Things To Do
in Fès
Nestled within the rolling hills of northern Morocco, this ancient city is famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant souks, and historic madrasas, making it a treasure trove of Moroccan culture and tradition. Its winding alleys and bustling markets, particularly within the Fès el Bali walled medina—a UNESCO World Heritage site—offer a glimpse into a living history, where traditional crafts and practices flourish.
Renowned for its exquisite leather goods produced in the iconic Chouara Tannery and its rich culinary heritage, Fès invites an immersive experience into Moroccan life that is both enchanting and unforgettable.
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Shukran" - Thank you
- "La shukran aala wajib" - No thanks, it's my duty
- "Bslama" - Goodbye
- "Kif halak?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Wander through the nearby Medina, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and local crafts.
Enjoy lunch at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, sampling tagine or couscous. Afterward, explore the tanneries, a unique experience that reveals the traditional leather-making process.
Relax at a rooftop café with a view of the Medina as the sun sets. Savor some mint tea while you reflect on your day.
Visit the Museo de Artes y Tradiciones, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Fès. Explore the ancient artifacts and traditional costumes on display.
Head to the Jewish Quarter to learn about Fès' diverse history. Grab a delicious street food snack from a local vendor as you stroll.
Dine at a historic riad, where you can enjoy a multi-course Moroccan meal. The ambiance will provide a perfect ending to a culturally rich day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and cultural heritage, including the UNESCO-listed medina.
- Vibrant arts and crafts scene, known for leather goods and ceramics.
- Delicious traditional Moroccan cuisine, with local specialties like tagine and saffron.
- Warm and hospitable locals, eager to share their culture and traditions.
- Rich spiritual atmosphere with numerous historic mosques and madrasas.
- Can be crowded and chaotic in the medina, making navigation difficult.
- Limited modern amenities compared to larger cities like Marrakech or Casablanca.
- Challenges with street cleanliness and waste management in some areas.
- Potential language barrier for those who do not speak Arabic or French.
- Hot summers and chilly winters may deter some visitors.
Best Activities in Fès
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a guided tour or wander through the maze of narrow streets, bustling souks, and historic landmarks in the ancient walled city of Fes.
Embark on a trekking adventure in the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, located near Fes, and enjoy beautiful landscapes, nature, and local Berber villages.
Relax in this peaceful garden oasis located in the heart of Fes, offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle with its lush greenery, ponds, and architectural beauty.
Tours
Uncover the best of Fès with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Fès
Visit one of these nice places.
Provides a panoramic view of the city
Offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscapes
Beautiful gardens with a great view of the city and historical sites
Exquisite architectural details and photo opportunities
Food in Fès
Fès Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A savory pie with layers of thin pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and flavored with cinnamon and sugar. It's a must-try in Fès and can be found at local restaurants like Restaurant Nejjarine.
Must-Try!
Slow-roasted lamb traditionally prepared in a special underground oven. It's tender and flavorful, and best enjoyed at street food stalls or local eateries like Restaurant Dar Hatim.
A hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's commonly served during Ramadan and available at most restaurants and street food vendors in Fès.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Fès better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and most vibrant markets in Fès, offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and street food such as grilled meats, couscous, and tagines. Don't miss trying freshly squeezed orange juice and msemen, a traditional Moroccan flatbread.
This area is known for its lively street food scene, where you can find everything from snail soup to grilled sardines. It's a must-visit for those looking to experience authentic Moroccan street food culture.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When in Fès, it is important to be respectful of Islamic customs, such as dressing modestly and being mindful of prayer times.
In Fès, it is important to greet people with courtesy and to use polite language in interactions, such as saying 'Salam alaikum' as a greeting.
It is important to respect privacy in Fès, particularly in private homes and sacred sites, and to ask for permission before taking photos.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Fès with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Fès
Ensure a smooth experience
In Fès, Morocco, tipping is customary and expected, particularly in restaurants and for services such as tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff. A typical tip may range from 5-10% of the bill or a rounded-up amount.
Cash is the most common form of payment in Fès, with credit cards being accepted in larger establishments. It's important to have sufficient cash on hand, especially when visiting markets, small shops, and street vendors, as they may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Fès.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is an ideal time to visit Fes, as the city experiences pleasant weather with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery. The bustling Medina is less crowded, and you can enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
Fall offers another great time to visit Fes. The temperatures are mild, and the city hosts cultural events and festivals. The old town comes alive with colorful displays and traditional celebrations during this period.
Summer in Fes can be quite hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). However, this is also the time for the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, drawing visitors from all over the world to enjoy diverse musical performances and cultural expressions.
Winter is the low season for tourism in Fes due to cooler temperatures. However, it's a good time to explore the city without large crowds and to enjoy the local culture and cuisine. Just be prepared for colder and possibly wet weather.
Fès at Night
Hiking in Fès
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located northwest of Fès, this park offers diverse trails with stunning views, dense forests, and unique flora and fauna.
About an hour's drive from Fès, this park is known for its beautiful landscapes, cedar forests, and well-marked hiking trails.
While primarily a ski resort in winter, the surrounding areas offer excellent hiking opportunities during the warmer months, featuring scenic mountain trails.
This mountain, part of the Middle Atlas range, provides challenging hikes with rewarding panoramic views at the summit.
A beautiful lake surrounded by mountains and forests, offering tranquil hiking trails and picnic spots for nature lovers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Fès through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Fès by plane.
The main airport serving Fès, located about 12 kilometers east of the city.
Located in Casablanca, approximately 300 kilometers from Fès, it is the largest and busiest airport in Morocco.
Located about 200 kilometers from Fès, it serves the capital city of Rabat and surrounding areas.
Situated approximately 600 kilometers from Fès, this airport serves Agadir and the southwestern regions of Morocco.
Located about 500 kilometers from Fès, this airport serves Marrakech and is a major international gateway.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in Fès, consisting of individuals of mixed Arab and Berber descent.
Indigenous people of North Africa, making up a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas surrounding Fès.
A historical community that has resided in Fès for centuries, although significantly reduced in number.
An increasing number of immigrants from Sub-Saharan Africa seeking opportunities in Morocco.
A small community of Europeans living in Fès for work, studies, or retirement.
The Soul of Fès
Discover the essence of Fès through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Fès, with many local teams and a passionate fan base. The sport brings the community together, especially during important matches.
Basketball has gained popularity among the youth in Fès, with numerous local courts and clubs that promote the sport across schools and neighborhoods.
Athletics, including running and track events, is a popular sport in Fès, with various competitions held throughout the year. Local clubs often train young athletes for regional events.
Handball is widely played in Fès, especially in schools and local clubs. It features teams that compete in various regional and national tournaments.
Martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced by many in Fès, with clubs dedicated to teaching these disciplines and often participating in competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fès.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Moroccan cuisine traditionally includes a lot of meat, many restaurants in Fès offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as vegetable tagine, couscous with grilled vegetables, and chickpea-based soups. Cafe Clock is known for its excellent vegetarian options.
For those with gluten restrictions, Fès offers a variety of gluten-free dishes including grilled meats, fresh seafood, and rice-based dishes. Additionally, most traditional Moroccan pastries are made with almonds or semolina flour, making them gluten-free.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Fès with these cultural adventures.
