Fes, Morocco is a city known for its ancient medina, lively souks, and rich cultural heritage.
A Journey Through Fes' Storied History
Fes is a city inhabited continuously for over a thousand years. Its medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. During the medieval period, Fes was Morocco’s capital and a center of learning, commerce, and culture. It is home to the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD. Fes has been a melting pot of cultures, religions, and civilizations throughout its history, fostering a spirit of tolerance and coexistence. Today, Fes stands as a living testament to its rich and diverse heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.
Fes el Bali
Fes el-Bali is a well-preserved medina in Morocco, dating back to the 9th century. It is famous for being one of the best-preserved medinas in the Arab world and for being free of cars. Instead, donkeys, carriages, and motorcycles navigate the narrow medina lanes and have over 9,000 streets. The medina in Morocco is a living symbol of the country’s rich heritage. You can explore mosques, palaces, souks, and traditional crafts. You can watch skilled artisans while visiting workshops where they use age-old techniques to create beautiful art pieces in materials such as leather, pottery, and wood.
Fes Jedid or (New Fes)
Fes el Jdid is a historic district and the hub of royal authority in Morocco. It includes the Mellah, the Royal Palace, and vibrant souks. The Mellah offers unique architecture, including visits to the synagogue and cemetery. Ville Nouvelle, founded by the French in 1920, exhibits European-style architecture with wide streets, governmental buildings, and Westernized hotels. It offers a modern urban experience with trendy stores, cafes, and a dynamic atmosphere.
What to See in Fes
Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO site with landmarks like Karaouine and Andalusian Mosques. Local tours can help you discover hidden treasures within the original boundaries of the Medina. Fes is a city rich in history and culture with many museums to explore. The Nejarine Arts and Wooden Crafts Museum and the Museum of Moroccan Art (Batha) are must-visits. The Merenid Tombs offer panoramic views of the city and hills.
The Mellah in Fes is Morocco’s oldest Jewish Quarter, established in 1438. It offers a unique glimpse into Moroccan Jewish history and culture, with the Ibn Dayan Synagogue and the Jewish cemetery. The Mellah is known for its architecture, which includes narrow streets, balconies, and wooden decorations. While the Royal Palace is not open to the public, visiting the Place des Alaouites allows one to appreciate its majestic exterior, showcasing Moroccan royal architecture.
Jnan Sbil Garden is a peaceful public garden in Fes, established in 1915. It has a diverse plant collection, including native and foreign species. The garden utilizes water channels from a nearby spring to hydrate the plants and sustain small ponds and fountains. Visitors can stroll along shaded paths and enjoy the beauty of flowers, trees, and bushes. It is a serene retreat in the heart of Fes, worth visiting for a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse of nature’s splendor.
Getting to Fes
The easiest way to get to Fes from other cities in Morocco is by train, particularly from Rabat, Marrakech, or Tangier. There are two main routes to Fes. One is faster and more direct, utilizing motorways, while the other is more scenic, taking you through Morocco’s small villages and agricultural landscapes. Driving can be challenging due to traffic, road conditions, and tolls. Consider flying into Fes-Saïss International Airport and taking a taxi or shuttle to Fes for a hassle-free experience.
What to do in Fes
Fes is a city in Morocco that offers a diverse range of experiences. Visitors can explore the winding alleys and bustling markets of the Medina, take in magnificent views from rooftop terraces, explore the palaces and gardens, discover the Arabic language and culture, taste the local cuisine, tour the fortifications and walls, and immerse themselves in local culture. Additionally, the Fes Sacred Music Festival is an event not to be missed, which invites musicians from all over the world to play on a stage that hosts both worldwide names and local talent.
How dangerous is Fes?
Fes is safe, but watch your belongings and be careful around donkeys carrying heavy loads. Avoid fake guides and seek help from established businesses if needed. Police officers in Fes may dress in civilian clothing, so go to police stations or municipal authorities for assistance if required. Use common sense to have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Handicrafts in Fes
Fes is famous for its handicrafts, including pottery, woodwork, and leather. The city’s artisans have transformed their crafts into art, making Fes a paradise for handicraft enthusiasts. The Museum of Arts and Crafts of Wood and the tanners’ souk are must-visits. Fes’s medina souks offer an ideal shopping experience for handicraft enthusiasts, with a wide range of handcrafted items, including silver and brass jewelry, carpets, metal lamps, and hammered copper objects. Bargaining is essential, so researching and comparing prices beforehand is advisable.
Shopping in Fes
Fes offers a variety of shopping options to fit all budgets. Leather bags cost 200-400 dhs, drums 30-150 dhs, and tagine plates 10-20 dhs. Visit the ceramic workshops to see artisans create cobalt blue ceramics. Fes Jdid Street and Mohammed V Avenue are for high-end apparel. Merinides Street has goldsmith shops and flea markets for traditional Moroccan products. Enjoy a unique shopping experience in Fes’s souks, guilds, and cooperatives with their rich artistic legacy and a wide range of options, from glazed pottery to leather and copper.
The Souks of Fes
Fes is a vibrant Moroccan city with bustling souks that offer a treasure trove of unique and diverse goods. This guide highlights some of the most significant souks in the city, each specializing in different wares and crafts. Attarin souk is the best place to buy spices, while the Kisaria sells local crafts. Moroccan ceramics is famous in the Souk of the Potters, and the Hené Souk sells natural and colorful hair dye colors. La Juita specializes in selling salt, seafood, and eggs, while the Tanners’ Souk is famous for its traditional tanning of skins and hides. Finally, the Dyers’ Souk is an enchanting and unforgettable experience for anyone interested in textiles and traditional crafts.
Restaurants in Fes
Fes, an ancient city in Morocco, offers a unique blend of diverse flavors and aromas. From traditional restaurants to street stalls, riads, and palaces renovated as restaurants, to coffee shops and pastry shops, and markets and food stalls, Fes has something for everyone. Here are some top low-cost restaurants in Fes worth visiting for authentic and flavorful tagines, couscous, and more: Café Clock, Dar Tajine Restaurant, Chez Rachid, and street food booths. Fes also has several upmarket restaurants for those looking to indulge in gourmet options.
Nightlife of Fes
In Fes, nightlife and alcohol options are limited due to the country’s regulations. However, you can find options such as bars and restaurants in hotels, westernized bars and restaurants, and shisha bars. It’s to respect local cultural norms and drink responsibly. Some popular places to drink in Fes include Sky Bar Fes, Café Clock, Café des Amis, and Dar Batha Restaurant & Lounge.
Hotels in Fes: Accommodation
Fes in Morocco has a wide variety of hotels for all budgets. For an authentic experience, stay in the Medina, but note that some hotels may not be car-accessible. The Medina is home to historic sites and traditional riads. The new city has modern hotels but is further from the Medina. Fes offers options for all budgets, including apartments.
Plan Your Visit
As we conclude our journey through the history of Fes, we invite you to experience the magic of this ancient city for yourself. From its storied past to its vibrant present, Fes offers a glimpse into the soul of Morocco, where tradition and modernity intersect in a timeless tapestry of culture and history. Come, discover the allure of Fes, where every street tells a story, and every monument whispers of bygone eras.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Morocco with our tours from Fes. You’ll explore stunning landscapes and enjoy mesmerizing sights.
Explore Morocco’s natural beauty and cultural treasures on a thrilling journey from Tangier to Fes. This adventure promises to be unforgettable.
Join us on a thrilling journey from Marrakech to Fes, exploring the wonders of Morocco’s landscapes and cultural marvels. The adventure begins with a scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains and a stop in the cinematic city of Ouarzazate. Continue to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou and experience the magic of the Sahara with a camel trek. Upon reaching Fes, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Morocco’s oldest imperial city. Our customizable tours can suit your preferences and interests. Join us and create memories that last a lifetime.
Enjoy a desert trip from Casablanca to Marrakech, crossing the Atlas Mountains and discovering Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Venture into the Sahara Desert, ride a camel, and camp under the stars. Conclude your adventure in Marrakech, exploring its vibrant souks and landmarks. We offer personalized tours to suit your preferences and travel style.