Many people ask me, is Fes worth visiting? The answer is a very big yes. Fes is worth visiting because it is one of Morocco’s oldest and most historic cities. It is a place where you feel you are walking in the past.
What makes Fes very unique is the giant old medina where cars cannot go. The culture and the history here are very deep and real. People live exactly like they did many centuries ago.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know before you go to Fes. I will tell you the best things to see, how many days you need, and what makes this city different from Marrakech. I will also share some honest tips so you can decide if this beautiful city is the right place for your holiday in Morocco.
Quick Answer: Is Fes Worth Visiting?
If you want a fast answer, yes Fes is absolutely worth visiting. It is a very special place that you should see.
Fes is worth visiting because it offers:
- One of the largest medieval medinas in the world where you can walk for hours.
- Rich Moroccan culture and very old traditions that are still alive today.
- Historic madrasas and mosques with beautiful mosaic tiles.
- Traditional souks and busy artisan workshops making things by hand.
- Unique leather tanneries that are famous all over the world.
Fes is one of the most authentic cities in Morocco. It is not made just for tourists, it is a real living city with a very old soul.
Why Fes Is Worth Visiting
Fes is a place that gives you a very strong feeling. There are many reasons why travelers from everywhere visit this city.
One of the Oldest Cities in Morocco
Fes is the oldest of the four imperial cities in Morocco. The history and cultural significance here is very important. When you walk in the streets, you are walking on stones that are more than a thousand years old. The city was a center for science, religion, and learning for many centuries. It is home to the oldest university in the world. You can feel this long history in every corner.
Authentic Moroccan Culture
The traditional lifestyle in Fes is very preserved. It gives you a look at authentic Moroccan culture. In the old markets, the people still work with their hands to make copper lamps, carpets, and shoes. You can see the craftsmen hitting the metal and shaping the wood. The food here is also very traditional. Fes is a city that protects its old ways, so you really see how Moroccans live their daily life.
Incredible Architecture
If you like beautiful buildings, Fes is very worth visiting for the incredible architecture alone. The city has many old madrasas, mosques, and historic buildings. The details are very small and perfect. They use colorful mosaic tiles called zellige, carved white plaster, and very nice smelling cedar wood from the mountains. It is a paradise for people who love art and old Islamic design.
Top Things to See in Fes
There are many beautiful things to see when you are in Fes. Here are the top places you must visit during your trip.
The Medina of Fes (Fes el-Bali)
The old medina is called Fes el-Bali. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is very huge. It has more than 9,000 small streets and alleys. There are no cars inside, only donkeys carrying things. Walking here is like a big maze, but getting lost is part of the fun. You will see small shops, old fountains, and busy local people everywhere.
Chouara Tanneries
The Chouara Tanneries are very famous. This is where they do traditional leather production. The workers stand in big round stone pools filled with natural colors to dye the animal skins. They do it the exact same way they did hundreds of years ago. You can look from a high balcony to see all the colors. It is a very unique thing to see in Morocco.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A madrasa is an old Islamic school. The Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the most beautiful historic Islamic schools in the country. You can go inside and look at the open courtyard. The green and blue tiles on the walls are very beautiful. The carved wood at the top is very detailed. It is a very quiet place to sit and look at the art.
Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)
Bab Bou Jeloud is the famous entrance to the medina. Many people call it the Blue Gate because it has beautiful blue tiles on the outside. On the inside, the tiles are green. It is a very nice place to take a photo. When you walk through this gate, you leave the modern city and enter the old world.
The Royal Palace Gates
The king has a beautiful palace in Fes. You cannot go inside the palace, but you can visit the large square in front to see the beautiful golden doors. The Royal Palace gates are made of shiny brass and they have very nice tile work around them. It is a quick stop but very beautiful to see.
What Makes Fes Different From Marrakech?
Many travelers ask about Fes vs Marrakech. They are both very beautiful cities, but they are very different.
Fes is very traditional, historic, and cultural. The medina in Fes is much bigger and more closed, with very narrow streets. It focuses more on the old crafts, religion, and the real local life. It is more quiet at night.
Marrakech is more about modern tourism and nightlife. Marrakech has a very big open square, more tourists, and many modern cafes and luxury places. Marrakech is red, while Fes is more white and blue.
If you want a more authentic and old experience, Fes is better. If you want an easier city with more tourist activities, Marrakech is good. You can read our guide comparing the beautiful cities in Morocco to see which one you like more.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Fes
It is good to know the good things and the hard things before you travel. Here are the honest pros and cons of visiting Fes.
Pros
- The authentic culture is very strong. You see real life, not just a show for tourists.
- The historic architecture is amazing. The old schools and gates are very beautiful.
- You get very unique experiences, like seeing the tanneries and walking in the car-free streets. It is a very memorable place.
Cons
- The confusing medina streets can make you tired. It is very easy to get lost because everything looks the same.
- Sometimes there are aggressive guides or young boys who want to show you the way and ask for money.
- The busy markets can be a bit overwhelming. There are many smells, noises, and donkeys passing very close to you.
How Many Days Do You Need in Fes?
To see the city well, you should plan your time. How many days do you need in Fes?
If you have 2 days, you can see the main highlights. One day you can walk in the medina, see the tanneries, and visit the Blue Gate. The next day you can see the Royal Palace gates and the old madrasas.
If you have 3 days, it allows for a much more relaxed exploration. You can take your time to drink mint tea, shop in the souks slowly, and maybe take a short day trip outside the city. Three days is the ideal stay so you do not feel rushed. For more trip planning, see how many days do I need in Morocco.
Best Time to Visit Fes
The weather in Fes changes a lot during the year. The best time to visit Fes is during the Spring and the Autumn.
In Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), the weather is very nice. It is warm and sunny during the day, which makes walking in the medina very comfortable.
You should really avoid the extreme summer heat if you can. In July and August, Fes becomes very hot. The temperature can be over 40 degrees Celsius. The narrow streets of the medina block the wind, so it feels very heavy and hot. It is hard to enjoy the city when you are sweating too much. Read more about the best time to visit Morocco.
Tips for Visiting Fes
To have a good and easy trip, here are some practical travel advice and tips for visiting Fes.
First, you should hire an official guide for your first day in the medina. The guide will help you understand the history and stop you from getting lost in the 9,000 streets.
Second, always wear comfortable shoes. You will walk a lot on old uneven stones. You cannot use taxis inside the medina.
Third, respect local customs. Fes is a very traditional and religious city. It is good to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Finally, you should stay in a traditional riad instead of a modern hotel outside the walls. A riad is an old house with a beautiful garden inside. It is very quiet and peaceful after a busy day in the markets. You can learn more in riad vs hotel in Morocco.
FAQ About Visiting Fes
Here are some common questions travelers ask before they go to Fes.
Is Fes better than Marrakech?
It is not better or worse, it is just different. Fes is better if you want a deep, quiet, and very authentic cultural experience. Marrakech is better if you want a more modern, busy holiday with luxury restaurants and nightlife. Many people like to visit both to see the difference.
Is Fes safe for tourists?
Yes, Fes is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime is very rare. You just need to be careful with your pockets in the crowded markets, like in any big city. Sometimes people ask for money to give you directions, so just say no thank you. Read more in our guide is Fes Morocco safe.
What is Fes famous for?
Fes is famous for its giant car-free medina, the Chouara leather tanneries, and the oldest university in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin. It is the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.
How many days in Fes is enough?
For most people, 2 or 3 days is enough. Two days lets you see all the famous monuments and walk in the souks. Three days gives you time to relax and maybe take a small trip outside the city.
Is the Fes medina worth visiting?
Yes, the Fes medina is absolutely worth visiting. It is the most important part of the city. Walking inside is like traveling back to the middle ages. It is a very unique experience that you will not forget.
Conclusion
To summarize everything, Fes is one of Morocco’s most fascinating cultural destinations. It is a city that keeps the old ways alive. It is perfect for travelers who are interested in history, amazing Islamic architecture, and traditional culture. Walking in the narrow streets and seeing the artisans work is very beautiful.
If you are planning your holiday, I really encourage you to include Fes in your Morocco itinerary. It might feel a little confusing at first, but the magic of this old city will give you very good memories. Pack your comfortable shoes and come explore the beautiful streets of Fes!