Fes
Plan Fes with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step out of your riad before breakfast and Fes closes around you. The lane is barely a shoulder wide, the walls rise on both sides in carved plaster and cedar, and the air carries woodsmoke, fresh bread and the sweet scent of tanned leather. A donkey laden with copper trays squeezes past, a muezzin's call answers itself from a dozen minarets, and water runs in a channel beneath your feet.
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Fes at first sight
Fes is the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, founded in the ninth century and still the country's spiritual and intellectual heart. Its medina is the largest car-free urban area in the world and one of the best preserved medieval cities anywhere. Nothing in Morocco feels more authentic, or asks more of a traveller's curiosity, than a first morning lost in Fes el-Bali.
Why include Fes in your itinerary?
- Fes el-Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage medina of thousands of lanes, with no cars at all. Goods still move by donkey and handcart, and artisans work much as they have for centuries, which makes the city a living museum rather than a preserved one.
- The Al-Qarawiyyin complex, founded in the ninth century, is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Its mosque, libraries and the carved madrasas nearby show Fes as Morocco's centre of learning and faith.
- Fes is the craft capital of Morocco. Leather tanneries, brass workshops, blue Fassi pottery and zellige mosaic are all produced here, and the city's cuisine, with its pastilla, harira and slow-cooked tagines, is considered the most refined in the country.
Signature experiences in Fes
Fes el-Bali, the Largest Living Medina
Behind the great gate of Bab Bou Jeloud lies a labyrinth of lanes, fountains, madrasas and workshops that no map can fully explain. The Bou Inania Madrasa, with its carved cedar and glittering zellige, and the exteriors of Al-Qarawiyyin are highlights. A licensed guide is essential here, and our guided city day tour, led by trusted local partners, brings clarity to every turn.
Tanneries, Potters and Brass Workers
Fes is where Moroccan craft is made. At Chouara Tannery, workers dip hides into stone vats of natural dye while visitors look down from leather-shop terraces, mint sprigs in hand against the smell. Beyond, potters throw and paint blue Fassi ceramics, and brass workers hammer lanterns and trays. Our day tour with a local partner arranges visits to genuine workshops where you can watch, ask and choose with confidence.
Bab Bou Jeloud, Fes el-Jdid and the Merenid Tombs
Wander out beyond the blue gate of Bab Bou Jeloud to Fes el-Jdid, the 'New Fes', with its palace doors of carved brass and its quiet royal quarter. From the ruined Merenid Tombs on the hill above, the whole medina spreads out at sunset like a sea of terracotta rooftops. A private car with driver arranged by our team takes you to the viewpoints without a long uphill climb.
Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes by Day Tour
An easy day tour from Fes reaches Roman Volubilis, with its mosaic floors and triumphal arch among olive groves, the hillside pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss, and the imperial city of Meknes with its monumental gate, Bab Mansour. It is a long and rewarding day, best done with a driver and guide arranged by our team so each stop has its story.
A Fassi Table: Pastilla, Harira and Mint Tea
Fes is Morocco's culinary capital, and the table here is a ritual. Meals begin with soup and a spread of small salads, then pastilla of chicken, almonds and cinnamon, followed by lamb with prunes or a slow tagine and sweet pastries. Our team can arrange dinner in a restored palace or riad with our trusted local partners, with a private car with driver for your return to the hotel.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Fes
Fes el-Bali
The ancient walled medina, with riads and guesthouses set in lanes behind high walls. It is immersive, atmospheric and surprisingly safe by day, though confusing at night, and you will arrive on foot or by porter. Choose it for authenticity and quiet courtyard evenings, and avoid arriving after dark without guidance. Our private transfers meet you at the gate.
Fes el-Jdid
The 'New Fes', founded in the thirteenth century, houses the royal palace's grand brass doors, old squares and quiet gardens. It is calmer than the old medina and easier to navigate, with open boulevards nearby. Best explored by day with a guide, it is a good half-day addition to any itinerary.
Ville Nouvelle
The modern French-era district of broad avenues, cafés, restaurants and contemporary hotels, close to the railway station. It is the best choice for easy arrival, car access and a comfortable base, and the old city is a short taxi ride away. Streets are well lit, calm in the evening and very practical for families and business travellers.
Batha and the Talaa Kebira
The area around the Batha Gate and the Talaa Kebira, the medina's main artery, combines museums, craft stalls and cafés. It is busy and loud during the day but full of colour, with plenty of places to stop for tea. It is ideal for a half-day wander with a guide, and a good bridge between the two medinas.
How long to stay in Fes and how to pair it
Recommended stay
Plan two to three nights in Fes. The first day is for Fes el-Bali with a guide, the second for craft workshops, Fes el-Jdid and the viewpoints, and a third for a day tour to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes. With one night only, you will see the highlights but little else.
How to pair it
Fes sits at the centre of the northern loop. In seven days pair it with Meknes, Chefchaouen and Rabat, then finish in Casablanca. For ten days add Marrakech and the Atlas, crossing the Middle Atlas towards the desert at Merzouga. Over fourteen days extend to Essaouira and Ouarzazate. Our train tickets, flight tickets and private transfers link each stage comfortably.
Best time to visit Fes and the rhythm of the day
Best months
March to May and September to November are ideal, with warm days, cool nights and the medina at its most comfortable. Summer is hot and dry, so keep sightseeing to the morning and evening. Winter is cool and often wet, with chilly nights and fewer visitors, but the medina's courtyards are especially atmospheric and hotels are quieter and good value.
The daily rhythm
Mornings are for the medina, when streets are calm, artisans are starting work and the light falls in shafts through the lanes. Lunch is a slow affair in a courtyard, followed by rest as the heat peaks. Late afternoon takes you to a viewpoint or a craft workshop, and evenings end with dinner in a restored palace and mint tea on a rooftop.
On-the-ground logistics in Fes
Arrival
Fes-Saïss Airport is about fifteen to twenty minutes by road from the city. The railway station is in the Ville Nouvelle, with trains from Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Tangier. Cars stop at the medina gates, so our private transfer meets you at arrivals, drives to the nearest gate and arranges a porter to carry your luggage to your riad.
Getting around
Fes el-Bali is entirely on foot, with lanes that are narrow, steep and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes. Red petit taxis, which should use the meter, link the gates, Fes el-Jdid and the Ville Nouvelle, and ride-hailing apps operate in parts of the new city. For viewpoints, Volubilis and Meknes, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable choice.
Local etiquette tip
Hire only licensed guides, and politely decline the young men who offer to lead you to a workshop, as they earn commissions. Agree prices clearly before any purchase or service. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, and remember that non-Muslims cannot enter the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque. Ask before photographing artisans, and a small tip is welcome.
Must-do things in Fes
- Enter Fes el-Bali through Bab Bou Jeloud with a licensed local guide
- Admire the carved cedar and zellige of the Bou Inania Madrasa
- Watch the dye vats at Chouara Tannery from a terrace
- Visit potters and brass workers in genuine family workshops
- Watch the medina glow from the Merenid Tombs at sunset
- Explore Fes el-Jdid's royal gates and quiet squares
- Dine on pastilla and slow-cooked tagine in a restored palace
- Take a day tour to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes
- Sip mint tea on a rooftop terrace above the medina
- Browse the booksellers and spice stalls along the Talaa Kebira
Do’s and don’ts in Fes
Do
- Hire a licensed guide for your first day in Fes el-Bali
- Wear sturdy flat shoes for uneven, steep lanes
- Agree prices before buying or using any service
- Arrive at your riad before dark with our private transfer
- Visit workshops with a trusted guide who has genuine partners
Don’t
- Do not follow strangers who offer to lead you to a shop
- Do not try to enter the Al-Qarawiyyin mosque as a non-Muslim
- Do not photograph artisans without asking permission
- Do not walk alone in the medina after dark without guidance
- Do not wear revealing clothing in the medina or religious areas
Fes at a glance
Plan Fes with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
More services in Fes
Where we operate in Morocco
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Fes.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Fes?
For atmosphere, choose a riad in Fes el-Bali, near Bab Bou Jeloud or Talaa Kebira, and expect to walk or use a porter from the gate. If you prefer easy car access and modern comfort, the Ville Nouvelle is practical. Our team can suggest options and meet you on arrival.
Can Fes be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
Fes can be seen on a very long day trip from Meknes or Chefchaouen, but it deserves at least one overnight stay, and ideally two. The medina is best seen in the quiet morning light, and evenings in a courtyard riad are part of the experience. We can arrange day tours and private transfers.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Fes?
Fes is conservative and traditional, so dress modestly in the medina, with shoulders and knees covered. Ask permission before photographing people, particularly artisans and women, and agree prices before accepting any service. Non-Muslims cannot enter active mosques, and hospitality is part of daily life, so accept mint tea graciously.
Is Fes tourist friendly?
Yes. Fes welcomes visitors from around the world, with many guesthouses, guides and craftspeople used to international travellers. The medina can feel overwhelming, especially on the first day, and unofficial guides can be persistent. A licensed guide, a clear plan and a polite no make the experience relaxed and rewarding.
Is it safe to travel to Fes now?
Fes has long welcomed visitors, with tourist police near the main gates and monuments. Conditions can change, so check your government's official travel advice before departure. In the medina, keep valuables close, avoid unofficial guides and be careful at night. Our WhatsApp line is available throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Fes?
Enter Fes el-Bali with a licensed guide, see the Bou Inania Madrasa and Chouara Tannery, and visit potters and brass workers. Watch the sunset from the Merenid Tombs, dine on pastilla in a restored palace, and add a day tour to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes.
How many days do you need in Fes?
Two full days and three nights suit most travellers: one day for Fes el-Bali with a guide, another for craft workshops, Fes el-Jdid and the viewpoints, and a third for a day tour to Volubilis and Meknes. With only one night, you will see the highlights but not much more.
What can I book in Fes with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, private airport transfers, flight tickets and train tickets, including Middle Atlas Day Trip with Ifrane National Park from Fes, Merzouga Desert 3-Day Tour to Marrakech from Fes and Merzouga Desert 2-Day Tour to Marrakech from Fes. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Fes?
Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ) is about 15 km south-west of Fes city centre, around twenty to thirty minutes from the medina, about 75 km from Meknes and some 200 km from Chefchaouen by road. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Fes?
The airport has no train, and the airport bus goes to the station rather than the medina; petit taxis are metered but often over-quoted at arrivals, so a pre-booked private car with a fixed pick-up is simpler, and cars cannot enter the medina lanes in any case; trains from Fes Station reach Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Fes?
Among them: Middle Atlas Day Trip with Ifrane National Park from Fes, Merzouga Desert 3-Day Tour to Marrakech from Fes, Merzouga Desert 2-Day Tour to Marrakech from Fes, Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes by Shared Van and Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes Day Trip from Fes. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Fes?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.