Fez travel: Things to do and see

Along with Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes, Fez is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, as well as being the third largest and one of the most visited. Join us to explore this wonderful city, considered by Moroccans to be the cultural and religious centre of the country, and discover its narrow streets, its beautiful souks full of aromas and colours, its countless arched gates and its vibrant energy. Discover what things to do and see in Fez and let yourself be carried away by its charm.

In Fez, you’ll be able to see neighbourhoods with a unique essence such as the Medina and the Mellah, the city’s Jewish quarter and where the most characteristic markets are located. In this post, we have compiled everything you can do in and around the city, and we have also prepared several sections with travel tips to help you get around the area and find the best places to stay or eat.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter easy and functional. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you the most, adding them to the route map.

What are the best things to do in Fez, Morocco?

1. Bab Bou Jeloud

Entering the Medina of Fez through Bab Bou Jeloud, the main entrance, is one of the first things you should do when you arrive in the imperial city. It is an imposing blue-tiled gate on one side and green on the other, with three arches that open up the passageway. It connects the old Medina with the Fez el-Jdid area. A visit to the gate is not only impressive for its own beauty, but also because it is surrounded by one of the liveliest areas of the city. Here you can start the walk along Talaa Kbira and Talaa Sghira, two commercial arteries bustling with people.

2. The Medina, the historic centre of Fez

The Medina of Fez, like all other Moroccan cities, is a place as beautiful as it is chaotic. And it is well worth wandering through its narrow streets and exploring the true essence of Morocco and its daily life.

As the oldest part of the city, the Medina of Fez is where most of the sights and activities are located. An example of this is the Talaa Kbira and Talaa Sghira, the two main streets of the Medina that intersect the rest of the alleys, and often, as they are easy to get lost in, serve to relocate in the maze of Fez. As you stroll through these streets, you can’t help but gaze from a distance at the Al-Karaouine Mosque. It is the most important mosque in Fez, built in 859, which is also the oldest university in the world. Although it is off-limits to non-Muslims, we recommend everyone to visit it and admire its beauty. At least from the outside.

Another monumental visit to make in Fez is to the Mausoleum of Mulay Idris II, the patron saint of the city. It’s located in the Place de Marche Verte and non-Muslims will have to content themselves with observing the interior from the door, which is well worth it.

3. La Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Fez

Also in the Medina is one of the most beautiful quarters of Fez, the Mellah, the Jewish quarter. Nowadays, there is hardly any Jewish presence, but there is a wonderful architectural legacy. The Mellah is home to some of the city’s most interesting sights, such as Dar al-Makhzen, the Royal Palace, one of the largest and oldest in Morocco, built in the 14th century.

In addition, you can also visit the Jewish cemetery, impressive with its white, rounded tombs, a place of pilgrimage for many practitioners of this religion as it is the resting place of the martyr Suleika Hachuel.

Very close to the cemetery, hidden behind a small gate, is the Ibn Danan Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in North Africa, practically abandoned for years and restored in 1999. Other vestiges of the Jews’ long stay in Fez are the buildings with exterior balconies, very different from the rest of the houses you’ll find in the streets of Fez.

4. Souks in Fez, Morocco

As everywhere in Morocco, in Fez souks are a fundamental part of city life. The streets of the Medina are the markets, where you can find everything from precious carpets and other decorative objects to leather accessories, but also street food stalls.

The different stalls are grouped according to the products they sell in different areas of the city. For example, the Nejjarine Souk features wood and carpentry products and is located next to the Museum of Wood Art and Crafts. Other souks, including the Attarine Souk and the Henna Souk, once devoted to pharmaceuticals and now mainly to spices.

5. Madrasas of Fez, Morocco

The madrasas are the centres for the study of the Koran. In Fez, there are two of such beauty that captivate the visitors: the madrasas Al Attarine and  Bou Inania. Both were built around 1300 and are perfect examples of Marinid architecture. Unlike the mosques, the madrasas can be visited, except for the area still used for worship, which is off-limits to non-Muslims.

Bou Inania: daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Al Attarine: daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Admission 20 dirhams (€2).

6. Chouwara Tannery

There are still four traditional tanneries in Fez, and the Chouwara tannery is the largest of them all. Visiting it has become a major attraction as the experience is a spectacle of colours and smells.

The tannery can be visited from the terraces of the surrounding leather goods shops and before entering you will be offered a sprig of mint to smell while you visit, otherwise the smell is unbearable. When viewed from the shops, the price of the visit is free, but you’ll probably want to end up buying some souvenirs.

7. Jnan Sbil Garden

The Jnan Sbil Gardens are the green lung of Fez, a pleasant natural space where you can stroll and enjoy the tranquillity of this haven of peace where you will find all kinds of plants, a lake, an avenue of palm trees, fountains and even a waterwheel. It also has a bamboo garden and an Andalusian-style garden.

The park was created in the 17th century as an imperial garden, but later, during the French protectorate, new plants were introduced, and it was opened to the inhabitants of the city. The Jnan Sbil Garden is a 15-minute walk from the Medina.

Visiting hours: 9am-8pm daily except Mondays.

Admission fee: free of charge.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to see around Fez?

1. Volubilis

The ancient Roman city of Volubilis is about an hour’s drive from Fez and visiting it is one of the best things to do if you have some extra time in Fez, you won’t regret it. Volubilis is home to an archaeological site that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. In this Roman city, which has not been fully excavated, you can see the remains of a triumphal arch, a 2nd-century basilica and a temple to Jupiter Capitolinus, among other vestiges.

To get to Volubilis from Fez, you can negotiate a taxi ride from Fez for around 30–40 euros. Another option is to take a bus to Meknes for 4 euros and then take a taxi for around 10 euros.

2. Rabat, the capital of Morocco

At the mouth of the Bu Regreg River on the Atlantic coast lies Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The city is not as much of a tourist attraction as Fez, but it is a major cultural centre in the country due to its historical legacy. There you can visit interesting museums, such as the Museum of Archaeology, and see the mark left by different cultures on the city’s buildings, including the Hassan Tower and the Royal Palace.

In Rabat, you can also visit an impressive botanical garden, the Medina and the Kasbah of the Oudaias neighbourhood, a historic centre with cobbled streets and views of the river. In this post we tell you more about Rabat: What to do in Rabat Morocco?

From Fez, you can get to Rabat by train for around €20. The journey takes just over two hours, the same as if you go by road. You can also opt for a private tour, but the price can be up to €140.

How to get to Fez?

Fez Saiss Airport is served by domestic and some international flights with low-cost airlines Ryanair, EasyJet and Vueling. There are several direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona with Ryan Air (from €10). However, flights to Fez usually stop in Casablanca first.

From other Moroccan cities you can reach Fez by plane, train, bus or hire a car and driver.

• Marrakech: flights are available for around €30; trains for €18, which take 6:30 hours; and buses, also for €18, which take 8 hours. It is also possible to arrive by car with a driver, the journey takes 5 hours and the price is agreed with the driver himself, but is usually around €45-60.
• Rabat: the train costs around €25 and takes 2 hours to get there. You can also book a private excursion or hire a car.
• Casablanca: you can get there by plane, train or bus. The plane is the quickest option and costs around €65. The bus takes between 3 and 4 hours and costs between €10 and €30, similar to the train, which takes the same time to get there.

How to get from Fez airport to the city?

There are several ways to get from Fez Saiss Airport to the centre of this Moroccan city. It is common to hire a transfer service that will take you to the door of your accommodation. The price is around €15, as is the taxi fare. Alternatively, there is the option of taking bus number 16, which will take you to the train station in 40 minutes for €0.40.

Where to eat in Fez?

• Les saveurs de Riad Fes Maya: A restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine with a beautiful view over the city from its terrace. The perfect place to watch the sunset with a good dinner. Price range: €25 – €30.
• Dar Roumana: An elegant riad common restaurant. On its menu, where local produce is the mainstay, you’ll find French-Moroccan fusion cuisine dishes such as roasted pumpkin salad with tahini and braised rabbit with grain mustard sauce. A real treat. Price range: €30 – €40.
• Restaurant Les Mystères de Dar Tajine: A cosy, family-run restaurant serving homemade food prepared with love and care. From its decoration, to the flavour and quantity of its dishes, you will be left breathless. Eating at Les Mystères de Dar Tajine is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Fez. Price range: €14 – €32.

Where to sleep in Fez?

• Riad Fes Bab Rcif & spa: Next to the Medina gate is this beautiful and comfortable riad. In addition to its fantastic rooms, it stands out for its rich breakfast and its beautiful terrace overlooking the medina. Traditional Moroccan, continental, American or English/Irish breakfast included. Average price: 60€
• Hôtel Volubilis: A pleasant 4-star hotel with all the comforts in the heart of Fez. It has a swimming pool and a beautiful garden where you can enjoy breakfast in the sun. Average price: 50€
• Riad Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda: In the heart of the Medina, a 15-minute walk from Batha square, is this beautiful riad where the rustic-modern style blends with the traditional style of the original palace. It has very comfortable and spacious rooms with large windows, a bathtub and a living room. It also has two terraces, one on the roof with one of the best views of the medina and the other with views of the Atlas Mountains. Beauty treatments and massages are offered in the riad’s Arab baths.
  

What to do in Fez in 2 days?

First Day:

• Enter through Bab Bojeloud
• Walk through Talaa Kbira and Talaa Sghira
• Walk through the Mellah, its streets and the cemetery
• Go to the mosque and the mausoleum of Mulay Idris II

Second Day:

• Visit the Chowara Tannery
• Visit the Al Attarine and Bou Inania Madrasas
• Shopping in the souks

Third Day:

• Excursion to Volubilis

Tips for your trip to Morocco

• The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (1 MAD = 0.096€)
• Carry cash, not all shops have credit card facilities.
• Bring your money in advance, currency exchanges at airports are very expensive.
• The dirham is a restricted currency, so you should exchange it before leaving the country.
• If you decide to see Fez in summer, always carry water, a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Avoid going out during the hottest hours.
• Always drink bottled water and don’t put ice cubes in your drink.
• Bargaining is almost institutional in Fez and throughout Morocco, so don’t be afraid to always negotiate for the best price.
• A large proportion of the population speaks French in Morocco.
• Be prepared for medical emergencies: travel with insurance.
• Wear light, but discreet clothing, preferably long and loose-fitting, and warm clothes for the evening.

How to organise what things to do in Fez?

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the stops that interest you most. Take into the account the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you visited on your trip to the app. Recommend other travellers what to see in Fez, Morocco.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions