Fes Travel Guide: What to See, Things to Do & How to Visit

Start with Fes el-Bali, the oldest part of the city and the heart of its historic medina. Wander through its narrow streets and discover colorful markets, traditional workshops, historic buildings, and quiet residential alleys.

Because the medina is extensive and easy to get lost in, a knowledgeable local guide can help you understand what you’re seeing and find places you might otherwise miss.

The Al Quaraouiyine complex is one of the most important historical institutions in Fes and is traditionally associated with the world’s oldest existing university. Founded in the 9th century, it became an influential center of Islamic scholarship and learning.

Non-Muslim visitors generally cannot enter the prayer hall, but the surrounding area and architecture can still be appreciated from outside.

The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture in Fes. Its interior features detailed zellij tilework, carved stucco, and cedar wood decoration.

The madrasa is located within the medina and is relatively easy to include while exploring the surrounding streets.

The Chouara Tannery is one of Fes’s most recognizable sights. Traditional leatherworkers continue to process and dye leather using longstanding methods.

Viewing terraces around the tannery provide an elevated perspective over the colorful dyeing vats. The surrounding leather shops are also part of the traditional craft quarter.

The Mellah, Fes’s historic Jewish quarter, offers a different architectural and historical perspective on the city. Its streets and buildings reflect the long presence of Jewish communities in Moroccan urban life.

The area also provides access to sites connected with Fes’s Jewish heritage, including the historic Ibn Danan Synagogue.

The ornate gates of the Royal Palace of Fes are among the city’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Although the palace itself is not generally open to visitors, the impressive golden gates can be admired and photographed from outside.

The gates showcase detailed Moroccan craftsmanship, including zellij tilework, carved decoration, and traditional geometric patterns. They provide a striking contrast with the narrow streets and historic buildings of the medina.

The souks of Fes are filled with traditional products including leather goods, ceramics, textiles, spices, metalwork, and handcrafted items.

Take your time comparing products and prices rather than feeling pressured to buy immediately. Exploring the souks is as much about observing the craftsmanship and atmosphere as it is about shopping.

Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Fes. Temperatures are generally pleasant for walking, while the surrounding landscapes become greener after the winter months.

March and April can occasionally bring rain, so carrying a light waterproof layer is useful.

Summer can be very hot, particularly during the afternoon. Temperatures can rise significantly, making long walks through the medina uncomfortable during the hottest hours.

If you visit in summer, explore outdoor areas early in the morning or later in the afternoon and take breaks during the middle of the day.

Autumn is another excellent period to visit. Temperatures gradually become more comfortable after the summer heat, making it easier to spend several hours exploring the medina on foot.

September can still be quite warm, while October and November are generally more comfortable.

Winter temperatures in Fes are cooler than many first-time visitors expect. Days can be pleasant, but mornings and evenings can become cold, and occasional rain is possible.

Bring layers, particularly if you plan to spend long periods outdoors or stay in a traditional riad where indoor spaces may not be centrally heated.

For comfortable sightseeing and long walks through the medina, March to May and September to November are generally the best periods to visit Fes. These seasons offer a good balance between temperature, sightseeing conditions, and overall travel comfort.

Traveling from Marrakech to Fes is possible by train, bus, car, or domestic flight. By road, the journey is long, so travelers driving between the two cities should allow plenty of time and consider breaking the journey with an overnight stop.

If you’re planning a wider Morocco itinerary, it can be more efficient to visit Fes as part of a route through central or northern Morocco rather than making a direct return journey.

Fes is easily accessible from Casablanca by train and road. The train is a practical option for travelers who prefer not to drive, while a private transfer provides more flexibility with departure times and stops.

Rabat and Fes are connected by Morocco’s rail network, making the train one of the most convenient ways to travel between the two cities. The road journey is also straightforward for travelers using a private vehicle.

Fes is a common starting point for travelers visiting Chefchaouen. The journey can be made by bus, private transfer, or rental car.

A private vehicle gives you greater flexibility if you want to stop at viewpoints or explore smaller towns along the way.

Fes is connected to Morocco’s national railway network, making rail travel a convenient choice when arriving from cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.

For longer journeys, check the current timetable and choose a departure that fits your itinerary.

Fes–Saïss Airport serves the city and has connections to several Moroccan and international destinations. Flying can be useful if you’re arriving from a destination that has a convenient direct connection or if you want to save time on a longer journey.

A private tour allows you to combine Fes with other destinations without having to arrange separate transportation. This can be particularly useful for travelers planning a multi-city Morocco itinerary and wanting flexibility over where and when to stop.