My First Steps Into Fes
I still remember my arrival in Fes, Morocco. After coming from Marrakesh, I expected another busy Moroccan city, but Fes felt more grounded and relaxed. The moment I entered the old town, I experienced a real culture shock.
The medina is a maze of narrow streets, colorful tiles, historic buildings, and small alleyways. Everywhere you look, you can feel the city’s rich history. It’s easy to understand why Fes is known as Morocco’s spiritual capital and cultural capital.
We spent two nights in Fes, giving us one full day to explore the main attractions. That was enough time to see the highlights without rushing. If you’re planning a trip, I’d recommend spending 2–3 nights here.
Quick Answer
The best things to do in Fes include visiting the Chouara Tannery, walking through the Blue Gate, exploring Bou Inania and Al Attarine Madrasas, visiting the Nejjarine Museum, browsing the Henna Souk, and seeing the University of al-Qarawiyyin.
Don’t miss the chance to try local street food, shop for traditional crafts, and stay in a riad for a more authentic Moroccan experience.
Visit the Tanneries
The Chouara Tannery is one of the most famous attractions in Fes. From a rooftop terrace, you can see workers treating leather hides in large stone vats filled with colorful dyes.
The view is impressive, but the smell is extremely strong. Locals may offer you mint to help mask the odor, so bring some if you’re sensitive to smells.
We visited several leather shops before finding a rooftop with a good view. Some shops charge for access, while others may expect you to browse their products afterward.
For me, the tannery was worth seeing once. The combination of colorful vats, traditional craftsmanship, and the surrounding medina made it memorable.
Visit the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud)
The Blue Gate, or Bab Bou Jeloud, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Fes. Its beautiful mosaic tiles make it one of the city’s best photo spots.
The gate is also a great place to begin exploring the old medina. You’ll find restaurants, cafés, and rooftop terraces nearby.
I enjoyed lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the gate. If you want fewer crowds, try visiting around sunrise.
A walking tour is also a good way to understand the history and layout of the medina.
Explore Bou Inania Madrasa
The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of Fes’s most important historic sites. Built during the Marinid period, it is famous for its detailed tilework, carved wood, stucco, and peaceful courtyard.
The madrasa also functioned as a mosque, making it unusual among Moroccan religious schools.
Visitors can explore the courtyard and admire the traditional Marinid architecture. It’s a particularly good stop for anyone interested in Islamic art and photography.
Visit Al Attarine Madrasa
The Al Attarine Madrasa is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Fes. Once you walk through its simple entrance, you enter a courtyard decorated with a marble fountain, intricate tiles, and carved cedar wood.
Built during the Marinid period, the school once served students studying the Quran and Islamic subjects.
I found the building surprisingly beautiful despite its small size. If access is available, take time to explore the upper levels and imagine what life was like for students centuries ago.
Visit a Silk Shop
Traditional silk shops are another interesting part of exploring Fes.
I followed a local into a small shop near the university, where I watched the weaving process and learned how scarves are made. I didn’t buy anything, but the demonstration was worth experiencing.
If you decide to shop, remember that bargaining is common. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the first price.
Try the Street Food
One of my favorite ways to experience local culture was through street food.
The medina is filled with bakeries, food stalls, and vendors selling homemade treats. I tried sweets from a small stall and loved their simple, homemade flavor.
You should also try cactus fruit, or prickly pear. It’s refreshing on a hot day.
For something savory, look for bessara, a traditional broad bean soup often eaten for breakfast with olive oil and warm bread.
Nejjarine Square and Museum
The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts is housed inside a beautifully restored historic fondouk.
The building once provided accommodation and storage for merchants. Today, it contains traditional wooden crafts, tools, musical instruments, and decorative pieces.
I spent about an hour exploring the museum. The rooftop was another highlight because it offered beautiful views over the medina.
Even if museums aren’t normally your thing, the building itself makes this stop worthwhile.
Explore the Henna Souk
The Henna Souk is one of the oldest market areas in Fes. Today, you’ll find henna alongside traditional Moroccan beauty products such as rassoul clay, black soap, kohl, and rose water.
I enjoyed wandering through the narrow streets and watching everyday life unfold.
Take a break at a café, order thé à la menthe, and try Moroccan sweets such as Chebakia or Briouat.
Discover Qaat Smen
For something more unusual, visit the Qaat Smen, associated with traditional Moroccan salted and fermented butter called smen.
The area isn’t particularly impressive at first glance. You’ll mainly see barrels and vendors. Still, it’s an interesting example of the smaller experiences you can discover while exploring the medina.
Wander Through the Souks
The souks are one of the best places to experience the everyday atmosphere of Fes.
You can find perfumes, oils, ceramics, jewelry, carpets, scarves, and other traditional souvenirs.
Take your time, explore the small shops, and remember to bargain. Sellers may start with high prices, so negotiating is part of the shopping experience.
Stay in a Riad
One of the best ways to experience Fes is by staying in a traditional riad.
These Moroccan homes are built around central courtyards and often feature beautiful tilework, carved wood, rooftop terraces, and peaceful interiors.
I stayed at Riad Anata, which made my visit feel even more special. The colorful rooms, courtyard, traditional decorations, and rooftop created a relaxing escape from the busy medina.
For me, staying in a riad wasn’t just accommodation. It became part of the Fes experience.
See the Mosque and University of Kairaouine
The Mosque and University of Kairaouine is one of the most important landmarks in Fes.
Founded by Fatima al-Fihri in the 9th century, it became an important center of learning in the Muslim world.
The mosque isn’t open to non-Muslim visitors, but you can still see parts of the complex from surrounding streets and rooftops.
Be aware that people may offer to take you to viewpoints or shops. Our experience was friendly, but it’s useful to know that these offers can sometimes lead to a sales pitch.
University of al-Qarawiyyin
The University of al-Qarawiyyin is one of the most famous historic institutions in Fes and is traditionally associated with Fatima al-Fihri.
Although non-Muslim visitors generally can’t enter the university itself, you can admire its green-tiled architecture from nearby streets and rooftops.
During my visit, renovations limited access. A local showed me a rooftop viewpoint from a nearby silk shop, giving me an incredible view of the university and surrounding medina.
That unexpected experience was a perfect reminder of what I loved about Fes: sometimes the best moments happen when you simply explore and see where the streets take you.