Explore the Medina of Fes, Fes

4.3 (6 reviews)

Overview

Discover the vibrant and fortified Medina (old town) of Fes, the cultural capital of Morocco, with the help of a local. A guide will lead you through the twisting maze of cobbled streets as you pass markets, shops, mosques, and more. You'll explore lively souks, learn about medieval Marinid architecture, and visit historical monuments as you absorb Fes' old-fashioned charm.

Fes is the oldest and longest-running imperial city in Morocco, offering a fascinating mix of sites to see. First, you'll pass through the Blue Gate (Bab Boujloud), a Moorish gate with three arches acting as the old town's main entrance. Next, wander through the Mellah (Jewish District and cemetery), admire the city's old walls, and walk up to the Marinid Tombs, a hilltop archeological site hosting the ruins of two 14th-century mausoleums (and a great spot to return to for sunset).

Next, visit the famous Chouara Tannery, with its large assortment of colorful leather dyes and traditional techniques from centuries ago. (Get a roof-top view from a local tannery by offering a small tip.) The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque & University is the world's oldest continuously operating university, founded in the 9th century. You can also stop at Bou Inania Madrasa or Al Attarine Madrasa, two 14th-century schools featuring beautiful Marinid and Moroccan architecture and zellij tiles. Or discover local artisans at Nejjarine Museum, a historic inn now operating as a collection of arts, crafts, and wood carvings. 

When hungry, your guide will take you to one of the best eateries to try local cuisine. Taste dishes such as couscous, shakshuka, makouda (spiced battered potato cakes), slow-roasted mechoui lamb, and more. All include various spices to bring out the best in Moroccan flavors!

After lunch, you can peruse the bustling souks (markets) to find unique, hand-crafted goods. With your guide leading the way, you'll wander through alleys, streets, and open-air squares to discover various products. Enjoy the bright colors of rugs, jewelry, and leather goods, or indulge in the towers of spices, dried fruits, and culinary delicacies. Admire dainty lamps, intricate wood carvings, and hand-painted ceramics. 

Next, wander to some other city sites, such as the Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen). This is the King of Morocco's residence, built on the foundation of a citadel from the 13th-century Marinid Dynasty. Or check out another museum, like the Borj Nord, with its collection of weapons and armor from several eras and incredible roof-top views.

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Traveler reviews

6 total ratings, 6 with reviews
4.3
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.5
Food
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.7
Transport
4.3
Clara
Clara Y.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jun 19, 2024
We don’t like Fes, it’s the only city we felt unsafe in. Someone tried to scam us to led us somewhere weird and someone else chased us and a couple other people with a dog. If you have to skip a city skip this one. The tour guide himself was fine. He brought us to various places and often times he just leave us at each location to explore on our own. I love pottery but the coop we went to made mediocre work. I have seen much better artisans else where. Transportation wise, the driver... Read more

We don’t like Fes, it’s the only city we felt unsafe in. Someone tried to scam us to led us somewhere weird and someone else chased us and a couple other people with a dog.

If you have to skip a city skip this one.

The tour guide himself was fine. He brought us to various places and often times he just leave us at each location to explore on our own. I love pottery but the coop we went to made mediocre work. I have seen much better artisans else where.

Transportation wise, the driver leaves you at the edge of old city and you have to make the rest of the way yourself which wasn’t that pleasant to be honest.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
S
Simone R.
Spain | Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024
Our guide was Charif and he was amazing. Charif is Moroccan and is well traveled, he has lived in several placed in Europe. This made him a very unique guide. He was able to explain the history of Morocco, the politics and religions and compare it to other cultures. it was such a pleasure to send the day with him. Not only is he a very kind man, we learned so much!!! He was disappointed that we were did not have time to see everything he wanted to show us (our fault as we took a lot of... Read more

Our guide was Charif and he was amazing. Charif is Moroccan and is well traveled, he has lived in several placed in Europe. This made him a very unique guide. He was able to explain the history of Morocco, the politics and religions and compare it to other cultures. it was such a pleasure to send the day with him. Not only is he a very kind man, we learned so much!!! He was disappointed that we were did not have time to see everything he wanted to show us (our fault as we took a lot of time buying a carpet) so he really wanted to take us the next day as well to see how they make the Argan oil, very generous. We spend a wonderful day with him.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Janet
Janet H.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Oct 30, 2022
Fes is an amazing place with a lot to see. Our guide was knowledgeable and informative. Read more

Fes is an amazing place with a lot to see. Our guide was knowledgeable and informative.

Tips for future travelers

Unfortunately the museum we wanted to go to was closed when we were there. It is worthwhile to do a little research about what you are most interested in seeing so that you can make specific requests and also, if you have some of the shopping stops you don't want to make, be specific about that.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Leanne
Leanne R.
Canada | Reviewed on Oct 24, 2022
The guide was ok and did get a lot of things covered; however his decision to keep us to the back area merchants was not what we expected. We would have preferred less pressure to buy and more opportunity to explore the Medina. The tour of the other sites was well done and enjoyable. Unfortunately we had to pay to visit the synagogue in the Jewish quarters. Read more

The guide was ok and did get a lot of things covered; however his decision to keep us to the back area merchants was not what we expected. We would have preferred less pressure to buy and more opportunity to explore the Medina.

The tour of the other sites was well done and enjoyable. Unfortunately we had to pay to visit the synagogue in the Jewish quarters.

Tips for future travelers

Provide drinking water in the tour bus.

Quality of Experience
Food
Always amazing
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Tarik was very accommodating.
Transport
Seatbelts not working. But the vehicle was comfortable.
Jennifer
Jennifer O.
Morristown, NJ | Reviewed on Sep 28, 2022
Loved our guide Hafid! We felt like we were in great hands from start to finish. When bargaining let him help you. We overpaid at the leather store because we tried to do it ourselves. We learned a valuable lesson and got much better as our trip progressed. He spent two full days with us and we enjoyed it immensely. Read more

Loved our guide Hafid! We felt like we were in great hands from start to finish. When bargaining let him help you. We overpaid at the leather store because we tried to do it ourselves. We learned a valuable lesson and got much better as our trip progressed. He spent two full days with us and we enjoyed it immensely.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
NgocBich
NgocBich L.
Stillwater, MN | Reviewed on Mar 31, 2022
Mohamed or “Momo” has 30-yrs of experience and understood the history of Fes extremely well. He helped to negotiate prices which was super helpful and hopefully fair for all. Read more

Mohamed or “Momo” has 30-yrs of experience and understood the history of Fes extremely well. He helped to negotiate prices which was super helpful and hopefully fair for all.

Tips for future travelers

Best shopping was in Fes !

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Itineraries with Explore the Medina of Fes