Table of Contents
Introduction
Travelling around Morocco while living here has been an absolute dream. Most weekends when I am not burnt out from my working week, I tend to get a train to a tourists city and this week I decided to visit Fes. I got a train up for the weekend and absolutely loved it. Here are a few things to know and do in Fes.
Fes isn’t like Marrakech or Casablanca. It has its own magic. It’s a lot more quieter, authentic, and deeply rooted in Moroccan tradition. I mean it even has the oldest University in the world, which is called The University of Al Quaraouiyine. It still operates today and get this? It was founded in 859 by Fathima Al- Fihri a Muslim woman! Who run the world? Girls! Below are a list of things to do in Fes Morocco.
Related Post: An Amazing Ramadan Weekend in Tangier Morocco
5 Amazing Things To Know and Do in Fes, Morocco
If you’re heading to Fes solo, or with friends (like I did), expect to be transported back in time – literally. I loved to see the narrow medina lanes, ancient tanneries, handmade ceramics, and the smell of fresh tagine wafting through the air. Here’s everything I got up to in Fes, with a few things to know and do in Fes.
1. Wander Through the Fes Medina (Fes el-Bali)
One of the key things to do in Fes is the Fes Medina. This is a UNESCO-listed medina and is beautiful winding alleyways, colourful souks, and architecture that looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries. I recommend going early before the crowds. You may get lost so worth going with a guide which you can book here.
Look out for:
- Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate)
- Al-Attarine Madrasa
- The world’s oldest university: Al Quaraouiyine
2. Visit a Traditional Pottery & Mosaic Workshop
Another things to do in Fes is a pottery class. Watching artisans hand-paint intricate tiles and mould clay was unreal. It gave me so much respect for Moroccan craftsmanship, they do everything in hand from plates, tables, cups and so much more. And the time it takes to go into all of these items is astonishing. You can book your workshop here.
You can:
- Watch how tagines and tiles are made
- Try your hand at the pottery wheel
- Shop their work (at fairer prices than in the medina!)
3. Experience the Chouara Tannery
Chouara Tannery is one of the oldest and largest tanneries in Fes, Morocco. I don’t think I have seen anything like this before it is truly astonishing. It is right above a leather shop and after a walk to the top you get to see a full view of the tannery pits which is super colouful. I would highly reccomend taking a spring of mint with you before you get to the top because it does have a strong smell if you are not used to it.
MBV Tip: Don’t feel pressured to buy anything. Just be polite and firm.
4. Take in the View From Borj Nord
For panoramic views of the old city, head up to this fort. It’s a bit of a trek but totally worth it. You can see the sea of rooftops and really appreciate how vast the medina is.
Great for:
- Golden hour photos
- Quiet reflection away from the crowds
5. Eat Your Way Through Fes
Fes is known for its food, especially chicken or fish pastilla (a sweet and savoury pie) and hearty stews. I tried:
- Bissara – a warming fava bean soup with olive oil and cumin
- Harira – traditional soup during Ramadan
- Chicken tagine – with preserved lemon and olives
Also, if you can, book a cooking class. You’ll learn to make couscous or tagine from scratch, and eat it after. You can book the cooking class here.
6. Stay in a Riad (Not a Hotel)
I stayed at the Au 20 Jasmin and it was actually stunning. The real Moroccan experience is in the riads. It’s filled with traditional houses with internal courtyards. Mine had mosaic walls, mint tea on arrival, and a rooftop for sunsets. There also have really good local Moroccan food also. You can book the hotel here.
Worth noting there is also a really nice restaurant close by to the Riad. It is called the Kassr Annoujoum- Ducci Foundation. I am defo going back when I’mm next around in Fes.
You can see other Riads, Hotels and Accommodation in a map below:
Helpful Travel Resources for Fes
- Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for quick reels and more from my travels in Fes and other cities in Morocco and beyond.
- Always check the UK Foreign Travel Advice before visiting.
- I booked tours via Get Your Guide but you can also use Viator.
- For data, I use Airalo (an eSIM) – grab it here and use my code ADEBOL5279 for a discount.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, a few things to know and do in Fes, Morocco. I loved Fes, absolutely loved. The city isn’t for everyone, but it’s for the travellers that love raw, historic, and other Moroccan cities. If you want culture, heritage, and soul, it delivers in every single way. I will definitely be returning for a few more days.
As you know while I’m currently living and working in Morocco, I am trying to visit as many cities while I have free time during the weekends. If you want to follow my journey around the country please do subscribe as I will be sharing more hidden gems in Morocco weekly.
And let me know if you’ve been or are planning to go and as always, DM me on Instagram. I am more than happy to answer any travel related questions or any of the things mentioned on things to know and do in Fes.
Speak soon,
Adebola MBV x
