15 Things to do in Fes

June 4, 2025
By Mustapha

Best 15 Things to do in Fes: A Comprehensive Guide

Nestled amid the rugged landscape of northern Morocco, Fes is a city where centuries of history are interwoven like the intricate patterns of a hand-stitched Moroccan rug. As the country’s spiritual and cultural heart, it beckons adventurers, history enthusiasts, food lovers, and curious wanderers alike.

Here, every alleyway has a story to tell, every courtyard has a secret to reveal, and every aroma, from freshly baked bread to spiced tagine, whispers of traditions passed down through generations. In this blog, we’ll take you on a simple storytelling journey through the 15 best things to do in Fes.

Along the way, we’ll sprinkle in some helpful tips to help you soak up the magic and capture the SEO magic that will guide other travelers to discover this treasure. Plus, remember that we offer expertly crafted tours across Morocco, including Fes, to ensure you experience everything without missing a thing.

1. Wander Through the Ancient Medina of Fes el-Bali

Imagine stepping back in time the moment you pass through the iconic Blue Gate, Bab Boujloud. The colors of its tiles — brilliant cobalt juxtaposed with verdant green — announce that you are entering a place frozen in history.

Beyond this ornate threshold lies Fes el-Bali, the world’s largest car-free urban area, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you take your first steps, the hum of activity begins to rise: merchants calling out, donkeys braying softly, and the distant clang of a metalworker’s hammer. Narrow lanes, some barely wider than an arm’s span, twist in labyrinthine curves.

You might pause here to watch a barber shaving his client’s beard with near-ritual precision or hear the laughter of children darting past on their way to the local fountain. Insider tip: Download an offline map of Fes el-Bali before you arrive, or consider hiring a local guide (we can arrange this for you).

While it’s easy to get lost, that’s all part of the enchantment. Allow yourself at least half a day to truly absorb the medina’s energy. Visit small artisan workshops, follow the scent of fresh bread to hidden bakeries, and take breaks in shaded nooks that feel like secret hideaways.

2. Witness Traditional Leather Tanning at Chouara Tanneries

The Chouara Tanneries, often called the ‘soul of Fes’, are where hides are transformed into the famously durable Moroccan leather for which the region is renowned. The smell here is unforgettable: earthy, pungent and raw. From a distance, the tanneries resemble a patchwork of shallow stone vats, each filled with natural dyes ranging in color from rust-orange to deep indigo.

Climb up to one of the vantage points on the surrounding rooftops — many riads have terraces overlooking the tannery — and you can watch workers plunging hides into vats containing cow urine, quicklime, water, and salt to remove hair and impurities. Once cleaned, the hides are moved to different vats containing henna, poppy, saffron, indigo, and other local pigments. Each step is choreographed by skill and tradition.

Practical advice: To shield yourself from the strong odors, pick up a sprig of mint from one of the young vendors on the terrace — holding it under your nose cuts through the intensity. If you are visiting with a guide, they can explain each step in detail and help you find the best angle for capturing the rainbow of dyes in your photos.

And, of course, don’t miss the chance to purchase handcrafted leather goods such as bags, belts, or slippers directly from the artisans — the quality is unmatched, and bargaining is all part of the fun!

3. Marvel at the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University

Close your eyes and picture a scholarly sanctuary founded in 859 AD. This was a place of learning that attracted scholars from distant lands long before the medieval universities of Europe. This is the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. While non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the prayer hall, the mosque’s grandeur can be admired from several adjacent rooftops or viewing platforms.

As you approach, take in the elegant façade with its towering archways, intricately carved wooden doors, and minaret seemingly stretching towards the heavens. Even from outside, you can catch a glimpse of the courtyard, where delicate mosaics and perfectly symmetrical fountains reflect the Islamic golden ratio in every tile.

If you’re interested in Islamic architecture or education in the medieval era, why not book one of our Tours of Knowledge? Our scholars will explain the significance of Al-Qarawiyyin’s curriculum and its role in spreading ideas across North Africa and Europe.

Even standing outside, you can sense the electric hum of history — this is a place where Avicenna’s writings may once have been discussed in the same sunlight that now filters through the cedarwood screens above you.

4. Explore the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

The Nejjarine Museum is housed in a meticulously restored 18^(th)-century fundus (a caravanserai that was once used by traveling merchants). As you step inside, sunbeams filter through latticework screens, illuminating centuries-old woodworking tools, ornately carved doors with geometric patterns, and beautifully inlaid antique furniture.

The museum’s mission is to honor the city’s historic cohort of master carpenters, known as the Nejjarine (‘woodworkers’ in Arabic). Begin on the ground floor, where you can trace the journey of a felled cedar log from the Middle Atlas Mountains to a polished plank in a local riad’s minbar (pulpit).

You will see walnut, thuya, and cedarwood — all of which are native to Morocco — being transformed into beams, crooks, and curved cabriole legs. Each display is accompanied by photographs showing artisans at work, carving arabesques, hammering in brass studs, and sanding pieces until they gleam.

Highlight: Climb to the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Fes el-Bali. Nearby rooftop cafés serve sweet mint tea – sip it slowly as you take in the sea of rust-colored rooftops punctuated by minarets. We often include a complimentary museum pass with our Cultural Heritage Tour package to ensure you don’t miss this gem.

5. Stroll Through the Serene Jnan Sbil Gardens

After the sensory overload of the medina, the Jnan Sbil Gardens provide a welcome change of pace—literally. Established in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah and restored in the mid-20th century, these 7.5-hectare gardens offer lush lawns, shaded pathways, and bubbling fountains.

As you stroll beneath archways adorned with bougainvillea and around rose bushes in bloom, you’ll observe local families enjoying picnics on manicured lawns, officials from the Royal Palace ambling along pristine paths, and shopkeepers from the medina pausing to rest beneath olive trees.

Every corner of the garden reveals new flora, from rustling date palms overhead to bright hibiscus flowers and ancient olive trees with gnarled trunks. Photography tip: in spring, the rose gardens are particularly striking, with roses of every hue carpeting the ground around decorative fountains.

Take a few photos for your Instagram feed, but remember to pause and watch the local birdlife, such as pigeons, sparrows, and occasionally hoopoes, flit about. On our ‘City & Gardens’ day tour, we allocate a peaceful hour here where you can enjoy a simple picnic or freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby cart.

6. Admire the Architecture of Bou Inania Madrasa

Pass through a grand horseshoe arch to enter the Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the most exquisite examples of Marinid-era architecture in Fes. Commissioned by Sultan Abu Inan Faris in the mid-14th century, it served as an educational institution and a congregational mosque.

The carefully proportioned courtyard is laid out in perfect symmetry, with a central fountain catching the sunlight and surrounded by cedarwood columns carved with verses from the Qur’an. Look up to admire the zellij tilework, which comprises thousands of hand-cut ceramic pieces arranged to form complex geometric patterns.

Above your head, the delicate, lacelike carved stucco bears intricate vegetal motifs and Arabic calligraphy. As you walk around the upper gallery, listen to the echo of your footsteps against marble floors that have borne the weight of scholars’ footsteps for over 600 years.

Why It Matters: In medieval Fes, madrasas like Bou Inania were centers of learning and culture, hosting scientific discovery, poetry recitals, and theological discourse. During our ‘Scholars & Sultans’ walking tour, we explore fascinating stories, such as how students from Andalusia crossed the Strait of Gibraltar to study here and how poets recited works in moonlit courtyards at the height of summer. Allow yourself at least 45 minutes to take it all in, and don’t forget to admire the mihrab (prayer niche) facing Mecca — a masterpiece of carved marble.

7. Discover the Al-Attarine Madrasa

Just a stone’s throw from the bustling spice and perfume marketplace lies the Al-Attarine Madrasa, named after the Attarine, or spice merchants, who funded its construction. Although smaller than the Bou Inania Madrasa, it is no less charming. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the shimmering interplay of sunlight and shadow on the mosaic tiles, where lapis lazuli blues contrast with emerald greens and ruby reds.

Take a closer look at the carved mahogany screens that filter light into the central courtyard, casting dance-like patterns on the white marble floor. Each column is topped with an ornate capital, and above them, the cedar-wood ceiling is adorned with intricate muqarnas (stalactite work) designs.

You may notice subtle variations: a few tiles mirror each other perfectly, which is proof that the artisans often worked in pairs or small teams, passing secret patterns down through generations. Local tradition: In earlier times, students would memorize entire volumes of poetry in the study chambers surrounding the courtyard.

Today, if you listen closely, you might hear the faint echo of Andalusian melodies drifting in from a nearby café. We often combine a visit here with a brief detour to meet a local calligrapher who still uses centuries-old tools, such as reed pens and hand-mixed inks, to inscribe verses from medieval manuscripts.

8. Enter Through the Iconic Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)

Few images symbolize Fes more than Bab Boujloud, the Blue Gate. As you approach the gate, you’ll notice two distinct faience tile patterns: the outer faces are glazed in deep blue, reminiscent of the color of Chefchaouen, just a few hours away, while the inner faces are emerald green, representing the lush palm oases of the south.

Beyond the archway lies Place Boujloud, a wide open square where locals gather in outdoor cafés to share mint tea, play backgammon or simply rest their feet after navigating the dense medina. This is the perfect place to watch the world go by: you can see women in flowing djellabas selecting spices and vendors hauling crates of oranges on handcarts. As the sun sets, the gate’s tiles are transformed into a mosaic of light and color by the long shadows it cast.

Photo opportunity: Early mornings (around 8:00 am) provide the softest light, which is ideal for capturing that perfect Instagram shot with minimal crowds. If you book our ‘Sunrise in Fes’ photo tour, we will ensure you are in the perfect spot to see the first light dancing on those vibrant tiles, followed by a leisurely breakfast on the terrace of a nearby road.

9. Shop for Handcrafted Goods in the Souks

If you love tactile treasures, the souks of Fes will make your heart skip a beat. At every turn, you will find stalls brimming with textiles in shades of indigo, saffron, and henna. Rugs are piled up like folded stories, each kilim pattern whispering tales of Berber tribes from the Atlas Mountains. Leather pouches, silver jewelry etched with Amazigh motifs, and brass lanterns are just some of the items that have a story to tell, and every shopkeeper is eager to share theirs.

Don’t be shy about haggling — bargaining is all part of the fun! Start by offering about half the asking price, then meet somewhere in the middle — but always maintain a friendly smile. If you see a craftsman making a clay tagine, ask if you can watch for a moment. Most will welcome the conversation. Sellers often allow you to sample spices: pinch a bit of cumin and inhale its warm, nutty aroma, or sniff saffron strands and be awed by their floral perfume.

What to buy: Souvenirs worth your dirham include:

A hand-stitched leather pouf to rest tired feet on when you get back home.
– An argan oil tin, prized for its beauty and culinary properties.
Carpet kilims are woven with patterns that are unique to each Berber tribe.
A tagine pot for recreating Moroccan feasts in your kitchen.

When you book one of our ‘Artisan Immersion Tours’, we will guide you to reputable workshops and introduce you to artisans who will invite you into their homes to see how ceramic bowls are painted with a royal blue glaze.

10. Visit the Historic Kissariat al-Kifah Bazaar

Tucked between the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II, a sacred shrine, and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the Kissariat al-Kifah bazaar has served as the central marketplace of Fes since the 9th century. In medieval times, caravans would offload exotic goods here, including silks from the Levant, spices from India, and gold from Nubia.

Today, the narrow lanes still teem with traders, but the treasures on offer are distinctly Moroccan: copper trays embossed with intricate floral motifs; amber beads strung into elegant necklaces; and strings of translucent dates as soft as a whisper.

As you walk past lantern makers shaping brass sheets with precision hammers, you will find a jeweler chiseling filigree patterns onto a silver teapot. Further on, a spice seller is arranging neat pyramids of turmeric, paprika, and ras el hanout. You might even spot women seated cross-legged on woven mats sewing the bright ‘babouche’ slippers that have adorned Moroccan feet for centuries with their curled toes.

What makes it special: in centuries past, the Kissariat was the domain of merchants who traveled the Trans-Saharan Trade Routes. As you weave through the narrow alleys today, imagine camels laden with salt from the Sahara crossing dunes, or caravans of Andalusian scholars conversing in Arabic about poetry and theology. On our ‘Historical Markets’ walking tour, we explore these stories, pausing at key shops to explain how trade shaped Fes’s political power and cultural influences.

11. Explore the Fortified Walls of Borj Nord and Borj Sud

Perched high on the hills that flank Fes el-Bali, the twin fortresses of Borj Nord and Borj Sud offer stunning views of the sprawling city below. Originally built in the late 16^(th) century to keep watch over rebellious factions within the medina, these bastions now serve a gentler purpose as panoramic viewing points and museums.

Borj Nord: Once a symbol of Moroccan royal authority, this fortress now houses the Museum of Arms, which boasts an impressive collection of weapons spanning centuries, from medieval swords with damascened hilts to Ottoman muskets and modern firearms. As you wander through the museum, imagine the clash of steel in distant battles and how these weapons have shaped the lineage of power in Fes. Outside the museum, where old cannon emplacements stand, take in a sweeping vista of terracotta rooftops, the church spires of Fes el-Jdid and the pockets of green where olive groves still thrive beyond the city walls.
Borj Sud: Though less developed as a museum, Borj Sud’s viewpoint is legendary among photographers and travelers alike. A gentle 10- to 15-minute uphill walk (or a short taxi ride) will take you to a terrace where, at sunrise or sunset, the soft light bathes the medina in golden hues. Below, you can see minarets rising like tiny sentinels, alleyways disappearing into the distance like fjords, and vibrant stalls hinting at life below.

Planning tip: if you want to avoid the midday heat, aim to reach these fortresses just before lunchtime. You can then take a break in the shade of Borj Nord’s historical walls before descending towards a riad in the medina for a traditional Moroccan meal of roasted vegetables, couscous, and a steaming bowl of harissa soup to fuel your afternoon explorations. Both sites are included on our “Hilltop Views & Hidden Gems” private tour, complete with a picnic basket brimming with local specialties.

12. Experience the Spiritual Atmosphere at the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II

Every culture has its founders, saints, and legends. In Fes, Moulay Idris II is revered as the city’s spiritual father and celebrated as its founder. His mausoleum, located within the Zawiya shrine, is a place of pilgrimage and a living testament to Morocco’s devotion and history. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the prayer hall itself, they can step into the courtyard and sense the hush of reverence as worshippers murmur prayers.

You can observe pilgrims placing their hands on the cool marble walls in the belief that the saint’s baraka (blessing) will be bestowed upon them. You can listen to the rhythmic recitation of Qur’anic verses drifting from the inside and watch as visitors adjust their turbans with meticulous care before entering the inner sanctum. There’s a palpable sense of serenity here as if centuries of devotion have imbued the air with peace.

Cultural Insight: Moulay Idris II, grandson of Idris I (founder of the Idrisid dynasty), was believed to be descended from the Prophet Muhammad, which is why his lineage commands such deep respect. On our ‘Saints & Sultans’ evening tour, we often pause here to discuss how his leadership shaped Fes’s early political structure, and how his shrine continues to be a focal point for spiritual gatherings during Ramadan and other holy days.

13. Savor Traditional Moroccan Cuisine

Fes’s culinary scene is a storybook in itself, where flavors dance on your palate and each bite unveils a new chapter of cultural fusion. Close your eyes and inhale the fragrant steam rising from a clay tagine, perhaps containing honey-glazed carrots with cinnamon and almonds or tender lamb simmered in a sauce of preserved lemons and olives.

Breakfast is a time for rfissa: steamed layers of semen, a pancake-like bread, drenched in a chicken and lentil broth and dusted with fenugreek and saffron. This morning ritual will warm you from within and is often accompanied by a steaming cup of mint tea, poured in a slow, dancing stream to activate the sugar crystals. At lunchtime, head to a local eatery behind the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque to sample madonna, the ‘Moroccan pizza’ which is a pocket of dough stuffed with spiced lamb, potatoes, and onions, and baked in a brick oven.

Don’t miss the spice market near the Al-Attarine Madrasa, where heaps of turmeric, cumin, paprika, saffron, and ras el hanout (a blend of up to 27 spices) line every stall. Ask your guide to teach you how to judge the quality of saffron – a true strand of saffron is thin, deep red at both ends, and incredibly fragrant. Weaving through those mounds of spices is an experience in itself. Ask a vendor to sprinkle a little of each spice onto a small dish so you can smell them, and then watch them blend saffron with a hint of orange zest to create that unmistakable Fassi flavor.

14. Attend the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

Every year in late spring (usually May or June, though the exact dates can vary), Fes becomes a global stage for the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music. Musicians from Morocco, Africa, Europe, and beyond gather to perform in centuries-old venues such as the Royal Palace, the Marinid Tombs, and the courtyards of ancient madrasas, under the flickering light of lanterns.

Picture yourself sitting cross-legged on a woven mat at dusk, the air cool yet charged with anticipation. A Sufi ensemble begins, playing hypnotic rhythms on hand drums and ney flutes that pulse in unison. Moments later, a Sephardic choir sings in Ladino, their harmonies weaving a melodic tapestry that transports you to medieval Iberia. Next, a group of Gnawa musicians from northern Morocco might perform, playing the guembri, a three-stringed instrument that creates a bass line so deep that your heart seems to synchronize with it.

The festival isn’t just about entertainment; it’s an interfaith celebration of harmony. Catholic choirs may perform alongside Muslim qasidah reciters or klezmer quartets, each performance reminding you that music transcends geopolitical boundaries. We include festival passes in our week-long “Cultural Immersion” tour, complete with behind-the-scenes visits to rehearsal halls, so you can interact with the performers and even attend workshops on traditional instruments.

15. Embark on a Guided Tour with Us

After experiencing these 14 extraordinary sights and sounds, you will already feel a connection to Fes. However, to unlock all the hidden pathways, secret anecdotes, and time-honored traditions, there’s nothing quite like a guided tour with local experts. We offer a variety of tours across Morocco that can be tailored to your interests, the length of your stay, and your budget. Whether you’re a first-time visitor seeking an overview or an experienced traveler eager to delve deeper, we have an itinerary to suit you.

Fes Fundamentals (1-Day) Tour: Ideal if you’re short on time but want to see the highlights, including Fes el-Bali, Al-Qarawiyyin, the leather tanneries, and a rooftop lunch with views of the medina.
The Scholars & Sultans (2-Day) Tour: Dive into the city’s intellectual and architectural heritage with visits to Bou Inania and Al-Attarine, as well as private sessions with calligraphers and woodworkers.
Cultural Immersion (4-Day) Tour: Venture beyond Fes to Meknes, Volubilis, and Chefchaouen while spending two full days experiencing Fassi life, including morning markets, traditional hammams (public baths) and a cooking class in a local home.
Complete Morocco (10-day tour): Start in Casablanca, then journey to Rabat and Chefchaouen. Meander through Fes and dedicate a few days to a desert adventure in Merzouga before ending your tour in Marrakech. Every detail is curated, from luxury riad accommodation in Fes to a camel trek under the stars.

Why book with us? Our guides are born and bred in Fes and are passionate about preserving their heritage. They speak multiple languages, hold degrees in history or anthropology, and love nothing more than sharing a glass of mint tea while recounting old family legends. From the moment you land at Fes-Saïs Airport until your final goodbyes in Marrakech, we will handle the logistics, recommend the best spots for taking photos, and ensure that you feel safe wandering the winding lanes after dark.

Final Reflections

Fes is so much more than just a collection of monuments or a marketplace for artisan goods. It’s a living, breathing tapestry, with each thread — be it the call to prayer echoing from a minaret, a handwoven rug drying in the sun, or murmurs of prayer at a centuries-old shrine — adding depth to the city’s soul. We hope this guide to the 15 best things to do in Fes inspires you to wander, taste, listen, and feel every aspect of this timeless jewel.

Whether you’re a solo traveler seeking spiritual solace, a history buff tracing the footsteps of medieval scholars, or a foodie intent on photographing every tagine in sight, Fes has a story for you. When you’re ready to turn those pages, we’re here to craft your perfect Moroccan adventure, complete with seamless logistics, hidden gems, and unforgettable memories.

Ready to embark on your Fes adventure? Contact us today to learn more about our specialized tours in Morocco. Let us guide you through winding alleys, fragrant souks, and ancient citadels, ensuring you experience the heartbeat of this extraordinary city.