Fes also known as Fez, Morocco’s oldest city, it was established by Moulay Idris I, Fes is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, is a labyrinth of history, craftsmanship, and vibrant street life. Known for its medieval medina, lovely attractions and historic attractions. Moreover, Fes is well known as the scientific city of Morocco due to the large number of schools and Madrasas the city has to offers including Al Qaraoouine University, which is world’s oldest university and UNESCO world heritage site. Furthermore, Fes is a amazing destination in Morocco for visitors seeking a marvelous experience with rich cultural immersions, adventures and relaxation, in this guide; we will cover the most essential things to do in Fes.
Planning a trip to Morocco check Morocco Tour Company
Wander Through Fes El Bali:
Fes’ old Medina also known as Fes El bali is an the interesting part of the city, it is an ancient, bustling medina that hasn’t changed much in centuries.
Visitors to the old Medina of Fes can lose themselves in its labyrinthine alleyways, narrow streets where donkeys and mules replace cars, and centuries-old traditions live on. The old Medina of Fes represents the ancient life of Morocco. When strolling through its lively streets you will feel like stepping back in time, enjoy the incredible Moroccan architecture, wander through the old building and lively narrow streets filled with food sellers, shops, colorful spice shops and textiles offering a fabulous shopping experience for visitors.
The old Medina of Fez is worth a visit! It’s a living museum filled with artisans, souks, street food, and historic attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of Morocco’s oldest buildings like Al Qaraouine University.
Explore Bouaanania Madrasa:
Bouaanania Madrasa is one of the oldest Madrasa in Fes a masterpiece. It is considered one of the top Madrasas in Fes for Islamic Educations and it’s one of the few religious sites open to non-Muslims. Additionally, Madrasa Bouaanania was built in 14th century and it is a great example of the Moroccan architecture.
It provides a peaceful courtyard and a tranquil escape from the nearby medina noise and traffic allowing visitors to appreciate the incredible Moroccan architectures. Visitors to it can climb to the upper floors for a look into student quarters and a view of the prayer hall. It is both a spiritual and architectural sites. The school has something special for every visitors, its unique Moroccan Zellij and building style offer a fantastic photographing opportunity for visitors.
Stay in a Traditional Riad:
When traveling to Fes, consider choosing a local traditional riad for your stay. The riads are much cheaper in comparison to big hotels; they also allow you experience the traditional Moroccan lifestyle. Most of the riads are built around an interior garden or courtyard. Riads offer a peaceful and tranquil retreat from the medina’s noise and traffic and often offers comfortable spacious rooms with traditional Moroccan designs. Moreover, Riads provides gardens, courtyard and terrace allowing visitors to enjoy a fascinating view over the old medina of Fes. Most of the riads are restored into modern palaces, and Hotels. However, there still some riads with their unique designs and architecture allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Moroccan lifestyle.
Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts:
The Nejjarine Museum, situated in a meticulously renovated caravanserai, offers an in-depth exploration of Morocco’s woodworking tradition. Within, one will discover ancient furnishings, musical ancient instruments, and tools that exemplify centuries of artistry. The structure is an architectural masterpiece, including intricately carved wooden balconies and central courtyards. Visitors to Fes can can explore the rooftop terrace café, offering panoramic views of the medina. Additionally,
The museum integrates arts, history, and culture, rendering it a tranquil and enriching destination amidst the city’s more frenetic attractions. Visitors to Fes should not miss a visit to this historic site where authenticity meets history and culture.
Relax at A Traditional Moroccan Hammam:
After a guided Full day tour of Fes, it is a great opportunity to end up your day tour with a traditional Moroccan Hammam. Hammam is a public bathhouse offer a deeply relaxing experience for visitors with hot baths, black soap scrubs, and massages. It offers a lovely atmosphere to relax, unwind and recharge energy for the next adventure. Additionally, there are many interesting public Hammams with top-notched quality services and reasonable prices including Riad Laarousa, Karawan Riad, and Riad Palais Houyam.
Visit Mellah and Royal Palace:
The Jewish Quarter of Fes, is one of the oldest parts of Fes, it is known as Mellah, reveals a distinct aspect of the city’s history. Visitors to Melah can walk through its tranquil alleyways to and narrow streets where you will see antique synagogues such as Ibn Danan, classic balconies, and Jewish cemeteries. Not very far from the Royal palace which is famous for its exquisite golden doors and vibrant Moroccan Zelij. Moreover, The Royal Palace of Fes is not open for both locals and tourists, but exploring its exterior golden doors and lovely architecture is an experience itself.
Experience Fes Moroccan Cuisine & Delicious Food:
Fes is well known for its delicious Moroccan cuisines. Visitors to the old medina should not miss the opportunity to experience pastilla, a pie made with chicken or pigeon, nuts, and cinnamon that is both sweet and savoury. Additionally, Harira which is soup and warm Msemen flatbreads are sold at street stands, It is an excellent food for warm breakfast, Go to The Ruined, food is more than just a meal. It’s an experience full of spices, slow-cooked meats, preserved lemons, and dates. Take a food class to learn more about the culture and immerse yourself in the tasty Fassi cuisine. In addition to that, visitors can try fish, meat, chicken Tajine, which a slow cooked meal with species and lemon offering a fantastic lunch for visitors.
Take a Day trip to the Middle Atlas Mountains:
Fes’Strategic location has made it an ideal destinations for visitors to visit the middle Atlas Mountains where you will visit Ifrane, this lovely town considered one of the top best clean cities worldwide, it’s famously known as ‘’ Morocco’s little Switzerland’’ Visitors to Ifrane can visit the famous Atlas Lion Statue, and Dayet Aoua. In addition to Azrou, which offers cedar forests, Morocco’s largest Forest filled with lovely Barbary macaque, offering a fantastic experience for visitors.
Take a Day trip to Chefchaouan & Meknes:
Fes also offer a day trip to Chefchaouan, one of the most recommended destinations. In addition to that, travelers can pass by Volubilis, best-preserved roman ruins and UNESCO world heritage site. A day trip to Chefchouan is an amazing experience for visitors wanting to explore Morocco’s blue pearl, Chefchaouan’s old Medina offers a great opportunity for photographs and instagrammers alike. Additionally, you should not miss the chance to visit Ras Lma waterfalls, and the Spanish Mosque, some of the top attractions in the city. Furthermore, Visitors will have the chance to explore Meknes on their way back to Fes, it’s one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, famous for its historic sites including Bab Mansour, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and Lhdim square.
Climb to the Merenid Tombs at Sunset:
The Merenid Tombs, located just beyond the medina, offers a wonderful panoramic view of Fes’ old Medina and are ideal for watching the sunset. Furthermore, these 14th-century ruins appear modest, but the views from the mountaintop are just lovely. The winding path up passes grazing goats and local children playing, offering a pleasant contrast to the medina. Do not forget to bring a camera and arrive before dusk to catch the golden light that spreads across the rooftops, before the sunset offering a stunning photographing opportunity.
Conclusion:
Fes is a land of historic attractions and a heaven for visitors seeking to experience real life of Morocco. Fes’strategic location is an ideal destination for setting off your desert tours, day trips and sightseeing tours. Additionally, Fes’s historic attractions including its ancient Medina, Al Qaraouine university, Bou aanania Madrasa…etc. make it a great destination to immerse yourself in the ancient history of Morocco. Morocco 10 days itinerary
