RiadPalais Amani
Fes el-Bali, near Bab Guissa
★ 4.9(612)
- Hammam
- Cooking school
- Garden courtyard
- Free WiFi
From1,850 MAD≈ €169 / night
Check ratesFès-Meknès
Fes
The spiritual & cultural capital
Fes is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating university and one of the largest car-free medieval medinas on earth. Lose yourself in Fes el-Bali, watch the tanneries from a leather shop’s terrace, and explore the imperial heritage of Morocco’s cultural capital.
- Best time
- April to June, and September to October
- Recommended
- 2 days
Highlights
- Medina of Fes el-Bali (UNESCO)
- Chouara tanneries
- Al-Qarawiyyin University & mosque
- Bou Inania & Al-Attarine Madrasas
- Royal Palace gates of Fes el-Jdid
About Fes
Founded in 789 AD by Idris I, Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s four imperial cities and remains the country’s spiritual and intellectual heart. Fes el-Bali — the older walled medina — is a UNESCO World Heritage site of nearly 10,000 alleys, where mules still deliver goods and craftsmen work in guilds organized by trade. Plan at least 2 full days: one for the cultural medina trail (Madrasa Bou Inania, Al-Qarawiyyin, the souks of brass, leather and silk) and one for the tanneries, ramparts and a panoramic view from the Borj Sud.
Things to do in Fes
- Walk the medina with a licensed guide — book ahead, plan 4 hours, start at Bab Boujloud (the blue gate).
- View the Chouara tanneries from a leather shop terrace — accept the sprig of mint to mask the ammonia.
- See the courtyard of Madrasa Bou Inania and Al-Attarine — the latter has the most intricate zellij in Morocco.
- Browse the Nejjarine carpenters’ square and its small museum of wooden arts.
- Stop at a Berber pharmacy for an explanation of argan, saffron and amber — buy or not.
- Photograph the Royal Palace’s seven brass doors at Fes el-Jdid (Place des Alaouites).
- Climb to the Marinid Tombs at sunset for the panoramic view over the medina.
- Take a 30-minute taxi to Volubilis Roman ruins and Moulay Idriss for a half-day side trip.
Local tips for Fes
- Hire only an official guide with the gold badge — book through your riad. €25–€35 for half a day is fair.
- Wear closed shoes — the medina alleys are uneven, damp near the tanneries, and shared with mules.
- Tanneries: don’t feel pressured to buy. A polite "shokran, just looking" and a small €1 tip on the way out is fine.
- Friday afternoon many shops close for prayer — schedule your tannery and souk visits earlier.
- Don’t expect easy GPS in Fes el-Bali — your phone is more useful for photos than navigation.
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Plan my Fes trip
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Where to stay in Fes
Hand-picked riads, kasbahs, and resorts — book direct via WhatsApp.
Riad
ResortRiad Fes — Relais & Châteaux
Fes el-Bali
★ 4.8(920)
- Andalusian patio
- Pool
- Michelin-recommended restaurant
From3,400 MAD≈ €310 / night
Check rates
GuesthouseDar Roumana
North medina
★ 4.7(380)
- Medina view
- Breakfast included
- Cooking classes
From980 MAD≈ €89 / night
Check ratesCars for your Fes trip
Pick up at Casablanca Airport or any major Moroccan city.
Renault Clio 5
compact
250 MAD≈ €23 / day
- 👥 5 seats
- 🧳 2 bags
- ⚙️ manual
- ❄️ A/C
- Air conditioning
- Bluetooth
- USB charging
- Power steering
Dacia Sandero
economy
250 MAD≈ €23 / day
- 👥 5 seats
- 🧳 2 bags
- ⚙️ manual
- ❄️ A/C
- Air conditioning
- Bluetooth
- USB charging
- Spacious boot
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Up to 48h before
Fes — frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide in the Fes medina?
A licensed guide is highly recommended for a first visit — the medina has thousands of alleys and a guide will save time and add context.
How far is Fes from Chefchaouen?
About 4 hours by private car. Many travelers combine Fes and Chefchaouen in a northern Morocco loop.
Is Fes worth visiting after Marrakech?
Absolutely. Fes is more conservative, more medieval, and more authentic in feel. Most multi-city itineraries include both.
How do I get from Fes to Marrakech?
A direct train takes about 7 hours, a flight 1 hour, or a private car 6 hours via Beni Mellal. We recommend flying or splitting with a stop in Casablanca.