Things to See and Do in Fez, Morocco

Al-Attarine Madrasa in Fes, Morocco An old, traditional koran school
Al-Attarine Madrasa in Fes, Morocco An old, traditional koran school | © Georgios Tsichlis / Alamy Stock Photo
Yasmine

One of the most ancient cities in Morocco, Fez is so rich in culture, traditions, gastronomy and more, it’s often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. With one of the first universities and the oldest medieval medina in the world, it has a lot of history for you to explore. Here are the 10 best things to see and do in the city.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Al Quaraouiyine Mosque

Al Quaraouiyine, built in 859BCE by Fatima al-Fihri, is believed to be one of the oldest universities in the world. It now operates as a mosque and cannot be entered by non-Muslims. However, its library, renovated in 2016, is open to the public, and you can get a glimpse of the impressive, handmade tilework dating back to the 9th century. You can also get a perfect view of the mosque courtyard from the rooftops of nearby restaurants in the medina.

Located in the medina, Dar Batha a former palace that was turned into a museum in 1915, has an amazing collection of traditional artefacts. It has a fantastic Andalusian-style garden at its entrance, with varying types of plants, aromas and sounds, plus mosaics and a water fountain. Inside, you’ll find fine wood carvings, traditional Moroccan tiles, embroidery, carpets and even a ceramics collection from the 14th century.

Chouara Tannery

This is the most iconic place in Fez, and the oldest tannery in the world, where they still operate as they did in medieval times. Here, men make leather in a massive tannery surrounded by houses and shops. The smell of the dyeing process can get rather intense, so take a scarf to cover your nose (or they will give you mint leaves to rub under it). This is a great place to buy your leather souvenirs.

Medersa Bou Inania

Right at the entrance of the old medina lies the former theological college for Muslim intellectuals. Built by Sultan Bou Inan in the 14th century, it has been beautifully restored, featuring incredible mosaics, carved plaster, cedar mashrabiyas (lattice screens) and impressively large doors. The inside is splendid, with a fountain in the courtyard and endless, handcarved walls and zellij (mosaic) tilework. It also has rooms on two floors, where classes used to be taught.

Merenid Tombs

These tombs house the skeletal remains of sultans and other royals of the Merenid dynasty. Although not intact, and most of the decorations and engravings have faded throughout the years, you can still see the authenticity of the architecture. The climb up the hill is definitely worth it for the view over the 1,200-year-old medina, especially at sunset. Just don’t stay too long after nightfall, as the descent can get difficult in the dark.

Al-Attarine Madrasa

A historical landmark, the Al-Attarine Madrasa is located near the Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque and the Al-Attarine Souk, a market with a variety of local spices, dried nuts, fruit and much more. Built between 1323 and 1325 and named after the market, the madrasa was an annex to the mosque and is decorated with the same design; magnificent green and blue zellij tile work, carved plaster and cedar wood, plus classrooms indoors and a fountain in the courtyard.

Dar el Makhzen

Dar el Makhzen, the royal palace of Fez, might not be open to the public but is definitely worth seeing from the outside. The royal family doesn’t live there, but they maintain a palace in every city for each of their visits. Truly an impressive sight, it features gigantic doors made of brass and gold, surrounded by zellij tile work and carved cedar wood. It’s a popular place with tourists, as the detailed mosaics and bold colours make for fantastic pictures that play with light and perspective.

Mellah

Mellah became a Jewish quarter in the 14th century and Fes el-Jdid became a refuge for the Jewish community and was originally home to 250,000 Jews. Since the creation of the state of Israel, however, only a handful now remain – and they are in the Ville Nouvelle. Mellah is full of history and Jewish-style architecture, such as the Ibn Danan synagogue located in the heart of the Mellah, where some buildings housed people up until the late 20th century.

Mount Zalagh

If you’re a fan of views, this will definitely be worth the hike. Mount Zalagh, north of Fez el-Bali, is characterised by picturesque landscapes full of olive groves, grazing goats and soaring birds. From here you’ll be able to see the whole of the old medina, as well as views of the surrounding area.

Borj Nord Arms Museum

Perched on a hill overlooking the former imperial city of Fez, the Borj Nord Museum is dedicated to military history. Set in a 16th-century fortress constructed on the orders of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, the Borj Nord is a relatively new museum, opened in 2016, containing items from all around the world. It is home to numerous old weapons – firearms, jewel-encrusted daggers and swords – as well as shields, coats of arms, powder kegs and photographs from the past. Its location also provides sweeping vistas over the surrounding areas.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

X
Edit article