Fes is one of the oldest cities in Morocco which explains why it’s full of culture and history. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site making it a perfect city to visit if you’re looking to experience true Moroccan culture. Here are some unique things to do in Fes that will allow visitors to appreciate its very rich history.
There are plenty of things to do in Fes, whether you’re interested in sightseeing, shopping, or simply absorbing the local Moroccan atmosphere, Fes has something to offer. In this article, we’ll talk about some unique things to do in Fes, so be sure to add these to your list when planning your trip to Morocco!
1. Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)
Number one on our list of unique things to do in Fes is visiting the Bab Bou Jeloud, or Blue Gate, in Fes’s El-Bali district. The Blue Gate is one of the most iconic landmarks in Fes, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
The Blue Gate was built in the 13th century, and it’s a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture. The gate itself is covered in blue tiles so you can see where it got it’s name. The Blue Gate has another side which isn’t as popular with tourists and the Instagram crowd. The other side of the gate is covered in green tiles and it represents Islam. So next time you’re in Fes make sure you stop and appreciate both sides of the famous Blue Gate.
The green side of the Bab Bou Jeloud in Fes, Morocco
2. Medersa Bou Inania
Medersa Bou Inania is a religious school that was built in the 14th century and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Fes. The stunning Medersa Bou Inania is one of the most well-preserved examples of Moroccan architecture.
Beautiful architecture can be found in the Medersa Bou Inania
The Medersa is located in the heart of Fes El Bali (Old city of Fes) and it’s open to the public. There is an entry fee of 20 Dirhams (approximately $2.50CDN). That fee allows you to spend as long as you want exploring the building and appreciating the intricate tilework and all the beautiful wood carvings inside.
3. Fes el-Bali
Fes el-Bali, or the Old City of Fes is where most attractions of Fes are located including the old tanneries, the souks and the beautiful Riads. This part of the city is known for their narrow streets, small shops, and is full of life!
Fes el-Bali
This is the best place to get lost, explore, and get a feel for the local culture. Some of the best things to do in Fes El Bali is the delicious, and never ending, street food, and haggling with the shopkeepers for souvenirs. If you do try to haggle, always remember to be respectful of the work that goes into making these mementos.
4. Al-Attarine Madrasa
Fes is home to many madrasas and religious schools. The Al-Attarine Madrasa is another one of the Marinid-era madrasas, and many say it’s most beautiful in the city. The exterior is covered in intricate tile work, and the interior courtyard is simply stunning.It was built between 1323 and 1325 and takes its name from theSouk al-Attarine, the spice and perfume market.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Like many other attractions in Fes , the Al-Attarine Madrasa is located in the Old Medina (Fes El Bali). Al Attarine Madrasa is no longer being used as a school but is open to visitors wanting to learn more about unique Moroccan architecture.
5. Palais Royal Fes (Dar El Makhzen)
Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen is the Royal palace of the King of Morocco. It is one of the oldest and largest royal palaces in Morocco and was built during the Marinid dynasty in the 13th century.
Dar El Makhzen
Unfortunately, the palace is closed to the public, but you can still admire the beautiful exterior of its main entrances located at the old Mechouar and the famous gate located in the Mellah area. The grounds are said to be spectacular and covers 195 acres!
6. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
Located in the heart of Fes el Bali is the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts. This museum is housed in an 18th-century building, and showcases a variety of traditional Moroccan woodworking.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
The museum is housed in a restored caravanserai, an old roadside inn. It was a place where merchants sold their wears in shops on the ground floor and lived in the floors above. Today visitors can watch artisans at work, and purchase Moroccan souvenirs from on-site shops.
7. Fes Tanneries
The tanneries of Fes are world-famous, and a visit to this city would not be complete without seeing them. The tanneries are located in the old city, and visitors can watch as artisans turn animal skins into beautiful leather goods.
Tanneries in Fes
The smell of the tanneries can be overwhelming for some people, but the experience is definitely worth it.
8. Jardin Jnan Sbil
Who would have thought that a garden would be one of the unique things to do in Fes. The Jardin Jnan Sbil was created in the 19th century, but eventually fell into disrepair. In 2011 it was reopened after years of work and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon. The garden is a rare green space in the Old City and is full of beautiful flowers and trees.
Jardin Jnan Sbil
Garden Jnan Still is located just outside of the Old City (Fes El Bali). Visitors walk to the gardens or hop in a taxi to escape the the heat if they don’t want to walk too far.
9. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is one of the largest and oldest mosques in Africa. It was originally constructed as a mosque but subsequently became part of the University of al-Qarawiyyin. The mosque building itself is a significant part of Moroccan and Islamic architecture as there are elements from different periods of the country’s history.
Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
Unfortunately, the mosque is not open to non-Muslims, so if you decide to visit, you’ll have to be content with admiring the exterior from the outside.
10. Fes Open Souks (Markets)
Fes souks are great places to shop for Moroccan souvenirs and gifts. There are a variety of shops and stalls, selling everything from spices to leather goods and handmade rugs. The main souk of Fes is located in the Old Medina (Fes El Bali) area.
Souks in Fes el-Bali
The souk is huge with lots of narrow streets and little alleyways to explore. The experience can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know how to navigate but it’s totally worth it for all the goodies you’ll find. Go hungry as there are lots of food stalls selling tons of mouth watering street food.
11. Fes el-Jdid
Fes el-Jdid is the newer part of Fes, even though it was developed in the 13th century. The area is full of wide boulevards and grand buildings and visitors can find the Dar El Makhzen here. More modern Moroccan architecture can be found here.
The neighborhood of Fes El Djedid is located just a few minutes drive from the Old Medina (Fes El Bali) but you can also walk if you don’t mind a bit of a hike.
12. Meknes Day Trip
Meknes is located just an hour from the city of Fes, and is worth a visit if you have the time. The city is very important in the history of Morocco as it was once the capital. It’s full of beautiful palaces and gardens. There are so many interesting things to do in Meknes that visitors will never be bored.
Grand mosque of Meknes
Be sure to visit the Bab Mansour gate, one of the most impressive examples of Moroccan architecture, Lahdim Square which is the main square of the old Medina, and Qara, the underground prison.
Huge thanks to Fatima Oukhouya of Cape to Casa for this guest post of unique things to do in Fes, Morocco. Fatima grew up in the foothills of the Atlas mountains in Morocco. An engineer by trade but nowadays spends most of her time traveling and writing about travel and food. Her vision of Cape To Casa is for it to be an informative and practical guide of everything to know about traveling and living in Morocco.
