Wondering what are the best things to do in Fes? Morocco’s oldest imperial city is a living medieval medina, with tanneries, madrasas and craft workshops in thousands of car-free lanes. Here are 12 experiences, from the medina highlights to day trips and the Sahara.
Quick answer: spend one full day in the medina with a licensed guide, see the Chouara tanneries and the Al Attarine Madrasa, and add a day trip to Volubilis or Chefchaouen. Read our Fes medina guided tour guide.
Things to Do in Fes at a Glance
| Book | Highlights | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Medina | Tanneries, madrasas, souks | 1 full day |
| Outside the walls | Royal Palace gates, Mellah, Borj Sud viewpoint | Half a day |
| Day trips | Volubilis, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Ifrane | 1 day each |
| Sahara | Merzouga dunes | 2 to 4 days |
Most travelers stay 2 to 3 nights in Fes.
In the City
1. Fes el-Bali
The UNESCO medina, one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.
2. Chouara Tanneries
Watch leather being dyed from a terrace above the vats.
3. Al Attarine Madrasa
Fine zellige, carved cedar and stucco.
4. Bou Inania Madrasa
A masterpiece of Marinid architecture.
5. Nejjarine Fountain and Museum
Woodcraft and a beautiful fountain.
6. Royal Palace gates
The golden doors of Dar al-Makhzen.
7. The Mellah
The old Jewish quarter with wooden balconies.
8. Borj Sud viewpoint
Panoramic view over the medina at sunset.
Beyond Fes
9. Volubilis and Meknes
Roman ruins and an imperial city: read day trips from Fes.
10. Chefchaouen
The blue town: read our Chefchaouen day trip guide.
11. The Middle Atlas
Ifrane and the cedar forest with Barbary macaques.
12. The Sahara
2 to 4 days to Merzouga: read our 3 day tour from Fes and 2 day tour from Fes guides.
Getting There and Around
Arriving from Casablanca or Tangier? Read Tangier to Fes or book a private transfer. Continuing south? See Fes to Marrakech or browse all tours from Fes.
Things to Do in Fes FAQ
How many days do I need in Fes?
Two days: one for the medina with a guide and one for a day trip.
Do I need a guide in Fes?
It is strongly recommended in the medina, which is a maze.
What is Fes famous for?
Its medieval medina, tanneries, madrasas and crafts.
Can I go to the Sahara from Fes?
Yes, Merzouga is about 7.5 hours away; tours take 2 to 4 days.
Is Fes safe?
Yes, with normal precautions and a licensed guide in the medina.
Plan Your Visit to Fes
In short, Fes is the most authentic city in Morocco and the perfect start for the Sahara. Tell us your dates and we will organize your guide, day trips and tours.
Plan your trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all tours from Fes.