7 Best Things to Do in Fes, Morocco

Are you looking for the best things to do in Fes, Morocco? Fes is a must-see in Morocco, so you can’t miss it on your Morocco Itinerary.

Wondering what to do in Fes? See the Royal Palace, visit the oldest and largest tannery in the city, get lost in the Medina, take a day trip to the Blue City, explore the vibrant souks, and stay in a traditional riad.

This ultimate guide to visiting Fes includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Fes, Morocco.

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Where is Fes?

Fes is the third largest city in Morocco, located about 3.5 hours from Chefchaouen and 6 hours from Marrakech. It was the former capital of Morocco and remains the country’s cultural center.

Best Time to Visit Fes

Morocco is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Fes is spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the nearby attractions.

Fes has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average annual temperature in Fes is 18°C. When we visited in March, the weather was quite cool, and it rained one day, so bring a light jacket and jeans!

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Recommended post → Ultimate Morocco Itinerary

How to Get to Fes

You can easily get to Fes by train, bus, taxi, car, plane, or private transfer. Most people come to Fes from Chefchaouen, Casablanca, Rabat, or Marrakech. The distance between Chefchaouen and Fes is about 195 km, which is 3.5-5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Chefchaouen to Fes with all the information you need.

There are many direct flights to Fes from the U.K., Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and other international countries. If you are already in Morocco, you can also take a short domestic flight from Casablanca, Agadir, or Marrakech to Fes.

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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Morocco.

The city is well connected to other parts of the country if you want to travel by public transport. Alternatively, you can get from Marrakech to Fes on a 3-day Sahara desert tour.

How to Get Around Fes

Fes is a very walkable city. We recommend staying in the Medina, as most attractions will be within walking distance.

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Book this top-rated guided walking tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

Renting a car in Fes

The best way to get around the country and see the nearby sights is to rent a car and explore it at your own pace. You can easily rent a car at Fes Sais International Airport (airport code FEZ) or in the city.

The car rental costs will be different when you travel to Morocco in high season or low season and rent a car in advance or at the last minute. But you will spend around 15-20 USD daily for a standard car with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability.

Use Bookaway to book bus/train tickets or transfers in Morocco.

Where to Stay in Fes

Fes has some luxury hotels and traditional Moroccan houses (riads), but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Fes

Luxury: Fes Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace
Mid-Range: Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda or Riad Alassala Fes
Budget: Riad Fes Baraka

more hotels in FES

Recommended post → 11 Best Riads in Fes

Best things to do in Fes, Morocco

1. Visit Chouara Tannery

The Chouara Tannery is an unmissable attraction in Fes. It is one of the oldest tanneries in the world and the largest in the city. The tannery in Morocco is a facility where animal hides are transformed into leather. This process involves cleaning, chemical treatment, drying the hides, and then dying them. The stone vessels are filled with different chemicals and colors. The finished leather is used to make clothes, bags, shoes, furniture, etc.

There are three leather tanneries in Fes. The Chouara Tannery is not easy to find, as you can quickly get lost in the narrow streets. It takes about 20-25 minutes to walk from Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) to the tannery. Alternatively, you can visit it on a guided walking tour.

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Accept the sprig of mint given at the entrance, as it will be better to tolerate the smells at the tannery.

Read the full post → How to Visit Chouara Tannery

2. See Royal Palace

One of the best things to do in Fes is to visit the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen). It was built by Marinid Sultan Abu Yusuf Ya’qub in 1276 and is still the residence of the Moroccan royal family.

The Royal Palace is open all day and free to visit. The palace is just a 20-minute walk from the Blue Gate. A taxi will cost around 15-20 MAD (1.5-2 USD).

Unfortunately, the palace is strictly closed to visitors, even when the royal family is not there. However, it offers fantastic photo opportunities and is well worth a visit. Only take pictures of the doors! If you take photos of the Royal Guard, your camera might be confiscated.

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Take a day trip to the Middle Atlas & Monkey Forest.

3. Take a Day Trip to Chefchaouen (Blue City)

Chefchaouen is one of the best day trips from Fes. If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one city to another, join a group or private tour that includes a transfer.

When you arrive, you can easily explore the Blue City, walk through the narrow streets, visit the Grand Mosque, shop in the charming bazaars, and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Recommended post → What to Do in Chefchaouen

Group tours usually depart at 8 AM. The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English/French-speaking tour guide, a professional driver, bottled mineral water, and transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

Book this excellent day tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

If you want to visit Chefchaouen independently, we have a detailed post on how to get from Fes to Chefchaouen with all the information you need.

4. Getting lost in the Medina

The Medina of Fes was founded in the 9th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fes el-Bali is the oldest walled part of the city and a labyrinth of alleys. Motorbikes and cars are not allowed inside the Medina.

We found that it was much easier to get lost in Fes than in Marrakech. So, for the best experience, join a guided tour and learn more about the city’s history.

If you get lost, we suggest you use a map on your phone, follow the signs on the walls, or ask the locals for directions (but don’t pay anyone).

See also → Marrakech Guide

Discover the Vibrant Souks

One of the best things to do in Fes is to visit the souks. We loved exploring the souks, feeling the bustling atmosphere, and then getting lost in the labyrinth of alleys. So wear comfortable shoes and explore the vibrant markets in the heart of the Medina, where you can take beautiful photos and shop.

Fes is the best place to buy carpets, spices, ceramics, Moroccan leather bags, wallets, Moorish slippers, sandals, jewelry, shoes, and belts. The leather made here is of high quality, beautiful and affordable. The leather goods are available in different colors, sizes, and styles. Don’t forget to bargain!

The best markets are Souk al-Attarine, Souk El Henna, Souk Mejjadliene, Souk Serrajine, and Souk Tillisse. It is worth visiting the Place Seffarine, a bustling square where you can see copper and bronze workers.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Morocco.

5. Visit Bou Inania & Al Attarine Madrasa

Looking for more top things to do in Fes? Visit the Al Attarine Madrasa, then combine your visit with the Kairaouine Mosque and Bou Inania Madrasa. The distance between the two madrasa is only 15 minutes by walk.

The entrance fee to Bou Inania Madrasa is 20 MAD (2 USD) per person. The madrasa is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.

The Bou Inania complex was built by the Merinid Sultan Abou Inan between 1351 and 1357. It is a religious building open to non-Muslim visitors, except during prayer times.

See also → Ben Youssef Madrasa

Unfortunately, we couldn’t visit the Al Atterine Madrasa. The entrance fee to Al Attarine Madrasa is also 20 MAD (2 USD) per person.

The Kairaouine (Mosque of Al-Qarawiyyin) is the oldest university in the world, founded in 859 by Fatima Al-Fihria. Unlike the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, only Muslims can enter the mosque. But it also offers fantastic photo opportunities from outside.

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After the mosque, we recommend exploring the stunning Jnan Sbil (Bou Jeloud) Gardens, just 30 minutes away.

6. Take a 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour

Looking for an unforgettable experience in Morocco? Some Merzouga desert tours start and end in Fes. But you can also do a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes or vice versa. During the tour, you can visit the famous Ait Benhaddou, Ifrane, Ziz Valley, Todgha Gorge, Tizi n’Tichka, Erg Chebbi, Dades Gorge, and many more.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, an English/French-speaking driver/guide, 2-night accommodation (one at a hotel, one at a desert camp), 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, sandboarding, a camel ride at sunset & sunrise, and transportation by air-conditioned minibus.

Book your desert tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.

If you have limited time, you can join a 2-day desert tour that will take you back to Fes.

Recommended post → Fes to Marrakech Desert Tour

7. Stay in a Traditional Riad

Make the most of your visit to Fes with a stay in a traditional Moroccan house (riad) and enjoy unparalleled service and personal attention. The name “Riad” comes from the Arabic word for a garden, where trees and arcades create a peaceful oasis, lush with plants and cooled by fountains and pools.

Most riads are located in the old Medina, so it is the perfect base for exploring the sights.

Recommended post → Best Riads in Fes

Here are the top 3 riads in Fes.

Riad Rcif Alif Suite & SPA – $$$$

Riad Rcif Alif Suite & Spa is ideal for families and couples. Located in the Fes El Bali district, it offers an indoor pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, air-conditioned rooms, and free WiFi. You can relax in the riad’s newly created Hammam, unwind with a massage, and pamper yourself with local organic products, essential oils, and argan oil treatments.

Riad Fes Maya Suite & Spa – $$$

Located in the heart of the Medina, Riad Fes Maya Suite & Spa is the perfect choice for first-time visitors. This riad has a courtyard with a beautiful fountain, 9 rooms and suites, a Moroccan restaurant, a panoramic terrace, and a spa. Riad Fes Maya also offers a selection of beers from Fes and Casablanca, wines from Meknes, and French champagne.

Riad Dar Borj – $$

Dar Borj is one of the best budget riads in Fes. The property is located in the heart of the old Medina, on a quiet side street, just 5 minutes from the Blue Gate and a 30-minute walk from the beautiful Royal Palace. Dar Borj is a 17th-century traditional house that has been restored and has 5 rooms that can accommodate 2 to 5 guests.

more hotels in Fes

Is it Safe to Travel to Fes?

Yes, it is generally safe. But small thefts and pickpockets can happen everywhere. So always take care of your valuables!

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.

How many Days do you Need in Fes?

Fes is a popular place and the perfect base for a day trip to Chefchaouen. So we recommend you spend at least 2-3 days and enjoy the best things to do in Fes, Morocco.

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Take a day trip to the Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes.

Where to Eat in Fes

In the city, you can find many local restaurants, vegetarian options, national foods, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Fes

Chez Hakim (Delicious Moroccan dishes)
Cafe Clock (The best place for breakfast with a rooftop terrace)
Le Tarbouche (We recommend you try the delicious Chicken Pastilla)
The Ruined Garden (Perfect for lunch or dinner)
Chez Rachid (A popular restaurant next to the Blue Gate)
Culture Box (Pizza, Pasta, Burger, and Moroccan Food)
Veggie Pause (Best vegan and vegetarian dishes)

Join a Moroccan Cooking Class.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Fes will help you plan your next trip to Morocco. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

7 Best Things to Do in Fes, Morocco