Top 12 Places to Visit in Fes Medina (Old City)❤️
Fes Medina is not just a destination — it is a living organism. Stepping inside feels like crossing a threshold into another rhythm of time, where sound travels through stone, craftsmanship replaces mass production, and daily life unfolds much as it has for centuries. This guide to the Fes Medina attractions is written exactly as I guide travelers on their first visit: slowly, thoughtfully, and with respect for what this place truly is.
Often described as the world’s largest living medieval city, Fes el-Bali rewards patience. The places to visit in Fes are not arranged neatly. They appear unexpectedly, often behind modest doors or down narrow alleys. What follows is a carefully paced route — not to rush you, but to help you understand what matters.
Before Entering Fes Medina: Practical Advice
Fes Medina is entirely pedestrian. You will walk — a lot.
- Wear closed, comfortable shoes with grip
- Carry only what you need
- Expect uneven ground, stairs, and slopes
Mornings are calmer. Afternoons are intense. Evenings are atmospheric but disorienting for first-time visitors.
Top 12 Places to Visit in Fes Medina
1. Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate)
This is the most famous entrance to Fes Medina and the natural starting point. The gate’s blue tiles face outward, while green tiles face inward — symbolizing transition.
Pause here. Once you pass through, modern Morocco disappears.
2. Talaa Kebira
The main artery of the medina, Talaa Kebira is loud, busy, and alive. Shops, workshops, schools, and mosques coexist.
Do not rush through it. Let it introduce you to the city’s energy.
3. Al Quaraouiyine Area
Founded in the 9th century, this area represents the intellectual heart of Fes. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but the surrounding streets are essential.
This is where faith, education, and daily life merge.
4. Chouara Tannery
One of the most iconic Fes Medina attractions, the tannery shows leather production as it has been done for centuries.
View it from surrounding terraces. Go in the morning for better light and fewer crowds.
5. Nejjarine Square and Fountain
This elegant square offers a moment of calm. The carved wooden fountain reflects Fes’s attention to detail.
It is also a natural rest point in an otherwise intense environment.
6. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
Housed in a former caravanserai, this museum explains the craftsmanship behind the city.
The rooftop offers one of the best quiet views inside the medina.
7. Artisan Quarters
Fes Medina is organized by craft. You will pass metalworkers, dyers, carpenters, and tile makers.
These are real workshops — not performances.
8. Bou Inania Madrasa
One of the few religious buildings open to non-Muslims, this madrasa showcases exquisite zellij, wood carving, and plasterwork.
Step inside and notice how silence replaces noise instantly.
9. Seffarine Square
This square is filled with the sound of hammering brass and copper. It is one of the most visceral experiences in the medina.
Stand still and listen.
10. Hammams and Neighborhood Life
You will pass traditional bathhouses serving local residents. These are not attractions, but they reveal daily routines.
Understanding Fes means noticing these moments.
11. Andalusian Quarter
Often quieter than the central medina, this area offers a more residential feel.
It is ideal for slow exploration and observation.
12. Panoramic Viewpoints Above the Medina
Finish your visit by stepping outside the walls to view Fes from above.
This perspective helps you understand the scale and complexity of what you just walked through.
How to Move Through Fes Medina
Movement here is intuitive, not linear.
- Expect dead ends
- Do not rely fully on maps
- Landmarks matter more than street names
If lost, ask shopkeepers politely. Avoid following unsolicited guides.
Cultural Tips Foreigners Should Know
- Dress modestly at all times
- Greetings are essential
- Ask before photographing people
Respect is immediately felt in Fes.
Do’s and Don’ts in Fes Medina
Do
- Hire a licensed guide for your first visit
- Take breaks inside riads or cafés
- Observe before interacting
Don’t
- Rush from place to place
- Assume help is always free
- Expect tourist infrastructure everywhere
Local Insights Google Maps Won’t Tell You
Early mornings reveal the city at its most authentic.
The medina’s mood changes by the hour.
Some of the most meaningful experiences are unscheduled.
How Long Should You Spend in Fes Medina?
One day gives you an overview. Two days allow depth. Three days allow understanding.
The medina does not reward speed.
Final Thoughts on Fes Medina Attractions
The true Fes Medina attractions are not only buildings. They are rhythms, crafts, sounds, and human continuity.
The best places to visit in Fes are often the ones you did not plan.
Fes Medina is demanding, but deeply generous. If you move through it with patience and respect, it offers one of the richest urban experiences in the world.
You do not leave Fes Medina unchanged — you leave it with perspective.
