9,000 ancient streets weaving through the Medina. Some of the world’s oldest markets and places of education. Neighbourhoods spanning from the ancient, to the Medieval, to the modern and authentic local markets, with shops and cafes offering traditional Moroccan hospitality. There’s so much to love about Fes.
About Fes
I hadn’t done much research before I visited Fes, and as a city it completely blew me away.
It’s the oldest city in Morocco; the Idris family from Saudi (who were descendents of the Prophet Mohammed) moved to the city in 789 and introduced Islam to the country.
Fes is home to the oldest university in the word, dating back to 859 and the world’s oldest and largest tannery.
The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s home to over 9,000 different streets, with 14km long walls wrapping around the old city.
After the Spanish inquisition, many Spanish Jewish people moved to Fes. They then created the Jewish district, which is known for its buildings with balconies – typical Spanish architectural style.
In recent times, the new city has been built.
This is a more modern city, where many newcomers to Fes have settled (and some families have moved from the Medina). However, over 200,000 people still live in the Medina.
Read more: Is Morocco safe?
Top things to do in Fes
With such a rich history, it’s unsurprsing that there are so many things to do in Fes!
1. Al Attarine Madrasa
It cost just 20 dirhams to enter this Madrassa in Fes, and while it sees its fair share of tourist groups, it’s blissfully quiet compared to other famous Moroccan sites.
Built in the 14th century, its courtyard is a masterpiece of symmetry – with a central fountain surrounded by walls of zellige tiles in deep blues and greens.
Delicate carvings of cedar wood frame the arches, each detail telling a story of the artisans who worked here centuries ago.
The quiet here is striking – stepping inside feels like leaving the bustle of the Medina behind, replaced by the soft murmur of water and the faint scent of aged wood.
It’s easy to imagine students once gathering in these very halls, deep in discussion or quiet prayer.
2. World’s Oldest University Al-Qarawiyyin
I had no idea that the world’s oldest university is right here in Fes!
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, this institution has stood as a beacon of learning for over a millennium.
Today, Al-Qarawiyyin remains a functioning mosque and university, and while non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, the view of its grand entrance is glorious.
3. Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
Within the winding streets of the Medina, the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II is the final resting place of the city’s founder, Moulay Idriss II, who reigned during the 9th century and is considered one of the most important figures in Moroccan history.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the inner sanctum, you can stand at one of the entrances and take it in!
4. Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani
Tucked away in the Medina, the Mausoleum of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani is a quiet yet fascinating site.
Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani was the ruler of the Tijaniyyah Sufi order, which is nowadays popular in West Africa (especially Senegal). He’s credited with taking the order, and thus Islam, to West Africa.
Nowadays, it’s often the first stop for West Africans on pilgrimage to Mecca.
Non-Muslims can’t enter the interior, but the intricate outside makes it worth a visit.
5. Tannery
At the Chouara Tannery (the oldest and largest tannery in the world), a jumble of stone vats spills out in earthy reds, yellows and blues, each brimming with natural dyes.
Workers move between them, kneading leather with practiced precision, while the air carries a mix of erm… pungent smells – everyone’s given a sprig of mint at the entrance to smell!
From the balcony above, you can watch this centuries-old process unfold – and if you want to buy some leather, there are shops down below.
6. King’s Palace
The golden gates of Dar al-Makhzen catch the light, their massive brass doors surrounded by emerald-green zellige tiles.
Cedar wood arches frame the entrance and though the palace itself remains behind these gleaming barriers, it’s worth stopping at the palace to take in its architecture.
7. Borj Nord Viewpoint
Standing at Borj Nord, one of the best viewpoints in Fes, the Medina stretches out like a living labyrinth below. Minarets rise from the tangle of rooftops, while the soft hum of life from the city drifts upwards.
8. Souks
I adored Fes’s souks; while Marrakech’s were marvellous, there was something magical about Fes’s; here, you’ll find local markets selling everything from vegetables to leather to metalworks, with plenty of opportunities to learn about each craft.
9. Hammam
You can do this in any Moroccan city, but there are plenty of hammams in Fes to try!
There are two options: local hammams or touristy hammams.
Hammams are a Moroccan spa, where you relax in a steam room, enjoy a scrub and even have a hair wash.
Local hammams are public and cheaper, whereas privte, touristy hammams will be more expensive!
I actually used the hammam at Riad Rcif Hotel and Spa (where I stayed, more on that below).
10. Walking tour around the Medina
To properly explore the Medina, learn about its history and get behind the scenes (including meeting craftspeople and bread bakers!), I highly recommend a walking tour.
Fes Medina is a maze, and there’s no way I’d be able to walk around independently without getting hopelessly lost! Our walking tour helped us connect attractions like the Mausoleum, Madrasa and University, learning fascinating facts about them all as we went.
We did a tour with Fes Day Tours and learned an extraordinary amount about the city that we wouldn’t have otherwise.
I’d also recommend a walking tour in Marrakech, so you can see more of the city’s hidden gems. Read about them here.
Where to stay: Riad Rcif Hotel and Spa
Affordable luxury is easy to find in Fes – I highly recommend Riad Rcif Hotel and Spa.
This refurbished Riad was once home to the Governer of Fes and his family and dates back over 700 years.
In 2005, it was refurbished and opened as a hotel. But it’s retained many of its original features, including fountains, tiles and ornate pillars. There’s a bright blue pool in the courtyard, a hammam, and a rooftop with one of the best views in Fes.
The rooms are ornately decorated in the same way, with mosaics, plush beds and opulent seating areas.
Click here to read more about Riad Rcif Hotel and Spa.
How to get to Fes
You can reach Fes by train, bus, plane or private transfer.
We took the train from Marrakech to Fes. This takes seven hours (Morocco actually has the fastest trains in Morocco running from Casablanca to Rabat to Tangier, but they don’t stretch to either Fes or Marrakech). We booked this on 12go.Asia – you can browse Morocco trains too by clicking here.
Buses also connect Fes with lots of destinations around Morocco, including Chefchouen.
If you’re travelling from Tangier, you could make the most of this transfer service which includes a drive to Chefchouen, stop in Chefchouen and then carries on to Fes. We did this in reverse to get to Tangier.
Are you ready to visit Fes?
Authentic Moroccan culture intertwines with incredible tourist facilities in Fes. This Moroccan city is so incredibly rich, and it’s a must-do on anyone’s itinerary for the country.
