Fes
Morocco’s oldest imperial city — a living medieval medina of tanneries, madrasas and craft. History here is not behind glass.
Fes – Capital of the Imperial North
The oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities — a nine-thousand-street medieval medina, tanneries, madrasas and craft traditions that have not changed for centuries.
Founded in 789, Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Inside its ancient walls you will find the shopfronts of the Chaouwara tanneries with their rainbow vats of dye, the extraordinary tilework of the Bou Inania Madrasa, the world’s oldest university at Al-Qarawiyyin, and medina lanes so narrow that everything is still moved by hand or donkey.
The city sits naturally in a north-Morocco circuit that takes in the imperial capitals Rabat and Meknes, the blue town of Chefchaouen and the Roman ruins of Volubilis — all of which we combine in our multi-day circuits.
“In Fes you do not walk through history — you swim in it. The smell of the tanneries, the call of the sellers, the tilework that took generations.” — Abdellah, founder & Amazigh guide
Who is Fes for?
Fes suits travelers who want depth — history, craft, food and spiritual culture. It is ideal for first-time visitors who want to understand Morocco beyond Marrakech, and for repeat travelers who return for the medina's endless detail. It also works well as part of an imperial cities circuit with Meknes, Rabat and Volubilis.
How long to stay in Fes?
2–3 days for the medina, tanneries and major monuments. 4–5 days if you want day trips to Meknes, Volubilis or the Middle Atlas (Ifrane, Azrou). Fes is often the northern anchor of a longer Morocco itinerary.
How to get to Fes
By air: Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ) receives flights from Europe and Casablanca. By train: ONCF connects Fes to Marrakech (7 hours), Casablanca (4 hours) and Tangier (5 hours). By road: CTM buses run from most major cities. Private transfer with Abrid is comfortable for long journeys.
What to see in Fes
The Chouwara tanneries (medieval leather dyeing in stone vats), Bou Inania Madrasa (finest interior in Morocco), the Al-Qarawiyyin University (world's oldest, founded 859), the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Royal Palace gates. The medina of Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 9,000+ streets.
What to do in Fes
Explore the medina with a local guide, watch the tanneries from above, visit the madrasas and museums, shop for leather, ceramics and textiles, take a cooking class, or do a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis. The food scene is outstanding — try local specialties like pastilla and harira.
Typical Fes itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, evening walk in the medina. Day 2: Tanneries, Bou Inania, Al-Qarawiyyin, souk shopping. Day 3: Day trip to Meknes and Volubilis. Day 4+: Continue to Chefchaouen, the Sahara or back to Marrakech.
Local advice from Abrid
The medina is a maze — hire a guide for the first day. Visit the tanneries in the morning when they are most active. Always carry small dirhams for tips and small purchases. The best leather prices are in the old medina, not the new town. Fes is cooler than Marrakech — bring a layer for evenings.
Highlights
Chouwara Tanneries
Medieval leather dyeing in stone vats — the unmissable view from the terraces above.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A school of cedar, marble and zellige — still one of the finest interiors in Morocco.
Medina of Fes el-Bali
The largest car-free urban zone in the world — get lost on purpose, with a guide.
Volubilis & Meknes
Roman mosaics and a grand imperial city best seen together on a day trip.
Best areas to visit in Fes
Two medinas and a new town across the river valley.
Fes el-Bali
Tanneries, madrasas and the great car-free maze.
Fes el-Jdid & Mellah
Palace gates and the old Jewish quarter.
Ville Nouvelle
Broad avenues, cafés and evening restaurants.
Fes in Pictures
Taste of Fes
Trips that include Fes
Imperial Cities Circuit
Fes, Rabat, Meknes, Marrakech & more in a luxury 8-day private loop.
View tourClassic 13-Day Morocco
The complete north-to-south circuit with Fes and a full Sahara crossing.
View tourFrequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Fes?
Two full days covers the medina, tanneries and major monuments. Three to four days gives you time for day trips to Meknes, Volubilis or the Middle Atlas.
Is Fes safe for visitors?
Yes. The medina is busy but safe. Use usual city awareness — keep valuables secure, agree taxi fares before setting off and use a licensed guide for the first day.
What should I wear in Fes?
Modest, breathable clothing. Comfortable walking shoes for the medina's uneven streets. A layer for cooler evenings — Fes is cooler than Marrakech.
Can you drink the tap water in Fes?
Bottled water is recommended. Most riads and hotels provide complimentary bottled water. Avoid ice from street stalls unless you are confident of the source.
How do you get from Fes to Marrakech?
By train: ONCF connects Fes to Marrakech in approximately 7 hours. By road: 5–6 hours by private transfer. Many travelers combine both cities in a multi-day itinerary.
Which trips include Fes?
Most multi-day circuits include Fes — the Imperial Cities tour, the Classic 13-Day Morocco and custom itineraries. Plan your trip
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Last updated: September 2026 · Written by the Abrid Morocco team
