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90 Hotels in Fes
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Main Sights in Fes, Morocco
The Medina
This is what people come to Fes to experience. The Fes medina is an ancient labyrinth of 9000 narrow alleyways where daily life appears to have changed little in centuries. As you enter the main gate of the medina’s walls you’ll suddenly feel as though you’ve been transported to another time. Donkeys and mules are the only form of transport. Entire streets are dedicated to ancient crafts where the way people work has changed little in hundreds of years. The architecture is stunning and oozes character from every nook and cranny. And the sheer size of the place makes it clear that this is not something laid on for tourists. This is the real deal - the oldest living Islamic city in the world. Getting lost here is inevitable but it’s also part of the fun, so lose yourself in the medina of Fes and experience something truly unique.
Souqs & Markets
Soak up the atmosphere of the Medina’s many hidden souqs and markets and allow your senses to be bombarded. Even if you have no intention of buying anything, it’s worth stopping and spending some time browsing in a souq. The aromas, tastes, and sights are truly astounding and watching the locals going about their daily business in a busy Fes souq is a great experience.
Artisans
As you wander the medina in Fes you’ll come across entire streets that are devoted to particular ancient crafts. It’s fascinating to wander these streets and watch blacksmiths, carpet weavers, and engravers amongst others working in the same way Fes artisans have worked for centuries. If taking photos, it’s polite to ask first. A small monetary gesture may be requested by some people if you ask to take a photo.
Kairaouine Mosque
The Kairaouine Mosque in Fes dates back to AD 859 and it is located in the medina. Built by refugees from Tunisia, the mosque was reconstructed in the 12th century. The Kairaouine mosque in Fes is big enough to cater for 20,000 and is an important part of daily life in the city. Non Muslims are forbidden to enter and due to the compact nature of the buildings surrounding the mosque, it can be hard to get a good view of it from the ground. There are plenty of vantage points in the city that offer views over Old Fes and the mosque so head for one of these.
Tanneries
One of the most famous sites in the city is the Tanneries of Fes. Leather has been big business in Fes for centuries, and this is the heart of the leather action. The dye pits of the tanneries n Fes make for an incredible sight. Row upon row of large dye filled tanning pits, where men dye leather by hand in a traditional manner that dates back centuries. The Fes tanneries can be found in the heart of the leather district (the pungent smell will let you know you’re in the right area). You can’t visit the actual tanning pits, so the best way to see them is to visit one of the leather shops which line the street. Most of the leather shops in Fes have terraces which offer excellent views of the action down in the tanneries. The staff in the leather shops will often give you a little history lesson although you’ll be expected to tip and browse in the shop for a while.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts is a beautifully restored caravansearia. It once provided shelter for travelling traders who sold goods below and slept in the lodgings above. The wonderful building houses many traditional artefacts ranging from old musical instruments to traditional craftsman’s tools and is well worth a visit. For a great view over the medina, head up to the rooftop café.
Medersa Bou Inania
The Medersa Bou Inania dates back to 1350 and is said to be one of the finest theological colleges to be built by the Merinids. Highlights of a visit include viewing the building’s elaborate tile work, plasterwork, and woodcarving. It’s also offers good views of the medina from the rooftop.
Dar Batha Museum
This museum is housed in a century-old Hispano-Moorish palace and contains a large variety of historical arts and crafts. On display are excellent examples of Moroccan craftwork such as leatherwork, fine embroidery, carpets, jewellery, woodcarving, and a superb collection of ceramics including some fine examples of the famous blue pottery of Fes. For a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina, head for the museum’s peaceful Andalusian garden.
Medersa el Attarin
located in the heart of the medina; this impressive college was founded in 1325 by Abu Said. The Medersa el Attarin contains many fine examples of traditional Merenid craftsmanship. A particular highlight is the beautifully designed cedar wood ceiling.
Hammams
Feeling weary after a tough day of sight seeing? Head for one of Fes’ many traditional bathhouses. Hamman Buorous is the oldest hammam in Fes and is strictly for men only. The most foreigner friendly Fes bathouse is Hammam Mernissi located on Talaa Seghira which is open to men and women. Admission/massage: Dh7/30.
Fes el Jdid (New Fes)
Don’t let the name confuse you. New Fes was actually built in the 13th century by the Merenid Sultan Abu Youssef Yacoub. The main attraction here is the mellah (the old Jewish quarter). When visiting New Fes, don’t miss the incredible brass doors of the Royal Palace grounds.
The Mellah
Jews took refuge in this part of old Fes in the 14th century although very few Jewish families live in the mellah now. Be sure to check out the beautiful old Jewish houses with their open balconies which line the streets. Also worth visiting are the fascinating Jewish Cemetery and Habarim Synagogue. (Admission free).
