There are totally six medinas or old towns in the entire Morocco. They are located in Marrakech, Tetouan, Essaouira, Rabat, Tangier & Fes. And the medina in Fes is the most ancient. It’s also recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites. It’s a shopper’s delight & a cultural fanatic’s dream.
How many days required to explore Fes?
Two to three days would be good enough to explore Fes.
How to reach Fes
Fes is located in north of Morocco and is easily accessible from a lot of locations. You can either take a CTM bus from Chefchaouen , Rabat or Tangier to reach Fes. If your plan your Sahara trip from Marrakech, then the drop would be at Fes.
We took a bus ride from Chefchaouen to Fes. The ride took us about 3 hours 40 mins & it costs approximately 115MAD.
Read more: Sahara tour guide
Where to stay in Fes
It’s best to stay in a Riad for a local flavour & a complete experience of the Moroccan culture. We stayed in a beautiful one - Riad Fes Nes Zmane. The owner of the riad was very generous, as he upgraded us to an exquisite suite.
Book your riad:
https://www.booking.com/riad/city/ma/marrakech.en-gb.html
OR
https://www.airbnb.co.in/s/Marrakesh--Morocco
Things to do in Fes-
1. Wander in the Medina: The oldest & one of the biggest medina in North Africa lies in the former capital of Morocco- Fes. There’s a unique old world charm to the streets here. Of course, there’s no adventure without getting lost. But, it’s advisable to return to your riad or hotel before it gets dark.
Tips: Google maps don’t work that well in the by-lanes. It’s better to make a mental note of your identification spots to find your ways back.
2. Check out the colourful Rainbow Street: A vibrant treat to your eyes & a picture perfect instagrammable spot. One of my favourite places, this street lies in one of the lanes of the Fes medina.
3. Royal Palace of Fes: Unfortunately, the entry to the palace is only restricted to the Sultan, the inner circle & a few government officials. What you adorn here is the stunning main gate of this palace. It is a mastery of authentic Moroccan tile work and striking details in bronze. The cultural fanatic that I am, I could just gaze at it all day long.
4. Visit the famous Chouara Tannery: This biggest tannery in Fes is one of the touristy places to visit. It’s interesting to see the process of animal skins being dyed to different hues from a top view. The place is a little smelly so make sure to carry some fragrance or mint leaves along with you.
Tips: There are a lot of tanneries in old city of Fes. While finding your way to the tannery, there will be a lot of locals who’ll show you different directions for tanneries expecting a tip. Make sure to ask a shopkeeper or a genuine local specifically for the Chouara Tannery.
5. Visit Bou Inania Madrasa: This ancient madrasa (meaning ‘an educational institution for Islamic istruction’) situated in the heart of the old city is an excellent masterpiece of intricate tilework & massive brass doors. What we adored here was not only the beauty of the workmanship, but also the innate peace of mind that we experienced here.
Timings: 9am to 6pm
Entrance: 20MAD
6. Stay in a Riad: A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with two or more storeys & a beautiful courtyard with a fountain inside. They are known to be owned by the wealthiest citizens of the city. Imagine staying in one such traditional place. And it’s not just the stay; the traditional breakfast platter offered makes you feel nothing less than a royal.
You can enjoy a riad stay in Essaouira & Marrakech too.
Read more: Things to do in Marrakech
Read more: A day in Essaouira
7. Day trip to Volubilis & Meknes: A little more than an hour from Fes, the archaeological site at the ancient town of Volubilis is the main attraction & highlight of the trip. Meknes is an hour further from Volubilis. However, it isn’t as great as the Fes city itself. If you have an extra day to explore, you can plan this day trip. We booked this tour from local tour guide in the medina.
Approximate cost for the trip: 350 MAD
Recommended restaurants in Fes:
1. Clock Café
2. Ruined garden
3. Cinema Café- (Vegan options available)
4. Veggie Pause (Vegan options available)
Tips to remember:
1. The medinas are shut on Fridays. Either avoid planning a day in Fes on Friday or plan a nearby day trip from Fes.
2. Avoid roaming in the medinas post dark as google maps don’t work in the bylanes & it would be difficult to find your way back. That’s a tip we got from our Riad owner.
3. There will be a lot of shopkeepers or locals trying to sell you paintings or offering to show you the directions. Beware as they might get persistent for a tip.
4. CTM or Supra tour is the most convenient bus option to choose from while planning your travel from Fes. Please note these bus services charge 5MAD per luggage.
Do follow our page on Instagram – abagfullofmaps & Facebook – abagfullofmaps