There are so many things to do in Fes Morocco, especially if you love history, architecture, food and getting a little lost lol. Fes feels completely different from Marrakech. It’s still busy and can definitely feel chaotic, but there’s SO much history packed into the Medina.
The Medina of Fez is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most extensive and best-preserved historic towns in the Arab-Muslim world. It’s basically a maze of narrow streets leading to workshops, markets, schools, fountains, mosques and all the traditional craftsmanship Fes is known for.
I would give yourself 2–3 days in Fes. Two days is enough to see the main attractions, while three lets you slow down a little and actually enjoy wandering around.
If you’re planning a bigger trip through Morocco, check out my Morocco Travel Guide and Morocco Itinerary: 7, 10 & 14 Days too.
Best Things to Do in Fes Morocco: Quick Guide
If you’re in a rush, these are the best things to do in Fes Morocco for your first trip.
| Thing to Do | Best For | Time Needed | Book Ahead? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fes el-Bali | First-time visitors | 2–4 hours | No |
| Chouara Tanneries | Iconic Fes experience | 30–60 min | No |
| Bou Inania Madrasa | Architecture | 30–60 min | No |
| Al Attarine Madrasa | Architecture | 30–60 min | No |
| Nejjarine Museum | Craftsmanship | 1 hour | Optional |
| Fes Medina Tour | First visit | 3–4 hours | Yes |
| Moroccan Cooking Class | Foodies | 3–5 hours | Yes |
| Borj Nord | Views | 1 hour | No |
| Jnan Sbil Gardens | Relaxing | 1 hour | No |
| Chefchaouen | Day trip | Full day | Yes |
10 Best Things to Do in Fes Morocco
1. Get Lost in Fes el-Bali
Fes has SO much history, and exploring Fes el-Bali is easily one of the top things to do in Fes Morocco.
The Medina is basically a maze of narrow streets leading to workshops, markets, schools, fountains, mosques and traditional crafts. As with many predominantly Muslim countries, you’ll also hear the call to prayer several times a day. Hearing it coming from different mosques throughout the Medina is such a beautiful experience.
I will say, though, the Medina can be SUPER confusing. There are sooo many narrow alleys, and it’s really easy to get turned around.
As a first-time visitor, I definitely recommend getting a guide on your first day. Do a Medina tour, get your bearings and find some of those little places you probably would’ve never known about otherwise.
2. See the Chouara Tanneries
The Chouara Tanneries are one of the most recognizable Fes things to see and are part of the city’s long tradition of leatherworking.
I’m going to warn you…the smell is STRONG lol. When I went, they handed me a handful of fresh mint to keep in front of my nose. 😂
It’s such a cool experience, though. You can see the tanning area from terraces in the surrounding leather shops and watch the process happening below you.
Afterward, you’ll definitely be encouraged to browse or buy something. I actually bought a bag there YEARS ago, and it still looks amazing.
This isn’t some polished museum experience either. It’s an active traditional craft area, which is exactly what makes it so interesting. I would definitely put this toward the top of your list of things to see in Fes.
3. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa
If you’re into Moroccan architecture like me, this place is definitely worth visiting.
Bou Inania Madrasa was built in the 14th century and carries so much history between its walls. But for me…it’s the DETAILS.
The carved wood, stucco, geometric tilework and beautiful central courtyard are insane. Moroccan architecture is just sooo beautiful.
You can spend around an hour here and then keep exploring the Medina.
4. Visit Al Attarine Madrasa
Again, if you love architecture, GO.
Al Attarine Madrasa is another historic madrasa filled with beautiful Moroccan decorative work. It’s smaller, so it won’t take up a huge portion of your day.
And listen, if you’re short on time, you do NOT need to visit every single madrasa in Fes lol.
But if Moroccan architecture, tilework and all those tiny intricate details are your thing, then seeing both Bou Inania and Al Attarine is absolutely worth it.
5. Visit the Nejjarine Museum
The Nejjarine Museum is a great stop if you want to better understand Moroccan craftsmanship and the artisans whose work you’ll see throughout the Medina.
I wouldn’t necessarily prioritize this over the tanneries or madrasas if you’re really short on time. But if you have an extra hour, add it to your list.
6. Take a Fes Medina Walking Tour
Yes, yes, YES!
A Medina walking tour is one of the best things to do in Fes Morocco on your first day.
Fes is huge and can be VERY confusing. I love a little wander around with no plan, but it’s better to do a walking tour before you start wandering so you at least have some sense of direction lol.
I loved doing walking tours because I got to know the area better and passed shops I could go back and explore later. Plus, you learn what you’re actually looking at instead of just walking past everything.
And obviously…the food recommendations are always important 😂.
7. Take a Fes Cooking Class
Food is a HUGE part of every culture. It’s important to learn about the history of a place, but food is part of that history too.
When traveling somewhere new, I love learning how the ingredients, spices and techniques come together. Even within one country, food can vary depending on the different cultural and regional influences.
Depending on the Fes cooking class you choose, you might learn how to make tagine, couscous, Moroccan salads or bread.
And then obviously you get to eat everything afterward lol.
8. See Fes From Borj Nord
After spending sooo much time wandering through the narrow streets of the Medina, it’s nice to actually see Fes from above.
Borj Nord gives you panoramic views over the Medina. You finally get a bird’s-eye view of how everything comes together and just how massive Fes really is.
Also…great photo spot.
9. Relax in Jnan Sbil Gardens
Jnan Sbil Gardens gives you somewhere to just exhale from all the stimulation of the city.
After spending hours exploring busy streets and souks, I loved coming here to disconnect for a little bit.
Honestly, sometimes after hours inside a busy Medina you just need a minute lol.
10. Take a Day Trip From Fes to Chefchaouen
Listen…Chefchaouen is probably one of the most recognizable places in Morocco. You’ve definitely seen photos of those beautiful blue streets everywhere.
And it really IS beautiful.
To be completely transparent, if you’re tight on time, you cannn do a day trip from Fes. But if you have the time, I would absolutely spend a night or two there instead.
The drive is long, and there’s so much more to Chefchaouen than taking photos of the blue streets. There’s beautiful mountain scenery, hiking and nearby waterfalls.
I loved Chefchaouen and would absolutely go back again.
Where to Stay While Exploring Fes
For your first trip, I’d stay in or close to the Medina. You’ll be close to many of the main things to see in Fes, and you’ll get to experience staying in a traditional Moroccan riad.
I’m also putting together a full Best Riads in Fes guide if you want more options for different budgets.
Things to Do in Fes Morocco FAQs
How many days do you need in Fes?
I would say 2–3 days for your first trip. Two days gives you enough time for the main things to see in Fes, while three days lets you slow down a little.
If your schedule is tight and you want to do a Chefchaouen day trip, I’d definitely add another day.
Check out our Morocco Itinerary: 7, 10 & 14 Days to plan more of your trip.
Is Fes worth visiting?
Yesss, especially if you’re interested in Moroccan history, architecture, food and traditional craftsmanship.
It’s also SO different from Marrakech. If you’re heading north toward Chefchaouen, Fes is a great addition to your Morocco itinerary.
What is Fes Morocco famous for?
Fes is famous for its historic Medina, traditional leather tanneries, souks, madrasas, Moroccan craftsmanship, architecture and food.
Basically, a lot of my favorite things lol.
Is Fes better than Marrakech?
Honestly, I wouldn’t compare the two. They’re VERY different and offer completely different experiences.
Marrakech is huge for tourism and has famous gardens, rooftop restaurants, resorts, souks and easy access to the Atlas Mountains.
Fes is more about its historic Medina, architecture, traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
I think they’re both worth visiting for completely different reasons.
Is Fes walkable?
Yes! The Medina is best explored on foot.
Now…navigating the Medina is a whole other story lol.
That’s why I recommend doing a guided walking tour on your first day and wandering on your own afterward.
Is Fes safe for solo travelers?
Solo travelers visit Fes, but I can’t guarantee anyone’s safety anywhere.
Just like in any city, use normal precautions. Keep your valuables secure in crowded areas, be cautious about unsolicited assistance and avoid wandering around unfamiliar isolated areas alone late at night.
I traveled through Morocco solo too, so check out my Morocco Solo Travel Guide for more of my experience and tips.
What are the best day trips from Fes?
Chefchaouen, Meknes and Volubilis are all worth considering.
Again, you CAN do Chefchaouen as a day trip. But if you have the time, I personally recommend spending a night or two there instead.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Fes Morocco
There are sooo many things to do in Fes Morocco, but you really don’t need to cram everything into your trip.
Wander through the Medina, see the tanneries, admire all the insane Moroccan architecture, eat ALL the food and give yourself time to just explore without a plan.
Getting a little lost is honestly part of the experience lol.
If you’re still planning your Morocco trip, check out my Morocco Travel Guide, Morocco Itinerary: 7, 10 & 14 Days, Morocco Solo Travel Guide and Morocco Desert Guide next.
