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Things to Do in Fes, Morocco
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Fes, Morocco
Things to do in Fes, Morocco include exploring the intricate Medersa Bou Inania with its detailed Marinid architecture, wandering through the blue gates of Bab Boujloud, and visiting the centuries-old Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, considered the oldest university. Don't miss the colorful tanneries and the Dar Batha Museum's fine Andalusian art collection.
1. Medersa Bou Inania
Step into breathtaking architecture with details you won't see anywhere else. Capture colorful tiles and ancient woodwork that tell centuries of stories.
Quick facts: This place has a stunning minaret that is one of the few in Morocco accessible to non-Muslim visitors. Its intricate zellij tilework represents over 20 unique geometric patterns.
Highlights: A secret courtyard bath called a hammam lies tucked inside, with cool marble and cedar wood that visitors rarely discover. The monumental wooden doors are carved with inscriptions showcasing craftsmanship rare in the 14th century.
2. Bab Boujloud
Step into a world of intricate tile work and colorful lights. Experience a lively gateway packed with history and local charm.
Quick facts: The gate serves as the main entrance to the medina, welcoming thousands of visitors daily. Characterized by stunning blue and green mosaic tiles, it's a prime example of Moorish architecture.
Highlights: At night, the gate becomes a canvas for vibrant light displays, enchanting visitors with a colorful spectacle. A local legend says the colors represent protection and welcome, adding a layer of cultural depth.
3. Al Quaraouiyine Mosque
Step back in time with the oldest university on Earth. Experience stunning Islamic art and centuries-old scholarly traditions under one roof.
Quick facts: Welcoming students since 859, the mosque's university holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest continuously operating degree-granting institution. Its vast library houses manuscripts that survived over a millennium, making it a treasure trove for scholars.
Highlights: Visitors can step inside a courtyard framed by carved cedarwood and detailed zellij tilework, revealing centuries of Moroccan craftsmanship. A secret corner houses the ancient library room with manuscripts so delicate, only a few scholars can handle them.
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After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
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Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Fes, Morocco, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Dar Batha Museum
Step into a treasure trove of Moroccan art and craftsmanship. Experience exquisite mosaics, woodwork, and a serene palace garden all in one visit.
Quick facts: The museum displays over 6,500 pieces of traditional Moroccan arts from the Fes region and beyond. Its green-tiled palace architecture was originally a royal summer residence transformed into a museum in the early 20th century.
Highlights: Visitors can admire an extensive collection of intricate wood carvings and colorful zellij mosaic tiles that showcase centuries-old craftsmanship. The museum's garden courtyard offers a rare peaceful spot with fountains and orange trees right inside the old city walls.
5. Jnan Sbil Gardens
Step into serene greenery and centuries of history woven through shaded paths. Experience soothing ponds, ancient trees, and colorful birdsong in a cool city oasis.
Quick facts: A peaceful 7-hectare urban garden features winding paths, centuries-old olive trees, and flowering shrubs. It was once part of a royal hunting estate and offers a cool retreat within the city's old walls.
Highlights: Catch the enchanting lotus ponds with pink flowers and the 18th-century aqueduct that still channels fresh water through the gardens. Birdsong fills the air as local pigeons and doves flutter among orange and fig trees, creating a natural soundtrack.
6. Mellah
Explore a distinct Jewish quarter with colorful doors and rich stories. Wander alleys where Moroccan and Jewish histories meet in vibrant markets.
Quick facts: The Mellah is the historic Jewish quarter that once housed thousands of Jews living in Fes. Narrow alleys and vibrant markets reveal a unique blend of Moroccan and Jewish cultures.
Highlights: Feast your eyes on colorful tilework that decorates many doorways and synagogues, reflecting deep cultural stories. The quarter hosts an ancient Jewish cemetery with tombstones bearing inscriptions in Hebrew and Arabic side by side, showcasing centuries of coexistence.
7. Royal Palace of Fez
Step into a palace where Moroccan art and power shimmer in every tile. Experience the dazzling gates and regal architecture up close.
Quick facts: The Royal Palace's main gate, Bab Bou Jeloud, is famously covered with 15,000 blue and green tiles arranged in intricate geometric patterns. Its sprawling complex covers about 80,000 square meters, including lavish gardens and grand reception halls not open to the public.
Highlights: Glimpse the dazzling zellige tilework on the palace’s gates that sparkle under the Moroccan sun creating a mesmerizing effect. The palace's massive brass-studded portals each weigh over a ton, showcasing the craftsmanship and power of the Moroccan monarchy.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Chebakia
Chebakia is a sesame cookie shaped like a flower, soaked in honey and often enjoyed during Ramadan, symbolizing sweetness and festivity in Fes.
Sellou
Sellou is a nutritious sweet made from roasted flour, almonds, and honey, traditionally prepared for celebrations and believed to provide energy and strength.
Pink Clay Cookies
These unique cookies incorporate pink clay from the region, offering a distinctive earthy flavor and a crunchy texture cherished in Fes.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Bastilla
Bastilla is a savory pie combining pigeon meat, almonds, and cinnamon wrapped in thin, crisp warqa dough, representing a blend of sweet and savory flavors unique to Fes.
Rfissa
Rfissa is a traditional dish made with shredded msemen bread, lentils, chicken, and fenugreek, often served during family gatherings and special occasions.
Harira
Harira is a hearty soup of tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat, commonly eaten to break the fast during Ramadan and enjoyed year-round in Fes.
Traditional Beverages
Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan Mint Tea, a blend of green tea, fresh mint, and sugar, is a symbol of hospitality and friendship in Fes and across Morocco.
Smen
Smen is a traditional fermented butter used both as a cooking ingredient and a flavoring agent for drinks and dishes in Fes.
Orange Blossom Water
Orange Blossom Water is often added to drinks and sweets in Fes for its fragrant aroma, representing the city's rich tradition of floral flavors.
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Most popular day trips
Meknes
Historic imperial city with impressive gates and ancient ruins.
Volubilis
Roman archaeological site featuring well-preserved mosaics.
Ifrane
Alpine-style town known as Morocco's Switzerland with beautiful nature.
Rent a car in Fes, Morocco
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Connects to major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes
From Fes Airport, take a taxi or bus to city center. The train station is central and well connected.
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