Fez
Fez is Morocco's spiritual and intellectual capital — home to the world's oldest university and a medieval medina so vast and labyrinthine that GPS is useless. The tanneries are iconic (and pungent), the mosaic workshops are mesmerizing, and getting lost in the 9,000+ alleyways is half the point. More authentic and less touristy than Marrakech.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Fez
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
Fes el-Bali is the world's largest car-free urban area — over 9,000 winding alleyways navigated by donkeys, handcarts, and pedestrians
The University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD, is recognized by UNESCO and Guinness as the oldest continuously operating university in the world
Fez was Morocco's capital for centuries and remains its spiritual and intellectual heart, home to the country's most important religious schools
The Chouara Tannery has been producing leather using the same medieval techniques — vats of pigeon droppings, lime, and natural dyes — for over 1,000 years
Fez is the birthplace of Moroccan cuisine — dishes like pastilla (pigeon pie), harira (soup), and the classic tagine originated here
The city has over 10,000 historic buildings within the medina walls, making it one of the most extensive medieval Islamic cities still standing
🏛️Must-See Spots
Fes el-Bali (Old Medina)
🏘️The world's largest car-free urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A labyrinthine medieval city of 9,000+ alleyways, mosques, madrasas, fondouks, and souks that has barely changed in centuries.
Chouara Tannery
🗼The largest and oldest of Fez's medieval tanneries, where leather is still dyed using traditional methods in hundreds of stone vats. Best viewed from the surrounding terraces of leather shops.
Bou Inania Madrasa
📌The most lavish of Fez's Islamic schools, built in the 14th century with stunning zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, stucco plaster, and a rare minaret with a water clock. One of few religious buildings in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
📌A 14th-century madrasa named after the adjacent spice souk (attarine means perfumers). Exquisitely detailed tilework and carved stucco surrounding a marble courtyard. Considered one of the finest examples of Marinid architecture.
Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)
🗼The ornate main entrance to the old medina, clad in blue tiles on the exterior (representing Fez) and green on the interior (representing Islam). The starting point for most medina explorations.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
🏛️A beautifully restored 18th-century caravanserai (fondouk) housing a collection of traditional Moroccan woodwork, tools, and crafts. The building itself, with its carved cedar balconies, is as impressive as the collection.
Merenid Tombs
🗼Ruined 14th-century tombs on the hilltop north of the medina offering panoramic views over the entire city. The best viewpoint in Fez, especially at sunset when the medina glows golden.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
🏘️The historic Jewish quarter with a distinctive architectural style — outward-facing balconies and windows, unlike the inward-facing design of the Muslim city. Includes the Jewish cemetery and the restored Ibn Danan Synagogue.
🗺️Where to Next
Chefchaouen
The famous "Blue Pearl" of Morocco, a photogenic mountain town painted in every shade of blue. Nestled in the Rif Mountains with excellent hiking, relaxed cafes, and a bohemian atmosphere.
Meknes
A UNESCO-listed imperial city with the monumental Bab Mansour gate, Royal Stables, and a less touristic medina than Fez or Marrakech. Often called the "Versailles of Morocco."
Volubilis (Walili)
The best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive mosaics, triumphal arches, and columns set against the rolling Moroccan countryside.
Ifrane & Middle Atlas
A mountain town dubbed "Little Switzerland" with Alpine-style architecture, cedar forests home to Barbary macaques, and winter skiing at Michlifen. A refreshing change from the medina heat.
Marrakech
Morocco's most famous city with the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, palatial riads, souks, and gardens. Very different from Fez — more touristy but undeniably spectacular.
Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
The dramatic Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga reach 150 meters high. Camel treks, desert camps under the stars, and sunrise over the Sahara are quintessential Morocco experiences.
📍Hidden Gems
Foundouk el-Nejjarine Rooftop
The rooftop terrace of the Nejjarine Museum offers one of the best views over the medina rooftops and the surrounding hills. Far less crowded than the tannery viewpoints.
While everyone jostles for position at the tannery overlooks, this peaceful rooftop gives you a panoramic view of the entire medina with mint tea in hand. A moment of calm above the chaos.
Palais de Fes Restaurant
A stunning restored palace in the heart of the medina where you can eat traditional Fassi cuisine (pastilla, lamb with prunes, couscous) in a setting of zellige tiles, carved plaster, and painted cedar.
The combination of setting and cuisine captures the essence of Fez's culinary heritage. The pastilla (pigeon pie with almonds, cinnamon, and sugar) here is considered among the best in Morocco.
Potters' Quarter (Ain Nokbi)
A hillside quarter southeast of the medina where generations of families still produce Fez's famous blue-and-white ceramics using traditional wood-fired kilns.
Watching the entire process from clay to finished piece, including hand-painting the intricate geometric patterns, reveals the extraordinary skill behind everyday Moroccan pottery.
Early Morning Medina Walk
Exploring the medina between 7-9 AM before the tour groups arrive. The light filtering through the covered souks, the quiet of the alleyways, and the smell of fresh bread from communal ovens create a completely different experience.
The medina at dawn belongs to residents — bakers firing up ovens, shopkeepers opening shutters, children heading to school. You see the living city rather than the tourist attraction.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Beautifully restored royal gardens between the medina and the Mellah with lush plantings, fountains, and peaceful pathways. A tranquil escape from the medina's intensity.
Most visitors rush between the medina and their riad without discovering these gardens. They offer essential breathing room and are popular with Fassi families — a slice of local life.
☀️Weather
Fez has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city sits at 410 m elevation in an inland valley, making summers hotter and winters colder than coastal Moroccan cities. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures.
Spring
March - May50-77°F
10-25°C
Warming temperatures with occasional rain. The best time to visit — pleasant for walking the medina without the summer heat. Wildflowers bloom in the surrounding countryside.
Summer
June - August64-100°F
18-38°C
Very hot and dry, especially July-August when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. The medina's narrow covered alleys provide some shade but it can be stifling. Plan sightseeing for early morning.
Autumn
September - November54-86°F
12-30°C
Cooling temperatures with the first rains arriving in October-November. Another excellent time to visit, with warm days, comfortable evenings, and thinning crowds.
Winter
December - February39-61°F
4-16°C
Cool and rainy. Nights can be cold, and most riads lack central heating (bring warm layers). The medina is quieter and atmospheric in the rain, and prices are at their lowest.
🛡️Safety
Moderate
out of 100
Fez is generally safe for tourists, though the medina can be overwhelming and disorienting. The main annoyances are persistent unofficial guides (faux guides) and aggressive shopkeepers. Violent crime against tourists is very rare, but petty scams are common.
Things to Know
- •Faux guides (unofficial guides who approach you claiming you're lost) are the main hassle — a firm "la shukran" (no thank you) works, or simply say you have a guide already
- •Download an offline map of the medina (Maps.me works well) — GPS won't always be accurate in the narrow alleys but it helps with general orientation
- •Agree on prices before buying anything — initial asking prices in the souks are often 3-5 times the real value. Bargaining is expected and part of the culture
- •If you hire a guide, use licensed ones from the tourist office or your riad — they wear official badges. Expect to pay MAD 300-500 for a half-day
- •Keep bags close in crowded souks — pickpocketing occurs but is less common than in Marrakech
- •Women may receive persistent attention in some areas — dressing modestly (covered shoulders and knees) reduces unwanted attention
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
19
Ambulance / SAMU
15
Fire
15
Tourist Police
+212 535 623 460
Gendarmerie (outside cities)
177
🚕Transit & Transport
The medina is entirely pedestrian (and donkey). Getting around Fes el-Bali is exclusively on foot. For travel between the medina, Ville Nouvelle (new town), and other areas, petit taxis (red Fiats) are cheap and plentiful.
Petit Taxis (Red Taxis)
MAD 10-30 (~$1-3) for most trips within the citySmall red taxis that operate within city limits. They have meters but drivers sometimes "forget" to turn them on. Maximum 3 passengers. Color-coded to Fez (red).
Best for: Travel between the medina gates, Ville Nouvelle, train station, and hotels
Grand Taxis (Shared)
MAD 25-100 (~$2.50-10) depending on destinationLarger shared taxis (usually old Mercedes sedans) that run fixed routes between cities and to nearby destinations. They leave when full (6 passengers). Much cheaper than private transport.
Best for: Day trips to Meknes, Volubilis, or other nearby towns
City Buses
MAD 3-5 (~$0.30-0.50)Public buses connect the Ville Nouvelle to outer neighborhoods. Not commonly used by tourists as they are crowded and routes are confusing. Petit taxis are easier.
Best for: Very budget-conscious travelers comfortable navigating unmarked routes
Walking (Medina)
FreeThe only way to explore the medina. The maze-like layout is part of the experience — getting lost is inevitable and often leads to the best discoveries. Donkeys and handcarts share the narrow lanes.
Best for: All medina exploration — there is no alternative
🚶 Walkability
The medina is exclusively pedestrian but extremely uneven — cobblestones, steep stairs, and drainage channels require sturdy shoes. The Ville Nouvelle is walkable and flat with sidewalks. Walking between the medina and Ville Nouvelle takes about 20-30 minutes along Avenue Hassan II.
✈️Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
Fes-Saiss Airport(FEZ)
15 km south of the medinaAirport bus (Line 16) to the train station costs MAD 4 (~$0.40) but is infrequent. Petit taxi to the medina costs MAD 120-150 (~$12-15, 20-30 min). Some riads arrange airport transfers for MAD 150-200. International flights from London (Ryanair), Paris (Royal Air Maroc, Air Arabia), and seasonal European routes.
🚆 Rail Stations
Gare de Fes
1.5 km from the medina (Ville Nouvelle)The main train station with ONCF services to Casablanca (3.5h, MAD 150-200), Rabat (3h, MAD 120-170), Marrakech (7h, MAD 250-350), Meknes (40 min, MAD 25-45), and Tangier (4.5h, MAD 140-200). Al Boraq high-speed trains connect to Tangier via Kenitra.
🚌 Bus Terminals
CTM Bus Station
The national CTM bus company operates from the Ville Nouvelle with services to Chefchaouen (4h, MAD 75-100), Marrakech (8h, MAD 180-220), Casablanca (4h, MAD 100-130), and the Sahara (Merzouga, 10h, MAD 180-250). More comfortable than Supratours.
🛍️Shopping
Fez is Morocco's artisan capital, producing some of the country's finest ceramics, leather, metalwork, and textiles. The medina souks are organized by craft — the dyers' souk, the brass workers' quarter, the leather souk. Bargaining is universal and expected.
Souk Attarine (Spice Souk)
traditional soukThe aromatic heart of the medina where stalls overflow with pyramids of cumin, saffron, ras el hanout, dried roses, and traditional Moroccan cosmetics like argan oil and black soap.
Known for: Spices (especially Fez's saffron and ras el hanout), argan oil, kohl, traditional remedies
Chouara Leather Shops
artisan quarterThe terraces around the Chouara Tannery are lined with leather shops selling bags, slippers (babouches), belts, and poufs made from the leather tanned below. Quality varies — inspect carefully.
Known for: Leather bags, babouche slippers, belts, poufs, wallets — all made from locally tanned leather
Ain Nokbi Pottery Quarter
artisan workshopsThe hillside quarter where Fez's distinctive blue-and-white ceramics are produced. Watch artisans hand-paint geometric and floral patterns, then browse a vast selection of finished pieces.
Known for: Zellige tiles, hand-painted ceramic plates, bowls, tagine pots, mosaic fountains
Place Seffarine (Coppersmith Square)
artisan squareA small square echoing with the rhythmic hammering of coppersmiths crafting pots, trays, and decorative items. One of the most atmospheric spots in the medina.
Known for: Handmade copper and brass trays, tea pots, lanterns, decorative plates
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Fez blue-and-white ceramics — plates, bowls, and tiles with geometric patterns
- •Leather babouche slippers — the classic Moroccan slipper in every color
- •Ras el hanout spice blend — each spice seller has their own secret recipe
- •Hand-beaten brass lanterns — traditional Moroccan metalwork
- •Argan oil — cosmetic grade for skin and hair, culinary grade for cooking
- •Zellige tile samples — small handmade mosaic tiles
- •Thuya wood boxes and chess sets from Middle Atlas craftsmen
- •Moroccan rugs — Berber styles from the surrounding Atlas region
💵Money & Tipping
Moroccan Dirham
Code: MAD
1 USD is approximately 9.5-10.5 MAD (as of early 2026). ATMs are widely available in the Ville Nouvelle and at medina gates. Cash is essential for the medina as almost no shops accept cards. Change money at official bureaux de change — rates are fixed by the government so there's little variation.
Payment Methods
Cash is king in the medina — carry plenty of small bills (MAD 10, 20, 50) as many vendors cannot break large notes. Credit cards are accepted at some upscale restaurants and riads but not in the souks. ATMs at Bab Bou Jeloud and in the Ville Nouvelle accept international cards.
Tipping Guide
10% is standard. In simple cafes, rounding up to the nearest MAD 5-10 is sufficient.
MAD 20-50 ($2-5) per day for housekeeping. MAD 30-50 for cooking staff who prepare meals.
MAD 50-100 ($5-10) tip on top of the agreed fee for a half-day tour.
MAD 10-20 ($1-2) for the person who leads you to the viewpoint and gives you a sprig of mint.
Not expected. Rounding up to the nearest MAD 5 is a nice gesture.
💰Budget
budget
$25-45
Budget riad or hostel, street food and simple restaurants, walking the medina, no guide
mid-range
$60-130
Nice riad with breakfast, restaurant meals, licensed guide for half-day, petit taxi transport
luxury
$200+
Luxury riad or palace, fine Moroccan dining, private guide, hammam and spa, cooking class
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm / budget riad | MAD 80-200 | $8-20 |
| AccommodationMid-range riad (double room) | MAD 400-900 | $40-90 |
| AccommodationLuxury riad / palace | MAD 1,500+ | $150+ |
| FoodStreet food (msemen, harira, sandwich) | MAD 10-30 | $1-3 |
| FoodRestaurant tagine | MAD 50-100 | $5-10 |
| FoodFine dining in a palace | MAD 200-400 | $20-40 |
| FoodMint tea | MAD 10-15 | $1-1.50 |
| TransportPetit taxi across town | MAD 10-30 | $1-3 |
| TransportGrand taxi to Meknes | MAD 25-30 | $2.50-3 |
| AttractionsBou Inania Madrasa entry | MAD 20 | $2 |
| AttractionsLicensed guide (half day) | MAD 300-500 | $30-50 |
| AttractionsCooking class | MAD 400-700 | $40-70 |
| AttractionsHammam (traditional bath) | MAD 100-250 | $10-25 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Eat where locals eat — a bowl of harira soup, a plate of msemen (Moroccan pancakes), and mint tea costs under MAD 30
- •Explore the medina without a guide using Maps.me offline — getting lost is part of the experience and you'll always find your way back to a landmark
- •Negotiate hard in the souks — start at 30-40% of the asking price and settle around 50-60%
- •Stay in a riad with breakfast included — Moroccan breakfasts are generous and will keep you going until lunch
- •Visit the Merenid Tombs for free sunset views instead of paying for rooftop restaurant drinks
- •Use petit taxis for longer distances (medina to train station) but walk for shorter trips
- •Hammam experiences in local public hammams cost MAD 15-20 compared to MAD 200+ at tourist hammams
🗓️When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
March through May and September through November offer the best weather — warm but not unbearable. Summer (July-August) brings extreme heat that makes medina exploration exhausting. Winter is cool and wet but uncrowded.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Moderate — increasing through springIdeal visiting conditions with warm days, cool evenings, and occasional rain. The surrounding countryside is lush and green. The best overall time to visit Fez.
Pros
- + Perfect temperatures for walking the medina
- + Green countryside for day trips
- + Good availability at riads
- + Pleasant rooftop terrace weather
Cons
- − Occasional rain showers
- − Ramadan may fall in this period (check dates)
- − Prices increase toward May
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: Moderate — European summer holidays bring visitors despite the heatVery hot, often exceeding 38°C. The medina's narrow alleys trap heat. Only recommended for heat-tolerant travelers. Plan activities for early morning and evening.
Pros
- + Extended daylight hours
- + Good deals at some riads
- + Festive atmosphere if Ramadan falls here
- + Evening rooftop dining is pleasant
Cons
- − Extreme heat makes walking exhausting
- − Dehydration risk
- − Medina smells intensify in heat
- − Limited energy for sightseeing
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: Moderate — excellent shoulder seasonCooling temperatures with harvest season. Excellent conditions for exploring, with warm days and comfortable evenings. A top choice alongside spring.
Pros
- + Comfortable temperatures
- + Olive and date harvest season
- + Fewer tourists than spring
- + Beautiful autumn light
Cons
- − Rain increases from October
- − Some days still warm in September
- − Holiday crowds in late October
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low — best deals of the yearCool and wet with cold nights. Riads can be chilly as heating is limited. However, the medina is atmospheric and nearly tourist-free. Excellent for budget travelers.
Pros
- + Lowest prices
- + Nearly empty medina
- + Atmospheric fog and rain
- + No waiting at attractions
Cons
- − Cold and rainy
- − Riads lack adequate heating
- − Shorter daylight hours
- − Some restaurants close early
🎉 Festivals & Events
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
JuneA prestigious international music festival bringing together sacred music traditions from around the world. Performances in the Bab Makina palace grounds and other historic venues.
Ramadan
Varies (moves earlier each year)The holy month of fasting transforms the city's rhythm — quiet days, then vibrant evenings when families gather to break fast. A unique cultural experience, though some restaurants close during daytime.
Eid al-Fitr
End of RamadanThe celebration marking the end of Ramadan with feasting, family gatherings, and a festive atmosphere. Many businesses close for 2-3 days.
Moussem of Moulay Idriss
SeptemberAn annual pilgrimage and festival honoring the founder of Fez at the nearby town of Moulay Idriss. Religious processions, music, and festivities.
🛂Visa & Entry
Morocco has a generous visa-free policy for citizens of many countries, allowing stays of up to 90 days. Entry is straightforward at airports — you'll fill out an entry form on the plane and present it at immigration with your passport.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | No visa required. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Fill out the entry card on arrival. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Standard 6-month passport validity requirement. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free for all EU nationalities. Passport valid for 6 months required. |
| Canadian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry. Fill out arrival card on the aircraft. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free entry for up to 90 days. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | 90 days | Visa must be obtained from a Moroccan embassy/consulate before travel. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Fill out the arrival card on the plane to speed up immigration processing
- •Keep your entry card stub — you may need it for hotel registrations
- •If staying longer than 90 days, apply for an extension at the nearest police station before your visa-free period expires
- •Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- •There are no mandatory vaccinations for Morocco, but hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended
💬Speak the Language
Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the everyday language but differs significantly from standard Arabic. French is widely spoken as a second language, especially in business and education. Many people in the medina also speak some Spanish and English. A few words of Darija will earn you warm smiles.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (peace be upon you) | Assalamu alaikum | ah-sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-koom |
| Hello (informal) | Salam | sah-LAHM |
| Thank you | Shukran | SHOOK-ran |
| No, thank you | La, shukran | lah, SHOOK-ran |
| Please | Afak / Min fadlak | ah-FAHK / min FAD-lahk |
| How much? | Bshhal? | b-SHAAL? |
| Too expensive | Ghali bezzaf | GAH-lee bez-ZAHF |
| Beautiful / Good | Mezyan | mez-YAHN |
| Yes / No | Iyeh / La | ee-YEH / lah |
| Excuse me | Smeh li | smeh lee |
| Where is...? | Fin kayn...? | feen kine...? |
| Goodbye | Bslama | b-SLAH-mah |