Fes travel guide: where to stay, what to do and where to eat in Fes, Fès-Meknès, Morocco.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Fes.
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1
Fes el-Bali Medina
The world's largest car-free urban zone, with an estimated 9,000 lanes inside walls dating from the 9th century. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, it holds the Al-Qarawiyyin complex, madrasas, fondouks, tanneries and craft souks. Signage is sparse, so a downloaded offline map and a fixed meeting point are advisable for solo visitors; licensed guides charge about MAD 300-400 (~$32-43) per half day through hotel desks or the official tourist office.
Tip: Download an offline map and agree a fixed meeting point before entering · Hire a licensed guide for a half day, about MAD 300-400 via hotels or the tourist office · Arrive 8-10am to avoid tour groups and heat · Expect many shops closed on Friday morning · Dress modestly and carry small notes for tips and purchases · Step aside for donkeys and handcarts when a porter calls out
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2
Chouara Tannery
A medieval tannery quarter where hides are still soaked, limed and dyed by hand in stone vats of white lime and natural dyes. The view is from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, which hand out sprigs of mint against the smell. Entry is free, but staff expect a purchase or a tip of MAD 20-50 (~$2-5); a firm refusal of pushy side-guides is normal practice.
Tip: Visit before noon when the vats are most active · Expect to buy something or tip MAD 20-50 at the terrace · Decline unofficial side-guides firmly and politely · Compare several shops before buying and bargain on price · Wear shoes with grip because the stairs and floors can be slippery · Photograph from the highest terrace for the widest view
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3
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University (exterior)
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, the complex is widely cited as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, but the carved cedar doorways and courtyard views can be seen from outside, and the adjoining library, restored in 2016, can be visited only by arrangement.
Tip: Remember that the prayer hall is closed to non-Muslims · Dress modestly and keep voices low near the doorways · Arrange library visits in advance rather than turning up · Avoid Friday midday prayers when the lanes are crowded · Ask before photographing worshippers or into the courtyard · Hire a local guide to explain the history
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4
Bou Inania Madrasa
Built between 1351 and 1356 under the Marinid sultan Abu Inan Faris, this is one of the few religious buildings in Fes open to non-Muslims. The courtyard combines zellige tilework, carved stucco and cedar, with a fountain and a prayer hall visible from the threshold. The ticket office is at the entrance; cash only.
Tip: Arrive at 9am for an empty courtyard · Bring cash for the MAD 20 ticket · Check for closures at prayer times and Friday midday · Dress modestly and keep voices low · Look up to see the carved cedar and plasterwork details · Combine with Dar al-Magana across the lane
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5
Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)
A ceremonial gate completed in 1913 in Moorish style, tiled blue on the outer face (the colour of Fes) and green on the inner face (the colour of Islam). Cafe terraces on the adjoining square overlook the entrance and are a common meeting point for guides and visitors.
Tip: Visit at dusk for lighting and atmosphere · Use it as the starting point for the medina · Photograph the blue face in daylight and the green face from inside · Decline unofficial guides politely · Watch belongings in the crowd · Step aside for carts and donkeys in the arches
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6
Dar Batha Museum
A late-19th-century Hassanian palace turned museum in 1915, displaying Fassi ceramics, carved wood, astrolabes, manuscripts and Moroccan embroidery in rooms around a shaded Andalusian garden. It is the best single stop for the arts and crafts of Fes.
Tip: Remember that the museum is closed on Mondays · Visit on a weekday morning for quiet rooms · Allow 1 to 1.5 hours · Check photography rules at the entrance · Pair with Jnan Sbil Gardens next door · Bring cash for the MAD 60 ticket
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7
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
A restored 18th-century caravanserai (fondouk) beside a carved fountain, now holding woodwork, musical instruments, doors and craftsmen's tools. The cedar balconies are the main feature, and the rooftop cafe gives a view over the medina roofs.
Tip: Go up to the rooftop cafe in late afternoon · Allow 45 minutes to an hour · Check opening hours on Fridays · Bring cash for the MAD 20 ticket · Combine with the Moulay Idriss II shrine exterior nearby · Take care on the steep stairs
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8
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Built between 1323 and 1325 under the Marinid sultan Abu Said Uthman II, this small madrasa has a compact courtyard of mosaic tile, carved cedar and stucco, with student cells on the upper floor. It is smaller and quieter than Bou Inania.
Tip: Visit mid-morning for light in the courtyard · Skip Friday midday when it is closed for prayers · Bring cash for the MAD 20 ticket · Combine with Al-Qarawiyyin nearby · Take care on the steep upper stairs · Dress modestly
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9
Royal Palace Gates (Dar el-Makhzen)
Seven large brass-and-tile doors face the plaza in front of the working royal palace. The compound is closed to visitors, but the doors, carved cedar lintels and the mosaic surrounds are a popular photo stop. Photography of guards or inside the gate is not permitted.
Tip: Photograph the doors in the morning · Do not photograph guards or inside the gate · Combine with the Mellah and Fes el-Jdid Grand Rue · Take a petit taxi to Place des Alaouites · Decline unofficial guides politely · Expect a short stop of 15 to 20 minutes
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10
The Mellah and Ibn Danan Synagogue
Fes's Jewish quarter, established in 1438, is recognised by its brick balconies that face the street (unlike the inward-facing Muslim houses). The 17th-century Ibn Danan Synagogue was restored and reopened in 2013 and shows a prayer hall, women's gallery and ritual bath.
Tip: Remember the site is closed on Saturday · Visit in the morning · Bring cash for the MAD 20 ticket · Dress modestly · Combine with the Jewish cemetery next door · Ask before photographing inside
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Items
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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- Fes el-Bali is car-free; petit taxis (red) stop at Bab Bou Jeloud, Bab Guissa and Bab Ftouh, and the rest is on foot over uneven stone, Entry to madrasas and museums is MAD 20-60 (~$2-6) in cash; ATMs are at Place de l'Istiqlal and Avenue Hassan II in the Ville Nouvelle, Non-Muslims cannot enter active mosques or the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II; Bou Inania and Al-Attarine are former schools and open to all, Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected in the medina and at religious sites, Friday midday prayer closes many sites from about 12:30 to 3pm; Jewish sites close on Saturday and Dar Batha on Monday, Licensed guides carry an official badge and can be arranged through the hotel or the regional Tourist Office in the Ville Nouvelle
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed in Fes?
Two full days cover Fes el-Bali's main sights, the tannery and the two madrasas; a third day allows Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah and the Merenid Tombs.
Can non-Muslims enter Al-Qarawiyyin?
No. The prayer hall is closed to non-Muslims, but the exterior doorways can be viewed from the lane.
Is the Chouara Tannery free?
Yes, entry is free, but the leather shops that give access to the terraces expect a purchase or a tip of MAD 20-50 (~$2-5).
Is Fes safe for solo travelers?
Fes is widely visited by solo travelers. Unofficial guides at the gates are the main nuisance, and a firm 'no thank you' works. Avoid empty lanes after dark.
How do I get around the medina?
On foot. Use landmarks such as Talaa Kebira and Talaa Sghira, which both run downhill from Bab Bou Jeloud, and keep an offline map downloaded.