Fes Travel Guide: History, Things to Do & Local Tips

Fes is the heart of Morocco. It is old. It is deep. It is real. If Marrakech is loud and colorful, Fes is quiet and wise. This city is not built for tourists. It is a living place with schools, markets, mosques, and families.

Fes is where Morocco keeps its memory.

Why Visit Fes?

Fes is the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. It was founded more than 1,200 years ago. Its old city, called Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest car-free areas in the world. When you walk inside the medina, you walk inside history.

You see donkeys carrying goods, old fountains, wooden doors from the 1300s, and shops run by the same families for generations. Fes does not try to impress you; it simply exists.

A Short History of Fes

Fes was founded in the year 789. Later, it became the capital of Morocco. Kings built schools, palaces, and mosques here. One of the most important places is Al-Qarawiyyin University. It opened in the year 859. Many historians call it the oldest university in the world.

For centuries, students came to Fes to study religion, science, law, and language. This is why people call Fes the “intellectual city” of Morocco.

The Old City: Fes el-Bali

This is the soul of Fes. More than 9,000 small streets form a maze. No cars. Only people, donkeys, and small carts. Inside the medina you find old schools called madrasas, traditional markets, mosques, tanneries, and hidden gardens.

You should explore it with a local guide on your first day. Not because it is dangerous, but because it is easy to get lost.

Top Things to Do in Fes

Visit Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University

You cannot enter the prayer hall if you are not Muslim, but you can see the beautiful gates and courtyards. It is one of the most important religious places in Africa.

Explore Bou Inania Madrasa

This is one of the few religious schools open to visitors. Inside you see carved wood, colorful tiles, and a marble courtyard. It was built in the 1300s and is one of the most beautiful buildings in Fes.

See the Chouara Tannery

This is where leather is made using ancient methods. You will see large stone pools filled with natural colors. Yes, it smells strong, but it is one of the most famous sights in Morocco. Tip: go early in the morning for better light and fewer people.

Walk Through the Souks

Fes has special markets for each craft: copper workers, wood carvers, pottery makers, spice sellers, and cloth weavers. This system is more than 800 years old. You are not just shopping; you are watching living history.

Visit the Pottery Quarter

Outside the old city is an area called Ain Nokbi. This is where famous blue pottery from Fes is made. You can visit workshops and see clay shaping, hand painting, and tile cutting called zellige.

Food in Fes

Fes is famous for traditional Moroccan food. Try chicken pastilla, beef tagine with plums, harira soup, or fresh bread from local ovens. You can also join a cooking class inside the medina.

Fes or Marrakech?

Both are great, but different. Fes is quiet, deep in culture, and less tourist-focused. Marrakech is busy, modern, and easy to navigate. Many travelers choose both.

At Private Morocco Tour, we build guided visits in Fes with licensed local guides and safe routes. Fes is not just a destination; it is a story. And you are welcome inside it.