Fes was a whirlwind. I watched artisans hammer metal by hand, peeked into tile workshops, and braved the famous tannery. Yes, it smells just as strong as they say. Fes is not polished in comparison to Marrakesh, but that is exactly what makes it so magical. It is layered, loud, and completely unforgettable. Wandering through the ancient medina felt like stepping into a different century, with narrow alleyways, crumbling walls, and the scent of spices, leather, and mint tea in the air. I got lost more times than I can count but thank god for online maps. I used the app Organic Maps and it was a life saver. Every small alleyway was on the map. Make sure to download prior to your trip so you can use it when you don’t have signal. Trust me when I say that Google Maps failed me in the country of Morocco.
Table of contents
- What to see and do in Fes
- Take a Guided Tour of the Medina
- Visit the World’s Oldest University
- Go see the Chouara Tannery
- Bab Bou Jeloud also known as the Blue Gate
- Go shopping for souvenirs within the Medina
- View the city of Fes from Borj Sud
- Experience a traditional Hamman
- Try the Moroccan Cuisine
- Take a day trip to Volubilis
- Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Morocco
How to get to Fes?
Most international flights land at Fes Saiss Airport which is located about 35 min from the Medina. You can also very easily get to Fes by railroad from Marrakech or Casablanca.
How many days should you spend in Fes?
I would recommend spending from 2-3 days in Fes. There is so much to do and explore just within the Medina itself.
What to see and do in Fes
Take a Guided Tour of the Medina
As much as I liked getting lost in labyrinth streets, bustling souks, and hidden squares. It is nice to have historical and background context to the place you are in.
If you see this black octagon sign on the walls, then that means you are approaching a dead end. Something to keep in mind when wandering by yourself. You will be approached by people who will lie (to sell you something) and lead you elsewhere.
Visit the World’s Oldest University
The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University was founded in the 9th century, and it is considered the oldest educational institution in the world.
Go see the Chouara Tannery
Chouara Tannery is one of the oldest and largest tanneries in Fes. Many leather shop storefronts offer a view from their store’s balcony out onto the tannery. If you are worried about the smell, lots of shops provide mint leaves to help camouflage the aroma. The smell will be strong.
Bab Bou Jeloud also known as the Blue Gate
Enter the iconic main entrance to the Medina of Fes. It is adorned with distinctive blue and green tiles and intricate geometric patterns.
Go shopping for souvenirs within the Medina
Shopping in Fes was such an adventure. The maze-like medina was filled with stalls of handmade treasures like leather bags, mosaic tiles, spices, and woven scarves. I loved being in souvenir heaven. Make sure to bargain regardless of your purchase. Prices are not set in stone.
View the city of Fes from Borj Sud
Climb the Borj Sud, a historic fortress located on the hills overlooking the Medina of Fes. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside from the top of the medieval fortifications.
Experience a traditional Hamman
The deep scrub and the soothing black soap left my skin feeling incredibly soft. During your trip to Morocco, you should experience a hamman at least once. A little warning… it is intense. You will be scrubbed on every inch of your body.
Try the Moroccan Cuisine
Experience traditional Moroccan cuisine from tagine, couscous, pastilla and more.
Take a day trip to Volubilis
Take a day trip to the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis and the nearby town of Moulay Idriss. It is so well-preserved! The archaeological site of Volubilis is known for its Roman mosaics and ruins.
Helpful Tips for Planning your Trip to Morocco
Are you planning on visiting these locations in Morocco?
Book your Flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
Fly into the closest airport which is Fes, approximately 30 minutes outside of the city. The main international airport is located in Casablanca.
Book your Accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels, boutique hotels, or riads Morocco has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Consider staying in places like Marrakech, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, or Essaouira, depending on your route.
Travel Insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
Best Resources to book Tours and Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures. It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
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