16 Best things to do in Fes, Morocco, in 3 days or more

Introduction

We started our Moroccan adventure in Fes, the perfect introduction to the country’s culture and history. Arriving on a direct flight, we jumped straight into the narrow streets of the medina, surrounded by colorful tiles, centuries-old buildings, and the constant buzz of daily life.

Fes isn’t a huge city, and most of the main attractions are concentrated in the old town. We stayed two nights, giving us a full day to explore, and it felt just right. The city offered us an immediate culture shock—in the best way—and set the tone for the rest of our road trip across Morocco.

In this article, we’ll share our favorite things to do in Fes and how to make the most of your time here if you’re planning your own Moroccan journey.

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

Getting there

Getting to Fes is quite straightforward. The city has an international airport with direct connections to many major European cities. We flew in from Baden-Airpark straight to Fes, which was super convenient.

If you’re coming from outside Europe, the easiest way is to connect through one of the big European hubs or fly into Rabat or Casablanca—both of which handle most international arrivals—and then take a local flight to Fes.

From the airport, you have a few options to reach the city:

• Rent a car – The option we recommend if you’re planning to explore more of Morocco. Having a car gives you flexibility and makes road trips much easier.
• Taxi – A taxi to the old city center costs around 200 dirhams (about 20€), while a ride to the train station or new town is usually 150 dirhams (about 15€).
• Bus – There is a bus (line 16) that’s supposed to run between the airport and the train station. It takes about 40 minutes and costs only 4 dirhams, though we didn’t see it during our trip.
• Private transfer – Another option is to book a transfer in advance, which can be a stress-free way to start your trip, especially if you arrive late.

Moving Around

Once you’re in the old city of Fes, everything can be reached on foot. The medina isn’t very big, and wandering through its narrow alleys is part of the experience.

If you’d rather not navigate the maze on your own, consider booking a guided tour. For transfers outside the medina, a pre-arranged service can make things easier and more stress-free.

Our own arrival was a bit of an adventure. It took some time to pass border control—Tina’s Serbian passport often means extra checks. Even though we had prepared her visa in advance, the customs officer copied it all by hand. Once through, we withdrew money from the ATM and grabbed a taxi outside the airport. It costs 200 dh to reach the medina. The car didn’t have a taxi sign, but it was official.

In Fes, there are two main types of taxis: Petit taxis, which are small red cars that only operate within the city, and Grand taxis, which cover longer distances outside town. Airport rides are usually done by a different category altogether. Our driver had trouble finding our accommodation inside the medina since cars can’t go all the way in. He eventually stopped to ask for directions, and someone from the street hopped in to guide him. The man even walked us on foot to our guesthouse—something that happens more often than you’d expect in Morocco.

If you want a smoother arrival, it’s best to either pick up your rental car at the airport (if you’re arriving during the day) or arrange a transfer directly with your accommodation.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

When to Visit

Fes can be visited year-round, but the experience changes a lot depending on the season. The city has a continental climate, which means hot summers, cooler winters, and pleasant in-between months.

• Spring (March – May): Spring is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures usually range from 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F), making it comfortable to explore the medina and nearby sites. The city feels lively, flowers are blooming, and it’s not yet as crowded as summer.
• Summer (June – August): Summers in Fes are hot, often climbing to 35°C (95°F) or more during the day, while nights stay around 18–22°C (64–72°F). The narrow streets of the medina offer some shade, but walking around in the middle of the day can be tough. If you visit in summer, plan sightseeing early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Autumn (September – November): Autumn is another great season to visit, with daytime temperatures between 15°C and 28°C (59°F to 82°F). The weather is similar to spring—warm but manageable—and the crowds thin out, making the medina easier to enjoy at a slower pace.
• Winter (December – February): Winters are mild but can get chilly at night. Daytime highs are usually around 12–18°C (54–64°F), while evenings can drop to 5°C (41°F). It’s the quietest time in Fes, and while you’ll need a jacket, you’ll also find fewer tourists and lower prices.

Tip: For comfort, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Fes. If you don’t mind the heat, summer has a lively energy, while winter is best if you prefer calm streets and fewer crowds.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

Where to Stay

When visiting Fes, the best place to stay is in Fes El Bali, the old city center. This is where all the charm is—narrow alleys, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old riads that have been turned into beautiful guesthouses. Staying here means you can walk everywhere and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the medina.

Here are a few places to consider depending on your budget:

• (€): Riad Farah: A budget-friendly riad with simple rooms and warm hospitality, perfect if you want an authentic stay without spending too much.
• (€€): Riad Dar Borj: A charming mid-range option, beautifully decorated and right in the heart of the medina. Great balance between comfort and value.
• (€€€): Riad Laaroussa: A stunning luxury riad with spacious suites, a pool, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the old city. Ideal if you’re looking to treat yourself.

Here are all your accommodation options in Fes

What to Eat

Morocco is full of traditional dishes, and the cuisine is as flavorful as it is diverse. During our trip, these were the staples we kept coming back to:

• Tajine – Named after the earthenware pot it’s cooked in, tajine is a slow-cooked dish of vegetables, spices, and sometimes meat. The flavors blend together after an hour or more of simmering, making it one of the most iconic meals in Morocco.
• Couscous – A classic dish made from steamed wheat semolina, usually served with vegetables, chickpeas, dried fruits, and sauce. Meat is often added as an option, but even the vegetarian versions are full of flavor.
• Harira – A hearty tomato-based soup with lentils and chickpeas. It’s simple but comforting, and especially popular during Ramadan.
• Moroccan Salad – There’s no single recipe for this; you’ll find many variations. Most often, it includes a mix of rice, tomatoes, carrots, and peas, but every place has its own twist.

These dishes are served everywhere, so you’ll end up enjoying them throughout your trip. We did, and honestly, we never got tired of them.

Alcohol isn’t widely available in Morocco. You’ll only find it in a handful of licensed restaurants or bars, and they aren’t very common. What you will find everywhere, though, is Morocco’s most traditional drink: tea. Mint tea mixed with green tea is served at any time of the day, and for many locals it’s more than just a drink—it’s a ritual and a way of welcoming guests.

Most of the time, we had breakfast and dinner in our accommodation, which felt easiest, especially in November when the nights came early. But if you’re looking for a good spot in the city, we can recommend Fez & Friends, a relaxed place to enjoy local dishes in a friendly atmosphere.

Tip: If you want to learn more about the local cuisine, consider the Fez Souk tour & traditional Home Cooking

Best things to do in Fes

Place Seffarine

As you wander through the medina of Fes, make your way to Place Seffarine, a small square that has been around since the Middle Ages. The square is famous for its traditional coppersmiths—you’ll hear the sound of hammering long before you get there. Craftsmen still shape pots, pans, and trays by hand, a skill passed down for generations.

It’s also a lovely spot to pause and soak in the atmosphere of the old city. The square has seen many renovations over time, but it has kept its authentic feel. If you follow the same route we did, you’ll likely pass it on your way from Bab Rcif to the Medersa Attarine.

Tip: If you are unsure about visiting the old centre on your own, consider this guided tour.

Al Attarine Madrasa

Just a short walk from Place Seffarine, you’ll find the Al Attarine Madrasa, one of the most beautiful historic sites in Fes. Built between 1323 and 1325 by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said, it served as a Koranic school and is still considered one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture.

The entrance fee is 20 dh per person, and it’s absolutely worth it. Once inside, take your time to admire the intricate tilework, carved cedar wood, and the way the architects managed to make such clever use of a relatively small space. Don’t forget to climb up to the second floor, where you can step inside the original student sleeping quarters and imagine what life must have been like centuries ago.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Mosque and University Kairaouine

The Mosque and University of Kairaouine is one of the most important landmarks in Fes. Founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 857, it is considered one of the oldest universities in the world and played a key role during the Islamic Golden Age. Unfortunately, the mosque itself is closed to non-Muslim visitors, so you won’t be able to go inside.

That said, you can still catch glimpses of its courtyards and green tiled roof from surrounding streets and rooftops. Be aware, though, that people in the medina may offer to “show you” the mosque or guide you to a rooftop. This usually ends with a stop in their shop where they’ll try to sell you something—like what happened to us when a man invited us up under the pretext of practicing French. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it’s good to know in advance so you don’t feel pressured.

If you’re curious, it can be a nice way to see the mosque from above, but just go in knowing it’s part of the shopping culture here.

Here are all your accommodation options in Fes

Henna Souk

As you make your way through the medina, you’ll likely stumble upon the Henna Souk, one of the oldest markets in Fes. Historically, it was linked to the maristaine, a hospital that specialized in the care of the mentally ill, and for centuries this small square has been dedicated to selling henna.

Today, you’ll find not only henna but also traditional cosmetic and wellness products like rassoul clay, black soap, kohl, and rose water. The streets around the souk are narrow and sometimes quiet, so it can feel a little unusual if you’re brought here by someone—as we were when a shopkeeper led us into a spice store down an empty alley. In the end, it felt safe enough, and we just looked around before continuing on.

It’s a place worth stopping by, especially if you’re interested in natural Moroccan beauty products or want to see a more traditional side of the medina.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

Tanneries de Fes

No visit to Fes is complete without seeing its famous tanneries. The most common way to view them is from a rooftop terrace, usually above one of the large leather shops in the medina. You’ll be guided through the store before reaching the top, but once there, the view over the colorful dye pits is incredible.

Be prepared, though—the smell is intense. The mix of natural dyes and animal hides can be overwhelming, so much so that Tina nearly felt sick. Some shops hand out sprigs of mint to hold under your nose, which helps a little.

On our way out, we were even led into a tiny underground shop where another seller tried to show us leather clothes. It was quite an experience (and made for a funny video), but after a while, we moved on. That’s just part of the tannery visit in Fes—half stunning views, half sales pitch.

If you are unsure about visiting the old centre on your own, consider this guided tour.

Bou Inania Madrasa

On your way to the Blue Gate, you’ll come across the Bou Inania Madrasa, one of the most important historic sites in Fes. Built between 1350 and 1355 by Sultan Abu Inan Faris, it’s the only madrasa in Morocco that also served as a congregational mosque. The building is often considered a masterpiece of Marinid architecture and a highlight of Moroccan design.

We didn’t go inside since we had already visited the Al Attarine Madrasa, but if you’re interested in Islamic art and architecture, it’s definitely worth considering. The detailed tilework, carved wood, and peaceful courtyard make it one of the city’s standout monuments.

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

Bab Boujloud

As you explore the medina, you’ll eventually reach Bab Boujloud, also known as the Blue Gate. This is one of the main entrances to the old city and one of its most photographed landmarks. The gate is decorated with striking blue tiles on the outside and green tiles on the inside, symbolizing Fes as both a spiritual and cultural center.

It’s a lively spot, with restaurants and shops nearby, and a great place to pause before continuing your walk deeper into the medina. Just outside the gate, you’ll also find banks and currency exchange offices, which can be convenient if you need cash during your visit.

Check our Google Map of Morocco

Jnan sbil

If you’re looking for a little break from the busy medina, head to Jnan Sbil, the main public garden of Fes. Originally created in the 19th century, it’s home to ponds, fountains, and more than 3,000 species of plants.

In a good year, it’s lush and green, but when we visited it was much drier than usual. Still, it was a peaceful spot to sit down, slow the pace, and enjoy a bit of shade and fresh air before diving back into the city streets.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

The Royal Palace in Fez

Not far from Jnan Sbil, you’ll find the Royal Palace of Fes, also known as Dar al-Makhzen. The palace itself isn’t open to the public, but it’s still worth stopping by to see the grand main gate, decorated with intricate tilework, carved wood, and massive golden doors.

From there, you can wander through the nearby Jewish Quarter, or Mellah, which has narrower streets and a different feel compared to the medina. It’s a pleasant walk that slowly brings you back toward the heart of the old city.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Fes El Bali

The best way to explore Fes is simply to wander. Fes El Bali, the official name of the old city, is a maze of narrow, car-free streets surrounded by ancient walls and dotted with beautifully ornamented gates. Getting lost here is part of the experience—you never know what you’ll stumble upon.

While strolling, we discovered a shop called Medin’Art. It’s a little more expensive than the average souk stall, but the quality and originality of the handmade pieces make it worth a stop if you’re looking for something truly unique.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the history and hidden corners of the medina, you might consider joining a Walking Tour.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Chouara Tanneries

The Chouara Tanneries are the most famous in Fes and one of the city’s must-see spots. Like the others, the best way to view them is by entering one of the leather shops and heading up to the rooftop terrace. We actually visited two different terraces here, and the second one—called N10—offered the best view over the colorful dye pits.

Be warned, the smell is just as strong here as at the other tanneries. It comes from the traditional process still used today: hides spend five days soaking in a mixture of water and cow urine to remove the hair, before being softened with pigeon droppings, which act as a natural ammonia. After that, the leather is washed and dyed in large vats, creating the striking patchwork of colors you see from above.

It’s not the most pleasant for your nose, but witnessing this centuries-old craft in action is an unforgettable part of any visit to Fes.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Marinid Tombs

For one of the best viewpoints in Fes, head up to the Marinid Tombs on the northern edge of the medina. To reach them, you’ll pass through a cemetery before climbing up to the site, where the ruins of the 14th-century tombs overlook the old city.

From the top, you get sweeping views over the medina, but don’t forget to turn around—the hills on the other side are just as beautiful, especially in the late afternoon light. It’s a peaceful spot to end the day and a great place to watch Fes from above before heading back to your accommodation for some well-earned rest.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Meknes

If you’re staying a bit longer in Fes and want to see more beyond the city, consider a day trip to Meknes. Once an imperial capital, Meknes is full of history and still carries the charm of its 17th-century past.

The highlight is Bab Mansour, an enormous gate decorated with arches and intricate mosaics. It leads into the old imperial city, where you can wander through courtyards, gardens, and remnants of the once-mighty palace. Another key site is the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, the ruler who made Meknes his capital. Inside, you’ll find peaceful courtyards, fountains, and beautiful tilework that reflect the city’s golden age.

Meknes is smaller and calmer than Fes, making it a nice contrast if you’re looking for a less intense medina experience.

Tip: You can also visit Meknes as a Day Trip to Fez with this Guided Tour and Tickets

Volubilis

Not far from Fes lies Volubilis, a partly excavated Roman city and one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Morocco. Once an important outpost of the Roman Empire—and possibly the capital of the Kingdom of Mauretania during the reign of King Juba II—it offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s ancient past.

Walking among the ruins, you’ll see remnants of grand villas, temples, and some remarkably well-preserved mosaics that have survived for nearly two millennia. The site is surrounded by rolling hills, which makes the setting just as striking as the history itself.

If you don’t have a rental car, don’t worry. The easiest way to visit is by joining a combined tour that includes Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes, making it a perfect day trip from Fes.

Tip: Book your tour in advance to secure your spot

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen quickly became one of our favorite places in Morocco—and if you’re visiting Fes, a trip here is absolutely worth it. Nestled in the Rif Mountains to the north, the town is famous for its blue-washed old quarter, where every corner seems like a postcard. The cobbled lanes are lined with leather and weaving workshops, making it a great place to browse for local crafts.

At the heart of the town is Place Outa el Hammam, a shaded square surrounded by cafés and dominated by the red-walled Kasbah, a 15th-century fortress that now houses the Chefchaouen Ethnographic Museum. Just nearby, you’ll also spot the octagonal minaret of the Great Mosque rising above the rooftops.

If you don’t have a rental car and prefer to avoid the hassle of buses, the easiest way to visit is with a private day trip to Chefchaouen from Fes, which takes you straight there and back without stress.

Tip: This tour is great if you want to avoid driving yourselves to Chefchaouen

Merzouga

Merzouga is the gateway to the Sahara and one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Morocco. For us, it came at the end of our loop before returning to Fes, but depending on your itinerary, it might be the next direction you take. This is where you’ll find the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi and the chance to spend a night under the stars in a desert camp.

The classic experience includes riding out into the dunes by camel or 4×4, watching the sunset over the sand, and then sleeping in a Berber-style tent with dinner and traditional music around the fire. Waking up to sunrise in the desert is something you won’t forget.

If you don’t have a rental car, there are organized tours that make it easy to reach Merzouga:

• Fes: 2-Day Merzouga Desert Trip w/Luxury Tent & Dinner: Perfect if you’re short on time but still want the desert experience.
• From Fes to Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Discovery Tour: A good option if you’re continuing your journey across Morocco.
• 4 Days Sahara Desert Tour from Fez to Marrakech: A slower-paced version that lets you enjoy more along the way.

Here are all your accommodation options in Fes

More things to do in Fès

If you want more things to do in Fes, you can consider:

• Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
• Borj Nord
• EL palace MOKRI
• El Glaoui Palace
• Middle Atlas and Monkey Forest Day Trip

3-day Fes Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive in Fes

Day 1:

• Head out to the old city
• Past by the Place Seffarine
• Visit the Al Attarine Madrasa
• Go on a rooftop to see the Mosque and University Kairaouine
• Stroll to the Henna Souk
• Another rooftop at the Tanneries de fes
• Pass by the Bou Inania Madrasa
• And then the Bab Boujloud
• Visist the Jnan sbil
• See the gate of The Royal Palace in Fez
• Lunch
• Hang around Fes El Bali
• Discover the Chouara Tanneries
• Hike to the Marinid Tombs

Day 2

• Meknes
• Volubilis

Day 3

• Head to Chefchaouen

Read: Our complete 2-week Morocco Road Trip Itinerary