer variety—history, nature, and small-town culture—making your time in Fes even richer.

Sample Itineraries

1-Day in Fes

Start at Bab Boujloud, visit Bou Inania Madrasa, continue to the Tanneries, enjoy a rooftop lunch, explore Al-Attarine Madrasa, see the exterior of Al Quaraouiyine, then unwind in Jnan Sbil Gardens or at Borj Nord for sunset.

2-Day Itinerary

Day one mirrors the one-day route but at a relaxed pace. Add the Nejjarine Museum and artisan squares.
Day two: explore Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah, the Synagogue, and Ville Nouvelle. Consider a food tour or craft workshop in the evening.

3-Day Itinerary

Spend the first two days exploring Fes deeply.
Day three: choose a day trip—Volubilis, Meknes, Chefchaouen, or Ifrane.

7–10 Day Morocco Trip

A popular route: Casablanca → Rabat → Fes → Chefchaouen → Marrakech.
Or use Fes as the starting point for a desert tour to Merzouga.

Practical Travel Tips for Fes

Cash is essential in the medina; keep small bills for purchases and tips. ATMs are reliable but found mostly outside Fes el-Bali. Buying a local SIM card helps with navigation and communication. Pack breathable clothing, modest layers, and comfortable walking shoes—Fes is a city of uneven stone paths and long walking days.

Photography is rewarding but ask permission before taking photos of people. Bargaining is expected—stay patient and friendly. If you’re prone to overstimulation, plan short exploration blocks and rest often in peaceful spaces like riad courtyards or gardens.

Certified guides offer an excellent introduction to the medina, easing navigation stress and providing valuable cultural context.

Is Fes Safe?

Fes is generally very safe, with most issues relating to navigation stress, sensory intensity, or minor scams. Violent crime is extremely rare. Getting lost is normal but not dangerous—locals are accustomed to directing travellers, though some may expect tips.

Stick to well-trafficked medina areas at night or return to your riad before very late. Ville Nouvelle and main roads in Fes el-Jdid are comfortable after dark.

If your nervous system is already feeling sensitive, plan breaks throughout the day and choose a calming riad. Fes’s intensity is manageable with the right pacing.

Fes for Different Types of Travellers

Solo Travellers: friendly riads, rich culture, easy to meet guides.
Couples: romantic riads, rooftop dinners, hammams.
Families: engaging sights, manageable pace, wide spaces in newer districts.
Culture Lovers: unbeatable architecture, madrasas, museums, crafts.
Budget Travellers: affordable food, guesthouses, and free attractions.
Luxury Travellers: refined riads offering private tours, spa rituals, and quiet courtyards.

Fes is one of Morocco’s most captivating destinations—a place where art, spirituality, history, and craftsmanship come together in an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you're wandering the medina, dining in a riad, exploring ancient madrasas, or taking in panoramic sunset views, Fes offers a deeply meaningful and sensory-rich travel experience.

And when you're ready to plan your trip, Roameta makes it easy. Book flights, hotels, and car rentals in one place—with transparent pricing, real rewards you keep, and human support that’s actually there when you need it. From choosing the perfect riad to building a multi-city Moroccan itinerary, Roameta helps you travel confidently and stress-free.

Fes stays with you long after you leave—let Roameta help you get there effortlessly.