Visiting Fes feels less like arriving in a city and more like stepping into a living archive. Layers of history unfold with every turn, from carved wooden doors and tiled courtyards to alleyways scented with leather, spice, and incense. This is Morocco at its most traditional, most intricate, and most deeply rooted.

Why Visit Fes

Fes is considered Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Founded in the ninth century, it is home to one of the world’s oldest universities and one of the best preserved medieval cities on earth. While cities like Marrakech dazzle with spectacle, Fes draws travelers inward.

The city rewards curiosity. Its beauty reveals itself gradually through details rather than grand gestures. Hand carved plasterwork, mosaic tiles, and the call to prayer echoing through the medina create an atmosphere that feels timeless.

For travelers who value history, art, and immersive cultural experiences, Fes is essential.

Exploring the Fes el Bali Medina

Fes el Bali is the heart of the city and one of the largest car free urban areas in the world. Entering the medina feels overwhelming at first. Narrow alleys twist in every direction, lined with workshops, markets, mosques, and homes stacked high above the streets.

The best way to explore is slowly and without a strict plan. Let the sounds guide you. Metalworkers hammering brass. Vendors calling out greetings. Footsteps echoing through stone passageways.

Key sights include Al Quaraouiyine University, the Bou Inania Madrasa, and the Nejjarine Fountain. Even if you do not enter every landmark, the atmosphere itself is the experience.

The Tanneries of Fes

One of the most iconic sights in Fes is the Chouara Tannery. From above, stone vats filled with dye create a mosaic of color, while workers below carry out leather making techniques unchanged for centuries.

The scent is strong, but the process is fascinating. Visiting the tannery offers insight into traditional craftsmanship that remains central to the city’s economy.

Many shops surrounding the tannery offer views from their terraces. While browsing is expected, purchasing is optional.

Staying in a Riad

One of the most rewarding ways to experience Fes is by staying in a riad within the medina. These traditional homes are built around interior courtyards that offer peace and privacy away from the busy streets.

Riads range from simple and intimate to beautifully restored luxury properties. Most feature intricate tilework, carved wood, and rooftop terraces with views over the medina.

Staying inside the old city allows you to experience Fes at its most atmospheric, especially early in the morning and late at night when the streets grow quiet.

Food and Flavors of Fes

Fassi cuisine is considered some of the finest in Morocco. Meals are rich, layered, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Signature dishes include pastilla, a savory sweet pastry filled with meat and dusted with sugar and cinnamon, and slow cooked tagines with dried fruits and spices. Harira soup is often enjoyed in the evenings, while fresh bread accompanies nearly every meal.

Dining in Fes is best experienced in riads or small local restaurants, where recipes are passed down through generations and meals are meant to be savored.

Artisans and Craft Traditions

Fes is renowned for its artisans. Ceramics, leather, brass, and textiles are still made by hand using traditional methods. Workshops often spill into the streets, allowing travelers to observe the craft as it happens.

Shopping here feels different from other cities. It is less about souvenirs and more about appreciation for skill and time. Taking the time to learn about the process adds meaning to anything you bring home.

A Quieter Side of Fes

Beyond the medina, Fes el Jdid offers a different perspective on the city. Home to the Royal Palace gates and the historic Jewish Quarter, this area provides wider streets and a calmer atmosphere.

A visit to the Merenid Tombs, located on a hill overlooking the city, offers sweeping views of Fes, especially at sunset when the medina glows below.

These quieter moments balance the intensity of the old city and offer space for reflection.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Fes is during spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable for walking. Summers can be very hot, especially within the medina, while winters are cooler and quieter.

Visiting during religious festivals adds depth to the experience, though some shops may close or adjust hours.

Travel Tips for Visiting Fes

Fes can feel overwhelming at first. Hiring a local guide for your first day helps with orientation and cultural context. Guides also help you navigate the medina without getting lost.

Dressing modestly is recommended, especially within religious areas. Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to uneven streets.

Be patient and open minded. Fes reveals its beauty slowly and rewards travelers who engage with curiosity and respect.

Is Fes Worth Visiting

For travelers seeking authenticity, history, and cultural depth, Fes is absolutely worth visiting. It is not polished or performative. It is real, layered, and deeply human.

Fes challenges travelers to slow down and look closer. It invites you into its rhythms rather than bending to yours. Those who accept that invitation often leave with a deeper understanding of Morocco and of travel itself.