Tripmi
Tripmi★★★★★ Use it free online · Web & iOS
Open
Fez
🇲🇦 Morocco

Fez

Labyrinthine medina of history and craft — Fez is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, famed for its medieval medina, centuries-old madrasas, and vibrant artisan quarters. Visit to wander a living UNESCO World Heritage site where traditional crafts, historic architecture, and authentic Moroccan life intersect.

▶ Video guide

Fez in 60 seconds

A cinematic tour of the top sights, food and local tips. Get your own AI voice guide and a trip planned just for you in the Tripmi app.

  • 📍Top places to visit: Fes el-Bali (Medina), Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Attarine Madrasa
  • 🍽️What to eat: Tagine, Pastilla (b’stilla), Harira
  • 🗓️Best time to visit: Best visited in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when…

Good to know

Best time to visit
Best visited in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant and festivals punctuate the calendar. Summers can be very hot, and winters cold at night, especially inland.
Getting around
Most sightseeing in the old city is on foot — expect narrow alleys and many steps; wear comfortable shoes. For longer distances use petit taxis within the city or grand taxis/buses for trips outside town.
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD) — carry cash for souks and small purchases as card acceptance is limited in the medina.
Language
Arabic (Darija) and Tamazight; French is widely spoken and basic English is common in tourist areas.
Safety
Fez is generally safe for tourists but stay aware in crowded souk alleys and agree taxi fares up front.
Daily budget
$50–$150 per day
💶 Travel money in FezCurrency, cards vs cash, costs & tipping in Fez
Read tips →

Top places to visit

1Market

Fes el-Bali (Medina)

A vast medieval walled medina with thousands of alleys, shops, riads, and historic monuments — exploring it is the core Fez experience.

2Landmark

Bou Inania Madrasa

A 14th-century theological school with exquisite zellij tilework, carved cedar wood, and a photogenic inner courtyard open to visitors.

3Landmark

Al-Attarine Madrasa

Near the Karaouine Mosque, this small but richly decorated madrasa showcases delicate stucco and tile carpentry.

4Landmark

University of al-Qarawiyyin

Founded in 859 and considered one of the world’s oldest continuously operating universities — exterior viewing is typical as access is limited.

5Activity

Chouara Tannery

Iconic open-air tannery with stone vats where leather is dyed by hand; view from surrounding terraces and bring mint to reduce the smell.

6Museum

Dar Batha Museum

Museum housed in a former royal palace, featuring a collection of Andalusian-style woodwork, ceramics, and folk art.

7Viewpoint

Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)

The ornate blue gateway marks the western entrance to the medina and is a popular meeting point and photo spot.

8Neighborhood

Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

Historic Jewish quarter with synagogues like Ibn Danan and a different architectural feel; offers insight into Fez’s multicultural past.

9Viewpoint

Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen) Gates

While the palace is closed to the public, the monumental brass-studded gates on Rcif Avenue are worth photographing.

10Museum

Borj Nord and Military Museum

A hilltop fortress with a small arms collection and panoramic views over the medina and Atlas foothills.

11Museum

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

Set in a restored funduq, this museum celebrates traditional woodworking and offers a rooftop cafe with medina views.

12Market

Seffarine Square

A lively square of metalworkers and coppersmiths where you can watch artisans hammering bowls and trays.

13Park

Jnan Sbil Gardens

A peaceful, landscaped garden between the old and new city ideal for a quiet walk and a respite from medina crowds.

14Shopping

Talaa Kebira

One of the medina’s main thoroughfares lined with shops selling textiles, spices, lamps, and leather goods.

15Activity

Saffarin Hammam (public bath experience)

Traditional communal hammam experience available at public and private facilities — a culturally authentic way to relax.

Make Fez a real tripBuild a personalized Fez itinerary in seconds — free with the Tripmi app.
🌐Free · no downloadUse Tripmi online

Things to do

Guided medina tour

Hire a local guide to learn history, find hidden monuments, and navigate the maze safely and efficiently.

Leather-dyeing terrace visit

View the Chouara Tannery from nearby terraces to see traditional leather production up close.

Carpet and pottery workshops

Visit artisan cooperatives to see weaving and ceramics being made and buy directly from makers.

Sunset from Borj Sud or Borj Nord

Climb a hilltop bastion for sweeping sunset views over the medina’s rooftops and minarets.

Attend a religious or cultural festival

If timed right, experience music, religious processions, or cultural events like the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music.

Cooking class in a riad

Learn to prepare Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous in a small-group cooking session hosted in a traditional riad.

Where to stay

Fes el-Bali (Old Medina)

Stay here for immediate access to monuments, souks, and riads — perfect for immersive historic atmosphere.

Fes el-Jdid / Mellah

Closer to the Jewish quarter and Royal Palace, offering a quieter feel and easier access to museums and markets.

Ville Nouvelle (New City / Hivernage)

Modern hotels, restaurants, and wider streets; good base for first-time visitors who prefer contemporary amenities.

Batha / Near the Royal Palace

Central location with proximity to museums and Jnan Sbil Gardens — convenient for combining old- and new-city sightseeing.

What to eat

Tagine

Slow-cooked stew named for its conical clay pot, available in many variations (lamb, chicken, vegetable, or preserved lemon and olive).

Pastilla (b’stilla)

A layered savory-sweet pie traditionally made with pigeon or chicken, almonds, cinnamon, and powdered sugar.

Harira

A hearty tomato and lentil soup often eaten to break the fast during Ramadan and widely served year-round.

Couscous

Steamed semolina served with vegetables and meat, traditionally eaten on Fridays in Morocco.

Mint tea

Sweet Moroccan green tea with abundant fresh mint — the national welcome drink served throughout the day.

Msemen or baghrir (street pastries)

Flaky pancakes and semolina crepes commonly eaten for breakfast with honey or butter.

Day trips

Volubilis and Meknes

Roman ruins at Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes are reachable by car or guided tour for a combined historical day trip.

Ifrane and Azrou (Middle Atlas)

Mountain towns known as 'Little Switzerland' with cedar forests and Barbary macaques in the nearby cedar groves.

Sefrou and Bhalil

Small towns offering waterfalls, friendly markets, and troglodyte homes — pleasant short excursions from Fez.

Insider tips

  • Carry small-change in dirhams for taxis, tips, and souk purchases.
  • Wear modest clothing and respectful footwear when visiting religious sites; women should carry a scarf for mosque exteriors.
  • Agree taxi fares before starting or insist the driver use the meter (petit taxis) for short rides.
  • Bring sunscreen and water — many alleys are exposed and walking is extensive.
  • Bargain politely in souks; start around 40–60% of the asking price and meet in the middle.
  • Book a local licensed guide for the medina to avoid getting lost and to gain historical context.

Traveler reviews

4.8
★★★★★
5 traveler reviews
L
Lucas R.
Canada
★★★★★
last month

Wandered through the medina for hours and kept finding hidden riads and spice shops — the leather tanneries are pungent but unforgettable, and mint tea by sunset felt like a ritual.

A
Aisha K.
United Kingdom
★★★★★
3 weeks ago

The guides in Fez were warm and proud of their city; walking the maze-like alleys with someone who knew the stories made the history come alive.

M
Miguel S.
Spain
★★★★☆
March 2026

Amazing architecture and great street food — the tasting plates in the old city were the highlight — but expect a lot of crowds in peak spots.

P
Priya N.
India
★★★★★
2 weeks ago

I loved the slow, timeless vibe of Fez; mornings spent sipping coffee at a rooftop above the medina watching craftsmen at work were pure travel bliss.

K
Kenji T.
Japan
★★★★★
last week

Excellent value for the experience — cheap eats that are full of flavor, friendly shopkeepers, and a labyrinth of lanes that I happily got lost in.

Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a guided tour to visit the medina?
No, you can explore independently, but a local guide is helpful to locate key sites, learn history, and navigate narrow alleys safely.
Can I visit the Qarawiyyin Mosque?
Non-Muslims usually cannot enter the prayer areas; you can view the historic exterior and surrounding streets, and some parts are accessible during special cultural visits.
Is haggling necessary in markets?
Haggling is expected in souks — approach it as friendly negotiation and be prepared to walk away if the price isn’t right.
How do I get from the airport to the city center?
Fès–Saïs Airport is about 20–30 minutes by taxi to central Fez; arrange a fixed-price airport taxi or hotel transfer in advance for convenience.

Plan your trip in seconds

Tell Tripmi where you're going and get a complete, personalized day-by-day itinerary — free on iPhone.

Popular destinations

🌐Use Tripmi free online