10 Best Things to do in Fes, Morocco

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Planning a trip to Fes? Get ready to be swept away!

Fes is arguably Morocco’s most atmospheric city. You can walk through centuries of history here as you explore its maze-like alleys and shop at buzzing souks. The city has an incredible way of blending old traditions with vibrant daily life, and it’s impossible not to be captivated by it.

However, Fes can also be a bit overwhelming at first, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s why we’ve rounded up our top 10 favorite things to do, to help you make the most of your trip. Let’s get into it!

Things to do in Fes

1. See the city through the eyes of a local 

• Duration: 5–6 hours
• Time: Multiple departures between 9 am–2 pm
• Highlights: Explore the winding alleys of the Fes Medina, visit the Jewish Quarter, shop for spices and crafts, see the Chouara tannery, admire Arab-Andalusian architecture
• Inclusions: Certified guide, pick up and drop off, air-conditioned vehicle, transportation, private tour
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Exploring Fes with a local guide is honestly one of the best decisions you can make when visiting the city for the first time! You’ll understand the city so much better and see far more than you ever could on your own in a short time.

Fes is all about tiny alleyways and hidden corners, so exploring by yourself can be a pretty stressful experience! Having someone who grew up here to show you around makes it so much easier to navigate this bustling city. 

The day starts with a look at the city from the outside to help you get your bearings. Spots like the Royal Palace and the old Jewish Quarter show a very different side of Fes, and visiting panoramic viewpoints helps you to grasp just how big and ancient the city is. 

But the real magic begins once you step through Bab Boujloud. The medina is a bit of a sensory overload at first, but with a local to guide you, you’ll be able to relax and actually enjoy the experience!

You’ll see iconic places like the Al-Attarine Madrasa and Nejjarine Fountain, and see artisans at work shaping wood, metal, and leather by hand. And since this is a private tour, your guide will also tailor the route based on what interests you the most. We love this tour because it turns Fes from somewhere quite intimidating to a place you can really connect with!

Book this private tour here and enjoy free cancellation!

2. Go dune-hunting on a multi-day tour to Marrakech

• Duration: 3 days
• Time: 7:30 am
• Highlights: Travel through the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, ride camels into the dunes of Erg Chebbi, stay overnight in a desert camp, see Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah 
• Inclusions: Camel trekking, two nights of accommodation (one in desert camp and one in hotel), two breakfasts, two dinners, driver/guide, air-conditioned transport
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes 
• Price: Check prices here!

If you’re traveling to Marrakech after Fes, then why not do it in style with this 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech? It takes you across some of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes on an epic road trip, and everything is organised for you, so you can just enjoy the adventure without the stress of arranging transport or accommodation on your own. 

We recommend booking the deluxe tent option as it means when you camp on the first night, you’ll have air conditioning and a private bathroom, which is so much more comfortable than sleeping in a bare bones tent! There’s also a luxury private tour that’s perfect for groups and families.

The first day is packed with incredible stops. You’ll pass through Ifrane, aka the Switzerland of Morocco, and spot Barbary macaques in the forests of Azrou. Then, in the late afternoon, you’ll take a camel trek into the heart of the Sahara and watch the sunset over the dunes—how incredible does that sound?

On day two, you’ll continue toward the Dades region and stop at the towering Todra Gorge to take in its dramatic cliffs. The landscapes shift constantly as you move through them, from rocky canyons to the picture-perfect Rose Valley, before settling into your boutique guesthouse for the night.

On the final day, you’ll visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed fortress that has appeared in multiple movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy. Finally, the route climbs over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and winds its way down to Marrakech, your final destination! 

Read 1,000+ five-star reviews and book our FAVORITE Fes tour here!

3. Learn to cook local Fes dishes

• Duration: 4 hours
• Time: 10 am or 3 pm
• Highlights: Visit a traditional souk, learn to cook authentic Moroccan dishes, enjoy your meal in the palace gardens, rooftop cooking class in a restored palace
• Inclusions: Guided souk visit, full recipe set, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, small class size
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

What’s the best way to get to know Moroccan cuisine? By cooking it yourself, of course! We did this awesome cooking class while we were in Fes and had an absolute blast.

The tour started with a guided visit to a traditional souk in the medina, where we shopped like locals and learned how to pick out the best spices and freshest ingredients for our meal. We also got to sample a couple of tasty local treats, including chebakia, which is a type of honey-soaked pastry.

After the market, we continued onto a stunning restored palace, where we cooked right on the rooftop! Under the guidance of chefs Loubna and Oussama, we prepared a full Moroccan meal with a zesty eggplant caviar starter (Zaalouk) and a slow-cooked chicken tajine. It smelled amazing!

And it tasted even better. Once the cooking was complete, we sat down and enjoyed our meal in the lush palace gardens overlooking the rooftops of the medina. It was beautiful, and a nice chance to relax and get to know our hosts better. The instructors shared some stories about local life in Fes, and it was also a great opportunity to get to know our fellow cooking students.

If you’re looking for a hands-on foodie experience in Fes, check out over a HUNDRED rave reviews here to see why this class is absolutely perfect!

Book this cooking class here and pay nothing until 48 hours before you go!

4. Snap photos in Chefchaouen, “the Blue City” 

• Duration: 11–12 hours
• Time: 8 am for group tours and multiple times available from 7 am–9 am for private tours
• Highlights: Explore the pretty blue streets of Chefchaouen, visit the Grand Mosque, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and the medina, enjoy free time to wander and photograph the town
• Inclusions: Round-trip transport from Fes, hotel pickup and drop-off, local guide for groups of eight or more, small-group and private tour options available
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check 260+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Chefchaouen is one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations, and this full-day tour from Fes is our favorite way to experience it. Tucked in the Rif Mountains, the “Blue City” is famous for its pretty, painted streets, quieter atmosphere, and endless photo spots.

The tour begins with a scenic drive through the Rif Mountains, where you’ll pass traditional villages and rolling hills before arriving in this charming, blue-washed town. Then, when you get to Chefchaouen, you’ll have around four hours to explore the medina at your own pace. Or if there are eight or more people on your tour, you’ll get a guided walk around the city.

Key sights in Chefchaouen include Plaza Uta el-Hammam, the kasbah museum, the Grand Mosque, and the Ras Elma River. If you’re interested in local culture, we recommend a visit to the ethnographic museum for a fascinating look at the region’s musical instruments and historic weapons. Then, it’s back to Fes!

This is a pretty long day with a fair amount of travel time involved, but it’s worth it if you don’t have time to stay overnight in Chefchaouen. You really can’t miss the chance to see the Blue City while you’re in Morocco, and the glowing reviews certainly attest to that. Plus, it’s a super affordable experience—although we do think the private tour is well worth it if there’s room in your budget.

Book your spot here with free cancellation before it sells out!

5. Get lost in the Fes Medina

Visiting the Fes Medina is an absolute must when you’re in the city. It features over 9,000 twisting alleys, and it’s basically a living museum! When we first explored its labyrinthine streets, we were amazed. We saw donkeys delivering goods and craftsmen hammering copper by hand.

This is a good part of Fes to just wander around without a plan. Given how large and complex the area is, you basically just have to let yourself get lost here! But that’s the best way to do it, because you’ll come across lots of local gems like tiny bakeries and stalls selling every herb and spice under the sun.

The medina is at its liveliest in the morning. It’s an awesome place to watch the city wake up, so get up early and head over here to watch locals starting their day. Plus, the morning is the best time to grab fresh bread and pastries, and eat them while they’re still warm. Oh, and keep an eye out for the zellij-tiled fountains that are dotted around—they’re really pretty, but people often miss them as they’re usually tucked away down smaller side streets.

GPS can be unreliable here, so it helps to download an offline map. Or better yet, just follow your curiosity! The locals are friendly and more than happy to point you in the right direction if you get stuck.

Related Read: Want to see how to piece these activities together? Our 3-day Fes itinerary has the perfect schedule and our advice on what to do and see!

6. Explore ancient Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss 

• Duration: 7–8 hours
• Time: 8:30 am, 9 am, or 9:30 am 
• Highlights: Explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss, discover Meknes’ medina and historical landmarks, scenic drives through northern Morocco
• Inclusions: English-speaking driver, private air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, lunch, hotel pickup and drop-off, private tour
• Rating: 5 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check price here!

If you’re looking to explore Morocco’s rich history outside of Fes, this day trip to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes is a must. It offers an insider’s look into some of the country’s most fascinating ancient sites and makes it so easy to visit them all in just one day.

Volubilis is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. It’s fascinating to think this city was once the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania! You’ll have time to walk among its ancient houses and public buildings and just take it all in.

Next up is Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a sacred city that was built around the tomb of Idris I, who founded the Moroccan state. This is one of the country’s most significant religious sites, and it offers beautiful views thanks to its hillside location. 

The final stop is the imperial city of Meknes. Here you’ll see iconic landmarks such as the Bab Mansour gate, the Heri es-Souani granaries, and the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Trust me, your Instagram feed will look amazing after you snap photos here!

This private tour is the perfect choice for history buffs, especially if you’re short on time in Morocco. The drivers are super friendly and helpful, and the itinerary is super well-paced to ensure that you get the most out of your day.

Book your spot here and explore some of Morocco’s most remarkable destinations!

7. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University

The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University is one of the most fascinating sites in Fes. It’s a real highlight for history and architecture lovers, but between you and me, it’s also a fantastic place to go and snap photos. 

This university is actually the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It was founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihi and has had a significant impact on intellectual life in the Islamic world and beyond.

Non-Muslims can’t enter the complex, but it’s still worth stopping by to admire the beautiful courtyard, delicate mosaics, and intricate carvings through the archways. The best views are from the Rue Talaa Kebira side, where a few doorways allow you to peek directly into the courtyard. 

We think that mid-morning is the best time to visit, because this is when sunlight hits the tiled walls in a way that makes for epic photos! You can even ask nearby shopkeepers to show you the best angles in exchange for a small tip.

8. Relax with a traditional Hammam

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Time: 10 am and 2 pm
• Highlights: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam experience, relax in hot rooms and exfoliation chambers, soak in a historic palace setting
• Inclusions: Access to hammam hot rooms, exfoliation room, showers and relaxation area, welcome tea and cookies, hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected)
• Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

Experiencing a hammam is a must while you’re in Fes, and this particular ritual is our absolute favorite. It’s not only an amazing way to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, but also a genuinely relaxing wellness experience.

What makes this hammam ritual so special is that it takes place inside the Palais Amani, a luxury riad set within a beautifully restored palace. Honestly, there’s no better place to treat yourself.

The atmosphere here is calming and luxurious, and it will transport you far away from the busy streets of Fes. The hammam itself is made up of a hot room, an exfoliation chamber, showers, and a tranquil relaxation area. Local assistants will guide you through the Moroccan purification ritual, explaining each step and offering a choice of spa treatments using natural ingredients like rose water and mint. 

The hammam ritual is all about purification, and the benefits go beyond pampering. Regular hammam treatments are said to improve circulation and soften the skin. I can certainly vouch for the fact that they leave your body feeling lighter and refreshed!

This is such a lovely way to connect with Moroccan culture, and it’s a fantastic way to unwind on your trip. Fes is a lot of fun, but it can be busy and intense, so a hammam ritual offers the perfect opportunity to recharge and pamper yourself.

Book this traditional hammam experience here and get ready to relax in style!

9. Hike up to the Merenid Tombs for sunset 

For one of the best views in Fes, head up to the Merenid Tombs overlooking the old city! It’s a short hike and it’s a little steep, but not overly strenuous. It takes about 20-30 minutes to get here from Bab Guissa on foot, or you can jump in a taxi if you’d prefer not to walk.

The tombs themselves are temporarily closed, but you can still wander up to the area and enjoy the views! You get a whole new perspective from Fes up here. We recommend arriving about an hour before sunset and then settling in to watch the sky do its thing. It’s also a good idea to bring some snacks and a flask of tea with you. 

Just be sure to head back down before it gets fully dark, as the path isn’t lit after sunset. We think that this is the perfect way to end a day in Fes and relax after wandering the bustling medina. It’s an incredible photo spot, too, so be sure to bring your camera!

10. Escape the city and explore the Middle Atlas Mountains 

• Duration: 8–10 hours
• Time: 8 am, 9 am, 10 am, or 11 am
• Highlights: Explore the Middle Atlas Mountains, visit cedar forests and see wild Barbary macaques, discover Berber villages, experience scenic landscapes and mountain culture
• Inclusions: Private guide/driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in a comfortable vehicle
• Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
• Free cancellation: Yes
• Price: Check prices here!

The Middle Atlas Mountains are a must-see for anyone visiting Morocco, and this private day tour from Fes makes exploring them both easy and unforgettable. These mountains are known for their cedar forests and traditional Berber villages, and the landscapes are absolutely stunning. It’s the perfect breather after spending a few days in Fes!

This tour is special because it allows you to see the Middle Atlas in comfort while still feeling immersed in local life. The day begins in Immouzer, a small Berber town at the headwaters of Morocco’s largest water sources. Here, you can explore the town and learn about traditional Berber culture, which is super interesting. 

From there, the tour continues to Ifrane. This city is known as “Little Switzerland” due to its alpine-style architecture and sparkling rivers and lakes. It’s the last thing you picture when you imagine Morocco, but these mountains are full of surprises!

Next up is Azrou, which is home to Africa’s largest cedar forest. Here, you’ll take a walk among the towering trees and spot wild Barbary macaque monkeys! These guys are so cute that you’ll probably want to cuddle them, but don’t even think about it, because they bite when they feel threatened. 

What makes this tour stand out is the fact that it’s a private experience. Instead of being herded around in a big group, you’ll be able to take your time and really soak in all of the scenery and cultural insights along the way. It’s definitely the best way to visit the Middle Atlas region!

Book this private mountain tour here and enjoy free cancellation!

Where to Stay in Fes, Morocco

Now that you know what to do in Fes, you just need a fabulous place to stay! We recommend staying in or close to the Old Medina, because this puts you at the very heart of the city. It’s a beautiful and atmospheric area, so it’s truly the perfect place to soak in all that Fes has to offer. 

Plus, there are lots of excellent hotels here. Below, we’ve shared our top picks for every budget. They’re all very close together, so whichever one you pick, you’ll enjoy a prime location.

Luxury – $$$ 

If you want a hotel with a wow factor, Hotel & Spa Dar Bensouda is the place to stay. This is an absolutely gorgeous property that just oozes Moroccan charm. It’s housed in a restored palace, and it boasts intricate woodwork and mosaics that you’ll never get tired of looking at.

There’s a gorgeous hammam here where you can enjoy a traditional bath, as well as beauty treatments and massages. The hotel also has a lovely rooftop terrace that offers sweeping views of the medina, as well as an upper terrace overlooking the Atlas Mountains. 

Rooms and suites here typically range from $100 to $500 USD per night, depending on the dates. Check availability and book your stay here!

Mid-range – $$ 

Riad Zamane Fès offers a luxurious stay at a pretty modest price. It’s a small property with just seven rooms, each of which is beautifully decorated with traditional Arabic decor. There’s a lovely spa on site and a terrace that overlooks the old city, where you can enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine from the on-site restaurant.

What we love about this hotel is that it offers such a calm and quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the medina. It’s a beautiful boutique gem, and the amazing reviews certainly speak to that!

Rooms here range between $100 and $200 USD per night. Book your stay here!

Budget – $ 

Riad Sidrat Fes is an affordable hotel that offers a quintessentially Moroccan stay— what’s not to love about that? From the blue-and-white tiled walls to the stained glass windows and intricately carved wooden doors, this place offers a picture-perfect riad stay in the heart of the Old Medina. 

One of my favorite things about this riad is that it offers complimentary tea and local pastries all day long—yum! Traditional afternoon tea is also served daily. Plus, you get a free one-way airport shuttle when you book a stay for three nights or longer. This is also a smart choice for solo travelers because you can book a single room to save money! 

Rooms here cost between $50 and $150 USD per night. Snag this great value stay here!

For more great places to stay, check out all the listings for Fes here!

Thanks for reading!

Fes is one of those cities that stays with you long after you’ve left. Its maze-like medina, ancient monuments, bustling markets, and warm hospitality make it one of the most unforgettable places we’ve ever explored. Even checking off just a few experiences from this list will give you an incredible feel for the city and everything that makes it so special.

If you’re planning to explore more of this region, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our other Africa travel guides here. We’ve shared our favorite tours, food experiences, and hidden gems across the continent to help make your trip even more memorable. Or check out a few of our favorites below!

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Where to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

10 Best Marrakech Tours and Day Trips

How to Spend ONE or TWO Days in Chefchaouen, Morocco: The Best 1 or 2-Day Itinerary