The Complete Guide – Top fascinating activities to do in Fes
Best things to do and See in Fes – Activities to Do in Fes
Fes is a vibrant and culturally rich city located in Morocco, North Africa. It’s one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its bustling markets, historic architecture, and colorful atmosphere. Here are the top 11 activities to do in Fes:
1. Explore Fes Medina
The oldest and biggest medina in North Africa, Fes (el Bali), has been around since the ninth century. Due to the historical and cultural significance of the place, UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site.
The medina’s historic charms are preserved so beautifully that it is easy to understand why. Explore the countless alleys and take in the sights of the biggest the largest urban area without cars to learn more about Fes’s history!
We repeatedly realized how easy it is to be lost here due to the city’s small streets. Before leaving your hotel or Riad, make sure you are familiar with the road signs to follow because Google Maps also loses in this confusing area.
Try to book a hotel within the medina if possible because some medina gates close at 7 o’clock at night, which can be problematic when going back to a hotel outside the medina walls.
2. Jnane Sbile Gardens, located in Boujeloud
This tranquil natural haven is the public garden in the bustling medina. When you enter, you can take a rest from haggling and enjoy the lovely water features, wildlife, plants, and flowers, as well as the palm tree walkways. Unwind, cool off, and take in how the neighborhood residents are also entertaining the park. The park opens every day, from Tuesday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
ADVICE: Have lunch on Nomad’s upper terrace for a breathtaking view of the traditional market.
3. The Spectacular Bonania Madrasa
In the middle of the old medina is the well-known religious building known as the Bonania Madrasa. The building, built in the fourteenth century, once served as a school. Now the public can enjoy its magnificent architecture. Explore the stunning marble courtyard, the dexterous woodcarvings, and the endless green mosaic tilework.
The theme’s color is continued by the nearby mosque, whose stunning green minaret is visible from the medina. Definitely, the most magnificent madrasa in the entire city is this one! This wonderful Fes event is not to be missed.
As you wander via the medina, it is convenient to visit due to its location. Additionally, it belongs to the few places of worship in Fes city that non-Muslims are allowed to visit. To experience this lovely place at its most serene, we will go there early in the morning or in the evening. Nearly nobody was there when we got there at 4 p.m.
The museum’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (aside from when people are praying), and entry costs 20 dirhams (2 USD).
4. Smell what the tanneries are emitting
You have to check out the renowned tanneries in Fes! Countless earthen pits filled with various colored dyes in order to make animal colors hides can be found. One of the unique activities to do in Morocco is to visit the tanneries, which are a significant component of Fes culture. The smell is clear and potent, though, so beware!
Locals will attempt to give you a “free mint cup of tea” to refresh, but many people end up paying afterward, in our experience. Therefore, it is nice to remember to bring some mint in place of those items.
Another choice for viewing the tanneries is to locate a nearby roof terrace. You can do this to ascend and gain a bird’s-eye perspective.
Explore the Chouara tannery, the biggest in the area and the oldest skin tanning facility in the whole world!
5. Qaraouine, the oldest university in the World
The second-largest mosque in Morocco is located inside the Qaraouine Mosque, the oldest university in the entire world. It belongs to the most significant religious structures in Fes city, and only Muslims can get into mosques.
Although visitors are not allowed inside, they can still see it through a number of gates. View the prayer sessions taking place in this revered structure, which is still a university, as well as the stunning marble courtyard, fountains, arches, tiles, and carvings!
Tip: From a nearby rooftop, look for the mosque’s stunning minaret.
6. Purchase some fresh orange juice
Orange juice is our favorite drink, and Fes makes it superbly. Grab inexpensive, fresh, and bio juice every morning to give your day of exploration the ideal start. It is impossible to miss the orange juice stands, which are dispersed throughout the town.
7. Al Attarine Madrassa
Despite being small, this madrassa is beautiful in its own right. Geometrically patterned tiles cover the walls and floor, and we have a lovely precinct in the middle. Take time to admire the ornately carved wooden doors that take you back to a Moroccan fortress in the Middle Ages.
Recall taking in the magnificent minaret’s view! The Chouara leather tannery and The Qaraouine Mosque are near this haven of peace in the midst of Fes’s chaos. This is an excellent activity in Fes city, if there is time! In accordance with religious holidays and events, the madrassa opens from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 20 DH (2 USD) is required for admission.
8. A panoramic sight of Sunset on the top of a Roof
Flat-roofed homes in lovely earth tones are produced by Moroccan architecture. This suggests that it is a paradise of terraces! The wonderful way to discover Fes is to locate a fantastic bar or rooftop cafe and take in the city from over. After a day of visiting, relax here and watch the sunset behind this magnificent city.
9. The Royal Palace, Dar Al-Makhzen
The outside of the royal palace is stunning. Tourists are not allowed inside because the royal family and the government still do this structure. However, the breathtaking blue mosaic-tiled walls and impeccable doors of bronze put it at the top of the list of Fes attractions. Outside, guests are welcome to stroll through the stunning, lush palace gardens. The magnificent mosque, the quarter of Fes el-Jdid, which is close to the gardens, has the most exquisitely decorated minaret!
The museum and tranquil gardens are located at Dar Batha, the former royal palace of Fes.
10. Wander through the Maze-Like Souks
Any Moroccan city’s souks are its beating heart, and those in Fes city are among the best. Travel back in time to the days when donkeys and carts were the only means of transportation on covered-in-dust, cross-eyed streets. A sensory overload will result from vendors’ outcry prices and negotiating hard, fragrant scents wafting in all directions, and weaving displays featuring every color of the iris or rainbow.
Fes has much narrower streets than Marrakech, and they are a true maze because of all the turns, twists, and forks that they contain. For more information about the center of the city and its highlights, you might also decide to take a guided travel.
11. Purchase a lovely carpet from Fes
In particular, the handicrafts of Fes’ rugs are well-known. The medina’s main streets are lined with carpet sellers, all of whom feature exquisite Moroccan patterns. A woman’s French who resides in Marrakech is advised to visit a particular store because they will give you an honest price, and it is located near Café El Khmissa.
About 20 rugs were examined before we settled on our favorite. We believed that $150 was an unacceptable price to pay for a traditional carpet that was 2 meters long and 1.5 meters wide.
Locations to Stay
Take advantage of the chance to spend time in a traditional Riad while visiting Fes. Moroccan guesthouses are typically situated in historic districts and they are constructed around precincts or swimming pools. If you want to unwind after spending a long day in Fes, they are a beloved place to have a rest.
To be near the main sights and prevent getting lost late at night, pick a hotel in the middle of the old medina.
Traveling to Fes, Morocco
Excellent transportation options are available in and out of Fes. From Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Sale, or Chefchaouen, Morocco’s blue city, it is simple to travel here. You can reach Rabat’s stunning coastline by train from Marrakech. Then, this line travels to Fes.
Additionally, Fes can be your landing place to start a Sahara Merzouga Tour, which is a fantastic adventure that you will not forget.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Fes?
Travelers should go to Fes between March, May, September, and November, which are the best times to visit. During these months, the weather will be gorgeously hot and sunny but not exhausted. If you want to travel to other amazing parts of the country, the months of winter are a great time to go because they are lovely and so sunny.
Important: It can be difficult to find your way around the medina’s maze of curvy streets. There are several directions and to prevent getting lost, download the Maps. me Fes app before you depart.
Or to have a wonderful experience in Fes covering all that must be experienced, you can book with one of the top travel agencies in Morocco.
See also: Activities To Do in Marrakech