Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city and its spiritual and cultural capital. Its medina, Fez el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Entering it is like traveling back several centuries.
The Fez el-Bali medina
More than 9,000 alleys, donkeys laden with goods, craftsmen working copper and leather, and the smell of freshly baked bread. The Fez medina is fascinating, but it is also easy to get lost, so we recommend exploring it with a local guide at least on the first day. Enter through the famous blue gate of Bab Boujloud and let yourself go.
What to see in Fez
- Chouara tanneries: the most famous in Morocco. From the terraces of the leather shops you will see the colorful vats where hides are dyed as they were centuries ago.
- Al Qarawiyyin university: founded in the 9th century by a woman, Fatima al-Fihri, it is considered the oldest operating university in the world.
- Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas: two jewels of Marinid architecture, with tiles, stucco and carved cedar wood.
- Seffarine square: the coppersmiths’ square, where you can hear the hammering of copper.
- Nejjarine fountain and fondouk: an old caravanserai turned into a museum of wood.
- Mellah and Royal Palace: the old Jewish quarter and the impressive golden gates of the palace.
The best views
Climb to the Marinid Tombs or the Borj Sud at sunset to see the whole medina at your feet, with hundreds of roofs and minarets. It is the best time for photos.
How much time to spend in Fez
Two full days are ideal: one for the guided tour of the medina and another to return to your favorite corners, buy crafts or take a trip to Meknes and Volubilis.
Tips for visiting Fez
- Wear comfortable shoes: you will walk a lot and the streets are hilly.
- If someone offers to guide you in the street, decline politely and hire an official guide.
- Try pastilla, a sweet and savory pie typical of Fez.
- From Fez you can leave for the Merzouga desert across the Middle Atlas.
Recommended trips from Fez
- 3-day route from Fez to the desert
- 6-day tour from Fez to Merzouga
- 8-day route from Fez to Marrakech
- 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech
Travel with Vamos a Marrakech
Fez is the perfect starting point for a desert route to Marrakech. Take a look at our tours from Fez or write to us and we will plan a tailor-made trip for you.