By [marrakech-history] Editorial Team
Last Updated: December 10, 2025
If Marrakech is the beating heart of Morocco, Fes is its soul.
Entering Fes el-Bali (the Old Medina) is the closest you will ever come to actual time travel. It is the largest car-free urban zone in the world—a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of over 9,000 winding alleyways, some so narrow that two people cannot pass abreast.
For the first-time traveler, Fes is intense, “authentic,” and utterly magical. It is a place where donkeys still haul goods, where the rhythmic tapping of copper beaters provides the soundtrack, and where scholars have studied for over a thousand years.
Whether you are visiting in the final days of 2025 or planning an adventure for 2026, this guide will help you navigate the labyrinth with confidence. Here are the best things to see, do, and experience in the spiritual capital of Morocco.
1. Know Before You Go: Surviving the Labyrinth
Fes is not built on a grid; it is a chaotic, organic web. To enjoy it, you must adjust your mindset.
- Accept Getting Lost: It isn’t a mistake; it’s part of the experience. Google Maps is often unreliable here due to the narrow walls blocking signals.
- The “Tala’a” Lifelines: There are two main streets running down from the Blue Gate: Tala’a Kebira (The Big Slope) and Tala’a Seghira (The Little Slope). If you get lost, follow the flow of traffic uphill to find your way back to the gate.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) is lush and green. If you are visiting now (December/January), bring a warm coat—Fes gets surprisingly cold and damp in the winter evenings.
2. Top Attractions: The Must-See Icons
These are the landmarks that put Fes on the map. They are non-negotiable for a first trip.
Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate)
This is your entry point. The massive horseshoe arch is tiled with Fes blue on the outside (welcoming you) and Islam green on the inside (representing peace). It is the perfect spot for your first photo.
The Chouara Tannery
This is the most iconic image of Fes: vast stone vessels filled with colorful dyes, where men stand waist-deep working the skins exactly as they did in the 11th century.
- Pro Tip: To see the action, you must enter one of the leather shops surrounding the tannery. Head to the terrace. The shopkeepers will offer you a sprig of mint—take it! It helps mask the pungent smell of the pigeon droppings used to soften the leather.
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Founded in 859 AD by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, this is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest existing, continually operating educational institution in the world.
- Visitor Note:Â Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque/university, but you can get a stunning view of the courtyard from the main gates. The glimpse of the intricate tile work and fountains is worth the stop.
Al-Attarine & Bou Inania Madrasas
Since you cannot enter Al-Qarawiyyin, visit these ancient schools (Madrasas) instead. They are masterpieces of Marinid architecture. The Bou Inania Madrasa is unique because it also functions as a congregational mosque, meaning it has a minaret. The zellige (tilework) and carved cedar wood here are among the finest in the country.
3. Hidden Gems: Escape the Crowds
Once you have seen the icons, dive deeper to find the quiet magic of Fes.
The Ruined Garden
Tucked away in the medina, this restaurant is set in the remains of an old merchant’s house. It is an open-air oasis of crumbling walls, lush plants, and chirping birds. It feels like a secret garden and serves incredible fresh lunches.
Funduq al-Nejjarine (Wood Arts & Crafts Museum)
Many tourists walk right past this. A Funduq was an ancient inn for traveling caravans. This one has been beautifully restored into a museum. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best panoramic views of the Medina, and it’s usually empty.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Just outside the Medina walls lies a manicured botanical garden. If the chaos of the souks becomes too much, this is your sanctuary. It features bamboo groves, fountains, and peacocks—a perfect breath of fresh air.
4. Shopping: The Capital of Craftsmanship
Fes is the artisan capital of Morocco. If you are going to buy souvenirs, buy them here rather than Marrakech. The quality is generally higher and the prices lower.
- Fes Pottery:Â Famous for its intricate blue and white designs. Visit the potteries outside the walls to see the clay being fired in olive-pit kilns.
- Leather Goods:Â Since the tanneries are here, Fes is the place to buy jackets, bags, and babouche slippers.
- Copper & Brass: Head to Place Seffarine, where you can hear the metalworkers before you see them. It is one of the most atmospheric squares in the city.
5. Food & Dining: A Taste of History
Fassi (from Fes) cuisine is considered the “haute cuisine” of Morocco.
- Must-Eat Dish: Pastilla (Bastilla). This is the signature dish of Fes. It is a pie made of thin warqa dough, stuffed with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and eggs, and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. It is a confusing, delicious mix of sweet and savory.
- Best Street Food: Try Bissara (broad bean soup) with a splash of olive oil and cumin, served with fresh bread. It costs pennies and is incredibly warming in winter.
- Top Dining: For a splurge, book a dinner at Nur, where world-renowned chef Najat Kaanache reimagines Moroccan classics.
6. Trustworthy Travel Tips: Avoiding the “Faux Guides”
Fes has a reputation for “hassle.” Here is the honest truth and how to handle it in 2025/2026.
- The “Unofficial Guide”:Â You will likely be approached by men or children offering to show you the way. They will lead you to a shop for a commission or demand money at the end.
- How to Handle It:Â Be firm, polite, and consistent. A confident “No, thank you” and keep walking. Do not ask strangers for directions.
- The Solution: For your first day, we highly recommend hiring a licensed official guide. Fes is history-dense; a guide not only keeps the hasslers away but unlocks the stories behind the doors.
Final Thoughts
Fes is not a city that reveals itself easily. It requires patience. But if you linger over a mint tea on a rooftop while the call to prayer washes over the city, you will feel the ancient pulse of Morocco. It is an unforgettable experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Ready to explore the ancient world?
Browse our [Fes & North Morocco Itineraries] or contact us to book a [Licensed Heritage Tour] today.
