The world's largest pedestrian medina, 9,000 lanes, the Chouara tanneries and the Bou Inania madrasa: Fes is spiritual, artisanal Morocco. Here's how to enjoy it in 2 days.
Fes at a glance
Population
1.2M
Airport
FEZ
Ideal stay
2 days
Budget / day
โฌ35-160
Flight Paris
~3h direct
Time diff
0h winter, -1h summer
Current climate
Best season
In brief
9,000 lanes, take a guide on day one
The medina of Fes el-Bali is the largest pedestrian zone in the world. 200 to 400 MAD for an official guide on 3 to 4 hours, official badge required.
Visit Chouara in the morning
Brightest colors between 10:30am and 1pm. Strong smell, accept the offered mint. View from leather-shop terraces, 20 MAD max as a tip.
Bou Inania Madrasa: zellige and carved cedar
The Marinid masterpiece of the 14th century, 20 MAD entry. Fes's only religious building open to non-Muslims, not to miss.
Sleep in a riad at the heart of Fes el-Bali
To live the medina at dawn and nightfall. Refined comfort behind blank walls. From โฌ50/night.
Watch out for fake guides at the gates
Around Bab Boujloud, politely decline. Never follow someone offering a shortcut. Always agree the price before any service.
Must-see
16th-century stone dye vats, viewed from leather-shop terraces. Colors brightest from 10:30am to 1pm.
14th-century Marinid masterpiece: zellige, stucco, carved cedar. The only religious building open to visitors.
The medina's main artery, its artisan stalls (copper, cedar, brocade) and medieval fondouks.
The coppersmiths' square, its trademark din of hammers on copper. A medieval enclave frozen in time.
Founded in 859, considered the world's oldest still-active university. Exterior view only.
Blue on the medina side, green on the city side, the most photographed gate. Cafรฉs around for a break.
Restored 18th-century fondouk, wood-art collections and a panoramic medina rooftop.
The former Jewish quarter of Fes el-Jdid and the monumental brass gates of the royal palace. Photogenic.
Ruins north of the medina, unbeatable panoramic view at sunset. Taxi recommended.
The 13th-century Marinid medina, royal gardens, a less intense mood than Fes el-Bali.
Choose your district
The historic heart. Hidden riads, full immersion, walking distance to the sights. From โฌ50/night.
โ Recommended
Secondary medina, quieter, soft prices. 15 min walk from Bab Boujloud. From โฌ40/night.
Quieter
Modern hotels, alcohol-serving restaurants, ONCF train station. Practical, no charm. From โฌ45/night.
Modern
A few hilltop riads with views over the whole medina. Taxi needed to come down. From โฌ100/night.
With view
Getting around
On foot in the medina
No car enters Fes el-Bali. Everything is walked. Good shoes, sloped and paved lanes.
Petit taxi (red)
For trips between Ville Nouvelle, Fes el-Bali and the airport. Meter in town (10-25 MAD), airport flat fare 120-150 MAD.
Airport bus (line 16)
FEZ airport to the train station, 4 MAD. Every 30 min. Then petit taxi 15 MAD to the medina.
ONCF train
To reach Casablanca (4h), Rabat (3h) or Marrakech (8h). Ville Nouvelle station. Comfortable and reliable.
Climate & crowds
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
Winter
Dec to Feb ยท 5-17ยฐC, damp ยท Fair: mild by day, cool riads at night
Spring
Mar to May ยท 10-26ยฐC, blooming ยท Ideal: mildness, airier medina, perfect light
Summer
Jun to Aug ยท 18-37ยฐC, dry ยท Avoid in July-August, tannery smell peaks
Autumn
Sep to Nov ยท 14-28ยฐC, dry ยท Ideal: heat eased, crisp skies
How much
Backpacker
โฌ35
per day
Comfort
โฌ90
per day
Premium
โฌ230
per day
Our tested itinerary
Day-by-day program.
Around
1h30 away ยท UNESCO Roman city, preserved mosaics
40 min by train ยท The lesser-known imperial city
4 h by grand taxi ยท The blue city of the Rif
1h30 away ยท Alpine resort and cedar forest with macaques
FAQ
Thomas Bernard โ
ยทGeographer & traveler
Last updated: June 9, 2026.