فاس FES, MOROCCO
City Guide by Journey Morocco
WHY YOU'LL LOVE FES
You'll love Fes for its mesmerizing medieval medina, bustling souks, and rich cultural heritage.
BEST FOOD TO TRY IN FES
Relax with a cup of local "Harrira," a hearty and aromatic soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and a blend of Moroccan spices.
CAN'T MISS IN FES
Step back in time at the Chouara tannery, where you'll witness the ancient craft of leather tanning in action and marvel at the vibrant array of colorful dyes.
CONTACT JOURNEY MOROCCO
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Culture Capital of Morocco
In its prime, Fez drew academics and thinkers, mathematicians and lawyers, as well as theologians and astronomers. Their homes and palaces were erected by artisans, mosques and medersas (religious schools) were funded by kings, and traders sold them exotic goods from the sub-Saharan and silk trade routes.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Some 90,000 people still live in the Fez medina. It can seem like it’s in a state of perpetual pandemonium; some visitors fall instantly in love, and others recoil in horror. But its charms are many. Seemingly blind alleys lead to squares with exquisite fountains and streets bursting with aromatic food stands, rooftops unveil a sea of minarets, and stooped doorways reveal tireless artisans.
IMPERIAL CITY
There is a unique atmosphere in Fez. This imperial city, with its rich history of multiculturalism, was founded in the year 13 and still has some unanticipated surprises in store for tourists.
FAITH & LEGACY
Although Fez saw a decline in power at the start of the 19th century, it is nevertheless a remarkably self-assured city with a captivating cultural and spiritual heritage.
Even though certain areas of the largest car-free metropolitan area are still in ruins, government attempts to rehabilitate the city are beginning to bear fruit. Donkeys still transport items through the maze of passageways.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE MEDINA
Traverse the renowned Fez Medina's walls, which UNESCO has designated as an exceptional universal value. Take a stroll through the Fez-El-Bali neighborhood's streets.
The simplest entrance to the medina is by the Bab Boujloud. The Festival of World Sacred Music, which takes place in the former imperial capital along with Jazz in Riads, one of the major events on the city's cultural calendar, causes the squares and lanes to come alive with international music in early May.
Make sure to sample the city's culinary thrills, which is regarded as some of the best food in the world, before you depart.
Contact us to learn more about Fes
Reasons to visit Fes
MOST POPULAR SIGHTS IN FES
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Quaraouiyin Mosque
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The leather tanneries
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Tombs of the Merinids
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Nejjarine Museum
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Moulay Yacoub
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Thermal Baths
LEARN ABOUT FES, MOROCCO
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO IN FEZ
Attraction | Address | Location | Hours | Price | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chouara Tannery | Derb Chouara | Blida, Fes medina | Free; shopkeepers provide an explanation of the leather-working process with the expectation of a small tip. | ||
Medersa Bou Inania | Talaa Kebira | Fes medina, enter via Bab Bou Jeloud. | 9am-5pm, closed during prayers. | Dh20 | |
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts | Place An Nejjarine | Fes medina | 10am-5pm | Dh20 | 0535740580 |
Ben Danan Synagogue | Derb Djaj, south off Rue des Mérinides. Midway along Rue des Mérinides; the synagogue, also acessible via Derb Taquriri, near the cemetery. | Fez | 9.30am-6pm | Dh20 | |
Jnan Sbil | Ave Moulay Hassan | Fez walking path between Bab Bou Jeloud and the mellah (Jewish Quarter). 2nd entrance on east side | 8am-7pm Tue-Sun | ||
Fez Medina / Fez El Bali (Old Fez) | Early-late | Free to visit | |||
Medersa El Attarine | Rue Attarine, at Derb Smaat Laadoul | Fes medina | 9am-5pm | Dh20 | |
Art Naji | 20 Ain Nokbi | Ain Nokbi district, Fez, east of Bab Fotouh, walk or taxi | 8am-6pm | Free guided tour; pottery shop with negotiable prices | 0535669166 |
Royal Palace | Place des Alaouites | Fez | 24h | Free to view; you might be approached by local tour guides offering a history lesson for a small fee | |
Merinid Tombs | Outside Fez | Walk paved path from the main road of the western hill or taxi from Bab Bou Jeloud | Free; taxi from Bab Bou Jeloud costs appx. Dh12 |
LATEST STORIES FROM FEZ
AN ENTHRALLING LINK BETWEEN THE PAST AND PRESENT
Fez is a living outdoor museum. The advancement of civilizations has amassed riches. Being the oldest and biggest city in Morocco, its medina is where all the artisans congregate, including tanners, weavers, dinandiers, and potters. Its squares are gathering places where an ancestors art of living is conveyed via confident yet delicate gestures, and its streets are adorned with architectural wonders.
Take a stroll through the city's winding alleys. Visit the Bab Boujloud gate to experience the elegance of Arab-Andalusian art, including the scrolls that sculpt the openings and the blue and jade zelliges that embellish it. The oldest university in the world's doors will welcome you; in the distance, you can make out the minaret of the Karaouiyine mosque.