Morocco Cities · 3 min read
Fes Travel Guide 2026: Medina, Tanneries, Where to Stay and How Long
Quick answer
Fes is Morocco's spiritual and cultural capital, with Fes el-Bali — a UNESCO-listed medieval medina and the world's largest car-free urban area. Plan two days: one guided day in the medina (Bab Boujloud, Al-Attarine and Bou Inania madrasas, Qarawiyyin, Chouara tannery) and one for Fes el-Jdid, the Mellah and the Merinid tombs, plus day trips to Chefchaouen or Meknes and Volubilis.
If Marrakech is Morocco's theatre, Fes is its library. Founded in the 9th century and home to the al-Qarawiyyin, Fes is where Moroccan craftsmanship and scholarship were born — and its medina still works much as it did centuries ago.
Understanding Fes
- Fes el-Bali: the old medina, founded under the Idrisids and listed by UNESCO in 1981 — some 9,000 alleys, mostly car-free.
- Fes el-Jdid: the "new" Fes of the Merinid dynasty (13th century), with the Royal Palace gates and the Mellah.
- Ville Nouvelle: the modern city with hotels, cafés and the train station.
Highlights of the medina
- Bab Boujloud — the Blue Gate, the classic entry.
- Talaa Kebira — the main street, down through food stalls and workshops.
- Bou Inania madrasa — 14th-century carved cedar and zellige.
- Al-Attarine madrasa — a jewel of Merinid decoration.
- Qarawiyyin — founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri; non-Muslims can look in from the doors.
- Nejjarine square — the carpenters' fountain and woodwork museum.
- Chouara tannery — view the dye pits from the leather shops' terraces.
A licensed guide is worth it on the first day.
Where to stay
Riads near Bab Boujloud and Batha combine atmosphere and easy access; the Ville Nouvelle suits travellers with cars or who prefer hotels.
Day trips from Fes
- Chefchaouen (3 h 30) — the blue city; join our Chefchaouen day trip or read the Chefchaouen guide.
- Meknes & Volubilis (1 h) — imperial gates and Roman mosaics.
- Ifrane & the cedar forest — macaques and alpine scenery.
Fes and the Sahara
Fes is the start or end of our one-way desert routes: the 3-day desert tour from Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga, or the reverse from Marrakech. It is the smartest way to include both in a week — see the 7-day itinerary.
Tips
- Unofficial guides may offer help; politely decline and stick to your licensed guide or map.
- The tannery terraces are free to enter but shops expect you to browse; a small tip is fair.
- Many shops close on Friday around midday.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Fes?
Two days is ideal: one guided day in the medina and one for Fes el-Jdid and viewpoints, or a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis.
Do I need a guide in Fes?
It is strongly recommended for the first day: the medina is a true labyrinth and unofficial guides are common. Use a licensed guide.
Where should I stay in Fes?
In a riad inside Fes el-Bali near Bab Boujloud or Batha for easy access, or in the Ville Nouvelle for modern hotels with car access.
Is Fes better than Marrakech?
They are different: Fes is more traditional and less touristy, with the most authentic medina; Marrakech is livelier with more activities and easier day trips.
Morocco Travels Team
Written by the Morocco Travels team in Marrakech — local guides and drivers who run these routes every week. We update our guides each season with current prices, opening hours and road conditions.
