Fes City Guide: 7 Essential Things to Do in Morocco’s Cultural Capital
By Red City Craft | Travel & Heritage
If Marrakech is the heartbeat of Morocco, Fes (often locally spelled Fes Fas) is its soul. Walking into the Medina is like stepping into a time machine. As the largest car-free urban zone in the world, Fes el Bali is a labyrinth of over 9,000 alleys that has remained largely unchanged for a thousand years.
But Fes is not just about history; it is the Artisan Capital of the country. This is where the best leather, the most intricate brass, and the world-famous "Fes Blue" Ceramics are born.
Whether you are here for the heritage or the shopping, here are the 7 Best Things to Do in Fes.
1. Survive the "Fes el Bali" Labyrinth
You will get lost in Fes. It is not a possibility; it is a guarantee. Unlike the Red City, where the souks follow a somewhat logical grid, Fes el Bali is a tangled web of high walls and narrow dead-ends. Google Maps rarely works here because the stone walls block the signal.
To truly understand the history (and find your way back to your Riad), a local guide is non-negotiable for your first day.
⚡ Experience It: We recommend a private walking tour to hit the hidden spots—like the tomb of Moulay Idriss II and the secret communal bakeries. Fes Medina Private Walking Tour
2. The Chouara Tanneries (A Sensory Overload)
You have seen the photos: giant stone vats filled with colorful dyes, looking like a painter’s palette from above. The Chouara Tannery is the oldest in the world, operating the same way it did 1,000 years ago.
The Reality Check: Yes, the smell is intense (grab the mint sprig they offer you at the door). But watching the men work the skins is mesmerizing.
🛍️ Shop the Look: Fes is famous for leather, but the pressure to buy in the tannery shops can be overwhelming.
Skip the Haggling: Love the rugged look of Moroccan leather but hate the sales pitch? We source our Hand-Stitched Straw Travel Bags directly from these artisans and ship them from our workshop.
3. Visit the "Art Naji" Pottery District
This is the highlight for design lovers. Fes is the only place in Morocco with the specific grey clay needed to make strong, double-fired ceramics. If you buy a "Moroccan Sink" or "Tagine" anywhere else, it likely started its life here.
You can visit the cooperatives in the Ain Nokbi district to see the Maalems (masters) painting the intricate geometric lines by hand. It is humbling to watch a man paint a perfect circle without a compass.
🏺 Bring Fes Home (The Sink Connection): The most iconic souvenir from Fes is a Hand-Painted Vessel Sink. But how do you fit a 10kg ceramic basin in your luggage? You don't.
We Ship Fes to You: We specialize in authentic Fes Ceramic Sinks. Whether you want the classic Cobalt Blue, the earthy Emerald Green, or the modern Midnight Black, we crate and ship them worldwide via FedEx.
Shop the Cobalt Blue Fes Sink - The Classic Choice.
Shop the Midnight Black Sink - For Modern Bathrooms.
Shop the Emerald Green Sink - For Boho Vibes.
4. Admire the Bou Inania Madrasa
Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims, but the Madrasas (Islamic Schools) are open to everyone. The Bou Inania is the finest example of Marinid architecture. The cedar wood carving, the stucco work, and the Zellige tile mosaics are perfection.
Pro Tip: Go early (9:00 AM) to get a photo of the courtyard without the crowds.
5. A Day Trip to Volubilis & Meknes
Distance: 1 hour from Fes
If you need a break from the intensity of the Medina, head to the rolling green hills of the Middle Atlas. Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman ruin in North Africa. Seeing Roman mosaic floors in the middle of the Moroccan countryside is a surreal experience. Combine it with a stop in Meknes, the quieter imperial city.
⚡ Experience It: This day trip handles the transport so you can relax. Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes Day Trip
6. Taste the "Fassi" Cuisine
Fes is the culinary capital of Morocco. The food here is sweeter and more complex than in the south. Dishes to try:
-
Pastilla: A flaky pie stuffed with pigeon (or chicken), almonds, and dusted with powdered sugar. It sounds strange, but it works.
-
Khlii: Preserved dried meat (Moroccan jerky) often served with eggs for breakfast.
⚡ Experience It: Don't just eat it, learn to make it. Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class in Fes
7. Logistics: Car Rental & Transfers
Many travelers ask about Car Rental in Fez Morocco. Our Advice: Do not rent a car to drive inside Fes (it is impossible). However, if you are planning a road trip to the Atlas Mountains or Marrakech to Fez, a car is useful.
If you are just staying in the city, skip the rental and book a reliable transfer. The taxi scene at the airport can be chaotic. Fes-Saïss Airport Private Transfer
🌤️ Fes Travel FAQ
Q: Is Fes safe for tourists? A: Yes. While the narrow alleys can feel intimidating, crime against tourists is rare. Stick to the main thoroughfares (Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira) and you will be fine.
Q: How many days do I need in Fes? A: Two full days is enough to see the highlights. Three if you plan to do a day trip to Volubilis.
Q: Is it better to stay in a Riad or a Hotel? A: Always a Riad inside the Medina. It is part of the experience. Just be aware that cars cannot reach most Riads, so you will have to walk with your luggage (or hire a porter with a cart).
🏺 The Fes Collection at Red City Craft
an't make it to the Imperial City this year? We bring the artisan work to your doorstep.
-
The Fes Blue Serving Bowl - Serve salads in style.
-
The Zellige Bathroom Sink - Renovate with history.
-
The Straw Weekender - For your next escape.
Your comment