The 20 best things to do in Fes, Morocco - an insider's guide Are you looking for the ultimate insider's guide to Fes, Morocco? You're in luck! Fes is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it's full of exciting and unique things to do. From visiting traditional bazaars to exploring ancient medinas, this city has something for everyone. In this blog post, we'll share the 20 best things to do in Fes, Morocco, so you can experience this magical city like a local! 1) Fes el-Bali Fes el-Bali is one of the most fascinating and culturally significant cities in the world. It is Morocco’s oldest imperial city, and its narrow lanes, winding alleys, and maze of small buildings give it a unique atmosphere. A visit to Fes el-Bali is an opportunity to explore some of the country’s best-preserved history and culture. 2) Dar Batha Museum Dar Batha Museum is a must-see attraction when visiting the city of Fes in Morocco. Located in the former palace of Sultan Moulay Slimane, this museum houses an extensive collection of Moroccan art and antiques. In addition to the impressive interior décor, visitors can also explore the surrounding gardens which are filled with orange trees, fountains, and fragrant roses. The Dar Batha Museum is divided into four sections; the first is devoted to Moroccan military history, the second to traditional music instruments, the third to Islamic calligraphy, and the fourth to a variety of traditional Moroccan art forms such as wood carving, pottery, and weaving. Visitors will find the museum's exhibits to be both fascinating and educational as they explore each section and discover the many treasures contained within. 3) Nejjarine Fountain and Museum One of the best things to do in Fes is to visit the Nejjarine Fountain and Museum. Located in the heart of the ancient medina, this restored fountain is one of the city’s oldest monuments. Built in the 18th century, the fountain has been beautifully preserved and it is truly a sight to behold. At the museum, visitors can learn about the history of the fountain and its intricate wooden structure. You can even see pieces of it that date back to the 15th century. You will also get a glimpse into traditional water distribution methods in Fes and learn about the importance of water for the local people. 4) Medersa Bou Inania Medersa Bou Inania is a unique and historic landmark located in the heart of Fes, Morocco. Built in the 14th century by Sultan Bou Inan, this religious school is one of the most impressive buildings in the city. It is characterized by its distinctive ornate architecture, which has been preserved for centuries. The main entrance to Medersa Bou Inania is located in the walled city of Fes el-Bali. The medersa is home to a mosque, library, and classrooms, all of which are decorated with intricate tilework, stucco carvings, and painted ceilings. Inside the main courtyard, you will find a large pool that serves as a source of refreshment and contemplation. 5) Medersa el-Attarin The Medersa el-Attarin is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Fes, Morocco. Located in the heart of the old medina, the Medersa el-Attarin is a religious school built in 1323. It is considered to be the oldest religious college in Morocco and its intricate decoration makes it one of the most impressive sites in the city. The Medersa el-Attarin is composed of a rectangular courtyard and a mosque, flanked by two storeys of cells. The interior of the building is decorated with zellij (colourful ceramic tiles) and carved stucco which add to its beauty. The main entrance is an impressive horseshoe arch adorned with intricate carvings and topped with a domed cupola. Visitors to the Medersa el-Attarin can explore its ornate interior, admire its exquisite décor and learn about its history. There are several guided tours available which will help visitors gain a better understanding of this magnificent building. 6) Chouwara Tanneries Located in the oldest part of the medina, the tanneries are a great example of traditional craftsmanship that has been practiced in the city for centuries. The vibrant colors and smells are a sight to behold, and you can even pick up a few leather goods or souvenirs while you're there. The Chouwara Tanneries were built in the 11th century and were once used to tan leathers and dyes for cloth. Today, the area is still an active leather-tanning center and is open to visitors who are eager to explore the process. When you arrive, you'll notice large wooden vats filled with dye solutions of various colors, including reds, blues, greens, and yellows. 7) Fes Jdid Fes Jdid is one of the most historic and beautiful areas in Fes, Morocco. It's a must-see destination for any traveler looking to explore the city’s vibrant culture and history. As the oldest part of Fes, this area of the city is home to some of the most stunning architectural and cultural sites. Its narrow winding streets are full of traditional Moroccan buildings, including some of the oldest mosques in the country. The colorful tiled walls and intricate decorations will take your breath away! Of course, no visit to Fes Jdid would be complete without tasting some of the local cuisine. From fresh seafood dishes to spicy tagines, the food in this part of Fes is mouthwatering. Stop by one of the many street stalls or traditional restaurants for an unforgettable experience. Fes Jdid is an incredible area full of history, culture, and excitement. Whether you’re looking for amazing sightseeing opportunities or delicious local cuisine, it has something to offer everyone. Plan a visit to this amazing part of Fes today! 8) Moulay Idriss mausoleum Moulay Idriss mausoleum is one of the most revered sites in all of Morocco. Located at the entrance of Fes, it stands as a beautiful reminder of the city’s rich heritage and religious roots. The mausoleum is dedicated to Moulay Idriss II, the founder of the city and great-great grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. Visiting the mausoleum is an essential experience when visiting Fes. It serves as a holy site for locals and pilgrims alike, who visit the tomb to pay their respects to Moulay Idriss II. The building is covered in ornate tiles, intricate mosaics and carved plaster, reflecting traditional Islamic art styles. Inside, you’ll find a large dome with eight large columns and seven small ones, all beautifully decorated. 9) Kairaouine Mosque This majestic mosque has been a landmark of the city since its construction in the 9th century, and it is considered to be one of the oldest universities in the world. This stunning piece of architecture consists of two main parts: the mosque itself, and the adjoining university. The mosque is an impressive structure that can be seen from miles away. The interior is decorated with intricate marble patterns and colorful tiles, and is a sight to behold. The university, on the other hand, is home to many intellectuals who have studied here for centuries. 10) University of Al-Karaouine Dating back to 859 CE, Al-Karaouine is the oldest continually operating university in the world. It's also the second oldest degree-granting university in the world and is home to many Muslim scholars. The university is situated within the medina (old city) of Fes and can be reached by passing through a small archway. Once inside, you'll be in awe of the university's colorful courtyard, which has been beautifully maintained over its long history. In fact, UNESCO has recognized it as a World Heritage Site for its cultural value and beauty. 11) Borj Nord Located at the northern gate of the city's ancient wall, Borj Nord is a fortress that was built by the Almohad Sultan Abu Yusuf Yaqub al-Mansour in the 12th century. The fortress has been incredibly well-preserved and features some fascinating Islamic architecture. Visitors can explore the fort and its grounds and take in some impressive views of the city. Inside the fortress, you'll find several important structures, including the grand mosque and a tower built by Sultan Mohammed ben Abdallah in 1780. If you're looking for a great way to explore Fes' past and experience its culture, then a visit to Borj Nord is a must! 12) Heri es-Souani If you are visiting Fes, Morocco, then you must make sure to include a visit to Heri es-Souani in your itinerary. This ancient structure is one of the most impressive and breathtaking sites in the city, with its intricate and beautiful carvings and exquisite beauty. The historic palace was once the storage site for the Sultan’s granary and weapons, and it is now a popular tourist attraction. This magnificent structure is located in the north part of Fes, and is constructed on a hillside. The main entrance is through an impressive archway leading to a wide courtyard. The walls are decorated with beautiful stucco work and adorned with intricate tile patterns. Inside Heri es-Souani, you will find beautiful courtyards, each offering its own unique design and decor. You can also explore the intricate halls and chambers of this magnificent structure. The chambers and salons inside the palace are still filled with their original furnishings and decorations, providing a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the former rulers of Fes. 13) Place Seffarine This large square is home to a variety of craftspeople and artisans who specialize in making a variety of objects from copper and other metals. The square is also known for its numerous cafes and restaurants, which offer delicious traditional Moroccan dishes. The best time to visit Place Seffarine is during the evening, when the square is illuminated by hundreds of lanterns and candles. As you stroll through the square, you will be captivated by the sounds of traditional music playing in the background. The atmosphere is truly magical, and it is no wonder that so many people flock to this location on a regular basis. In addition to the sights and sounds, Place Seffarine is also home to a number of different workshops and boutiques. 14) Souk Attarin It is located in the heart of the old city, just north of Place Nejjarine. A visit to this souk is a must for anyone looking to explore the real culture and history of Fes. Souk Attarin is an impressive sight, filled with narrow alleyways lined with stalls selling everything from clothing, spices, ceramics, jewelry, and traditional handcrafted goods. The atmosphere is alive with traders vying for business and shoppers bartering for the best price on their purchases. It's a great place to wander, get lost in the maze of stalls and take in the sights and smells. 15) Tala'a Kebira Tala'a Kebira, or Great Slope in English, is one of the most iconic areas of Fes and is not to be missed on your trip to this bustling city. Here you will find a rich blend of culture, heritage and architecture that will have you mesmerized. The heart of Tala'a Kebira is a UNESCO-protected street, lined with traditional Moroccan houses, which is often crowded with locals and tourists alike. This is the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and explore the rich history of the city. As you stroll through the winding alleyways, you can take in the sights of the ancient buildings and marvel at the intricate decoration of the ancient doors and windows. 16) Tala'a Sghira Tala’a Sghira, or the Little Hill, is one of the must-see attractions in Fes. It is the entrance to the old city and a stunningly beautiful spot from which to get a glimpse of the ancient medina. As you walk up the winding hill, you will be welcomed by breathtaking views of the city below. Once at the top of the hill, visitors can find some of the oldest and most important sites in Fes. The most impressive site is the gate to the old city, Bab Boujloud, which is guarded by two towers painted in green and blue. Next to it stands an ancient synagogue, Attarine Mosque, and a beautifully preserved madrasa (school). 17) Riad and Dar Nejjarine Fes, Morocco is a city full of culture, history, and adventure. One of the best ways to experience Fes is to stay in one of its traditional Riads or Dars (houses). Riad Nejjarine and Dar Nejjarine are two of the most popular places to stay, and for good reason. Riad Nejjarine is a stunning 18th century building, which has been carefully renovated and transformed into a luxurious guesthouse. It is located in the heart of the old medina, making it the perfect place to explore the city. The Riad is decorated with traditional hand-crafted artifacts, beautiful gardens, and breathtakingly gorgeous views of the city. Dar Nejjarine is another classic building located in the medina, but with a slightly more modern twist. This hotel offers guests an intimate and cozy atmosphere, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your stay. With its restaurant, spa, library, and hammam (traditional sauna), Dar Nejjarine is the perfect place to escape from everyday life and be truly immersed in Fes’ culture. 18) Maison Tiskiwin Founded by French-Moroccan collector Bert Flint, Maison Tiskiwin serves as a repository for traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, displaying a range of artifacts from all over the country. The exhibits explore Moroccan culture from various perspectives, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the culture and history of Morocco. Maison Tiskiwin features several galleries, including the Terrace Gallery, which offers a view of the city’s skyline, and the Loft Gallery which houses collections of Moroccan rugs, fabrics, jewelry and other artisan items. Additionally, the museum holds regular workshops and events for visitors to learn about Moroccan traditions, such as weaving and ceramics. 19) Volubilis One of the most spectacular sites to visit while in Fes is Volubilis. Located just outside the city, Volubilis is an ancient Roman town dating back to the 3rd century BC and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site is incredibly well preserved and remains full of incredible artifacts and monuments, with some structures even still standing. Exploring the city will give you insight into the life and times of Roman North Africa, with its many ruins, temples, and mosaics providing amazing views and insights into its past. You can take a guided tour around the city, learning about the various structures such as the Arch of Caracalla, the basilica, and the Capitoline Temple, among many others. You’ll also get to see some fascinating examples of Roman mosaic art. 20) Merenid Tombs The Merenid Tombs are an important historic and archaeological site located in the old city of Fes, Morocco. Located on the outskirts of the city, the tombs date back to the 14th century and are a reminder of the former glory of the Merenid Dynasty that once reigned in this area. Visitors to the Merenid Tombs will be able to explore the ancient ruins that have been carefully preserved and learn about their history. The tombs are constructed of large stones that create a unique and impressive silhouette as you look up from the ground below. Inside, visitors will find intricately carved details that represent religious symbols and geometric shapes. The best time to visit the tombs is in the evening, when the light of the setting sun gives the stones a golden hue. For an even more awe-inspiring view, visitors can climb to the top of nearby hills for a spectacular view of the tombs and the surrounding countryside.
