Morocco · Northern Morocco

Fes

Morocco's cultural + spiritual capital — Fes el-Bali medina, tanneries + Al Qarawiyyin (world's oldest university)

Fes is Morocco's cultural + spiritual capital — Fes el-Bali is the world's largest car-free urban area + a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chouara Tanneries (photograph from surrounding leather shops), Al Qarawiyyin (founded 859 CE — the world's oldest continuously operating university), medersa architecture + intense authenticity.

UNESCO listed
Fes el-Bali since 1981
From Casablanca
3h 30m by train
Al Qarawiyyin
World's oldest university (859 CE)
Medina
World's largest car-free urban area

Fes highlights

Chouara Tannery

The famous coloured leather dye pits. View from Terrasse des Tanneurs shop balconies (they hand you mint leaves for the smell).

Al-Attarine Medersa

14th-century Quranic school with exquisite zellige + carved cedar. Free-ish (MAD 20).

Bou Inania Medersa

Larger + more elaborate medersa — MAD 30 entry.

Al Qarawiyyin

The world's oldest continuously operating university. Non-Muslims can only view from outside.

Fes el-Jdid + Mellah

The "new" city (14th-century) + former Jewish Quarter. Escape the medina crush.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts

Traditional carpentry + former caravanserai — worth entry MAD 20 + rooftop view.

Riad overnight (Riad Fes)

The city of great riads — Riad Fes, Palais Amani, Dar Roumana famous.

Guided walking tour

The medina has 9,000+ streets — a guide (MAD 500-800/day) is genuinely worth it.

Getting there

Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) has direct flights from Paris, Madrid, London + other European cities. From airport: 20 min taxi. Train from Casablanca (3h 30m) or Marrakech (7h).

Getting around

Walking in the medina (impossible for cars). Petit taxi between medina + ville nouvelle ~MAD 15. No Uber.

Best time to visit

March-May + September-November. June-August is 35°C+. December-February can be cool + rainy.

Budget per day

$25-50 backpacker riad · $60-150 mid-range boutique riad · $300+ luxury (Sofitel, Palais Amani)

Where to stay in Fes

Frequently asked about Fes

How many days do I need in Fes?
3 days — day 1 arrive + guided medina walk, day 2 tanneries + medersas + Nejjarine, day 3 Fes el-Jdid + Volubilis day trip.
How do I get from Casablanca to Fes?
Train from Casa Voyageurs (3h 30m, ~$15). Direct + comfortable. Or drive 3h 30m via A2 autoroute.
Fes vs Marrakech — which is better?
Fes is more authentic, less touristy, deeper cultural experience. Marrakech is more accessible + polished for tourists. First-time Morocco = Marrakech, second time = Fes.
Do I need a guide in Fes medina?
Highly recommended — the medina has 9,000+ streets + is genuinely disorienting. MAD 500-800/day for a licensed guide.