Quick answer: The top things to do in Fes are exploring the UNESCO-listed medina of Fes el-Bali, seeing the Chouara tannery from a terrace, visiting the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, admiring the gates of the Royal Palace and walking the Mellah. Plan at least one full day with a licensed guide.
Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, and its old medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Founded in the 9th century, it is listed by UNESCO. Here are the things to do in Fes we show our travellers.
1. Chouara Tannery
The iconic leather tannery, with its stone vats of colour, is best seen in the morning from the terraces of the leather shops. You will be offered mint leaves for the smell – and a shop visit, with no obligation to buy.
2. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University
Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri, it is often cited as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but you can glimpse the courtyard from the doors.
3. Bou Inania Madrasa
A 14th-century Marinid masterpiece of carved cedar, stucco and zellige tiles, open to visitors.
4. Al-Attarine Madrasa
Smaller but exquisite, near the spice market.
5. Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate)
The main entrance to the medina, blue on the outside and green on the inside.
6. The Royal Palace gates (Dar el-Makhzen)
Seven huge golden doors in Fes el-Jdid – a classic photo stop.
7. The Mellah
The old Jewish quarter, with wooden balconies, the Ibn Danan synagogue and the Jewish cemetery.
8. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
A beautiful caravanserai with a rooftop café.
9. Merinid Tombs viewpoint
Go at sunset for a panoramic view of the medina.
10. Artisans’ quarters
Brass workers at Place Seffarine, weavers, pottery and zellige workshops outside the walls.
11. Taste Fassi food
Try pastilla (sweet-savoury pie), harira soup and snail broth from street stalls. See our Moroccan food guide.
12. Day trips: Volubilis, Meknes and Ifrane
Read our Volubilis and Meknes guide.
How long to stay and how to continue
Two nights are ideal. From Fez, most travellers head to the Sahara: 2-day Fez to Merzouga desert tour, 4-day Fez to Marrakech via the desert, or north with the 7-day northern Morocco circuit. See all tours from Fez.
Tips for the Fez medina
- Hire a licensed guide for the first visit – the medina has over 9,000 alleys.
- Ignore “the road is closed” (see is Morocco safe?).
- Friday mornings are quieter as many shops close.
Tours related to this guide
- 2-Day Tour from Fez to the Merzouga Desert
- 4-Day Circuit from Fez to Marrakech via the Merzouga Desert
- 7-Day Northern Morocco Circuit
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Fes?
Two nights (one full day) is ideal to explore the medina with a guide. Add a day for Volubilis and Meknes.
Is Fes worth visiting?
Yes. Fes el-Bali is the best-preserved medieval medina in the Arab world, with living crafts, madrasas and the famous tanneries.
Do I need a guide in the Fes medina?
It is highly recommended for your first visit: the medina is a maze and a licensed guide explains the history and avoids unofficial guides.
What is Fes famous for?
Its UNESCO medina, the Chouara leather tannery, Al-Qarawiyyin University founded in 859, ceramics and zellige tiles.
Written by the Todo Marruecos Tours travel team, local tour operators based in Morocco. Last updated: September 2026.