Fes Morocco (also spelled Fez) is one of Morocco’s imperial cities, and its walled medina was the first World Heritage site listed in Morocco, in 1981. This Fes Morocco guide covers the history, the best things to do in Fes, the Chouara tannery, the madrasas, the best time to visit Fes and how to fit it into a trip, so you can decide how many days to give it. If you are choosing between cities, our Fes versus Marrakech guide compares them.
Fes Morocco at a glance
Fez lies in northern inland Morocco, northwest of the Atlas Mountains, at an elevation of 414 m, and is the capital of the Fez-Meknes region. According to Wikipedia, it is the third largest city in the country; see also our guide to the largest city in Morocco. Idris I founded the city in 789, and his son Idris II founded a second settlement across the river in 809. The two were unified under the Almoravids in 1069 to 1070, and the Marinids made Fez their capital again in 1250. It stayed a capital until 1912, when the French moved the administrative capital to Rabat.
Things to do in Fes Morocco
Get lost in the Fes medina
Fes el Bali, “Old Fes”, is the original walled medina and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Wikipedia gives the car-free zone as about 300 hectares, while the UNESCO-listed area is given as 2.2 square kilometres, and the page does not explain the difference. Only one major road enters from the south, along the river to Place R’cif. The lanes are narrow, many dead-end, and exploring Fes on foot rewards patience, so go with a guide your first morning. Wear comfortable shoes, and see what to wear in Morocco for women for modest clothing tips.
See the Chouara tannery in Fes Morocco
The Chouara tannery dates to the 11th century, according to Wikipedia, and is the largest of three tanneries in the city. It sits near the Saffarin Madrasa, and the Fes tanneries, with their stone vats and hanging hides, are among the best-known sights in the city. Wikipedia says little about visiting rules, so ask your guide or riad host what to expect, and carry small change; our cash in Morocco and tipping in Morocco guides cover the basics.
Visit the madrasas and al-Qarawiyyin
Between 1271 and 1357 the Marinids built seven madrasas in the city, starting with the Saffarin Madrasa in 1271, according to Wikipedia. The Bou Inania Madrasa was built under Abu Inan Faris, and the Al-Attarine Madrasa was completed by Sultan Abu al-Hasan. The University of al-Qarawiyyin began as a mosque and is described as the oldest continuously operating degree-awarding institution in the world. Fatima al-Fihri is credited as founder, with the date given as 857 in one Wikipedia article and 859 in another, so we say the 9th century. Check which doors are open to visitors on the day.
Enter through Bab Bou Jeloud
Bab Bou Jeloud is the main western gate of Fes el Bali. Wikipedia says the decorative gate seen today was built in 1913 by the French colonial administration, near the site of an older kasbah. It is a natural starting point for a Fes Morocco medina walk and a good place to meet your guide.
Eat, shop and stay in Fes Morocco
The main souk streets run from the gates to the main mosques and hold most of the old merchant inns, called funduqs. Eat local: our Moroccan food guide lists the dishes to try. Many travelers stay in a riad in the medina; see riad versus hotel in Morocco. For the language side, a few Darija phrases help in the souks.
Royal Fes Jdid and the Mellah
Fes Jdid, “New Fez”, was founded in 1276 by the Marinid sultan Abu Yusuf Yaqub, and it houses the Royal Palace, still used by the king, according to Wikipedia. The Mellah, the Jewish quarter, was created in Fes Jdid in the Marinid period. To explore that heritage across the country, read our Jewish heritage tour of Morocco.
Best time to visit Fes Morocco
Wikipedia describes a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with a strong continental influence. July and August highs are near 34.5 °C, winters are cool and wet, frost is not uncommon, and snow falls on average once every 3 to 5 years. So for Fes Morocco we suggest spring or autumn, while summer needs early starts. Compare Morocco in summer, Morocco in November and Morocco in winter, or see the full best time to visit Morocco.
How to get to Fes Morocco
Many travelers continue from Fes Morocco toward the Sahara. Our Fes to Merzouga guide covers the long drive south, and train versus bus versus rental car compares transport options. You can also combine it with Chefchaouen, which is explained in why Chefchaouen is blue, and with Volubilis. Wikipedia gives no driving times, so we do not either.
Fes Morocco and the Sahara
Many itineraries pair Fes Morocco with the desert. After the medina, spend a night in a Sahara desert camp, and compare routes in our 3 or 4 day desert tour and desert tour cost guides. Our 7 days in Morocco and how many days you need in Morocco guides show where it fits.
Fes Morocco FAQ
Is Fes Morocco worth visiting?
Yes, Fes Morocco is worth it for the medina, the madrasas and the tanneries. If you are deciding between cities, see Fes versus Marrakech and whether Marrakech is worth visiting.
How many days do you need in Fes Morocco?
The medina is large, so two days in Fes gives you time for the main sights without rushing. Our itinerary guide shows how that fits a 5 to 14 day trip.
Is Fes Morocco safe for solo travelers?
Read our honest answer in the solo female travel guide, which applies across Morocco.
When was Fes Morocco founded?
Idris I founded the city in 789, according to Wikipedia.
Want Fes Morocco on your route? Message us your dates and we will plan it with you.
Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your Fes Morocco trip and the rest of your route, from the medina to the dunes.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Fes vs Marrakech, Fes to Merzouga, Chefchaouen, Jewish heritage tour of Morocco, Tetouan Morocco, Sefrou Morocco, Meknes Morocco, Ifrane Morocco.
Travelling on to the capital? Read our Rabat Morocco guide.
