Fes (also spelled Fez) is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital — a city of medieval madrasas, mosaic gateways, and the oldest living medina in the world. Founded in the 9th century, Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best-preserved historic city in the Arab world. At Morocco Tours Expert, our licensed local guides help you navigate its 9,000 lanes, discover its hidden craft workshops, and use Fes as a gateway to northern Morocco and the Sahara Desert.
If Marrakech is Morocco’s showpiece, Fes is its soul. The city has been the country’s centre of learning and craftsmanship for over a thousand years, and stepping into its medina feels like travelling back to the Middle Ages — donkeys carrying goods through car-free alleys, dyers working the famous tanneries by hand, and the scent of cedar and spice in the air. Less polished and less touristy than Marrakech, Fes rewards curious travellers with authenticity you cannot find anywhere else.
The Fes medina is a true labyrinth, so a knowledgeable local guide transforms the experience. Fes also features on our Morocco Imperial Cities Tour, which connects Fes with Marrakech, Rabat, and Meknes — the four historic royal capitals. We can arrange private guided medina tours, artisan workshop visits, and traditional cooking classes on request.
Day 1 – The Medina: Enter through Bab Boujloud and spend the morning with a local guide exploring Fes el Bali — the Chouara tannery, the Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas, and Al-Qarawiyyin. Pause for lunch on a rooftop overlooking the medina, then browse the souks and visit the Nejjarine Museum in the afternoon.
Day 2 – History & Views: Explore the Mellah and the Royal Palace gates, then head to the Merenid Tombs for a sweeping view over the city. In the afternoon, take a half-day trip to nearby Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, or relax in the Jnan Sbil gardens.
Fes is perfectly placed for exploring northern Morocco:
Fes is the northern gateway to the Sahara. Many travellers travel one-way between the two great cities on our Marrakech to Fes desert tours, crossing the Atlas Mountains and the Erg Chebbi dunes along the way. Options include the 3 Day Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour and the more leisurely 8 Day Marrakech to Fes Tour. Browse all Sahara desert tours to plan your route.
Fes has its own international airport with connections to several European cities, and is well linked by train to Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, and Tangier — Casablanca is about four hours away by rail. Within the city, the medina of Fes el Bali is entirely car-free, so it is explored on foot; a local guide is invaluable for navigating the maze. Petit taxis are cheap for reaching the new town and viewpoints, and a private driver is the most comfortable option for day trips.
The most atmospheric way to stay in Fes is in a traditional riad inside the medina — a restored courtyard house with intricate tilework and a rooftop terrace overlooking the old city. We hand-pick riads for character, comfort, and location. For those who prefer modern hotels, the Ville Nouvelle (new town) offers a range of options a short taxi ride from the medina.
The best times to visit Fes are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is warm and ideal for walking the medina. Summers are very hot — temperatures often climb above 37°C — so June to August is best avoided for sightseeing. Winters are mild during the day and cool in the evening.
Plan for 2 to 3 days in Fes: a full day to explore Fes el Bali and the tanneries with a guide, and another day or two for the madrasas, the Mellah, artisan workshops, and a day trip to Chefchaouen or Meknes. Fes pairs naturally with a wider Morocco itinerary — tell us your plans and we will build a custom tour around it.
Fes is best experienced with someone who knows its history and its hidden corners. Our private, locally guided tours include licensed Fes guides, comfortable transport, hand-picked riads inside the medina, and 24/7 support. We design every itinerary around your interests, whether that is craft and history, food, or onward travel to the desert and the north.
Two to three days is ideal — a full day for the medina and tanneries, plus time for the madrasas and a day trip to Chefchaouen or Meknes.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have the most comfortable weather. Summer is very hot and best avoided for sightseeing.
Fes is famous for Fes el Bali — the world’s largest car-free medina — the ancient Chouara leather tannery, and Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest university in the world.
A local guide is highly recommended for Fes el Bali. The medina is a vast labyrinth of thousands of lanes, and a guide makes navigation easy while bringing its history and crafts to life.
The most popular day trips are Chefchaouen (the blue city) and the combination of Meknes with the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
Yes. Fes is a common start or end point for desert tours; the Merzouga dunes are roughly a 7-hour drive away, and many travellers do a one-way Marrakech-to-Fes desert tour.
Ready to explore Morocco’s oldest imperial city? Contact Morocco Tours Expert to plan your private Fes tour and day trips with a trusted local team.
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