Things to do in Fes
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Top 10 attractions in Fes
Moroccan Tannery
Moroccan Tannery is one of the traditional tanneries still operating in the old city of Fez, Morocco, famous for its vast array of circular stone dyeing vats and the traditional manual leather processing techniques that continue to this day. Leather craftsmen first soak animal hides, such as cow and sheep, in a mixture of lime, salt, and pigeon droppings. After softening and cleaning, the hides are placed into dyeing vats of different colors, then removed to dry. The white, red, yellow, and blue colors of the vats intermingle, creating a recognizable traditional craft view. When visiting, the supplier will usually hand you a small sprig of mint, which you can hold to your nose to mask most of the smell. You will then generally be led to the upper terrace of a surrounding leather shop to look down over the entire tannery—the stone vats are spread out like a honeycomb, with workers standing barefoot in the dye, treading and kneading the hides. The large patches of red, yellow, blue, and green spreading out in the sunlight make for a highly recognizable scene in Fez. After viewing, you will likely be taken to the leather goods display floor downstairs, where leather bags, slippers, and jackets are stacked layer by layer by color, featuring vibrant colors and styles that are mostly local.Fes · 4.5 km from downtown
Fes El Bali
Fes El Bali is an old town in Fes, Morocco, that preserves its traditional urban landscape, with a history dating back to the early 9th century. Once the capital of the Idrisid dynasty, it developed over several dynasties into a historic district composed of city walls, mosques, traditional schools, markets, and residences. The old town's alleys are narrow and winding, with various handicraft workshops and traditional shops scattered throughout. It retains a strong sense of daily life, and some goods are still transported by donkeys and mules. Bab Boujloud is a representative entrance to the old town, distinguished by its blue tile decorations and intricate geometric patterns. Venturing deep into the alleys, you can see the circular dye pits of the Moroccan Tannery, as well as the traditional processes used by artisans to treat, dye, and dry leather. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and its academic buildings carry a long history of religion and education, and crafts such as copperware processing and dye making continue to this day. Strolling through the old town, you can admire traditional architecture and decorations while experiencing the vibrant commerce and handicraft culture that continue to thrive in this historic district.Fes · 3.9 km from downtown
Bab Boujloud
Bab Boujloud is an important entrance to the old town of Fes, Morocco, often referred to simply as the Blue Gate. The existing gate was built in 1913 and consists of a large central horseshoe arch flanked by two smaller arches, featuring a traditional Moroccan architectural style throughout. The outer side is decorated with blue mosaic tiles, while the inner side is predominantly green, creating a striking color contrast. The geometric patterns and tile decorations showcase local architectural craftsmanship. Blue is often associated with the image of Fes, while green is often imbued with religious and cultural significance. Passing through the gate leads into the old town of Fes, where it connects to the two main streets of Talaa Kebira and Talaa Sghira. Traditional shops, cafes, and handicraft workshops are distributed along the streets, showcasing the daily life of the old town. From the outside of the gate, looking through the central arch, you can see the minaret of the Bou Inania Madrasa. The ancient architecture and exquisite gate decorations complement each other, creating a recognizable streetscape. The gate not only preserves traditional architectural and decorative features but also serves as an important starting point for exploring the historic district of Fes.Fes · 3.5 km from downtown
Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin
Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin is a historic religious and academic complex in the old town of Fes, Morocco, founded in 859. It is traditionally believed to have been funded by Fatima al-Fihri, who came from Kairouan. It began as a mosque and later developed into an important center for Islamic religious education and academic research, where subjects such as Islamic jurisprudence and Arabic have long been taught. In 1963, the educational institution was reformed into a modern university, continuing its academic tradition. The complex blends Moroccan Islamic architectural styles from different periods, with green tile roofs, horseshoe arches, carved wooden doors, mosaic tiles, and intricate decorative patterns forming its unique architectural appearance. The mosque is still used for religious activities today. General visitors are generally unable to enter the prayer area, but can admire the architectural details at the entrance and observe the courtyard and arcades through the doorway. The historic library, which houses ancient manuscripts, is also an important cultural component of the site, showcasing the value of the Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin in knowledge transmission and the preservation of historical documents.Fes · 4.3 km from downtown
Royal Palace of Fes
Royal Palace of Fes is an important architectural complex in the royal district of Fes, Morocco. It was built by the Marinid dynasty in the 13th century, and most of the existing structures have been modified by later generations. The palace is still used as a royal residence, and visitors mainly admire its exterior architecture from the Place des Alaouites. The square was opened in the 1960s, and the palace's magnificent gate is one of the more distinctive views here. The main gate of the palace consists of multiple arches, and the facade features golden bronze decorations combined with geometric patterns, colorful mosaic tiles, and carved cedar wood ornaments. The facade layout is symmetrical with rich decorative details, reflecting the characteristics of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and architectural art. Visitors can admire the overall structure and intricate patterns of the gate from the square, observing the combination of different materials and colors. The high walls surrounding the palace and the magnificent gate towers together form a solemn architectural view, also showcasing the historical style of the royal district of Fes.Fes · 2.3 km from downtown
Bou Inania Madrasa
Bou Inania Madrasa is a representative Marinid dynasty building in the old town of Fes, Morocco, built between 1350–1355 by order of Sultan Abu Inan Faris. It serves both as a religious educational institution and a mosque, and is one of the few madrasas in Fes that features a minaret. The building is laid out around a central courtyard with marble flooring, walls decorated with geometric mosaic tiles, and upper sections adorned with carved stucco, Arabic calligraphy, and intricate cedar wood elements, reflecting the characteristics of traditional Moroccan architectural craftsmanship. Arcades, classrooms, and student living quarters are distributed around the courtyard, with the upper floor having served as a space for students to live and study. Inside the building, different materials and patterns intertwine to form rich layers of decoration. The madrasa's green glazed tile roof and striking minaret are also among its architectural features. Opposite the entrance is a 14th-century water clock, whose carved exterior wall retains traces of history. When visiting, you can observe the mosaic tile patterns, wood carvings, and stucco designs along the courtyard and corridors, experiencing the artistic style and religious culture presented by this historic building.Fes · 3.6 km from downtown
Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II is located in the heart of the old city of Fes, housing the tomb of the 9th-century Idrisid dynasty monarch, Moulay Idriss II. He is regarded as the founder and patron saint of Fes, making the mausoleum a highly revered pilgrimage site for locals. The predecessor of this shrine dates back to a 9th-century mosque, and the existing structure was primarily formed between the 18th and early 19th centuries, retaining the traditional architectural style of Morocco. The mausoleum is characterized by its pyramidal roof covered in green glazed tiles, and the towering minaret is also a prominent landmark in the old city. The entrance and surrounding areas are decorated with colorful ceramic mosaics, carved stucco, and cedar wood doors. A white marble fountain is located in the center of the courtyard, while the interior is adorned with marble columns, carved wooden domes, and gilded wooden canopies. The interior of the mausoleum is open only to specific religious believers. Other visitors can admire the architectural details from the entrance and the perimeter. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Blue Gate along the main street of Tala'a Kebira. The alleys of the old city are winding, so walking along the main street is more convenient.Fes · 4.2 km from downtown
Al Attarine Madrasa
Al Attarine Madrasa is located in the old town of Fes, Morocco, and was built between 1323–1325 by order of the Marinid Sultan Abu Said Uthman II. It is named after its proximity to the spice and perfume market. The madrasa was once used for religious education and provided accommodation for students from other regions, making it one of the representative works of Marinid architectural art. Although small in scale, it showcases rich artistic features through intricate decoration and a compact spatial layout. The entrance to the madrasa features a wooden door covered with carved copper ornaments. Upon entering, you will find a central courtyard with a marble fountain in the middle. The surrounding walls are layered with geometric mosaic tiles, Arabic calligraphy friezes, and carved stucco, while the upper sections are adorned with intricately carved cedar wood elements and green roof tiles. The prayer hall retains its wooden dome, copper chandeliers, and stained glass windows, all with exquisite details. Ascending the stairs to the second floor, you can see student living quarters arranged around the courtyard, reflecting the madrasa's former layout that combined teaching and accommodation. The entire building skillfully blends tiles, wood carvings, stucco, and stone, showcasing the delicacy and harmony of traditional Moroccan decorative craftsmanship.Fes · 4.3 km from downtown
Place Nejjarine
Located in the city of Fes, Morocco, this is a square full of historical and cultural charm. This square is famous for its traditional carpentry, and at its center is the renowned Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts, which, after restoration, showcases exquisite works and tools of traditional Moroccan woodworking.The surrounding buildings attract visitors with their exquisite mosaic tiles, carved woodwork, and traditional Moroccan architectural style. This place is not only a great spot to learn about Moroccan crafts and culture, but also a great place to experience the daily life of Fes. Visitors can buy handicrafts in the small shops around the square or enjoy authentic Moroccan tea in the cafes. In addition, the square is an ideal starting point for exploring Fes El Bali, an ancient city famous for its labyrinthine streets and rich historical sites. Whether you are a tourist interested in history or a traveler curious about culture, offers a unique perspective to experience the traditions and charm of Morocco.Fes · 4.2 km from downtown
Nejjarine Museum
Nejjarine Museum is located in Nejjarine Square in the ancient city of Fes, Morocco, and is a museum dedicated to showcasing traditional Moroccan woodworking art. Formerly an 18th-century inn, the museum was meticulously restored and officially opened in 1998, showcasing the historical evolution of traditional Moroccan woodworking. The museum's interior is characterized by exquisite cedar wood carvings, with exhibits covering various wooden tools, furniture, architectural components, and traditional crafts, some of which date back to the Moroccan medieval period. Visitors can head to the rooftop terrace to overlook the magnificent views of Fes El Bali and enjoy Moroccan tea at the café. As an important cultural landmark in Fes El Bali, the museum not only showcases the heritage of Moroccan woodworking skills but has also become a popular spot for photography enthusiasts due to its unique architectural style.Fes · 4.1 km from downtown
More things to do
Free things to do in Fes
What travelers say about Fes
大姐小露開心果April 24, 2020
5.0
The ancient town of Fes
Listed as a world heritage
Considered one of the largest urban pedestrian zones in the world
ancient city
The most "colorful" attractions
Leather dyeing workshop
Traditional crafts that have been passed down for thousands of years are used here.
Utilize natural materials
Producing the finest leather in the world
A large number of tourists come here to visit
Must climb to the rooftops of surrounding houses
Only then can you see how the workers in the dyehouse process leather.
Before entering the visit
Give everyone a mint leaf to cover their noses with
To cover up the sour smell of the dyeing workshop
Because of not adapting
I pinched my nose and finished the visit hastily.
Then left~
Moroccan Tannery
夏日清风cynDecember 18, 2024
5.0
Fez Medina, the most famous and oldest ancient city in Morocco, the first Islamic city in the history of North Africa, is a treasure of Islamic civilization and Moroccan culture. Its old city has a history of nearly 1,200 years. It is one of the largest existing typical medieval-style cities in the world. It has been the center of religion, culture and art in Morocco for more than a thousand years. It is also one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and has been listed as Entered into world cultural heritage.
The old market of Fez is so large that it is known as the largest in the world. The winding lanes of the city are the easiest to get lost in. There are more than a thousand handicraft shops, inheriting ancient and famous traditional craft techniques. Each one is set up in a very narrow maze-like lane, as if life has not changed for hundreds of years. The daily life of local residents has been integrated with religion, becoming a real-life social and humanistic museum.
Fes El Bali
非你不渴March 6, 2020
5.0
The Blue Gate of Bouzilou, also known as the Blue Gate, is located at the starting point of the two most important roads in the old city of Fez. Therefore, most tourists choose to enter the old city of Fez from here. This kind of gate can be seen in Fez.
Bab Boujloud
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October 21, 2014
3.0
To the west lies the mausoleum of King Idris II, the founder of the Arab world, which is now a holy site for Islam. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter.
Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin
AricFongJanuary 21, 2020
5.0
The magnificent Fez Palace is full of typical Islamic architectural style, with arch-shaped shapes, colorful tile mosaics and collage patterns, etc. The overall architecture is magnificent and exquisite. Especially the 7 gates in front of the palace, each gate is inlaid with beautiful tiles and carvings, as well as beautiful patterns, which also add a gorgeous atmosphere to the palace architecture! Since the palace is not open to the public, the general public can only appreciate the beauty of the palace architecture in the square outside the palace [tears][tears]
156th day of marriage travel, 10th country Morocco
Royal Palace of Fes
D13***26October 13, 2025
5.0
It's called the Quran School on Google. It's free and very close to the Blue Gate, about 100 meters away. The wood and stone carvings inside are exquisite. The gate is often closed and guarded, but if you want to go in, they'll open it for free. It's an amazing place! Don't miss it!
Bou Inania Madrasa
鲁树良June 18, 2022
3.0
This is a local mausoleum, which is quite old and desolate.
Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
JessigzMay 11, 2023
5.0
This seminary has a very Islamic style. The student dormitories are very small, and the entire seminary is not big either, but the architecture is very exquisite.
Al Attarine Madrasa
|PoLaRiS|August 12, 2022
4.0
The scenery is beautiful, interesting, cost-effective, worth a visit
Nejjarine Museum
