Colourful stone dye vats at the Chouara tanneries in the Fes el-Bali medina

Things to Do in Fes

The world's largest car-free medina and Morocco's craft capital

Northern Morocco760 activities

Founded in the 9th century, Fes keeps its medieval street plan intact: 9,000 lanes, no cars, and workshops still grouped by trade. Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best place in Morocco to watch craft being made rather than sold.

Top things to do in Fes

Chouara tanneries

The honeycomb of dye pits has run since the 11th century. Leather shops above them lend you a sprig of mint and open onto the classic viewing terraces.

Al-Qarawiyyin and the madrasas

Al-Qarawiyyin is often called the world's oldest continually operating university. Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas are open to visitors and show zellij tilework at its peak.

Volubilis and Meknes day trip

An hour west, the Roman city of Volubilis keeps mosaics in situ, and imperial Meknes adds monumental gates and easy lunch stops.

Tours & experiences in Fes

See all Fes activities
Fes: Medina & Tanneries Half-Day Guided Tour

Fes

Fes: Medina & Tanneries Half-Day Guided Tour

4 hours4.7(9,740)

From €48 per person

Chefchaouen: Blue City Photography Walking TourNew

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen: Blue City Photography Walking Tour

2.5 hours4.9(5,230)

From €35 per person

Fes travel FAQ

Do you need a guide in the Fes medina?
For the first day, yes — the lanes are unmapped and a licensed guide gets you into workshops you would otherwise walk past.
How long should you stay in Fes?
Two nights covers the medina properly and leaves room for a Volubilis or Meknes half-day.

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