2026 Best Instagrammable photo spot in Fes, Morocco

Fes Travel Guides

Fes is Morocco's beating heart—a medieval medina where 2,000 years of history live in narrow streets, where artisans work leather and metalware using methods unchanged since the 12th century, where the call to prayer echoes across rooftops, and where getting lost is how you really find the city. Beyond the medina, Fes is your gateway to the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, and the desert beyond. This is where Morocco's layered past—Roman, Islamic, imperial—converges.

Fes rewards deep wandering and slow time. The medina isn't a museum; it's alive. Your guides here are neighbors, not just history keepers. They'll introduce you to their city's rhythms, its hidden courtyards, its stories that tourists rarely hear.

Fes by travel style

Fes is not a city you experience the same way twice, and it's definitely not one you experience the same way as anyone else. A photographer will disappear into the tanneries for half a morning; a food lover will spend it chasing the right bowl of rfissa. The itineraries below are grouped by how you like to travel — pick the one that matches your pace, not your checklist.

For couples

Romance in Fes is about sharing moments in places where time moves differently. A private sunset walk through the medina is intimate—you're navigating ancient streets together, discovering hidden riads, stopping for tea in a quiet courtyard as the light turns amber. For couples seeking adventure together, the three-day desert crossing from Fez to Marrakech is transformative. You'll sleep under desert stars in luxury camps, share camel rides at sunset across dunes, and emerge changed by the landscape and time together. The medina walking tour is pure romance; the desert journeys blend adventure with deep connection.

Private Fez Medina Walking Tour — Romantic Sunset Option captures the medina at its most atmospheric. For a multi-day journey designed entirely for two, 3-Day Luxury Desert Tour — Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga (Couples) is unmatched.

For families

Families thrive in Fes when they slow down and let the city set the pace. Young travelers love the medina's sensory overload—the colors, the smells, the narrow streets that feel like a maze. The Middle Atlas hike is perfect for families with children who enjoy walking and are comfortable with elevation. Three-day desert tours appeal to families seeking adventure; children often find the camel ride and night under stars magical. The key is choosing a guide (your operator can recommend) who enjoys working with families and knows how to pace exploration so kids stay engaged without being overwhelmed.

Hiking in Forest — Private Day Trip From Fes to Middle Atlas works beautifully for families. For a full journey, 3 Days — Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech includes family-friendly pacing.

For friends

Fes with friends is about shared discovery and inside jokes that form over exploring together. Group medina walks are social; you're moving through streets, encountering artisans, tasting food, and processing it all together. Desert tours from Fes are perfect for friend groups—you'll meet other travelers in group tours, share meals in camps, and experience landscapes that spark conversation for years. For smaller groups, private options give you autonomy over the itinerary and pacing.

Excursions from Fez to Meknes Volubilis and Moulay Idriss works for groups exploring history together. 3 Days — Fez to Marrakech via Sahara is social and shared.

For solo travelers

Solo travelers in Fes find both solitude and community. The medina is safe for solo exploration with a guide—you're navigating ancient streets but not alone. Private tours mean you control the pace; group desert tours mean you meet other travelers and share the experience. Solo travelers often book the medina walk early to get oriented, then spend days exploring independently. The Middle Atlas hike or desert tour connects you with nature in a way that feels both expansive and reflective.

Private Fez Medina Walking Tour — Romantic Sunset Option is perfect for solo travelers seeking guided introduction. 3 Days — Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech connects you with other solo travelers.

For food lovers

Fes is arguably Morocco's most serious food city — more than Marrakech, more than Casablanca. It's the home of pastilla, the birthplace of Morocco's spice trade memory, and the place where grandmothers still guard recipes for rfissa and sellou that you won't find in restaurants. Eating well here means eating where the medina eats: small neighborhood spots at lunchtime, a riad dinner a few nights in, and at least one morning spent walking the Al-Attarine spice souk with someone who can translate the colors in the baskets. A cooking class in a riad is the single best investment for food travelers — you'll shop the souks with an instructor, then cook and eat what you bought.

Private Fez Medina Walking Tour — Romantic Sunset Option can be shaped around the spice souk, bakeries, and tea houses — ask your guide to build a tasting route. For a longer journey that ends in another great food city, 3 Days — Desert Tour from Fes to Marrakech frames the trip with two culinary capitals on either end.

For photographers

The medina is one of the most photogenic places in North Africa, and the light changes by the hour. Early mornings give you quiet streets, shafts of light cutting between tall walls, shopkeepers setting up. The tanneries are at their most colorful mid-morning when the dye vats are full and workers are moving between them — the light is strong enough to catch the saturated colors without blowing them out. Late afternoons turn the sandstone walls gold; rooftops around Bou Inania give you the minarets against the Middle Atlas. Respect is the main rule: always ask before photographing people, especially artisans at work, and never shoot during prayer. A guide can broker access to active workshops and rooftops that photographers without connections won't find.

Private Fez Medina Walking Tour — Romantic Sunset Option can be booked as a sunset route for golden-hour rooftop work. For wider landscapes, Hiking in Forest — Private Day Trip From Fes to Middle Atlas gets you into the cedar forests with Barbary macaques.

For mindful travelers

Fes rewards travelers who slow down more than any other Moroccan city. The medina doesn't reveal itself to checklists; it reveals itself to long mornings in a riad courtyard, an hour spent watching a brass-worker hammer the same piece, an afternoon walk that ends at a teahouse you didn't mean to find. Staying in a traditional riad — not a hotel outside the walls — changes the trip: you're inside the city's rhythm, hearing the call to prayer from rooftops rather than through a window. Add a calligraphy or cooking class, a hike in the Middle Atlas cedar forests, or a multi-day desert journey, and you have a trip built around presence rather than pace.

Hiking in Forest — Private Day Trip From Fes to Middle Atlas is a good reset mid-trip. 3-Day Luxury Desert Tour — Fes to Marrakech via Merzouga (Couples) ends with silence under the stars in the Sahara.

How many days do you need in Fes?

1–2 days in Fes

A day or two lets you experience the medina's essentials: a guided walk through the neighborhoods, visits to key sites like Bou Inania, a stop at the tanneries, time in a riad courtyard. You'll understand Fes's structure and character. With two days, you can add a second walk focused on areas you missed or take time to explore independently after a guided introduction.

A guided walk is almost non-negotiable on a short stay — start with the Private Fez Medina Walking Tour — Romantic Sunset Option to get oriented before exploring on your own.

3–4 days in Fes

Three to four days is what most travelers need to stop feeling like tourists and start feeling oriented. Day one, a guided medina walk to learn the streets. Day two, a day trip — Middle Atlas cedar forest if you want landscape, Meknes and Volubilis if you want Roman and imperial history. Day three, wander the medina independently now that you know the landmarks; find a teahouse near Bou Inania and stay an hour. If you have a fourth day, add a cooking class or book a guide for the tanneries and metalwork neighborhoods specifically.

Excursions from Fez to Meknes Volubilis and Moulay Idriss is the classic day-trip anchor for this length of stay.

5+ days in Fes

A week or more in Fes lets you settle into its rhythm. You might do the medina walk, spend a day hiking or on a nearby excursion, then use remaining days to explore neighborhoods deeply, take classes (cooking, calligraphy, metalwork), and build relationships with shopkeepers and guides. This is when Fes stops being a destination and becomes a place you've actually known.

With five days or more, you have room for a desert crossing too — the 3 Days — Fez to Marrakech via Sahara gives you the Middle Atlas, the cedar forests, a night in Merzouga, and an exit into Marrakech without backtracking.

Bookable experiences in Fes

Fes's itineraries focus on medina immersion, nearby mountain and historical sites, and multi-day desert journeys. All are bookable directly through the guides and operators listed.

Where to eat in Fes

Fes's food reflects centuries of trade—spices from across Africa and the Middle East, techniques from Jewish and Muslim communities, flavors that are North African but distinctly Fassi. Eating in Fes means going to where locals eat: neighborhood restaurants in the medina, simple cafes serving breakfast tagines, and riads that'll prepare dinner if you ask.

Medina heartland

The heart of the medina—around the souks, Bou Inania, and Al-Attarine—has simple restaurants and cafes where workers and locals eat lunch. Dar Fernatchi is a neighborhood staple, tucked into the medina's maze, serving traditional tagines and rfissa (a slow-cooked pasta dish). The setting is casual, the food is honest, and you're eating where Fes eats. Cafe Clock (also a cultural center and bookshop) sits on a quieter street and serves Moroccan breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches alongside coffee that makes you stop and appreciate it. The terrace gives you views without feeling touristy.

Riad experiences

A riad is a traditional house built around a central courtyard, and many have been converted into riads-as-restaurants or riads with dining available to guests and visitors. Riad Fes is one of the city's most acclaimed; they serve elaborate multi-course dinners in a candlelit courtyard that feels like stepping into another century. Riad Laaroussa offers similarly atmospheric dinners in a beautifully restored space. These aren't cheap, but they're experiences. For something simpler, Riad Dar Anika serves good food in a traditional setting without the premium price.

Tannery area and adjacent neighborhoods

The tanneries are near the leather souk and the northern medina. Restaurant Tanneries View has a rooftop overlooking the tanneries (worth visiting for the view alone) and serves grilled meats and vegetables. It's touristy but honest. Al Fassia (multiple locations in Fes) is a women-run restaurant serving well-executed Moroccan dishes—pastilla (savory pastry), excellent tagines, and couscous that's fluffy and properly spiced.

Nouvelle Fes (the new city)

Just outside the medina's constraints, Nouvelle Fes (the French colonial-era new city) has more diverse restaurants. Palais Amani serves contemporary Moroccan cuisine in a riad setting with a more modern sensibility. Le Grill is a steakhouse if you need a break from Moroccan food. Fez Cafe & Bistro is casual and good for coffee or lunch.

Breakfast and street food

Start your day with a Moroccan breakfast: Cafe Medina serves excellent coffee and fresh pastries. Many cafes serve msemen (buttery fried pastry) and harira (soup) for breakfast—ask your riad where locals eat these. In the medina's souks, street vendors sell juice (fresh orange or pomegranate), crepes, and grilled meats on sticks. These are cheap and delicious.

Cooking classes

If you want to cook Moroccan food, several riads offer classes. Riad Fes and Riad Dar Anika both offer cooking classes where you'll shop the market with an instructor, then prepare a full meal and eat it together. This is one of the best ways to understand Fes's food culture.

Mint tea and pastries

Mint tea is the social glue of Fes. You'll drink it everywhere—in restaurants, in shops, in riads, on the street. It's strong, sweet, hot, and always welcome. Pair it with gazelle horns (almond-filled pastry), chebakia (fried dough in honey and sesame), or kaab ghzal (gazelle's horn). Every pastry shop in the medina makes these, and they're better fresh.

Fes neighbourhoods in depth

The Medina (Fez el-Bali)

The medina is Fes's soul—a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the world's oldest and most intact medieval cities. Entering the medina is like stepping back. Narrow streets wind uphill and downhill; there are no straight lines, no large streets, no sense of the outside world. The medina is divided by districts—leather tanneries in the north, spice souks in the center, religious schools and palaces throughout. The Bou Inania is the medina's jewel: an ornate 14th-century religious school with intricate tile work and carved cedar ceilings. The Al-Attarine souk smells like spices—cinnamon, cumin, coriander, ras el hanout—and is where the city's most colorful visual and olfactory chaos happens. Walking the medina requires patience and willingness to get lost, but that's the point. You discover small neighborhoods, artisans at work, food stalls, and the daily rhythms of a city that hasn't fundamentally changed in centuries.

Tanneries district (north medina)

The tanneries are where leather is dyed using methods that date back centuries—leather is soaked in vats of colored liquid (natural dyes: indigo, henna, pomegranate rind) and dried on rooftops. The smell is strong (some describe it as powerful; others bring mint to their nose), but it's authentic. The tanneries are not a museum; they're working spaces where leather is processed and sold. You can watch artisans work, see leather aging on rooftops, and understand why Fes leather has been prized for a millennium. The tannery district is worth visiting, but experience it honestly—don't avoid the smell, embrace it as part of the place.

Bou Inania and surrounding neighborhoods (central medina)

Bou Inania is an Islamic religious school (built 1350) with one of the finest examples of Moroccan tilework and architecture in the world. The interior courtyard, with its fountain, intricate zellij (tile) work, and carved cedar ceiling, is where students historically gathered to study. Today, you can walk through (though active prayer spaces are limited to Muslims). Surrounding the Bou Inania are quiet streets, smaller souks, and the foundations of neighborhood life—small shops, cafes, doorways into courtyards where families live.

New Medina (Fez Jdid)

Newer than the old medina (built in the 13th century, which is ancient but less ancient), Fez Jdid has a different character. It's slightly less labyrinthine, with slightly wider streets. The Jewish quarter (Mellah) is in Fez Jdid, historically a community that lived alongside Muslim neighbors. The palace of the sultan (no longer open to public) stands here. Fez Jdid feels less touristy than Fez el-Bali and gives a sense of how Fes evolved as the city grew.

Nouvelle Fes (French colonial new city)

Outside the medina walls, Nouvelle Fes was built by the French in the early 20th century. It has wide streets, European-style architecture, and a completely different pace. You'll stay here if your riad or hotel is in the new city. It's pleasant, safe, and has good restaurants and cafes, but it's not where Fes's soul lives. Use it as a base or a break from the medina's intensity.

Saiss district and surrounding hills

Hills surrounding Fes offer hiking and views. The Saiss district, just outside the city, has forests and cooler air. If you're not doing a formal hike, walking up into the hills behind the city gives perspective on Fes's scale and setting. The Middle Atlas mountains rise beyond; on clear days, you can see them.

Museums and cultural sites in Fes

Fes has fewer large, formal museums than one might expect. Instead, it's structured as a living museum—the medina itself, the neighborhoods, the working artisans, the daily practices all constitute the cultural experience. That said, there are specific sites worth visiting.

Start here: Bou Inania Medersa

Bou Inania is essential. This 14th-century Islamic school is where students historically studied theology and law. The courtyard is small, intimate, and decorated with extraordinary tile work and carved cedar. The stairways to upper floors (some open to the public; some for prayer only) are narrow and steep—they feel like climbing into history. The craftsmanship—every tile, every carved beam—speaks to the resources and skill invested in learning. Non-Muslim visitors can typically access the courtyard and some rooms; ask your guide about current access.

Go deeper: Dar Batha Museum

A restored palace outside the medina walls, Dar Batha houses Moroccan carpets, ceramics, metalwork, and calligraphy. The collection explains the crafts you'll see in the medina. The courtyard is peaceful—a refuge from the medina's intensity. Expect 1–2 hours.

Attarine Medersa

Like Bou Inania but smaller and less crowded, the Attarine Medersa is near the Al-Attarine souk. It has beautiful tilework and carved cedar, and fewer visitors means you get quieter time to observe the details.

Go deeper: The Jewish quarter (Mellah)

The Mellah was historically Fes's Jewish quarter, with synagogues, a Jewish cemetery, and homes of Jewish families who lived alongside Muslims for centuries. Much is no longer active, but the neighborhood's layout and a few remaining sites preserve this history. It's in Fez Jdiz (the newer medina), and walking it with a guide helps contextualize North African Jewish history, which is often overlooked.

Off the radar: Tanneries rooftop vantage points

Several restaurants and riads have rooftops overlooking the tanneries. Restaurant Tanneries View is popular but gives literal views. Walk into the tannery district itself with a guide—they'll negotiate access to one or two tanneries where you can watch leather being processed. It's the closest you'll get to understanding the craft.

Off the radar: Suq el-Attarine (spice souk)

Not technically a museum, but one of Fes's most extraordinary sensory experiences. The Al-Attarine souk is where spice merchants, perfume dealers, and herb sellers have worked for centuries. The colors—saffron yellow, sumac red, turmeric orange—and smells are overwhelming in the best way. Wandering here with a guide who can introduce you to merchants and explain the uses of different spices is a masterclass in Moroccan cooking and traditional medicine.

Off the radar: Metalwork and leather neighborhoods

The leather tannery district is one; there's also a metalwork area where you'll see copper and brass being worked into traditional designs. These aren't museums—they're working neighborhoods. Having a guide takes you to active workshops and explains techniques.

First-time visitor essentials

What to know

Fes is a medieval city with no cars, no modern infrastructure inside the medina, and streets designed for foot traffic and the occasional donkey. Getting lost is normal and part of the experience. Guides are invaluable for orientation and access. The medina can feel chaotic if you expect it to be organized—it's not. It's layered, organic, and shaped by centuries of incremental growth. Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered, especially if entering prayer spaces or speaking with religious figures). Most of the city is walkable, but hills are steep and streets are uneven. Wear good walking shoes. Fes is safe for travelers who practice basic awareness (don't flash expensive items, stay in busy areas at night). The city is predominantly Muslim, and respect for prayer times, holy sites, and local customs is essential. Ramadan changes the rhythm of the city—many restaurants close during daylight; eating, drinking, or smoking in public is considered disrespectful. If you're traveling during Ramadan, adapt your schedule and show respect for the spiritual focus of the month.

Common mistakes

Trying to navigate solo without a map. The medina has no clear layout; streets are named inconsistently or not at all. Maps are unreliable. Use a guide for medina exploration, or at least ask your riad to write down directions in Arabic for key places. Rushing through the medina. The medina is not a checklist. Spending a few hours hitting major sites and leaving means you miss 90% of what makes Fes interesting. Plan for multiple visits or multiple days. Ignoring Fes Jdid and Nouvelle Fes. The medina is the draw, but the newer parts of the city tell stories of how Fes evolved. Spending time there gives context. Not visiting the tanneries properly. The tanneries are worth seeing, but respect that they're working spaces, not tourist attractions. Go with a guide who has relationships with tannery workers, not as part of a large group. Eating only in tourist restaurants. The best food in Fes is in neighborhood restaurants where locals eat. Ask your guide for recommendations. Underestimating distances. Fes feels small but is actually quite sprawling. Distances that look short on a map involve steep climbs and winding streets. Budget more time than you think.

Safety and scams

Fes is generally safe for travelers. The main challenges are common sense ones: don't display expensive jewelry, phones, or cameras unnecessarily; stay in busy areas at night; use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than hailing cabs on the street. Petty theft happens but is not endemic. Tourist scams (being offered hashish, inflated prices, aggressive shop touts) are minimal in Fes compared to other Moroccan cities, partly because the medina's reputation depends on word-of-mouth and repeat visitors. That said: watch for overpriced "guides" who approach you offering tours (use official guides via your riad or operator); be aware of inflated prices in obvious tourist restaurants (eat where locals eat); and be skeptical of anyone offering to "help" you find your riad—politely decline and navigate yourself or ask your riad for directions. Dress modestly not just for respect but as a practical matter—it reduces unwanted attention. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.

Money and tipping

Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD); the approximate exchange rate is 1 USD = 10 MAD (rates fluctuate; check current rates). Most accommodations and restaurants accept card payments, but the medina and small shops are cash-only. ATMs are available in Nouvelle Fes; fewer in the medina. Withdraw cash early. Prices are not negotiable in restaurants or tourist shops, but they can be negotiated in some souks—it's a cultural practice, and locals engage in it. Guides, restaurant staff, and helpers appreciate tips. In restaurants, 10-15% is standard. For guides, 10-15 MAD per person per day or 50-100 MAD at the end of a multi-day tour is customary. For hotel staff, small tips (5-10 MAD) are appropriate. Rounding up your bill or leaving small change is common. Begging exists in Fes; giving to children is a personal choice, but be aware that it can encourage the practice. Some visitors prefer to donate to registered charities instead.

Planning your Fes trip

Best time to visit

Spring (March–May): Spring is ideal. Temperatures are warm but not hot (15–23°C, 59–73°F). Skies are clear, light is beautiful, and rain is minimal. Flowers bloom in surrounding areas. This is the peak tourist season; expect more visitors and higher prices. Ramadan can fall in spring; check the lunar calendar.

Summer (June–August): Summer heat is intense (25–32°C, 77–90°F), making medina exploration uncomfortable during midday. The city is very busy with tourists seeking cooler mountain destinations nearby. If you visit in summer, plan medina walks for early morning and late afternoon; spend midday in higher elevations (Middle Atlas hikes) or museums.

Autumn (September–November): Autumn is nearly as good as spring. Temperatures cool gradually (18–25°C, 64–77°F). Tourist crowds thin. Light is warm and golden. This is an underrated season for visiting Fes. Ramadan can fall in autumn; check dates.

Winter (December–February): Winter is mild in Fes itself (5–15°C, 41–59°F), but snow falls in surrounding mountains, which can affect day trips. Rain is more common. Tourist crowds are minimal. If you're hardy and don't mind cooler temperatures, winter has charm and fewer people. Desert areas remain warm; multi-day desert tours are still viable.

Getting around

Within Fes: The medina is entirely walkable but navigating independently is difficult. Use guides for medina exploration. Nouvelle Fes (the new city) has wider streets and is easier to navigate on foot. Taxis (petite taxis are shared; grande taxis are private) operate in Nouvelle Fes and between the new and old cities. Grand taxis to nearby towns (Meknes, Ifrane, Merzouga for desert tours) depart from the grand taxi station in Nouvelle Fes; fares are shared and very cheap.

Day trips from Fes: Private tours include transport. For independent travel to nearby towns, ask your riad or hotel for taxi recommendations, or use ride-sharing apps if available. Buses (ONCF, CTM) depart from Fes for longer journeys but are slower than taxis.

Multi-day journeys: Operators arrange all transport for desert tours and mountain hikes. Private tours offer more comfort and flexibility; group tours are more social and cheaper.

Neighborhoods briefly

Medina (Fez el-Bali): The ancient core. Where you'll spend most of your time. Get lost here intentionally. Fez Jdid: Newer medina, less crowded, neighborhood feel. Nouvelle Fes: French colonial-era new city. Where you'll likely stay. Base yourself here but explore the medinas. Saiss and surrounding hills: Mountains and hiking access just outside the city.

Frequently asked questions about Fes

Is three days enough in Fes? Yes. Three days allows time for a guided medina walk, a day trip to nearby sites (Middle Atlas, Volubilis, Meknes), and a day of independent exploration or rest. If you have more time, take it—Fes reveals itself to those who linger. Four to five days is ideal.

What's the best time to visit Fes? Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer ideal temperatures and light. Summer is hot but manageable if you're disciplined about timing walks for early morning and late afternoon. Winter is mild and uncrowded but has more rain.

Is Fes safe for solo travelers? Yes. Fes is relatively safe, especially for solo travelers. The medina can feel chaotic, but it's not dangerous. Use common sense, dress modestly, and trust your instincts. Solo women travelers should dress modestly and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Is the medina walkable? The medina is entirely walkable but not easily navigable without a guide. Hire a guide for your first time; after that, you can explore more independently. Bring good walking shoes and expect steep streets.

What should I avoid? Avoid aggressively haggling over small purchases; it's culturally insensitive. Avoid photographing people without permission. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan (it's disrespectful). Avoid isolated streets after dark; stick to busy areas. Avoid flashing expensive items. Avoid scams by using official guides and eating where locals eat, not in obvious tourist restaurants.

Where should I eat? Eat in neighborhood restaurants where locals eat, not tourist-focused spots. Ask your riad for recommendations. Mint tea and pastries are everywhere and always good. Try tagines, rfissa, pastilla, and couscous. Cooking classes let you learn while eating.

Are the itineraries on TheNextGuide free to browse? Yes — every Fes itinerary on the site is free to read in full, whether it's the medina sunset walk, the Middle Atlas cedar forest day trip, or the multi-day desert crossing to Marrakech. You only pay when you decide to book, and the booking opens right on the itinerary page with the local operator running the experience.

*Last updated: April 2026*