by Rux (cropped) / [CC BY-SA 2.5

The Most Populated Car Free District in the World

A. About Fes

Nickname:Athens of Africa

Fes, Morocco's second-largest city, was founded in the 9th century in the northern interior and served as the capital for several Moroccan dynasties.

The city is known for its ancient walled medina, Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the world's oldest continuously operating university, Al-Qarawiyyin. The city is divided into three main parts: Fes el Bali (the old medina), Fes Jdid (the new medina), and Ville Nouvelle (the French-established new town).

Fes has a vibrant artisan tradition, producing famous crafts like pottery, leather goods (from the Chouara tannery), and traditional Moroccan tiles.


The Good: 

First of all, the city scores very high for its pedestrian zones in the medina, one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world.

Furthermore, the weather is generally pleasant, but the summer heat can be intense.

Finally, Fes is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and hills, which gives it some scenic charm.

The Not-So-Good: 

While some locals are friendly and welcoming, others, particularly in tourist areas, may be pushy. The pressure to buy from vendors can detract from the overall experience.

Moreover, the Moroccan city is not a shopping paradise, the assortment in the shops is limited. While some may enjoy haggling for local goods, the variety and quality of shopping options are limited compared to global shopping destinations.

Finally, poor public transportation options make getting around difficult, particularly in the medina.


B. Best Things to Do in Fes in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than fifteen sights in Fes. The following sights and attractions contribute to a great score of 5.75/10 in this most important category:

# MEDINA 8 4.1 out of 5 stars

The Medina of Fes, also known as Fes el Bali, is a sprawling, UNESCO-listed maze of narrow streets, souks, and ancient mosques, founded in the 9th century.

It is the largest car-free urban area in the world, with traditional artisans still plying their trade.

City District 🌍World Heritage Site: since 1981 

by R Prazeres / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Medersa Bou Inania 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Built in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan, the Medersa Bou Inania is a stunning example of Marinid architecture with intricate tilework, wood carvings, and a courtyard with a marble fountain.

Medersa

by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Bab Bou Jeloud "Blue Gate" 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The Bab Bou Jeloud, also known as the "Blue Gate," is a grand entrance to Fes el Bali, adorned with intricate blue tilework on one side and green on the other.

Built in 1913, it serves as both a historic monument and a transition point from the bustling medina to the calmer surrounding areas.

Gate

by Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Merinide Tombs Overlook 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Located on a hill overlooking Fes, the Merinide Tombs are remnants of a 14th-century royal necropolis built by the Marinid dynasty.

While the tombs themselves are mostly in ruins, the site offers panoramic views of the old city, particularly at sunset.

Viewpoint with Tombs

by Werner100359 / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Al-Attarine Madrasa 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Constructed between 1323-1325, Al-Attarine Madrasa is a masterpiece of Marinid craftsmanship with its zellij tilework, carved stucco, and cedar wood decorations. 

Madrasa  

by Robert Prazeres / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Chouara Tannery 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Chouara Tannery, located in Fez, Morocco, is one of the oldest tanneries in the world, dating back to the 11th century. It uses traditional methods for dyeing leather in large stone vats filled with natural dyes. The tannery produces high-quality leather goods such as bags, shoes, and belts.

Tannery  🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1985 (Part of Medina of Marrakesh)

by Uwe Brodrecht / CC BY-SA 2.0

# University of al-Karaouine 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Founded in 859 AD in Fez, Morocco, the University of al-Karaouine is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world. It has been a major center of learning for Islamic sciences, mathematics, and philosophy.

University  🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1985 (Part of Medina of Marrakesh)

by Abdel Hassouni / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Jnan Sbil Gardens (Bou Jeloud) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Jnan Sbil Gardens, located in Fez, covers 7.5 hectares of lush greenery, serene fountains, and shaded pathways. It was created in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdellah. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling medina, attracting locals and tourists alike.

Park

by Robert Prazeres / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Housed in a historic caravanserai in Fez, the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts exhibits traditional Moroccan woodwork, including intricately carved furniture, tools, and art. The museum is dedicated to preserving the country's rich woodworking heritage. The building itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Museum 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1981 (Part of Medina of Fes)

by Robert Prazeres / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

#10 | Kairaouine Mosque 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Kairaouine Mosque in Fez was built in 859 AD and is one of the largest mosques in Africa, accommodating over 20,000 worshippers. It has historically been a center of religious learning, closely linked with the University of al-Karaouine. Its architecture is a blend of Islamic and Andalusian styles.

Mosque

by Momed.salhi / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌍 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Fes

#11 | Dar Batha Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Moroccan Artistic Traditions in a Historical Palace

The Dar Batha Museum in Fes, Morocco, is housed in a 19th-century palace and showcases traditional Moroccan arts, including ceramics, textiles, and woodcraft. It has a stunning Andalusian-style garden and features rare artifacts from various Moroccan dynasties.

Museum  

by R Prazeres / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

#12 | Borj Nord Arms Museum  5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Military History in a 16th-century Fortress

Borj Nord Arms Museum, located in a 16th-century fortress in Fes, contains a vast collection of weaponry from different periods and regions, including swords, rifles, and cannons.

Museum 

by Jerzystrzelecki / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

    • Mausoleum Moulay Idriss 4
    • Mellah District (Jewish Quarter) 4
    • Royal Palace of Fez Gates 4
    • Bou Jeloud Gardens 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Fes

VOLUBILIS 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Archaeological Site Revealing Morocco's Roman Past

Volubilis is a well-preserved Roman city in Morocco, dating back to the 3rd century BCE, and is known for its impressive ruins, including mosaics, a basilica, and triumphal arches.

Archaeological Site  🌍 Distance from Fes: 1 hr 20 min (82 km)

by Subhros / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Fes (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Fes for at least two entire days.

🌍 MEDINA of Fes 8 

Medersa Bou Inania 6 

Bab Bou Jeloud "Blue Gate" 6 

Merinide Tombs Overlook 6 

Al-Attarine Madrasa 6 

Chouara Tannery 5  

University of al-Karaouine 5  

Jnan Sbil Gardens (Bou Jeloud) 5  

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts 5

Kairaouine Mosque 5