The best things to do in Fes: the medina, the tanneries, madrasas, viewpoints and day trips, with a simple 2-day plan.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
The best things to do in Fes are exploring the medina of Fes el-Bali, visiting the Chouara tanneries, seeing the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, walking through the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, visiting the Nejjarine Museum, watching the coppersmiths at Place Seffarine and enjoying the views from the Borj Nord and the Marinid Tombs. Two days are enough for the city, and a third day lets you add Volubilis and Meknes. Go with a licensed local guide on the first morning, and visit in spring or autumn.
Fes is the oldest and most traditional of the imperial cities, and its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This guide gives you a clear list, a simple plan and honest tips. When you want help, message us on WhatsApp and we plan it for you.
12 best things to do in Fes
| # | Experience | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fes el-Bali medina | A UNESCO-listed maze of lanes, souks and workshops, with no cars | Half a day or more |
| 2 | Chouara tanneries | The leather dye pits, seen from the terraces of nearby shops | 45 minutes |
| 3 | Bou Inania Madrasa | A 14th-century religious school with carved wood and plaster | 45 minutes |
| 4 | Al-Attarine Madrasa | A small madrasa with a decorated courtyard | 30 minutes |
| 5 | Bab Bou Jeloud | The blue gate to the medina, lively at dusk | 30 minutes |
| 6 | Nejjarine Museum | Wooden arts and crafts in a restored caravanserai, beside a tiled fountain | 45 minutes |
| 7 | Place Seffarine | The square of the coppersmiths and the hammering of brass | 30 minutes |
| 8 | Al-Qarawiyyin area | The historic mosque and university quarter, seen from the outside | 30 minutes |
| 9 | Borj Nord and Marinid Tombs | The best views over the medina, especially at sunset | 1 hour |
| 10 | Fes el-Jdid and the Mellah | The new city, the royal palace gates and the old Jewish quarter | 1 to 2 hours |
| 11 | Fes pottery and crafts | Ceramics, leather, metalwork and weaving, with workshops to visit | 1 to 2 hours |
| 12 | Volubilis and Meknes | Roman ruins and an imperial city, in a day trip | Full day |
Opening hours, entrance fees and closing days change, so check them before you go. For a guided visit, see our Fes medina private tour and the Volubilis and Meknes day trip.
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A simple 2-day plan for Fes
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Bab Bou Jeloud and the medina with a guide | Madrasas and the Nejjarine Museum | Dinner in the medina and the gate at dusk |
| Day 2 | Chouara tanneries and Place Seffarine | Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah and local crafts | Sunset at the Borj Nord or the Marinid Tombs |
If you have a third day, spend it on Volubilis and Meknes, or take the road south towards the Sahara. If you prefer a slower pace, drop one sight per day.
Day trips and tours from Fes
- Volubilis and Meknes: Roman ruins and an imperial city, close to Fes.
- Fes day trips: the options we offer from Fes.
- 3-day Fes to Merzouga tour: the Middle Atlas, the Ziz Valley and a night in the Sahara.
- 8-day Morocco tour from Fes and the 14-day Morocco tour from Fes: the cities, the mountains and the desert.
See all tours from Fes.
Practical tips for Fes
- Start early. The medina is calmer in the morning, and the light is better for photos.
- Use a licensed guide on your first visit, and agree the price before you start.
- Dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes. See our Moroccan clothing guide.
- Keep small notes for tips and small purchases, and compare prices before you buy crafts.
- Choose your season. See the best time to visit Morocco, and read is Morocco safe for tourists.
- Eat well. See our Moroccan food guide.
Tours with Highlights Morocco Tours
- 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour: from 249 euros per person, with a night in the Sahara.
- Morocco tour packages: private tours from 249 euros per person.
- About Morocco: a guide to the regions, seasons and practical information.
Ready to explore Fes and beyond?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Things to do in Fes: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Fes?
The highlights are the medina of Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tanneries, the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, the coppersmiths of Place Seffarine and the views from the Borj Nord and the Marinid Tombs. Many visitors add a day trip to Volubilis and Meknes.
How many days do I need in Fes?
Two days are enough for the main sights of the medina and the surroundings. A third day lets you add Volubilis and Meknes, or leave more time to wander without a plan. If you travel between Marrakech and Fes, plan at least one full day in the city.
Is the medina of Fes difficult to visit?
The medina is a maze of narrow lanes with no cars, steps and busy markets, and it is easy to get lost. A licensed local guide makes the visit easier and more interesting, especially on the first morning. Wear comfortable shoes and carry small notes.
Can I visit the tanneries in Fes?
Yes. The Chouara tanneries are visited from the terraces of leather shops around the dye pits. The smell is strong, and visitors are often given mint leaves. You are not obliged to buy, and prices in the shops are negotiable.
Which madrasas can I visit in Fes?
The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the few religious buildings in Morocco that non-Muslims can enter, and the Al-Attarine Madrasa is also known for its carved courtyard. Check the current opening hours and entrance fees before you go.
What is the best time to visit Fes?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable. Summer is hot, and winter evenings are cool and can be wet. Read our best time to visit Morocco guide for a month-by-month overview.
Are there good day trips from Fes?
Yes. The most popular is Volubilis, the Roman ruins, combined with the imperial city of Meknes. You can also continue to Chefchaouen on a longer tour, or travel south to the Sahara dunes of Merzouga on a 3-day tour.
How do I get from Marrakech to Fes?
You can travel by train with a connection, by flight, or by road with a private driver. Our 3-day Marrakech to Fes tour crosses the High Atlas, spends a night in the Sahara at Merzouga and arrives in Fes, so the journey becomes part of the trip.
Is Fes safe for tourists?
Fes is generally safe for visitors, but like any busy medina it has persistent touts, unofficial guides and crowded lanes. Agree on prices first and use a licensed guide. Read our guide on whether Morocco is safe for tourists for more tips.
Can you organise a guided visit of Fes?
Yes. We can arrange a private tour of the medina with a local guide, a day trip to Volubilis and Meknes, or longer Morocco tours starting or ending in Fes. Send us your dates and we send a free quote with no obligation.
How do I book with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your days in Fes with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
