Fès is Morocco's oldest imperial city and its spiritual and cultural heart. Its medieval medina, Fès el-Bali, is the largest car-free urban area in the world — a labyrinth of thousands of alleys best explored slowly. Two days is enough to feel it without rushing. Here's how to spend them.
Day 1 — Fès el-Bali, the old medina
Dive into the heart of the medieval city:
- Enter through the blue gate, Bab Boujloud, the grand doorway into the old town.
- Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a masterpiece of carved cedar, stucco and zellige.
- Reach the Al-Qarawiyyin — founded in 859, often called the world's oldest continuously operating university (the courtyard views are for Muslims; admire the exterior and gates).
- See the famous Chouara tanneries from a leather-shop terrace, where hides are still dyed in stone vats as they have been for centuries (you'll be handed mint to soften the smell).
- Get lost in the souks — coppersmiths, weavers, spice stalls. A licensed local guide is genuinely useful here for a half-day.
Day 2 — Fès el-Jdid, viewpoints and crafts
A calmer second day:
- Fès el-Jdid ("new Fès", 13th century) and the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, with its distinctive balconied houses.
- The ornate golden gates of the Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen) — a favourite photo stop.
- The Merenid Tombs or the Borj Nord viewpoint on the hillside for a sweeping panorama over the whole medina, best in late afternoon.
- A ceramics and zellige cooperative on the city's edge, where Fès's famous blue-and-white pottery and hand-cut tiles are made.
Where to stay
Stay in a riad inside the medina for atmosphere and to be steps from the sights — just know that cars can't enter, so your transfer drops you at the nearest gate and a porter helps with bags. Modern hotels in the Ville Nouvelle offer easier car access and pools.
Getting around Fès
- On foot — the only way through the car-free medina.
- A licensed guide for the first morning is well worth it; the medina is genuinely maze-like.
- Petit taxis for the Ville Nouvelle and viewpoints.
- A private transfer from the airport (FEZ is about 15 km away) or from another city, which drops you right at your riad's nearest gate.
How to get to Fès
Fès–Saïs airport (FEZ) is about 15 km from the city. Fès is also well connected by train (to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier) and is a natural stop on a Marrakech → Sahara → Fès road trip. From Fès, Chefchaouen (the blue city) and Tangier are popular onward steps.
FAQ — 2 days in Fès
Is 2 days enough for Fès?
Yes. Two days let you explore Fès el-Bali properly, see the tanneries and madrasas, and take in a viewpoint and the crafts quarter without rushing. One day is possible but tight.
Do I need a guide in Fès?
A licensed local guide for your first morning is highly recommended — the medina is one of the world's most complex, and a guide unlocks its history and helps you navigate. Afterward you can wander on your own.
How do I get from Fès airport to the medina?
Fès–Saïs (FEZ) is about 15 km from the city. A private transfer drops you at the nearest gate to your riad inside the car-free medina, which is far easier than finding it yourself.
Does Fès combine well with other cities?
Yes — it's the eastern end of the classic Marrakech–desert–Fès route, and a great launch point for Chefchaouen and Tangier in the north.
Arriving in Fès or touring the imperial cities? Book your airport transfer or private driver at planmorocco.com, or message Sarah on WhatsApp.