If you have only one day in Fes, spend it in Fes el-Bali, the walled old city founded in 789 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. This guide gives a realistic walking route through its madrasas, workshops and gardens, with entry fees in dirhams (MAD) and practical advice for first-time visitors.
Fes at a glance
- Best for: medieval architecture, craft workshops, food and a maze-like medina.
- Time needed: one long day is enough for the highlights; two days is more relaxed.
- Heritage: the city was founded in 789 by Idris I, and the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 857 by Fatima al-Fihri, is often described as the oldest continuously operating degree-awarding institution in the world.
- Getting around: the medina is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world, so wear comfortable shoes.
One day in Fes: morning route
Start early, before the alleys fill up. Enter through Bab Boujloud, the blue gate that serves as the main entrance to the old medina and is open at all times.
Just inside, visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a Marinid-era school built under Sultan Abu Inan Faris, known for its carved cedar and tilework. It is open roughly 9 am to 5 pm and costs 20 MAD, but it closes for prayers during the day.
Next, walk to the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts (about 10 am to 5 pm, 30 MAD). Photos of exhibits are not allowed, but you can photograph the central courtyard. The nearby Al Attarine Madrasa (about 9 am to 6 pm, 20 MAD) is another elegant stop.
Non-Muslims cannot enter the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, but you can look through the doors from the street and admire the architecture from outside.
Afternoon: tanneries, museums and gardens
After lunch, head to the Chouara Tannery, which dates from the 11th century and is the largest of the city’s three tanneries. Visitors usually watch from a terrace above the stone vats, often reached through a leather shop. The tannery is generally working from about 9 am until sunset, and the best light for photos is in the morning.
Tip your guide if you are not buying anything, and be polite but clear with the person at the entrance. The smell is strong, so bring a scarf or use the mint leaves that the cooperatives hand out.
Then choose between the Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts (about 10 am to 6 pm, closed Tuesdays, 60 MAD) and the old Jewish quarter, the Mellah. The Royal Palace’s gates can be seen from outside only, since the palace is not open to the public.
End the day at Jnan Sbil Gardens, open about 8 am to 7 pm and free to enter, a calm green space after hours in the medina. Opening hours can change, so confirm them locally.
How to get to Fes and practical tips
Fes-Saïss Airport is about 15 km south of the old city. Trains run to Fes from several Moroccan cities. The Marrakech to Fes train takes roughly 6 hours 30 minutes, with typical fares of about $23 to $50, according to Rome2rio, so many visitors treat Fes as an overnight stop rather than a day trip. Check the ONCF timetable before you travel.
- Carry some cash in small notes for tickets, tips and snacks.
- Agree the price with a petit taxi driver before you get in, even if the taxi has a meter.
- A licensed guide can save time in the maze of alleys; agree the fee in advance.
- Dress modestly, particularly around religious sites.
Planning a longer trip? See our guides to one day in Marrakech, one day in Chefchaouen and a Sahara desert trip to Merzouga.
FAQ: visiting Fes
Is one day enough for Fes?
One day covers the main madrasas, the tannery and a garden stop. Two days let you explore more slowly and add the Mellah or a cooking class.
Can non-Muslims enter the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque?
No. Non-Muslim visitors can look through the doors from outside but cannot enter the prayer hall.
When should I visit the tannery?
Go in the morning, when the vats are busiest and the light is best. Fees and hours vary, so confirm them on the day.
Sources: Wikipedia: Fez, Morocco; Malika in Morocco: One Day Fes Itinerary; Rome2rio: Marrakesh to Fès by train.
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