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Fes
Photo: Uwe Brodrecht, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Imperial cities & Middle Atlas

Fes

The spiritual and craft capital, with the world’s largest car-free medina.

Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Fes el-Bali, its walled medina listed by UNESCO in 1981, is a labyrinth of more than 9,000 lanes where donkeys still carry goods.

Here stands al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and considered one of the oldest continuously operating places of learning in the world. Fes is also the place to see traditional crafts — leather, brass, zellige and pottery — made by hand.

Highlights

Bab Bou Jeloud

The "Blue Gate", the classic entrance to the medina.

Chouara Tannery

Stone vats of dye seen from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops.

Bou Inania Madrasa

14th-century Marinid madrasa, open to visitors, with superb woodwork.

Al-Attarine Madrasa

Jewel-like Marinid college next to the spice market.

Nejjarine Museum

Wood arts museum in a restored caravanserai.

Merinid Tombs

Hilltop ruins with the best panoramic view over the medina at sunset.

Things to do

  • Monuments & medinasGuided medina walk — Half or full day with an official guide is the best way to understand the city.
  • Crafts & souksZellige and pottery workshops — Watch tiles being cut by hand in the potters’ quarter outside Bab Ftouh.
  • Food & marketsStreet food tour — Bissara (fava bean soup), msemen pancakes and pastilla, the sweet-savoury pie of Fes.
  • Monuments & medinasDay trip to Meknes and Volubilis — Imperial city and Roman ruins less than an hour away.
  • Hammam & wellnessHammam in a riad — Many riads have their own hammam and spa.

Where to stay

Stay inside the medina in a riad near Bab Bou Jeloud or Batha for easy access, or in the Ville Nouvelle for modern hotels and parking.

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Luxury

Palace hotel with suites, spa and panoramic terrace over Fes el-Bali.

Address
16-18 Derb Bensouda, Quartier Ziat, Bab Ziat, 30000 Fès
Phone
+212 535 635 356
Website
palaisfaraj.com

Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï

Luxury

19th-century vizier’s palace at Bab Guissa with views over the medina.

Address
Bab Guissa, 30000 Fès
Phone
+212 535 634 331
Website
sofitel.accor.com

Contact details come from the hotels’ official websites or consistent public listings. We are not paid for listings. Always confirm prices and conditions directly with the property.

Getting there

Fes-Saïss airport (FEZ) is about 15 km south. Trains connect Fes with Meknes (about 40 min), Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.

Local tip

Ask your riad to arrange an official guide for the first day and to meet you at the nearest gate with your luggage — the medina is car-free.