Northern interior, at the foot of the Middle Atlas
Fes
Fes is home to the largest car-free medieval urban area still in daily use in the world. Fes el Bali is a living city of workshops, markets, and homes, not a preserved monument, and that is what makes it both challenging and rewarding to visit.
- Airport
- Fez–Saïss (FEZ), about 20 minutes from the medina
- Typical stay
- 2 nights minimum
- Medina
- Fes el Bali, thousands of alleys, no vehicle access
- Founded
- 9th Century
Why visit Fes
For its still-active craft traditions—tanning, brass, ceramics, weaving—and for the density of medieval architecture in a single walkable area.
Marrakech is more open and more accustomed to short-stay tourism. Fes is denser, steeper, and less easy to read; getting lost is normal, and that's part of how the city works.
We can include Fes in one of our Morocco tours or prepare a custom trip with your dates and pace.
What to see and do
Chouara Tannery
Observed from the terraces of surrounding leather shops. The smell is intense; mint is handed out for a reason.
Al-Attarine and Bou Inania Medersas
14th-century religious schools with exceptional carved plasterwork and zellige.
Al-Qarawiyyin
Founded in 859 AD; non-Muslims can see part of the complex from the gates and the library exterior.
Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs
Viewpoints on the hill overlooking the entire medina, best in the late afternoon.
How many days to stay
Two nights allow for a full day in the medina with a guide and a slower second morning. Three nights are suitable for those who want to add Volubilis or Meknes as a day trip.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn. Summers are hot and the medina retains heat; winters are cool and can be rainy.
Getting there and around
Direct flights from Europe and trains from Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier. Towards the desert and the south, the journey is made by road.
On foot within the medina; taxis for the ville nouvelle. Luggage often needs to be carried by hand or cart to the riads.
Travel times to nearby destinations
- Chaouen: About 4 hours crossing the Rif.
- Merzouga: A long day of driving via Midelt and the Ziz Valley.
- Volubilis and Meknes: 1 to 1.5 hours; easy as a day trip.
Practical tips
- Book a guide for the first day: the medina is truly difficult to navigate without help.
- Wear shoes with good grip; the alleys are steep, irregular, and sometimes wet.
- Agree on prices before entering a shop linked to a workshop.
- Wear modest clothing for religious sites.
Who is Fes for?
Travelers interested in history, crafts, and gastronomy, and those who prefer walking to driving.
Common mistakes
- Booking only one night and seeing almost nothing.
- Assuming a taxi can reach the door of the riad.
- Trying to reach the Sahara and back in two days.
Fes: frequently asked questions
Do I need a guide in Fes?
For the first full day, most travelers appreciate it. After that, self-guided walks are manageable.
Is Fes accessible for those with reduced mobility?
Some areas of the medina have steep, irregular alleys with steps. We can plan a route through the most accessible areas; tell us what you need.
Can you start a desert tour from Fes?
Yes. The Ziz Valley route reaches Merzouga in a long day; finishing in Marrakech avoids repeating the journey.
Private tours including Fes
Other Morocco guides
Include Fes in a private itinerary
Tell us your dates and the other places you want to combine, and we will propose a realistic route.