Before you visit one of Morocco’s Imperial cities, prepare with this list sharing the best things to do in Fez for maximum adventure.
Fez, or Fes (both spellings are used as translations from Arabic to English), is one of the best places to visit in Morocco and is a popular stop on most itineraries. That’s because it’s a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its well-preserved medieval architecture and impressive 9,000 narrow alleyways that make up the ancient Medina.
As one of the country’s oldest fortified cities, you genuinely feel like you’re stepping back when wandering the old town district.
But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that, at times, the hustle and bustle of the town was a bit much and a shock to the senses. That’s the fun of exploring a new place, though!
Without further ado, here are the best things to do in Fez and some need-to-know tips like where to stay and eat.
»Read more: The Ultimate 10 Day Morocco Itinerary
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Is Fez worth visiting?
Fez is worth visiting for its rich cultural heritage, encompassing a UNESCO-listed medieval medina, vibrant souks, and historic landmarks. It’s also home to one of the oldest medina’s in the world and is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities.
The country’s imperial cities were once the centers of political power and cultural development during various periods of Morocco’s history, each serving as the capital of different dynasties.
»Read more: 25 Need to Know Travel Tips for Morocco
How many days in Fez?
We spent two nights and one full day in Fez and saw most of the sites. However, our visit was very go-go-go, and we spent our entire day exploring from 9am until nearly 5pm.
I’d say if you have a lot of interest in seeing Fez, you could easily fill 2-3 days in Fez and enjoy exploring at a slower pace. Admittedly, I’m not sure Fez is worth that much time, and I was happy with our 1 day visit.
»Read more: Best Private Morocco Tours + A Review of Morocco Countryside Tours
Where to Stay in Fez: Best Riads
When choosing where to stay in Fez, I recommend choosing a highly-rated Riad or traditional Moroccan home with an open-air courtyard near or in the old Medina.
We stayed at the Ryad Mabrouka and enjoyed our time there at this family-owned and operated guesthouse. While there we swam in the pool, enjoyed their freshly prepared Moroccan fare, and booked an in-house massage.
Here are some of the best Riads in Fez:
$ Riad Sidrat Fes: An intricately designed Riad with home-cooked breakfast included
$$ Ryad Mabrouka: A peaceful Riad with warm hospitality, a courtyard pool, and a rooftop view of Fes
$$$ Riad Fes Nass Zmane: An Insta dream with exceptionally friendly owners
$$$$ Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux: A luxurious five-star that melds modern elements with Moroccan touches
Hostel: Funky Fes is a popular hostel for travelers who enjoy fun and vibrant interiors and want to meet other travelers.
Is Fez safe?
Of everywhere we visited in Morocco, I was the most worried about Fez. I’d heard many stories about how pickpockets and muggings are common, especially in the dark corners of the Medina.
I visited Morocco with my partner and another couple, so we were a group of four, which helped ease my worries. Additionally, we had a local guide to take us around the Medina and shed light on the history and culture of Fez.
If I were to visit again, I would do so without a local walking guide, but I recommend avoiding being alone and/or at night.
14 Best Things to Do in Fez, Morocco
Prepare for adventure with these best things to do in Fez!
1. Witness the glittering gates of the Royal Palace (Dar Al-Makhzen)
The Royal Palace of Fes, known as Dar Al-Makhzen, is a significant historical and administrative landmark. It serves as one of the official residences of the King of Morocco, although it’s not open to the public. The palace is known for its impressive architecture and intricate design, showcasing traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
Although you can’t go inside, the palace continues to be one of the best things to do in Fez because of the massive, glittering gold gates that shut out the public. If you’re looking for a classic Fez Instagram spot, this is it!
2. Get a bird’s eye view from the Sud or Nord Borj Fortress
The Sud + Nord Borj fortress towers on opposite hilltops, protecting Fez and offering a great view of the entire Medina. These towers are a bit of a hike to reach, and our guide drove us up there.
If you have a car and the time, it’s worth it. For example, the South Tower is about a 40-minute walk from the Tanneries, which I’m not sure you’d want to tackle with the heat.
3. Get lost in the Old Medina of Fez
The Old Medina is Fez’s historic and walled quarter and one of the Arab-Muslim world’s oldest and best-preserved medieval cities. It’s characterized by its thousands of narrow winding streets, with estimates of up to 9,000 alleyways.
This UNESCO World Heritage site features numerous landmarks and vast souks (markets) and offers a glimpse into the unique way of life in such an ancient place. It’s the best place to visit in Fez and is home to most locations on this list.
4. Visit a beautiful madrasa, a traditional Islamic school
A madrasa is an Islamic educational institution where students come to learn Islamic theology and other subjects as well. The term “madrasa” is of Arabic origin and means “school” or “educational institution.”
These schools are insanely beautiful and are large Riads with an open courtyard, intricate tilework, and other aspects of Moroccan architecture.
Fez’s most beautiful madrasas are Seffarine, Al-Attarine, and Bou Inania Madrasa.
5. Witness the iconic tanneries of Fez
When you research Fez, images of the famous tanneries probably pop up. These tanneries are historic sites where leather is processed and dyed using traditional methods that date back centuries.
Visitors can observe the intricate process while overlooking the tannery and its large vats filled with colorful dyes from surrounding shops and terraces. You can visit two tanneries in Fez, including the Chaouwara Tanneries (the most famous one) and Tannery Sidi Moussa.
Both have shops to purchase leather goods like bags, jackets, shoes, etc. But be warned, the prices of these stops are highly inflated as they are tourist traps. The tanneries are also infamous for their terrible smell since the production process includes animal urine, pigeon feces, and raw animal hide.
6. Get a history lesson at Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts is dedicated to preserving the history and tradition of Moroccan wood carving and carpentry. The museum is in a beautiful wooden building nestled in a historic souk and has a rooftop cafe.
Entry to the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts is 20 MAD ($2).
7. Go shopping in the souks
Shopping in Morocco is a lot of fun because the country is home to a vast and varied tradition of handiwork. From hand-painted ceramics to hand-woven rugs and everything in between, be sure to come with ample suitcase space for taking souvenirs home!
You can easily wander the old Medina and souks and find vendors. But here are some noteworthy places to shop in Fes:
- Art D-Argile: A massive ceramic shop in Fez where you can see demos of wheel throwing, tile creation, painting, and more. The shop is more expensive than other places in Fez, but it is worth visiting for the demos if interested.
- The Anou Cooperative: An arts and crafts store that empowers local artisans and offers artisan workshops.
- Rainbow Street Art: A pretty alleyway featuring walls lined with art.
»Read more: 20 Best Souvenirs from Morocco You’ll Love
8. Snap photos of Fez’s Imperial city gates
As an ancient fortified city, numerous gates cordoned off Fez’s old town, including Bab Mahrouk and Bab Boujloud (“Blue Gate”). The Blue Gate is the most famous or iconic, but both are worth snapping photos of.
9. Experience a traditional Hammam and pamper yourself
Visiting a hammam in Fez is one of the most unique things you can do! A hammam is a traditional bathhouse where people come to scrub and soak in the nude.
However, there are also hammams that are less public and more focused on private spa treatments for those who are too shy for the full-on experience.
10. Stroll by the ancient Kairaouine Mosque and University
Fez’s Kairaouine Mosque and University is an iconic landmark in the city that embodies centuries of Islamic heritage and scholarship.
Founded in 859 AD, the mosque is not only an architectural marvel but also holds the distinction of being one of the world’s oldest operating educational institutions. Those who aren’t Muslim aren’t allowed to enter, but I recommend stopping at the entrance to experience a bit of the magic.
11. Trade the city streets for greenery at the Jnan Sbil Gardens (Bou Jeloud)
The Jnan Sbil Gardens offer a quiet escape in the heart of Fez, brimming with lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and pretty fountains. When wandering the busy alleyways in the old town gets overwhelming, I recommend taking a stroll through this beautifully landscaped garden.
The Jnan Sbil Gardens are free to enter.
12. Go back in time with a walk through the Jewish quarter
Jewish Quarter is known in Arabic as the Mellah; the Jewish Quarter is a historic neighborhood where Morocco’s Jewish population lived, dating back to the 15th century.
Taking a moment to explore the Jewish Quarter in Fes shows another side to Moroccan history and culture. The district also features narrow alleys and ancient synagogues that are worth seeing.
13. El Glaoui Palace
El Glaoui Palace is a privately owned palace that offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship. Visitors enjoy a variety of artwork, ornate tilework, and detailed carvings.
Entry to El Glaoui Palace is 25 MAD ($2.50).
14. Take a Day Trip From Fez
If you decide to make Fez your home base or dedicate more time to one of Morocco’s imperial cities, there are many places to visit from Fez as day trips.
Here are some of the best to consider:
- Day trip from Fez to Chefchaouen
- Day trip from Fez to Volubilis Mouly Idriss
- Middle Atlas Mountains and Monkey Forest
- Merzouga desert camp
»Read more: Staying at a Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp in Morocco’s Sahara Desert
Where to Eat in Fez
Some of the best places to eat in Fez include:
- The Ruined Garden: A garden oasis preparing classic Moroccan dishes.
- Abdullah Thé & Café: A local joint that’s tiny and cute, serving up traditional mint tea.
- Cafe Clock: The original location for this iconic Moroccan cafe with highly rated food and good vibes.