Culture and historic cities

Fes

The world's largest car-free medina, and Morocco's craft capital

Founded in the 9th century, Fes el-Bali is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to Al Quaraouiyine university, founded in 859, madrasas decorated with zellige and cedar, and whole districts devoted to leather, copper and weaving. Allow two full days, including half a day with an official guide to make sense of the medina.

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best season: Mar – May, Sep – Nov
Budget per day: from 380 MAD
Region: Imperial cities
Travel style: Culture, Food, Shopping, Solo
Best for: Travellers interested in history, architecture and crafts

Why go

A medieval medina that still works day to day
The country's most active tanneries and workshops
Renowned Fassi cooking, from pastilla to honey pastries

Culture & heritage

Bab Boujloud
The Blue Gate, the medina's main entrance.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A 14th-century school decorated with zellige and cedar.
Chouara tannery
View the dye pits from leather-shop terraces; the light is best in the morning.
Al Quaraouiyine
A mosque and university founded in 859. Entry for Muslims only.
Marinid Tombs
A view over the whole medina at the end of the day.

On the map

Things to do

Guided medina walk
An official guide is advised for a first visit.
Artisan workshops
Ceramics, weaving, copperwork: many workshops welcome visitors.
Mellah and Royal Palace
The old Jewish quarter and the golden gates of Dar el-Makhzen in Fes el-Jdid.

Experiences

Food · 4 hours

Moroccan cooking class

from 450 MAD

Culture · 1 night or more

A night in a riad

Culture · 3 hours

Guided souk tour

from 300 MAD

Wellness · 1 to 2 hours

Traditional hammam

from 150 MAD

Food

Pastilla is the speciality of Fes. Also try harira, spiced snail broth and honey pastries on Talaa Kebira.

Where to eat

Bab Boujloud eateries
Inexpensive tagines and skewers.
Medina palace restaurants
Restored mansions serving traditional Fassi cooking.

We point to neighbourhoods and types of places; verified partner venues will come later.

Where to stay

Fes el-Bali
Riads and dars in the medina: the most immersive stay.
New town
Modern hotels, easier by car and near the station.

Shopping

Chouara leather, Fes blue pottery, slippers, hammered copper and cactus silk. Prices are often gentler than in Marrakech.

Day trips

Meknes and Volubilis
Full day
An imperial city and a Roman site.
Ifrane and the cedar forest
Full day
A Middle Atlas mountain resort and Barbary macaques near Azrou.

Getting around

The station connects to Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Tangier and Marrakech. Fes-Saiss airport. In the medina everything is on foot; red petits taxis serve the gates.