Fes (or Fez) is located in Northern Morocco with a population of about 1.22 million people. I visited Fes as part of my one week Morocco trip and it definitely showcased the culture of Morocco. One day in Fes provided me with a peek into Moroccan culture and way of life, especially when strolling around the Medina.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Fes here.
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History of Fes
Fes was initially founded in the 700-800s during the Ibrisid rule when people formed a small settlement in the area. Throughout the years, various empires came and went and continually reestablished the area. Finally, in the 1000s, the Almoravid Sultan unified the two settlements and built the Fes that still stands today.
The following years brought the expansion of Fes and the building of numerous Moorish and Moroccan mosques and city gates that still stand today. Eventually, the popularity of the city declined, especially once Marrakech became more popular. Present-day, the city consists of two quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes Jdid, and a modern urban area.
Best Time to Visit Fes
Although Fes is an amazing place to visit any time of the year, for the best weather, visit in spring or fall. We went right at the beginning of summer and it was just starting to get hot. I cannot imagine the heat in the summertime. Also, make sure to take note of when Ramadan is. We were there during Ramadan. It was difficult to find somewhere to eat for lunch because all of the locals were fasting.
How to Get to Fes
Fes contains Fes Sais international airport, which gets flights from across Europe. As we came from Portugal, we opted to fly into Fes. You can also take a train or a bus from other major cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier. If coming from Spain, you can also opt to take a ferry to Tangier and a train/bus from there. Taxis are also pretty affordable in Morocco, so you can hire a taxi or a car to drive you between cities.
Transportation Around Fes
The Medina in Fes is a walking-only zone. However, if you want to visit some of the other places across Fes you will need a taxi or a car. I highly recommend taking some sort of tour. Your Riad should be able to book one for you. We ended up exploring on our own, and it was very difficult to get around to the sites. Originally, we had wanted to go up to Borj Nord or Borj Sud, but none of the taxi drivers would take us up there. We even had our riad try to help us get a taxi, but for some reason, all of the taxi drivers refused to take that drive.
Where To Stay for One Day in Fes
When spending one day in Fes, I recommend staying in a riad in the Medina. A riad is like a Moroccan bed and breakfast or guesthouse. It contains many rooms with a courtyard in the center, usually comes with breakfast, and is run by locals. Best of all, they are very budget friendly! TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel and riad search. Search for the best Fes hotels here!
We opted to stay at a fantastic Riad: Riad-Boutique Borj Dhab Fez. The owners were very kind and gave suggestions about what sites to see. One of them even walked us over to the main entrance of the Medina so we would know where to go. Riad Borj Dhab also had an amazing terrace that provided a gorgeous view of the medina. This Riad cost us $65/night or $130 total.
Other options include
What to See During One Day in Fes
Day 1
Blue Gate
Cost: Free
The Blue Gate is one of the main entrances to the Fes Medina. The current ornate blue mosaic-covered gate was built in 1913 but the original dates back to the 1100s. It is pretty neat to walk through this gate into the medina. It is the perfect way to start your one day in Fes.
The Medina
Cost: Free
After eating an amazing breakfast at your riad, start your morning by wandering around the Medina. The Fes Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage The site dates back to the 800s. You can spend hours winding through the streets and shops. Stop and try some of the local foods along the way. Make sure to download the map for Fes on your phone as you can easily get lost in the Medina.
Teacher Tip: There will be many locals who will offer to help you find your way if you get lost. However, if you do accept their help, it is customary to give them a “tip” once they take you to where you want to go.
Chaouwara (Chouara) Tannery
Cost: “Free”
While wandering the Medina, make sure to stop and visit the Chaouwara Tannery. This tannery, established in the 1000s, is one of the oldest tanneries in the world. In order to view the tannery, you have to go onto the roof of one of the many shops. You will smell it before you see it. Store 64 had the best views, but store 8 gave the best tour!
Teacher Tip: Many of the shopkeepers will tell you it is “free” to view the tannery. Then, when you go to leave if you did not buy something from their shop, they will demand money from you.
At one shop we went to, we tried to give them 10Dih (what we had left) when we left and they refused our money and said it was not enough. They asked for 50Dih/person, even though they said it was free to come in. Eventually, they refused our money and let us leave.
Dar al Makhzen (Royal Palace)
Cost: Free
This afternoon, opt to head to the royal palace. This palace is one of the homes of the king of Morocco. The original foundation dates back to 1276, but the current building was built during the Alaouite era in the 1600-1900s. Although you are not able to view the actual royal palace, you can view the magnificent gates of the palace. These gates were built on top of the ruins of the old gates.
Dinner and a Show at Palais La Medina
Address: 8, Derb chami Bourajjoue Racif Fes
Cost: $30/person
For dinner, opt to indulge in a traditional Moroccan meal and a show at Restaurant Palais La Médina. Although this restaurant caters to tourists, I still feel it was worth it! The meal was served with a variety of Moroccan appetizers, a main dish (you chose off of a list), and a dessert. You also had the opportunity to purchase drinks. Throughout the meal, different performers put on a show. Some of the acts included a belly dancer, a magician, and some musicians. Although it was a bit pricier than other restaurants, I liked that I got to try a variety of Moroccan food and had a show to keep us entertained during the meal.
More than One Day in Fes?
If you have more than one day in Fes, there are several day trips that you can take or a few more sites to see in Fes.
Day 2
Jnan sbil Gardens
Cost: Free
The Jnan sbil Gardens are located between the two sections of the Medina. They were created by Sultan Moulay Hassan I in the 1800s. It is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, or to sit and relax for a while. There is quite a bit to explore, so plan on spending an hour or two walking around.
Panoramic Overlook of Fes
For some views of Fes, head to Borj Sud or Borj Nord. Both of these are old forts from the 1500s that give some panoramic views of Fes. Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour built these forts as a defense for the city. Present-day, Borj Nord contains a Museum of Arms while Borj Sud just contains views of the city.
Take a Day Trip to Volubilis
Located about an hour and a half outside of Fes, the ruins of Volubilis are well worth a trip. This area was once a Berber city that rapidly grew under Roman rule. It contained a variety of buildings spread out over 100 acres. Although a lot of the area was ruined by an earthquake in the 1700s, present-day the area continues to be excavated. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can walk around and view the ruins. The easiest way to get here is to go on a tour (check out Viator) or hire a car.
Head out on a Moroccan Desert Tour
Fes is a great place to start or end a Moroccan Desert tour. These tours range from 3-7 days at a variety of luxury levels. It is a great addition to any Morocco trip. Here are some options to look at.
- 3 Day Tour from Marrakech
- 3 Day Fes to Marrakech
- Atlas Mountains from Fes to Marrakech
- Marrakech to Fes
- 4 Day Sahara Desert Tour
Fes is a really awesome city to explore and it is worth spending at least one day in Fes during your Morocco trip. After, opt to head into the Moroccan Desert, Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier, or Marrakech to continue exploring this amazing country.
