FES
Fes is the beating heart of Morocco, a city where time seems to stand still within the walls of its medieval medina. It is the spiritual and cultural capital, offering an unparalleled journey into ancient Moroccan life.
This region is the world’s most complete surviving medieval city. It is a land of iconic sights, from the bustling artisan quarters to the quiet, magnificent architecture of its historic religious schools.
Most Popular Attractions
Fes el Bali (The Old Medina) Core:
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University: One of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world, with a grand mosque (non-Muslims can view the courtyard from the gates).
Chouara Tannery: The largest and most iconic of Fes’s three tanneries, famous for its colorful dye pits and the traditional methods still in use.
Bou Inania Madrasa: A stunning 14th-century theological college, renowned for its intricate stucco, cedar carvings, and marble courtyard.
Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate): The main western entrance to Fes el Bali, famous for its blue and green tilework, marking the transition into the medina.
Fountain of Nejjarine: A beautifully decorated public fountain in the historic heart of the woodworkers’ souk (market).
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts: Housed in a beautifully restored funduq (caravanserai), displaying traditional Moroccan wooden artifacts.
Al-Attarine Madrasa: A smaller but exquisitely decorated religious school, featuring some of the finest examples of Merinid architecture.
Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II: The sanctuary dedicated to the founder of Fes, a highly revered pilgrimage site.
Tala’a Kebira & Tala’a Seghira: The two main thoroughfares of the medina, lined with shops, souks, and historic structures.
Dar Batha Museum: A palace museum housing a fine collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, textiles, and ceramics.
Fes el Jdid (The New City) & Royal Sites:
Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen): A magnificent, sprawling palace complex, notable for its grand, heavily guarded brass doors, though entrance is generally restricted.
Mellah (The Jewish Quarter): The historic Jewish quarter, distinguished by its unique architecture, featuring large balconies and different street layouts.
Abén Danan Synagogue: A beautifully preserved 17th-century synagogue located within the Mellah.
Jnan Sbil Gardens: A large, historic public garden offering a peaceful retreat and a beautiful combination of Moorish and French design.
Fes Modern Sites & Views:
Borj Nord (Northern Fort): A 16th-century fortress and armory museum offering the best panoramic views of the entire medina.
Merinid Tombs: The ruins of 14th-century royal tombs on a hill overlooking the city, providing excellent sunset and sunrise viewpoints.
Fes el Jdid Gardens: Smaller, more secluded gardens offering tranquility away from the medina’s hustle.
Ville Nouvelle (New City): The French-created modern district of Fes, with wide boulevards, modern shops, and contemporary hotels.
Fes Province Surrounding Towns & Sites:
Sefrou: A charming town near Fes, known for its waterfall and historic co-existence between Muslim and Jewish communities, famous for its cherry festival.
Bhalil: A nearby town famous for its unique cave dwellings, some of which are still inhabited.
Ifrane: Known as “Little Switzerland,” this town in the Atlas Mountains features alpine architecture and a cooler climate.
Meknes: One of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, famous for its grand gates like Bab Mansour and the vast royal stables of Moulay Ismail.
Volubilis Roman Ruins: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the most impressive set of Roman ruins in Morocco, famous for its well-preserved mosaics.
Activities & Experiences
Lose Yourself in the Fes el-Bali (Old Medina): Wander without a map through the labyrinthine alleyways of the world’s largest car-free urban area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discovering hidden squares, mosques, and artisan workshops.
Visit the Chouara Tannery: Observe the ancient, pungent process of leather dyeing from a vantage point in one of the surrounding leather shops. This is one of the city’s most iconic, must-see experiences.
Take a Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class: Learn to prepare classic tagines, couscous, and Moroccan salads using fresh, local ingredients, often in the kitchen of a Riad.
Explore the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts: Discover beautiful examples of traditional Moroccan woodworking, set inside a stunningly restored 18th-century funduq (caravanserai).
Find Peace in the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University: Visit the exterior of the world’s oldest continually operating educational institution (non-Muslims may not enter the mosque itself, but can see the beautiful library’s exterior).
Haggle for Goods in the Souks: Practice your bargaining skills while shopping for authentic Moroccan ceramics, leather goods, metalwork, spices, and carpets in the specialized souks (markets).
Wander Through the Royal Palace Dar El Makhzen (Exterior): Admire the seven magnificent golden bronze doors and the intricate tilework and wood carving that define the entrance to the Fes Royal Palace.
Visit the Marinid Tombs: Hike up the hill north of the medina for a panoramic, breathtaking view of the entire Fes el-Bali, especially beautiful at sunset.
Explore the Batha Museum: Housed in a former royal palace, this museum showcases a collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts, including wood carvings, ceramics, and ancient astrolabes.
Take a Day Trip to Volubilis and Meknes: Hire a driver for a day to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the historical imperial city of Meknes, both easy and rewarding excursions from Fes.
Experience a Traditional Hammam: Indulge in a local public or private hammam (bathhouse) experience for a relaxing, cleansing ritual involving scrubbing and steam.
Learn a Craft from a Master Artisan: Seek out workshops in the medina where you can observe or even try your hand at zellij (tile cutting), metalwork, or calligraphy.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential: The Old Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is entirely pedestrianized. It is best, and often only, explored on foot. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as the alleys are often uneven and slippery.
Hiring a Local Guide: For your first day, hiring an official, licensed guide is highly recommended. The medina’s complexity is legendary, and a guide will prevent you from getting hopelessly lost, while also explaining the history and culture of the different funduqs (caravanserais) and workshops.
“Petit Taxis” (Small Taxis): These light-beige, metered taxis are used for travel outside the medina walls and around the Ville Nouvelle (New City). They can drop you at one of the main gates (Bab Boujloud or Bab Ziat) but cannot enter the medina.
“Grand Taxis” (Shared Taxis): These larger, older Mercedes cars typically operate fixed routes between Fes and other cities (like Meknes or Rabat) or the airport. They are often shared and can be a cheaper option for intercity travel.
Mule and Donkey Transport: Within the medina, goods are transported by mules and donkeys. Always yield the right of way to these working animals, as they are often carrying large loads in narrow passages.
Respectful Attire: Morocco is a Muslim country, and Fes is a very traditional city. While tourist areas are accustomed to various styles, showing respect by dressing modestly—covering shoulders and knees—is highly recommended, particularly for women, and especially when visiting religious sites.
Dining Etiquette and Timing:
Tipping (Baksheesh): Tipping is customary for services rendered, including small change for helpful advice, taking a photo, or assisting with directions.
Street Food Safety: Enjoy the amazing street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with a high turnover of customers. Try a pastilla (savory-sweet pigeon pie) or a selection of grilled meats.
Bread is King: Bread is a staple and a utensil. It’s used to scoop food from communal dishes like tagines. Do not use your left hand for eating or passing food, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
Hidden Gems & Experiences:
Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate): This iconic gate is the main western entrance to the medina, famous for its two-sided tilework: blue on the outside (for Fes) and green on the inside (the color of Islam). It’s a key meeting point.
The Mellah (Jewish Quarter): Located in Fes el-Jdid, this area offers a fascinating contrast with its unique architecture, including prominent wooden balconies. It’s a quiet place to reflect on Fes’s diverse history.
The Funduqs (Caravanserais): Look for these beautifully preserved traditional inns where merchants and their animals once stayed. Many have been converted into museums or artisan workshops, such as the Funduq al-Shamma’een (Candle Makers’ Funduq).
Stay in a Riad: Book accommodation in a traditional Riad (a house with an inner courtyard garden). This allows you to experience the historic architecture, tranquility, and famous Moroccan hospitality firsthand.
Interactions and Language:
Haggling: It is expected and part of the shopping culture in the souks. Start low (around a third of the asking price) and negotiate patiently and good-naturedly. Walk away if you cannot agree on a fair price, but once you shake hands, the deal is final.
Language: The main languages are Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Berber, but French is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. English speakers are less common than in major European capitals, but you will find them in Riads and major tourist shops. Learning a few basic phrases in French or Darija will greatly enhance your experience.
Top Restaurants
Darori [$15-$25] – A lovely, intimate spot in the medina serving authentic, home-style Fassi (Fes-style) Moroccan cuisine with a focus on traditional recipes.
Le Tarbouche [$15-$25] – A small, artfully decorated restaurant in the medina known for serving amazing, high-quality Moroccan food at very reasonable prices.
Restaurant Dar Hatim [$15-$25] – A well-known family home turned restaurant deep in the medina, serving local Moroccan staples like tagines and pastilla for over a decade.
Mom’s Touch [$10-$20] – A cozy, bohemian-style spot in the medina with a warm, welcoming ambiance, offering traditional Moroccan food and great value.
Foundouk Bazaar [$15-$30] – Located above the main street of Talaa el Kebira, this contemporary Moroccan café-restaurant offers an elegantly casual atmosphere and is popular with younger locals.
Dar Hammad [$20-$35] – A rooftop restaurant in the medina that serves some of the city’s best authentic Moroccan food, often cited for its excellent chicken pastilla and beef couscous.
Restaurant Almandar [$15-$25] – A rooftop restaurant near Bab R’cif in the lower medina, serving traditional dishes like tagines and pastilla alongside Moroccan-style fast food.
Bissara Soup Stands [$5-$10] – A classic, non-touristic breakfast spot in the Al Aachabin food section of the medina, serving traditional split-pea soup (Bissara) made the old-fashioned way.
Abdullah’s Tea Stall [$5-$10] – An iconic, no-frills local spot near Place Seffarine that has been serving his special blend of herbal tea to locals since 1969.
Riad Batha [$25-$40] – This riad restaurant offers a traditional Moroccan dining experience with Fassi specialities in a beautiful courtyard setting.
Palais de Fes Dar Tazi [$25-$40] – Located in a beautifully restored old palace, this restaurant offers traditional Fassi cuisine in a grand, historic setting with cultural performances.
La Morille [$20-$35] – Highly-rated for its traditional Moroccan cuisine, this restaurant is located in the Ville Nouvelle (New City) area.
Grillade Adil (Rue Mohammed El Hansali) [$10-$20] – A great value, no-frills local spot in the downtown area, specializing in grilled meat khobz (bread) sandwiches.
Bistrot de Saveurs [$20-$35] – A favorite for traditional Moroccan dishes, offering a delicious and authentic local meal experience.
Fez & Friends [$15-$25] – A laid-back spot known for serving up traditional Moroccan dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
Riad Andalib Restaurant [$30-$50] – Offers a sophisticated take on traditional Moroccan cuisine in an elegant riad setting, focusing on classic Fassi recipes.
Restaurant Al Maghribi [$20-$35] – A well-regarded traditional Moroccan restaurant known for generous portions and authentic flavors near the main Tala’a Kebira street.
Riad Rcif Restaurant [$25-$45] – Offers traditional Fassi cuisine with excellent presentation in a historic riad; a good, reliable choice for authentic food.
The Ruined Garden [$20-$40] – An atmospheric, lush courtyard restaurant set in the ruins of an old riad, offering traditional Fassi cuisine alongside reimagined street food and daily specials like b’stilla.
Fez Café [$25-$45] – A tranquil oasis in a Pasha’s old palace garden, offering European and Moroccan fusion food with a modern twist in a beautiful, relaxed setting.
Bistro Laaroussa [$25-$45] – Located in Riad Laaroussa, this bistro serves home-style Moroccan specialties and Mediterranean dishes on a stunning roof terrace, known for its focus on fresh, local ingredients.
Ishq Restaurant [$30-$50] – A chic and elegant contemporary gem offering a Moroccan fusion fine-dining menu with original takes on local flavors and Western dishes, easily accessible from the medina entrance.
Le Peroke Cafe Restaurant [$15-$30] – Tucked away near Bou Inania Madrasa, it offers a variety of traditional Moroccan staples alongside international fare with a Moroccan flair, and has good vegetarian/vegan options.
Cinema Cafe [$15-$30] – Situated on the edge of the medina, this cafe offers a chill vibe and a wide variety of Moroccan and Western-inspired dishes, great for a lighter meal or coffee break.
Dar Anebar [$30-$50] – This riad restaurant blends traditional Moroccan dining with a modern touch, often featuring a set menu with refined, inventive courses.
Riad Idrissy [$25-$45] – The sister establishment to The Ruined Garden, known for its creative approach to traditional Fassi dishes in a serene setting.
Eden at Palais Amani [$45-$70] – Located in a luxury hotel’s charming garden, this romantic, upscale restaurant offers a signature three-course menu of creative French and Moroccan food.
Riad Fès (Gastronomic Restaurant Gayza) [$60-$90] – Located within the luxury Riad Fès, this restaurant offers a menu that re-imagines Moroccan classics with French elegance and modern techniques.
Berrada Family Restaurant [$20-$35] – Offers a delightful home-cooked Moroccan meal experience in a family environment, a great, less-touristic alternative to the riad dining circuit.
Riad Myra Restaurant [$35-$60] – Known for serving a refined, contemporary take on classic Moroccan dishes in a gorgeously decorated riad.
NUR [$80-$120] – A highly-acclaimed fine dining restaurant in the medina known for its avant-garde approach to Moroccan cuisine, featuring tasting menus curated by rotating international chefs.
Dar Roumana [$50-$80] – An intimate, high-end restaurant in a beautiful riad, offering a Michelin-worthy blend of traditional Moroccan dishes with a gourmet, Franco-Moroccan fusion twist.
Restaurant La Maison Bleue [$50-$80] – One of Fes’s premier fine dining restaurants, offering both à la carte and prix fixe menus featuring undeniably Moroccan dishes like lamb tagine in a stunning, traditional setting.
L’Amandier at Palais Faraj [$60-$90] – Located on the ramparts with a dizzying terrace view, this gastronomic restaurant offers authentic, creative Moroccan cuisine inspired by the palaces of Fes.
Palais Sheherazade Fes [$70-$100] – Offers a lavish, fine-dining experience in a grand palace, specializing in a sophisticated blend of Fassi and international cuisine.
Riad Fès (L’Amandier) [$60-$90] – The more refined dining option at Riad Fès, known for blending French haute cuisine with rich Moroccan traditions in an elegant space.
Karawan Riad Restaurant [$50-$80] – Provides a sophisticated dining experience in a magnificent riad setting, focusing on refined Moroccan gastronomy and excellent service.
Riad Al Bartal Restaurant [$40-$70] – Offers a high-quality, elegant traditional Moroccan dining experience within a beautifully restored historic riad.
Dar Bensouda [$45-$75] – Located in a luxurious riad, the restaurant is known for its exquisite traditional Moroccan banquets in an opulent courtyard setting.
Riad Maya [$35-$60] – A beautiful riad offering a high standard of traditional Fassi cuisine, often serving a generous multi-course set menu.
Café Clock [$10-$20] – A renowned cross-cultural café spread over several floors of a restored townhouse, famous for its cultural events, classes, and its popular camel burger.
Riad Idrissy Bakery/Bread-Making School [$10-$15] – Part of the Riad Idrissy/Ruined Garden complex, this spot offers a more casual, quick option and the chance to see traditional bread-making.
Grillade Adil (Borj Fes) [$15-$25] – While in a mall food court, this branch offers huge servings and excellent value for money with its Moroccan brochette platters, and access to a rooftop terrace with views.
Dar Tajine [$15-$25] – A small, modest-looking spot in the medina focusing intensely on a variety of excellent tagine recipes, favored by those seeking authentic, focused cooking.
Riad Passiflora [$20-$35] – Offers a unique, personalized cooking class followed by a meal of the dishes you prepared, a great immersive culinary experience.
La Cave [$20-$35] – Offers a blend of Moroccan and International cuisine (including pasta and Asian dishes), a unique mix in the medina, and is praised for its Moroccan food.
Restaurant Kasbah [$15-$25] – Located outside the Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate), offering a popular and classic stop for a variety of tagines, pastilla, and grilled meats.
Thami’s [$10-$20] – A classic, simple local eatery near the medina entrance, popular for its quick, well-executed grilled meats and Moroccan salads.
Snack Benyouness [$5-$10] – A hole-in-the-wall spot that’s a favorite for cheap and satisfying Moroccan fast food like sandwiches and local grilled skewers (brochettes).
Snack Riad 54 [$10-$20] – Located in the medina, offering a relaxed spot with a simple menu of traditional Moroccan dishes and great service.
Rooftop 7 [$15-$25] – A casual spot in the medina with a focus on fresh, simple Moroccan and international fare, known for its stunning panoramic rooftop views.
Hôtel Sahrai (Various dining options) [$40-$70] – Located in the Ville Nouvelle, this hotel offers more international and contemporary dining options with incredible city views, providing a break from medina fare.
The Terrace at Riad Layalina [$25-$45] – Known for its beautiful terrace offering great views and a mix of Moroccan and international dishes in a comfortable riad setting.
The View at Bab Sahra Restaurant [$20-$40] – Located 100 meters from Bab Boujloud, offering a rooftop sunset tea and dinner experience with a traditional Moroccan menu in a blend of tradition and modernity.
Zaki [$15-$25] – A popular option in the Ville Nouvelle, serving a mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean food, often visited by a local crowd.
Dar Roumana Cooking Class [$70-$100] – An immersive half-day experience where you learn to shop for ingredients in the souks and then cook and eat a traditional Fassi meal.
Patisserie la Renaissance [$5-$10] – Not a restaurant, but an excellent place in the Ville Nouvelle for superb Moroccan and French pastries and a coffee break.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Le Golden Bar (Palais Faraj): Perched atop the luxurious Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, this Art Deco-influenced bar in the Bab Ziat neighborhood is renowned for its breathtaking, panoramic views of the Fez Medina. It attracts a chic crowd with its well-crafted cocktails and comfortable lounge seating, making it an ideal spot for a sunset drink.
Jungle (Hotel Sahrai): Located at the stylish Hotel Sahrai in the Dhar El Mehraz area, this chic, indoor-outdoor bar is decked out in green and gold tones and features tropical prints. It’s known for its luxurious atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a stunning perspective overlooking the Old City.
Riad Fès Rooftop Bar (Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux): Situated in the historic Fes El Bali (Old Medina), this regal riad features a stunning rooftop lounge that offers a serene atmosphere and sweeping views of the medina’s maze-like rooftops. It’s a top spot for savoring cocktails and fine local wines in a luxurious setting.
Mezzanine: Found on Avenue Moulay Hassan in the Fès el-Jdid area, this stylish lounge bar offers a relaxed, laid-back vibe. It is one of the few slicker, stand-alone bars in the city, popular for its sofas, beer/wine selection, and occasional live music.
MB Lounge Bar: This intimate, New York loft-style bar is located in the Ville Nouvelle, sitting above the highly-regarded MB Restaurant. It provides a cozy, low-key setting with a good selection of cocktails, wines, and liqueurs, perfect for a relaxed evening.
Bar La Noria (Hotel Les Mérinides): Situated at the Hotel Les Mérinides, which overlooks the city, this is a sophisticated option for cocktails and drinks, known for its chic clientele and stunning views of the Fes Medina from its terrace.
Cocktail Lounge (Palais Sheherazade & Spa): Found within the opulent palace architecture of the Palais Sheherazade & Spa in the Riad Bennis Douh area, this is an elegant spot where the sophisticated crowd gathers to enjoy creative cocktails amidst Andalusian garden views.
Bab Sahra Rooftop (Palais Bab Sahra Fes): Near the iconic Bab Boujloud and Bou Inania Madrasa in the Medina, this traditionally inspired rooftop bar offers panoramic views, signature cocktails, and often features live music.
British Saloon (Hotel Batha): A classic and slightly hidden bar experience found within the Hotel Batha, just outside the Blue Gate. This “tavern-looking” building offers a relaxed, unpretentious place to enjoy a beer or cocktail, often favored by those looking for a local watering hole.
Eden Chope Bar: Located in the Ville Nouvelle, this bar offers a mix of traditional flavors and modern mixology in a cozy setting, providing a lively spot in the new part of the city.
Restaurant-Bar Le Voyageur: A vibrant restaurant and bar in Fes that combines local culture with a lively atmosphere and a diverse drink menu, offering a more contemporary night-out feel.
Bar des Juifs: Known for its friendly atmosphere and affordable drinks, this cozy bar provides a look into the vibrant local culture in Fes.
Blue Wall: A unique local spot that brings together local flavors and friendly vibes, offering a distinct Moroccan experience outside the main hotel circuit.
Rooftop Nour Plazza: A vibrant bar offering stunning views and a taste of Moroccan hospitality from its rooftop location.
Restaurant am: Found in the Ville Nouvelle, this venue offers a lively atmosphere and serves local Moroccan flavors, pairing them with a selection of drinks.
Felix Nightclub (Hotel Tghat): A popular and energetic nightclub located within the Hotel Tghat in the Ville Nouvelle. It features a spacious dance floor, a lively atmosphere, and a stylish clientele, often drawing a younger crowd (20s-30s) to dance until the early hours.
V.I.P. Club (Hotel Ramada): Situated at the Ramada Hotel in the New City, this club is a go-to for those looking to move to House, R&B, and general dance music. The hotel also features different spacious bars and dancefloors for an all-night party.
Le Club (Riad Fès – Relais & Châteaux): While known for its refined riad experience, this venue occasionally transforms to host sophisticated evening events and late-night ambiance, appealing to an elegant crowd within the Fes El Bali area.
La Medaille: A vibrant live music bar in Fes that offers a thrilling nightlife experience, frequently featuring local and international performances, a great alternative for those seeking a club atmosphere with a musical focus.
Barsovia (Fes): Taking inspiration from its namesake, this bar/club in the Ville Nouvelle aims for a retro-chic atmosphere with an energetic dance scene, appealing to a diverse crowd.
Gallery Fes (New City): A trendy nightclub located in the Ville Nouvelle with a modern aesthetic, focusing on electronic, house, and techno music, similar to international club concepts.
Theatro Club Fes (New City): Inspired by the idea of a converted theatre, this high-energy venue in the Ville Nouvelle provides a unique and extravagant clubbing experience with diverse music and a dramatic setting.
Empire Bar: Located in the Ville Nouvelle, this spot provides a vibrant and lively atmosphere for a fun night out, offering a diverse drink selection and an active dance space.
Mezzanine Late Night: While serving as a lounge, Mezzanine (Avenue Moulay Hassan) often features DJ sets later in the evening, morphing into a lively spot for dancing and a more relaxed ‘club’ vibe.
Merja: A bar that transitions into a small, lively late-night spot, offering a mix of traditional Moroccan culture and a modern space for dancing and relaxation.