Fez is a medieval city in northern Morocco located 201 km (2h-drive) southeast of Rabat capital city and 320 km (3h-drive) northeast of Casablanca. The city can also be reached by train from Rabat. The Fez River flows through the city which covers an area of sq. 320 km and has a population of 1.256 million (2024) and is divided into two districts which include Medina of Fez and Ville Nouvelle. The Medina of Fez consists of two old towns which include Fes el-Bali and Fes Jdid marked by unique monuments and structures dating back between the 9th and 15th centuries including fondouks, the ancient inns known as caravanserais, residences, palaces, madrasas known as higher educational centers, mosques and fountains. Due to the unique architecture and cultural landscape that has been maintained, the Medina of Fez was inscribed on the UNESCO world heritage list in 1981 and is recognized as the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. The Medina of Fez Morocco is also the largest car-free zone in the world due to the ancient, narrow, and winding streets which are too narrow for cars to pass through. As such, tourists can only explore the city on foot with a professional guide. Nouvelle Ville is the commercial and administrative center of Fez and contains modern buildings, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and shopping centers. Morocco was colonized by France and the French established Nouvelle Ville as a new separate, modern urban space to serve their colonial interests.
Things to see and do in Fez
Mount Zalagh
At 870m (2 854ft) above sea level Mount Zalagh is 9 km (20-min drive) north of the Medina of Fez and can be reached by car for half a day tour. Getting to the top takes 1-2 hours depending on the pace of hikers. The trail winds through olive groves and local farms of caper bush that surround the mountain. As such, the hike can also include a detour to the local farm to see how olives are grown and harvested to produce olive oil among other products including cheese and bread.
University of Al-Qarawiyyin
The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized by UNESCO and the Guinness World Records as the oldest continually operating higher learning institution in the world. Al-Qarawiyyin was originally established as a mosque complex which included a madrasa in the 9th century. Among the people credited for establishing Al-Qarawiyyin is a woman named Fatima al-Fihri who was born in the city of Qairouan in Tunisia. She moved to the city of Fez during the Idrisid dynasty and named her new place after her home town. Building the main mosque was inspired by classical Islamic architecture and it contains typical features including a minaret, prayer halls, courtyards, fountain and a scholar’s functional library with a collection of 1,600 manuscripts and 400 printed books. The mosque started to attract community gatherings known as Halaqas through which people would learn about Islam among other social subjects including development. According to World History archives, the earliest records of teaching date back to the 12th century and Al-Qarawiyyin is thought to have become a university of Islamic learning attracting students from around the world. Students were granted “Ijazah” which is equivalent to a degree in several disciplines including science, cartography, theology, law, history, literature, astronomy among others, making for the world’s first degree granting university. The legacy of Fatima and the university has had across the world include pioneering the university model, development of Islamic education, promoting scholarship and intellectual exchange among scholars from around the world. It is also believed that Al Qarawiyyin inspired the European Renaissance. The government of Morocco incorporated Al-Qarawiyyin into Morocco’s public university system in 1963 and the university is still functioning offering world class education and research. You can visit the Al-Qarawiyyin university and admire its architecture from the outside, given that non-muslims are not allowed to access. Al-Qarawiyyin Library is open for visitors and offers an opportunity to explore the exhibition room for manuscripts, a small museum that showcases the history of the Qarawiyine complex, a laboratory for the treatment of old books, and a cafe.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Madrasa is an Arabic word meaning a muslim school, college, or university that is often part of a mosque (Webster dictionary). Al-Attarine Madrasa is located annex to the University of al-Qarawiyyin mosque and was established in the year 1325 falls to serve as a school for Islamic religious studies. During that time in the 14th century Fez Morocco was ruled by the Marinid Barber dynasty, who developed Fez as a center of learning. Al-Attarine Madrasa building with 3 floors is a typical Marinid architecture and consists of a courtyard, prayer rooms and space for accommodation. The courtyard is the most attractive feature of the madrasa designed with a marble fountain in the center. Visitors can admire the traditional Moroccan art and decorative elements on the walls include Zellij tile geometric designs, and carved stucco ornaments.
Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts
Originally founded as a Royal Palace of Sultan Hassan I of Morocco, Dar Batha was turned into a national Museum of Art in 1915 and contains over 6,000 artifacts including Fez Blue that dates back to the 10th century. Fez Blue is a traditional Moroccan style of decorating ceramics using a cobalt blue glaze to create intricate geometric patterns, floral motifs among other designs. Such designs reflect the art and architecture of several cultures including Berber, Arab and Persian. Dar Batha Museum is a great place to explore the rich tradition of Fez Blue art and those intending to buy the blue ceramics among other products such as woodcarvings, astrolabes, Barber carpets can visit the souks along the Talaa Sghera street in Fez el Bali.
Borj Nord Weapons Museum
Borj Nord Museum is 8 km north of Fez el Bali on a hill where the views of Medina of Fez are most spectacular. The museum is housed in Borj Nord fort built in 1582 by Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour who ruled Morocco from 1578 to 1603. The museum was built to preserve the history of weapons in the world and there’s a stunning collection of over 5,000 weapons to see including British artillery RML 9-inch 12-ton gun used in the Battle of Three Kings also known as the Battle of Alcácer Quibir through which Morocco defeated the Portuguese. In addition to the weapons, the museum also contains exhibits of 800 archival photographs among other military items. Being on a hill, Borj Nord Museum can be reached by a taxi from Fez el Bali. The museum can also be reached by a guided walking tour.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Nejjarine is a French word meaning carpenters and this place is dedicated to the craftsmanship of Moroccan woodworkers and carpenters. The museum is housed in a three floor renovated caravanserai, an ancient Inn that provided lodging for camel caravan traders. Each floor contains a gallery with a unique collection of exhibitions displaying wooden items grouped into four categories which include everyday tools, house-related items, musical instruments, and religious objects. The museum building has a square in front of it and there are some workshops and a Souk Nejjarine with a wide range of wooden products made out of cedar wood. Also stunning is the skill of artisans.
Leather tanneries
The city of Fez is also famous for its leather tanneries including Chouara, Sidi Moussa, and Ain Azliten where animal hides and skins are cured to produce leather products. Those intending to see the leather making process can visit one of the tanneries in Fez. Chouara Tannery, the largest of the three is considered to be the oldest tannery in the world having been founded in the 13th century. Chouara is over 800 years old and has been maintained almost in its original form. The tannery is located in the heart of the Median of Fez el Bali amidst shops. From the window of these shops surrounding the Chouara tannery you can get a view of the tannery and the men at work. Go down to the tannery to witness firsthand how animal hides and skins are processed through a three step process of preparation, tanning and finishing. Natural dyes and colours are used to cure and the hides and skins are manually softened to retain their authentic material. Moroccan leather is authentic due to the way it’s made through the traditional ways that has been passed down from generations. A wide range of products including bags, belts, shoes can be found in the shops and souks in Fez.
Souks in Fez
Souks is the local name for markets in Morocco and the city of Fez offers a wide range of souks for all your shopping needs. Souks operate during the day and that’s the best time you should plan to visit. Some of the best souks in Fez include as follows:-
Boujloud Souk
This souk offers a vibrant introduction to the old town Fez el Bali as it is located at the Grand entrance known as the Blue Gates of Fez, making for a great starting point of your Median of Fez tour.
Boujloud is the go-to Souk of locals for fresh produce such as vegetables, meats, herbs, spices, and traditional Moroccan foods are available in plenty. In this souk experience both food and the vibrant daily lives of Moroccans.
Souk Jeld
The leather market in Fez Morocco Souk Jeld is located next to the Chouara tannery and offers the first class leather products including bags, shoes, belts, wallets, and jackets.
Bougueddach Collective
Also known as the Weaving Square Bougueddach Collective offers an opportunity to explore the Moroccan traditional weaving industry where weavers use hands and other methods to make colorful textiles and fabrics including scarves, rugs, blankets. Bougueddach Collective is located in Fes el Bali closer to the The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II.
Where to stay in Fez
The city of Fez offers a wide range of accommodations including Riads which are traditional Moroccan houses in a courtyard. Places to stay are found both within the Medina of Fez and outside the walled city of which those outside the city offer peaceful atmosphere are still close to the city.
Riad Fes Relais & Châteaux
A luxury boutique hotel located in the Medina of Fez, Riad fez offers 32 rooms which are categorized into classic, deluxe and deluxe superior rooms each decorated with a combination of Moroccan, Baroque, and Andalusian decor. Rooms feature cable TV, bathtubs and showers, and separate sitting areas, making for a comfortable atmosphere. The hotel serves only bed and breakfast accommodation and guests can enjoy a wide range of services including buffet breakfast and barbecue with vegetarian options. Facilities at the hotel include swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurant and multiple bar lounges, and private dining for couples. There’s a golf course and golf equipment is available as well as golf lessons. Among other activities one can do while staying at the lodge including horseback riding.
La Maison Bleue
Located outside the walled city in the northwestern part of Fes el‑Bali (old medina), La Maison Bleue is in a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation. Major attractions can be reached by a short ride from the hotel including Dar Batha Museum, Nejjarine Square and Museum, Al‑Attarine Madrasa, and the Royal Palace. Riad Fez La Maison Bleue offers accommodation in standard, deluxe, and suites each with handcrafted Moroccan art decor. The suites come with four poster beds, spacious sitting areas, en-suite bathrooms with marble finishes, bathtub and shower of which some feature private terraces and panoramic views of the medina. In-room amenities at La Maison Bleue include air-conditioning with reverse-cycle heating, satellite TV, Wi‑Fi, minibar, electric blankets, and dressing mirrors. Among other amenities include traditional hammam, wellness fitness center, and an on-site restaurant that serves a wide range of traditional Mediterranean dishes.
Palais Faraj
Palais Faraj is a luxury hotel located on a hill on the northern edge of Medina of Fez where views of the old town are spectacular. The hotel offers 31 suites which include Riad rooms, junior, deluxe, ambassador and family suites each with King, Queen or Twin beds, spacious sitting area, en-suit shower bath, soap selections, towels and robes. Among other extra services that enhance comfort in the rooms include Wi-Fi, AC, satellite TV, minibar, safe boxes, and hair dryer, and currency exchange service is available. Facilities include a swimming pool with an adjacent garden patio, which non-staying guests can use. Rooftop terrace for yoga sessions and a panoramic terrace for dining with views of the city make for a good place to enjoy. Two restaurants and two bars offer a wide range of foods and drinks. Buffet breakfast is served with the ability to provide food for various dietary needs.
Karawan Riad
Karawan Riad is a 5-star luxury boutique hotel located 17 km (8.7 miles) away from Fez Saïss International Airport, 1.6 km from the Blue Gates of Fez, and 800 meters from the University of Al-Qarawiyyin and mosque. This makes for a convenient location to stay and explore attractions in Fez. Karawan Riad hotel building is a traditional Moroccan riad that was built in the 17th century and has been restored with luxury amenities including Spa, restaurant, and rooftop lounge. The hotel offers 7 suites including family and non-smoking rooms each with a bathtub, en-suite private bathrooms, AC, wardrobe, and private balcony.