Fes (also spelled Fez) is one of the oldest imperial cities of Morocco and has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the world. Its medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is often described as one of the largest car-free urban areas on Earth. It is a city of tanneries, madrasas, workshops and thousands of narrow lanes, with a sense of continuity that is hard to find elsewhere. It has recently been named in lists of destinations to watch in 2027, which means more visitors are coming. This guide explains how to plan, where to stay, what to see, what to eat and how to avoid the common problems.
Why Fes Is on 2027 Trend Lists
Fes appears in a major 2027 travel trends report as one of the destinations that travellers are interested in, alongside Da Nang in Vietnam. The reasons are easy to understand. It offers authentic culture, strong food, craft traditions and relatively good value, and it is far less commercialised than some other Moroccan cities. If you want a trip that feels like stepping into a different century, Fes is a strong choice. It is also more demanding than a resort holiday, and you should come ready to walk, navigate and negotiate.
The Medina: How to Understand It
Fes el-Bali is a dense maze of lanes, some only a metre wide, with donkeys and handcarts carrying goods. It has hundreds of lanes, and many of them look alike, so getting lost is almost guaranteed. Instead of fighting this, plan for it. Use landmarks, a downloaded offline map (see our offline maps guide), and hire an official guide for your first day. A good guide explains the layout, the crafts and the history, helps you avoid hustlers and brings you to the main sights efficiently. Agree the price and the duration before you start, and use guides registered with the tourism authorities.
Main Sights in Fes
- Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate): the iconic entrance to the old medina, a good starting point and meeting place.
- Al-Qarawiyyin: a historic mosque and university complex, founded in the ninth century and often described as one of the oldest continually operating educational institutions in the world. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but can glimpse the courtyard from the doorways.
- Bou Inania Madrasa: a beautiful fourteenth-century theological school, open to non-Muslim visitors, with intricately carved wood, plasterwork and tile.
- The tanneries (Chouara): large stone vats where leather is dyed using traditional methods. Visitors view them from terraces of nearby leather shops, and are often offered mint to mask the smell. Expect sales pressure in the shops.
- Fes el-Jdid and the Mellah: the newer royal quarter and the historic Jewish quarter, with distinctive balconies and a cemetery and synagogue.
- Craft workshops: metalwork, pottery, weaving and woodwork, where you can see traditional methods and buy directly from makers.
- Viewpoints: the hills and old fortifications overlooking the medina give a panoramic view at sunset.
A Realistic 3-Day Plan
Day 1: With a guide
Meet your guide in the morning. Enter through Bab Boujloud, see the main lanes, Bou Inania Madrasa and a few workshops, and visit the tanneries. Take a long lunch, and finish at a viewpoint at sunset.
Day 2: On your own, slowly
Revisit the lanes you liked, visit the Mellah and Fes el-Jdid, and spend the afternoon in a café or a riad rooftop. Take a cooking class if you want to learn about Moroccan food.
Day 3: A day trip or a quieter day
Visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknes, or spend a slower day in museums and craft shops. Allow a buffer for departure.
Where to Stay: Riads and Guesthouses
Staying in a riad, a traditional house built around a courtyard, is a highlight of a trip to Fes. Riads in the medina give atmosphere and quiet courtyards, but access can be difficult with luggage, as taxis cannot enter the narrowest lanes. Ask your host for a porter or a pickup at the nearest gate. Riads near the main gates, such as Bab Boujloud, are easier for first-timers. Newer hotels outside the medina offer easier access, parking and modern facilities. Check recent reviews for cleanliness, noise and heating, since winter nights can be cold.
Food in Fes
Fes is considered one of Morocco's culinary capitals. Try pastilla (a sweet and savoury pie, traditionally made with pigeon or chicken), tagines, couscous on Fridays, harira soup, fresh bread and mint tea. Street food includes snails in broth, grilled meat skewers and msemen, a flaky flatbread. Eat at busy places, drink bottled water and wash your hands often. If you are vegetarian, ask in advance, since many dishes include meat or broth.
Scams and Hassle: What to Expect and How to Handle It
- The "closed" trick: a friendly stranger says a site is closed and offers to take you somewhere else. Check with your guide or hotel.
- Unofficial guides: people may offer to guide you for "free" and then demand payment. Politely decline, or hire an official guide.
- Tannery pressure: shops overlooking the tanneries expect you to look at, and possibly buy, leather goods. You can say no politely.
- Pricing: ask for the price before accepting goods or services, and bargain politely in the markets.
Our tourist scams guide describes similar patterns that appear in many tourist cities. Stay calm, smile and keep walking if you do not want to engage.
Dress, Etiquette and Culture
Morocco is a Muslim country, and modest dress shows respect, especially in the medina. Cover shoulders and knees, and consider a light scarf. Ask permission before photographing people, and expect some to refuse or ask for a tip. Public displays of affection are discouraged. Ramadan in 2027 is expected to begin around early February and continue into early March, so check the dates if you plan a trip in that period. Many restaurants close or have reduced hours during the day in Ramadan, but evening meals, known as iftar, are a highlight if you can join one.
Best Time to Visit Fes
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons, with warm days and pleasant evenings. Summer is very hot, with temperatures often above 35 degrees Celsius, and winter is cool and sometimes rainy, with chilly nights in unheated riads. If you travel in winter, bring layers and ask about heating.
Getting There and Around
Fes-Saïss Airport has flights from several European and Moroccan cities. Trains link Fes with Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Tangier, and are comfortable and reliable. Allow several hours for the Fes to Marrakech trip. Within Fes, petits taxis operate in the new town and take you to the gates of the medina, and the rest is on foot. Agree a fare or insist on the meter before you start. Carry small bills and coins for tips and small purchases.
Day Trips From Fes
- Volubilis and Meknes: Roman ruins and an imperial city, easily combined in one day.
- Moulay Idriss: a sacred hilltop town near Volubilis.
- Chefchaouen: the famous blue city in the Rif mountains, a long day trip or an overnight stay.
- The Middle Atlas: forests, lakes and villages for slower days outside the city.
Budget Planning Without Guesswork
Morocco offers good value, but costs vary by season and standard. List flights, accommodation, guides, food, transport, tips, souvenirs and a buffer of 10 to 15 percent. Compare riads and hotels in the medina and the new town, and check cancellation terms. Guides, cooking classes and day trips are good value if you choose carefully.
More Questions Visitors Ask
Is Fes safe for tourists?
It is generally safe, with the usual precautions against pickpockets and scams. Keep valuables secure, avoid walking in unfamiliar lanes late at night and use trusted guides.
Is it suitable for solo women?
Many women travel solo in Morocco, but some may experience unwanted attention. Dress modestly, use a guide on the first day, avoid quiet lanes at night and trust your instincts.
How many days do I need?
Three days covers the highlights, and four to five allows day trips.
Fes or Marrakech?
Fes is more traditional and less touristy, while Marrakech is larger, busier and more geared towards tourists. Many travellers visit both.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to navigate the medina on day one without a guide or offline map.
- Booking a riad without checking luggage access and recent reviews.
- Accepting "free" guiding and then arguing about payment.
- Visiting in summer without planning for the heat.
Final Checklist
- Passport, entry rules and insurance checked.
- Riad or hotel booked with clear directions and luggage help.
- Official guide arranged for day one, and offline maps downloaded.
- Modest clothing, comfortable shoes, small bills and basic medicines packed.
For other warm and cultural trips, see our Cape Town guide and Everest Base Camp guide for an adventure option. If you want help planning Fes within a wider Morocco route, use the contact form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Fes trending for 2027?
A major 2027 travel trends report lists Fes among top destinations, thanks to its authentic culture, food and value.
How many days do I need in Fes?
Three days covers the highlights, with extra days for day trips.
Do I need a guide in the Fes medina?
A licensed guide is strongly recommended for the first day, because the lanes are confusing and hustlers are common.
When is the best time to visit Fes?
Spring and autumn. Summer is very hot and winter can be chilly.
Is Fes safe?
Generally yes, with normal precautions. Be aware of scams and keep valuables secure.
What should I wear?
Modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered, and comfortable shoes for walking.
