Fez Travel Guide: Top Things to Do, Medina Highlights & Best Day Trips
Fez is Morocco’s beating cultural and spiritual heart—a city where ancient traditions, artisan workshops, and medieval architecture blend to create one of the world’s most captivating travel experiences. This Fez travel guide covers the unmissable medina highlights, tanneries, madrasas, food experiences, and top day trips, all written to engage readers and rank strongly on Google.
Getting to Know Fez: Morocco’s Cultural Soul
Fez (Fes) is home to Fes el-Bali, one of the largest and most complete medieval cities on Earth. The entire medina is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure, with thousands of narrow lanes, hidden courtyards, towering minarets, and bustling souks that feel frozen in time.
Amazing Fact:
Fes el-Bali contains over 9,000 alleyways, many so narrow that even donkeys struggle to pass through. It’s the world’s biggest car-free urban zone.
The city is divided into three main areas:
- Fes el-Bali – ancient medina
- Fes el-Jdid – home to the Royal Palace
- Ville Nouvelle – modern cafes, shops, and boulevards
But the real magic of Fez lies deep within its historic medina, where every corner feels like a story unfolding.
Fez Medina Highlights: Lose Yourself in Morocco’s Largest Labyrinth
The best way to experience Fez is simply to wander. Start at Bab Bou Jeloud, the iconic Blue Gate glowing with blue zellige tiles. From here, stroll through the lively streets of Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira, two main arteries that guide you deeper into the medina’s heart.
Along the way, you’ll discover:
- Aromatic spice stalls bursting with color
- Copper and brass artisans hammering ornate designs
- Traditional bakeries offering oven-fresh khobz
- Vibrant souks selling leather, ceramics, and lanterns
- Tiny tea shops serving warm mint tea
For a truly authentic experience, stay in a traditional riad inside the medina. These beautifully restored houses offer quiet courtyards, mosaic-tiled walls, and terraces overlooking the maze-like streets.
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Fez Tanneries: The World-Famous Chouara Tannery Experience
The Chouara Tannery is one of Fez’s greatest icons—and one of the most photographed spots in Morocco. The huge open-air vats filled with natural dyes are a stunning sight from above, especially from the rooftop terraces of surrounding leather shops.
What Makes It Unique
- The leather-making process is unchanged for centuries
- Natural dyes like indigo, saffron, and henna create vivid colors
- Workers stand knee-deep in vats using traditional tools
- Visitors receive mint sprigs to soften the strong scent
Amazing Fact:
Chouara Tannery dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest continually operating tanneries in the world.
Fez Madrasas: Architectural Masterpieces You Must Visit
Fez is renowned for its breathtaking Islamic schools, which showcase Morocco’s most intricate craftsmanship.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A stunning example of Marinid architecture, known for:
- A marble courtyard
- Carved cedar wood
- Detailed stucco patterns
- Its elegant green-tiled minaret
It’s one of the few religious institutions in Fez open to non-Muslims.
Attarine Madrasa
A jewel of the medina, decorated with mesmerizing zellige tiles and filigree plasterwork. A must for photography lovers.
Cherratine Madrasa
Less ornate but historically rich, with simple rooms that once housed Islamic scholars.
More Things to Do in Fez: Mosques, Museums & Best Viewpoints
Fez is filled with spiritual, historical, and artistic treasures.
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque & University
Widely considered one of the world’s oldest continuously operating universities. Non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, but you can admire its architecture from the outside.
Dar Batha Museum
A former palace with a beautiful Andalusian garden, now showcasing ceramics, textiles, and traditional Moroccan arts.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Set in a restored caravanserai, this museum displays exquisite woodwork and offers a lovely rooftop view.
Best Views in Fez
- Merenid Tombs – panoramic views at sunset
- Borj Nord – excellent vantage point over the medina
- Borj Sud – quiet, scenic sunset location
Amazing Fact:
Fez served as Morocco’s capital on multiple occasions throughout its long history.
Food in Fez: A Culinary Journey Through Moroccan Flavors
Fez is famous for its authentic Moroccan dishes deeply rooted in tradition.
Must-try foods include:
- Chicken or pigeon pastilla – crispy sweet-savory pie
- Mrouzia – honey-almond lamb tagine
- Harira – hearty Moroccan soup
- Couscous with vegetables
- Briouats – crispy pastries
- Fresh mint tea
Joining a street-food tour is perfect for discovering hidden eateries and local flavors.
Many riads offer candlelit courtyard dinners where you can enjoy multi-course Moroccan meals surrounded by lanterns and tiled walls.
Best Day Trips From Fez: Explore Beyond the Medina
Fez is a great base for exploring northern Morocco’s most beautiful destinations.
Volubilis
One of North Africa’s most impressive Roman ruins, with intricate mosaics and scenic hillside views.
Meknes
An imperial city filled with majestic architecture including Bab Mansour and the royal granaries.
Chefchaouen
The famous blue city in the Rif Mountains—ideal for photography and peaceful wandering.
Middle Atlas Mountains
Visit Ifrane (nicknamed the ‘Swiss town’), Azrou cedar forests, and see wild Barbary macaques.
Sahara Desert
Multi-day excursions to Merzouga are popular for camel rides, sandboarding, and star-filled nights.
Practical Tips for Visiting Fez
- Book a guided tour for your first day to get oriented.
- Wear shoes suitable for uneven, cobblestone streets.
- Dress modestly in respect for the local culture.
- Carry cash, as many medina shops don’t accept cards.
- Use offline maps—GPS often struggles inside the medina.
- Visit in spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather.
FAQs
Yes, Fez is generally safe. Stay in well-lit areas at night and avoid isolated alleys late.
Two to three days is ideal, plus one day for a nearby excursion.
Its huge medieval medina, tanneries, madrasas, traditional crafts, and spiritual heritage.
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