Best Things to Do in Fes, Morocco — The Ultimate 2026 Guide

Best Things to Do in Fes

Fes is Morocco‘s cultural and spiritual capital — a living medieval city that has barely changed in centuries. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for more, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Lose Yourself in Fes el-Bali Medina

The medina of Fes el-Bali is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, with over 9,000 narrow alleyways, ancient mosques, tanneries, and the scent of spices lingering around every corner. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it is widely considered the best-preserved medieval Islamic city on earth.

👉 Explore it with a local expert: Fes Guided Medina Tour – Fez Morocco Tours

Visit the Chouara Tannery

One of the most iconic images of Morocco — colorful stone vats filled with natural dyes, workers moving between them using centuries-old techniques. The Chouara Tannery dates back to the 11th century and remains fully operational today. Access the viewing terraces through the surrounding leather shops (free of charge). Bring a sprig of mint — the smell is intense!

👉 Book a tour that includes the tannery: Fes Medina Handicraft Walking Tour

Discover the Stunning Madrasas

Two architectural masterpieces not to miss:

• Bou Inania Madrasa — 14th-century theological college with marble courtyards, carved cedar wood, and breathtaking zellij tilework
• Al Attarine Madrasa — tucked near the spice market, every inch covered in intricate mosaics and plasterwork

Learn more about these sites on Lonely Planet’s Fez guide.

Al-Qarawiyyin — The World’s Oldest University

Founded in 859 AD, Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, but the surrounding alleyways and the restored library are extraordinary. The adjacent Place Seffarine is lined with coppersmiths hammering away — a scene straight out of the Middle Ages.

Read our full city overview: Fes Morocco Guide 2026

Sunset at the Marinid Tombs

For the best panoramic view of Fes, hike up to the Marinid Tombs. The 14th-century crumbling ruins sit on a hilltop above the medina — at dusk, the golden light washing over the rooftops is simply unforgettable. Go before sunset for safety and the best light.

Royal Palace Gates & Jnan Sbil Gardens (Fes el-Jdid)

The Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen) is closed to visitors, but its monumental golden brass doors are one of the most photographed sights in Morocco. Just next door, the Jnan Sbil gardens offer a peaceful, tree-lined escape popular with local families — perfect after a sensory-overloaded day in the medina.

Explore the Souks & Seffarine Square

The souks of Fes are organized by trade: dyers, coppersmiths, leather workers, spice sellers. Wandering through them is an experience in itself. Don’t miss Seffarine Square — an atmospheric triangle filled with craftsmen making traditional copper pots, lanterns, and trays right before your eyes.

Relax in a Traditional Hammam

After a day of exploring, unwind in a traditional Moroccan hammam. Riads like Laaroussa and Dar Bensouda offer hammam sessions filled with orange blossom-scented steam. It’s not a gentle experience — but you’ll feel completely rejuvenated.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts

Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai (fondouk), this museum showcases Morocco’s finest woodworking traditions — carved doors, instruments, furniture, and decorative objects. The rooftop café offers stunning views over the medina.

Day Trips from Fes

Fes is the perfect base for exploring northern Morocco:

• 🔵 Chefchaouen — The famous Blue City, 2.5 hours away → Day Trip to Chefchaouen from Fes
• 🏛️ Meknes & Volubilis — Roman ruins + imperial city in one day → Fez Middle Atlas day trip
• 🏔️ Middle Atlas (Ifrane & Azrou) — Cedar forests and Barbary macaques → Excursion from Fez to Volubilis Mouly Idriss Meknes Day trip
• 🐪 Merzouga & the Sahara — The ultimate Morocco adventure → Fez Desert Tours

Need a Guide? Don’t Go Without One.

Fes el-Bali has no logical grid — getting lost is part of the charm, but having a certified local guide means you won’t miss the hidden gems. Our multilingual guides have over 10 years of experience showing travelers the real Fes.

👉 Book your Fes tour with Fez Morocco Tours — Private, customizable, unforgettable.

📞 WhatsApp: +212-67 43 61 550 | ✉️ contact@fezmoroccotours.com