Fes

Fes, Morocco’s ancient spiritual and cultural heart, is a mesmerising labyrinth of medieval alleys, tanneries, and mosques. As the oldest of the imperial cities, Fes el-Bali (the old city) is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping back in time. The air is thick with the scent of spices, leather, and history, while the call to prayer echoes over the rooftops. This is a place to get lost in, both literally and figuratively, as you explore its vibrant souks, serene gardens, and magnificent architecture.

Highlights & What to See

• Fes el-Bali (Old City) – Lose yourself in the world’s largest car-free urban area, a tangled web of narrow lanes lined with colourful souks, mosques, and madrasas. Don’t miss the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed in rainbow-coloured vats – head to a nearby terrace for the best view.
• Al-Attarine Madrasa – A stunning 14th-century Islamic school adorned with intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar, and stucco. Its peaceful courtyard is a masterpiece of Merinid architecture.
• Bou Inania Madrasa – The only madrasa in Fes with a working mosque; its green-tiled minaret and carved wooden screens are breathtaking. Look out for the intricate bronze door.
• University of Al Quaraouiyine – Founded in 859 AD, it’s widely considered the oldest existing university in the world. While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, you can admire the courtyard from the entrance.
• Mellah (Jewish Quarter) – Explore the historic Jewish quarter, with its ornate synagogues, cemetery, and a fascinating museum that tells the story of Fes’s once-thriving Jewish community.
• Fes el-Jdid (New City) – The quieter, more spacious 13th-century extension of the city, home to the Royal Palace (with its gleaming brass doors) and the beautiful Jardin Jnan Sbil, a tranquil escape from the medina.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give yourself at least two full days to absorb Fes. One day for the medina’s main sights (tanneries, madrasas, and souks) and a second to explore the Mellah, Fes el-Jdid, and perhaps a cooking class or a hammam. A third day allows for a relaxed pace and a day trip to nearby Volubilis or Meknes. Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking a lot on uneven ground.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Meknes – A quieter imperial city just an hour away, with grand gates, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the vast Heri es-Souani granaries.
• Volubilis – Impressive Roman ruins with well-preserved mosaics, about an hour’s drive from Fes. Combine with Meknes for a full-day trip.
• Chefchaouen – The famous blue-washed mountain town, a 4-hour drive north. Worth an overnight stop if you’re heading to Tangier or the Rif Mountains.
• Ifrane & Azrou – Known as “Little Switzerland,” Ifrane offers alpine scenery and a chance to see Barbary macaques in the nearby cedar forests at Azrou. A half-day drive.
• Middle Atlas Mountains – For hiking and Berber villages, the Middle Atlas region offers a cool escape from the city heat. Day trips can include waterfalls and lakes.

Please check official sources for current details.