Imperial cities & Middle Atlas
Fes
The spiritual and craft capital, with the world’s largest car-free medina.
Founded at the end of the 8th century, Fes is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Fes el-Bali, its walled medina listed by UNESCO in 1981, is a labyrinth of more than 9,000 lanes where donkeys still carry goods.
Here stands al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and considered one of the oldest continuously operating places of learning in the world. Fes is also the place to see traditional crafts — leather, brass, zellige and pottery — made by hand.
Highlights
The "Blue Gate", the classic entrance to the medina.
Stone vats of dye seen from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops.
14th-century Marinid madrasa, open to visitors, with superb woodwork.
Jewel-like Marinid college next to the spice market.
Wood arts museum in a restored caravanserai.
Hilltop ruins with the best panoramic view over the medina at sunset.
Things to do
- Monuments & medinasGuided medina walk — Half or full day with an official guide is the best way to understand the city.
- Crafts & souksZellige and pottery workshops — Watch tiles being cut by hand in the potters’ quarter outside Bab Ftouh.
- Food & marketsStreet food tour — Bissara (fava bean soup), msemen pancakes and pastilla, the sweet-savoury pie of Fes.
- Monuments & medinasDay trip to Meknes and Volubilis — Imperial city and Roman ruins less than an hour away.
- Hammam & wellnessHammam in a riad — Many riads have their own hammam and spa.
Where to stay
Stay inside the medina in a riad near Bab Bou Jeloud or Batha for easy access, or in the Ville Nouvelle for modern hotels and parking.
Riad Fès
RiadLuxury hotel in a restored riad inside the Fes medina.
- Address
- 5 Derb Ben Slimane Zerbtana, 30100 Fès
- Phone
- +212 535 741 206
- [email protected]
- Website
- riadfes.com
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa
LuxuryPalace hotel with suites, spa and panoramic terrace over Fes el-Bali.
- Address
- 16-18 Derb Bensouda, Quartier Ziat, Bab Ziat, 30000 Fès
- Phone
- +212 535 635 356
- Website
- palaisfaraj.com
Sofitel Fès Palais Jamaï
Luxury19th-century vizier’s palace at Bab Guissa with views over the medina.
- Address
- Bab Guissa, 30000 Fès
- Phone
- +212 535 634 331
- Website
- sofitel.accor.com
Contact details come from the hotels’ official websites or consistent public listings. We are not paid for listings. Always confirm prices and conditions directly with the property.
Getting there
Fes-Saïss airport (FEZ) is about 15 km south. Trains connect Fes with Meknes (about 40 min), Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.
Local tip
Ask your riad to arrange an official guide for the first day and to meet you at the nearest gate with your luggage — the medina is car-free.