{"id":9393,"date":"2025-08-01T01:14:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T01:14:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/?p=9393"},"modified":"2025-08-01T01:14:02","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T01:14:02","slug":"rephrase-the-same-fes-morocco-travel-guide-2025-what-to-see-do-in-a-different-way-no-more-than-118-characters-as-if-you-were-a-native-american-speaker-as-expert-on-content-creation-and-dont-talk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/rephrase-the-same-fes-morocco-travel-guide-2025-what-to-see-do-in-a-different-way-no-more-than-118-characters-as-if-you-were-a-native-american-speaker-as-expert-on-content-creation-and-dont-talk\/","title":{"rendered":"Rephrase the same Fes Morocco Travel Guide 2025: What to See &#038; Do in a different way  no more than 118 characters, as if you were a native American speaker as expert on content creation and dont talk about yourself or your experience"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<p class=\"post-modified-info\">Last Updated on July 31, 2025<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fes, Morocco (also spelt Fez) \u2014 is Morocco\u2019s oldest imperial city, but it\u2019s often rushed as travellers focus on more popular stops like Marrakech or Chefchaouen. That\u2019s a mistake. Fes, Morocco, offers a completely different energy: intense, layered, and raw. It\u2019s (still) not so polished for tourists \u2014 and that\u2019s exactly why it\u2019s worth your time.<\/strong><\/p>\n<nav class=\"wp-block-kadence-tableofcontents kb-table-of-content-nav kb-table-of-content-id58008_65e776-51\" role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\"\/>\n<p>As a travel planner who has visited Fes many times and in different years, I always experience it as an unfiltered city that has changed little. The medina feels massive and real \u2014 not staged or curated. It\u2019s home to over 9,000 streets, some so narrow you have to turn sideways to pass. It\u2019s chaotic, easy to get lost in, and full of market life that still runs on a local rhythm. If you\u2019re looking for a deeper, less touristic experience of a Moroccan medina, Fes, Morocco, is where to go. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Panorama_city_view-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"morocco fez view panorama new town\" class=\"wp-image-58055 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Panorama_city_view-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Panorama_city_view-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Panorama_city_view-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Panorama_city_view-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Panorama_city_view.jpg 1728w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fes Medina panoramic view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fes Morocco: historical importance<\/h2>\n<p>Fes was established in the late 8th century by Idris I, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad, who fled to Morocco and founded the Idrisid dynasty. The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Zawiya_of_Moulay_Idris_II\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mausoleum of Idris I in Fes<\/a> is considered a sacred religious site and functions like a shrine (ziyarah site)\u2014a place where Muslims come to pay respects. Only Muslims are allowed to enter the mausoleum, while non-Muslims can view the entrance from the outside (photo bellow). <\/p>\n<p>Fes is one of Morocco\u2019s four imperial cities and served as the country\u2019s capital multiple times\u2014first under the Idrisid dynasty around 809 AD, and later under the Marinid dynasty in the 13th century. It remained a political center until the capital eventually shifted to Rabat in the 20th century. <\/p>\n<p>Fes is the second-largest city in Morocco, with a population of approximately 1.3 million people as of 2025. The city covers about 320 km\u00b2. Its historic medina, called Fes el-Bali, is one of the world\u2019s largest and oldest pedestrian-only urban areas, with over 9,000 narrow streets. This maze-like layout makes it a unique and authentic example of a traditional Moroccan medina \u2013 much larger and more easily to get lost in than in Marrakech. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58035\" alt=\"morocco fez street caffee locals\" class=\"wp-image-58035 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"768\" data-eio-rheight=\"1024\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58035\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"morocco fez street caffee locals\" class=\"wp-image-58035 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina25.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58058\" alt=\"morocco fez\" class=\"wp-image-58058 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"768\" data-eio-rheight=\"1024\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58058\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"morocco fez\" class=\"wp-image-58058 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Zaouia_Moulay_Idriss_II.jpg 1200w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"58078\" alt=\"morocco fez The mausoleum of Idris I in Fes\" class=\"wp-image-58078 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"1200\" data-eio-rheight=\"900\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" data-id=\"58078\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited.jpg\" alt=\"morocco fez The mausoleum of Idris I in Fes\" class=\"wp-image-58078 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina30-edited-768x576.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD, is located in Fes and is considered the oldest continuously operating degree-granting university in the world. For centuries, it has been a center of Islamic scholarship, culture, and education, contributing to Fes\u2019s reputation as a historic hub of learning and religion.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long to stay in Fez?<\/h2>\n<p>Fes is a beautiful but large city to explore. If you have two days, that\u2019s the perfect amount of time to see the main sights without rushing. One day explore Medina and another day \u2013 a bit of a new town, walk in the gardens, take a cooking class or food tasting tour. One day can work, but you\u2019ll need to move quickly. More than two days makes sense only if you want to dive deeper into the city or add extra day trips nearby. <\/p>\n<p>Fes fits nicely into a 10-day Morocco itinerary, especially if you\u2019re combining it with a desert trip or a visit to Chefchaouen. Just keep in mind that distances in Morocco are long\u2014the drive from Marrakech to Fes takes about six to seven hours. Perfect if you are doing a desert trip from Marrakech, so in Merzouga, you take the long road directly to Fez. <\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" alt=\"morocco fez\" class=\"wp-image-58043 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-1024x683.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37.jpg 1728w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"1024\" data-eio-rheight=\"683\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"morocco fez\" class=\"wp-image-58043 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina37.jpg 1728w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Fes:<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Car:<\/strong> Renting a car in Morocco (I recommend <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/?a_aid=Blondieinmorocco\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.discovercars.com<\/a>) or booking a private transfer gives you flexibility but involves long drives (around 7 hours\u2019 drive from Marrakech or the Sahara desert).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Train:<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oncf-voyages.ma\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ONCF company <\/a> trains (read more in my post Intercity buses and trains in Morocco. A Traveler\u2019s Guide) connect Marrakech, Rabat, and Casablanca with Fes. <\/li>\n<li><strong>Bus:<\/strong> Companies like <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/ctm.ma\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CTM<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.supratours.ma\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Supratours<\/a> run regular buses from Marrakech, Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, Chefchouen (only CTM) and other cities to Fes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flight:<\/strong> Flying is the fastest option. Fes is served by <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fezairport.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fes-Sa\u00efs Airport<\/a> (40min drive from Medina), with direct flights from Marrakech Menara Airport (check Ryanair flights),  Casablanca Mohammed V Airport (check Royalairmaroc flights), and Agadir Al Massira Airport (check Ryanair flights). <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>P.S. Taxis and cars are not allowed inside the Medina of Fes. If your riad is located deeper inside, you\u2019ll need to walk from the nearest gate. Ask your riad which gate is closest for drop-off (especially for taxi drivers as they will not know most of the riads), or where to park if you\u2019re driving. Some riads offer staff to meet and walk you in\u2014don\u2019t forget to tip them. At night, parts of the Medina\u2014especially deeper inside\u2014can be dark and uncomfortable to navigate. For my clients, I always recommend riads in convenient locations or personally arrange for someone to meet them on arrival. You can book my A to Z itinerary services to have a stress-free experience in Fez. <\/em><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58095\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58095 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"768\" data-eio-rheight=\"1024\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58095\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58095 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets1.jpg 1000w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58026\" alt=\"fez street narrow medina\" class=\"wp-image-58026 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-768x1024.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley.jpg 1440w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"768\" data-eio-rheight=\"1024\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"58026\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"fez street narrow medina\" class=\"wp-image-58026 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fes_Morocco_Fez_Medina_street_narrow_alley.jpg 1440w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"58099\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58099 lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited-768x768.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"auto\" data-eio-rwidth=\"1000\" data-eio-rheight=\"1000\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"58099\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-58099 lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blondieinmorocco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Fez_Medina_Fez_Morocco_streets2-edited-768x768.jpg 768w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" data-eio=\"l\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fez Morocco: places to visit<\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FES MEDINA<\/h3>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Bou Inania &amp; Al\u2011Attarine Madrasas<\/h5>\n<p>Built by the Marinid dynasty in the 14th century (Bou Inania: 1350\u201355, Attarine: 1323\u201325), these two religious schools are stunning examples of traditional Moroccan architecture. Bou Inania is unique among Fes madrasas for having a working mosque inside and a central fountain fed by the nearby river. While Marrakech\u2019s Ben Youssef Madrasa is more famous, Fes\u2019s versions are quieter and richly detailed.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts &amp; Crafts<br \/><\/h5>\n<p>Housed in an 18th-century caravanserai, this museum showcases traditional Fassi woodworking tools and art. Climb to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views over the medina and enjoy mint tea in a peaceful courtyard\u2014an authentic Fes moment.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3, Dar Batha (Bahta Museum)<\/h5>\n<p>A former royal palace built between 1886\u20131907, turned museum in 1915, featuring thousands of ceramic pieces, textiles, and carved woodwork. I love its peaceful garden\u2014it\u2019s a calm and shaded place to walk after a busy stroll through the medina.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4, Zawiya of Moulay Idris II (Moulay Idris Shrine)<br \/><\/h5>\n<p>Built to honor Moulay Idris II (ruled 807\u2013828), the spiritual founder of Fes. The current shrine dates from around 1717\u201319, with elaborate carved wood, stucco, and colorful mosaic tilework. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the ornate fa\u00e7ade and minaret are impressive to admire.<\/p>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Maristan of Sidi Frej<\/h4>\n<p>The Maristan of Sidi Frej in Fez was the first hospital for mental and psychological illnesses in the world. It was also one of the oldest multi-specialty hospitals. Built in the 13th century by the Marinids, it functioned until the 20th century. You can\u2019t go inside today as the original building is gone. A funduq with small shops stands in its place. You can still see the hospital sign from the outside. <\/p>\n<p>The building is between Tala\u2019a Kebira and the Zawiya of Moulay Idris II, it opens onto a quiet square with trees and this used to be the henna market (Souq el-Henna). Even though can look like nothing special, I liked the atmosphere here, in this little cozy square.<\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medina Sights &amp; Souks<\/h3>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Dar al-Magana (Water Clock)<\/strong><br \/><\/h5>\n<p>Located across from Bou Inania Madrasa on <strong>Tala\u2019a Kebira<\/strong>, this 14th-century hydraulic clock was completed in <strong>May 1357<\/strong>, designed to mark prayer times with a series of 12 or 13 brass bowls and wooden doors. The mechanism no longer works, but the fa\u00e7ade and wooden beams (now restored) still fascinate. You can only view it from the outside. <\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chouara Tannery \u2013 the Oldest Leather Tannery in Fes, Morocco<br \/><\/h5>\n<p>The <strong>Chouara Tannery<\/strong> is one of the most iconic places to visit in <strong>Fes, Morocco<\/strong>. Dating back to the 11th century, it is the largest and oldest tannery in the city and still operates using traditional techniques. Located deep in the Medina, Chouara is instantly recognizable by its large stone vats filled with natural dyes and soaking agents used to process animal hides into leather. The process is entirely natural and hasn\u2019t changed for centuries. Animal skins are first soaked in a mixture of water, quicklime, and pigeon droppings\u2014an effective natural source of ammonia.  Visiting the tannery is free, but it\u2019s accessed through surrounding leather shops, which offer rooftop terraces overlooking the vats. Often, a shop worker or local guide will greet you at the door, offer a sprig of mint to mask the intense smell, and explain the leather-making process. While there\u2019s no obligation to purchase anything, tipping the person who guides you is appreciated.  While Chouara is the most famous tannery in the city, there are also smaller ones like <strong>Sidi Moussa<\/strong> and <strong>Ain Azliten<\/strong>, which offer a quieter, less crowded experience.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The photogenic western entrance to Fes el-Bali, with blue and green tilework. A well-known meeting point and ideal place to start your exploration of the medina.<\/p>\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>Medina Souks &amp; Narrow Streets<\/strong><\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Fes el-Bali contains over <strong>9,000 narrow alleys<\/strong>\u2014mostly car-free and easily maze-like. <strong>Souk Seffarine<\/strong> (coppersmiths) is a highlight, where the rhythmic hammering creates an unforgettable soundtrack to the medina.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ville Nouvelle (New Town)<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Avenue Hassan II &amp; Colonial Squares<\/strong><br \/>Built during the French Protectorate (from <strong>1912<\/strong> onward), this wide boulevard is lined with caf\u00e9s, shops, and mixes Art Deco and neo\u2011Moorish architecture. Key public spaces include <strong>Place de la R\u00e9sistance<\/strong>, <strong>Place Florence<\/strong>, and <strong>Place Ahmad El Mansour<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Museum of Arms (Borj Nord)<\/strong><br \/>Housed inside a 16th-century Portuguese-style fortress, the museum opened in <strong>1963<\/strong> and displays a major collection of Moroccan and medieval weapons. If you have a car or don\u2019t mind a taxi ride just outside the medina walls, it\u2019s worth the visit for history and panoramic city views. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Royal Palace Gates (Dar el-Makhzen)<\/strong><br \/>The grand golden gates built during Sultan Hassan I\u2019s late 19th-century reign are visible from outside\u2014worth a photo stop and symbolizing Fes\u2019s ongoing status within the kingdom.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jnan Sbil Gardens<\/strong><br \/>Created in the 18th century and restored in <strong>2011<\/strong>, these public gardens cover around <strong>7.5 hectares<\/strong> of greenery, fountains, shaded paths, and water wheels. A peaceful contrast to the medina\u2019s bustle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Art D\u2019Argile<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Art D\u2019Argile<\/strong> is a pottery and mosaic workshop located just outside the Medina, not inside the touristy core. It\u2019s a great place to watch skilled artisans handcraft traditional Moroccan ceramics and colorful zellige tiles using high-quality clay. While it\u2019s also a shop where you can buy these beautiful pieces, the real highlight is seeing the craftsmen at work. If you\u2019re interested in Moroccan artisan culture beyond the usual Medina markets, Art D\u2019Argile offers an authentic glimpse into this age-old craft.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Stay in Fes, Morocco<\/h3>\n<p>Fes has many traditional <strong>riads<\/strong>\u2014Moroccan guesthouses often hidden inside the Medina. These riads usually have large courtyards, colorful tiles, and very detailed decor. For my personal taste, they can feel a bit overwhelming\u2014like sleeping in a 1001 Nights palace\u2014so if you prefer minimal design, it\u2019s harder to find here compared to Marrakesh.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re coming with a car, always check how far the riad is from the nearest road or parking. Some are deep in the Medina and hard to reach without GPS. I recommend staying near the <strong>Blue Gate<\/strong> or in the <strong>Batha<\/strong> area\u2014both are quieter, easier to access, and still central. You can also stay in the <strong>New Town<\/strong> if you prefer modern hotels and direct road access.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day Trips from Fes<\/h3>\n<p>Fes is a perfect base to explore northern Morocco\u2019s rich history and culture. Just 40 minutes away by train or car is <strong>Meknes<\/strong>, an imperial city known for its grand gates and royal architecture. From Meknes, you can take a short taxi ride to <strong>Volubilis<\/strong>, a well-preserved Roman archaeological site dating back to the 3rd century AD. Nearby is <strong>Moulay Idriss Zerhoun<\/strong>, a sacred town that until recently did not allow Muslims to stay overnight. It\u2019s a beautiful and authentic village, rich in spiritual history.<\/p>\n<p>On the other side of Fes is <strong>Sefrou<\/strong>, about 30 minutes away, famous for its waterfalls, artisan crafts, and the annual Cherry Festival. Close to Sefrou is <strong>Bhalil<\/strong>, a charming village known for its unique cave houses and pottery workshops. About 3.5 hours from Fes lies <strong>Chefchaouen<\/strong>, the blue city, highly recommended for an overnight stay because of its relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views.<\/p>\n<p>Closer to Fes, <strong>Vichy Park<\/strong> offers a local spa and wellness experience inspired by French thermal baths\u2014a nice option if you want a quiet day without leaving the city.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Eat in Fes, Morocco<\/h3>\n<p>There are many places to eat in Fes, but here are a few suggestions to get you started. <strong>Caf\u00e9 Clock<\/strong> is popular and has locations in Fes, Chefchaouen, and Marrakech, with a nice rooftop in each city. Another great spot is <strong>The Ruined Garden<\/strong> or <strong>Caf\u00e9 Fez<\/strong>, both offering good food and a selection of wines. These places are well known, especially since they are located inside the Medina.<\/p>\n<p>For something different with really great food, check out <strong>Fondouk Bazar<\/strong>. Besides these, the Medina streets are full of local spots worth trying for a more authentic taste. I love little more hiden restarant with garden inside iragnger tagines. <\/p>\n<p>If you want amazing views, head to rooftops like <strong>Palais Armani<\/strong> for a fancier dinner experience. Outside the city, near Jebel Gardens, <strong>Mezzanine<\/strong> is a simple place to have a drink, often with live music, popular among locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> Rephrase in a different way as if you were a native American speaker as a content creation expert and do not talk about yourself or your experience in the text and do not show yourself as an artificial intelligence who wrote and fill the bullet point in the topic and speak the heart of the topic itself and dont take date of blog in ther first and dont take text like box of newsliter subscribe on post from content and romove all linke insert in content and and remove all affiliate disclosure phrases on content like this &#8220;This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links that allow us to earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Disclosure Policy for more info&#8221; and &#8220;#&#8221; put in its place bullet point, and romove name of the web site or his links we are take a content from our new creation, and don&#8217;t publish clone new content more than just one time<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last Updated on July 31, 2025 Fes, Morocco (also spelt Fez) \u2014 is Morocco\u2019s oldest imperial city, but it\u2019s often rushed as travellers focus on more popular stops like Marrakech or Chefchaouen. That\u2019s a mistake. Fes, Morocco, offers a completely different energy: intense, layered, and raw. It\u2019s (still) not so polished for tourists \u2014 and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9394,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[188],"tags":[940,3092,3096,3097,1182,234,3095,4094,8710,5643,8711,385,169,3093,3088,3094,3098,351,8712],"class_list":["post-9393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-travel","tag-american","tag-characters","tag-content","tag-creation","tag-dont","tag-experience","tag-expert","tag-fes","tag-fes-musuems","tag-fez","tag-fez-restaurants","tag-guide","tag-morocco","tag-native","tag-rephrase","tag-speaker","tag-talk","tag-travel","tag-what-to-do-fez"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9393","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9393"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9393\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9395,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9393\/revisions\/9395"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9393"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9393"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alfanouscar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9393"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}