Fes Morocco: Explore the Historic Medina Landmarks

Fes Morocco, is the spiritual and cultural center of the Kingdom. Its ancient stones still show the effects of hundreds of years of Islamic civilization. When I first entered the Fes Morocco medina, I was lost in a maze of 9,000 alleys. The smell of fresh mint tea mixed with the rhythmic sound of artisans hammering brass.
As a Moroccan who has walked these old streets, had coffee on rooftop terraces, and been amazed by hundreds of years old madrasas, I can tell you that Fes, or Fez, is more than just a city—it’s a living museum. Fes Morocco is known as the cultural capital of Morocco. It is full of history, from the 9th-century medina to the lively Chouara Tanneries.
This guide to Fes Morocco attractions combines my experiences with those of other travelers, like Zac, Ine, and Sammy, to show you the city’s historic sites.
This is everything you need to make your trip to Fes, Morocco unforgettable, whether you’re looking for the best restaurants, trying to find your way with a map, or deciding between hotels, hostels, or a cozy riad.

Why Visit Fes Morocco?

Fes Morocco is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, founded in the 9th century and home to the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, according to Guinness World Records. The Fes medina, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, is a maze of Fes Morocco attractions that mix Idrisid, Marinid, and Alaouite architectural wonders. I’ve gotten lost in its narrow streets, where I’ve found hidden courtyards and old water clocks, and every corner seems to tell a story.

Exploring the Fes Morocco Medina

Fes el Bali is the name of the medina in Fes, Morocco. It is the center of the city’s historic sites. There are more than 9,000 alleys in this crazy but beautiful world of souks, mosques, and madrasas. The first time I went, I took a guided tour, which helped me find my way without getting lost. You should spend two to three days exploring the sights in Fes, Morocco, combining planned visits with aimless wandering.

1. Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate)

A must-see in Fes, Morocco is the famous Bab Boujloud, a gate from the 12th century. The main entrance to the medina has blue tiles on the outside and green tiles on the inside. The intricate mosaics that led to the busy Talaa Kebira street left me in awe.

2. Medersa Bou Inania

The Medersa Bou Inania, a 14th-century Quranic school, is a Fes Morocco attraction open to non-Muslims. Its carved woodwork and zellige tiles left me speechless, the courtyard glowing under midday light. I spent 45 minutes admiring the aged cedar beams, still standing after centuries.

3. Medersa Attarine

Another gem, the Medersa Attarine, is a 14th-century Quranic school near the spice souk. Its marble courtyard and intricate stucco work are architectural poetry. I lingered for 30 minutes, imagining students studying here until the 20th century.

4. Chouara Tanneries

The Chouara Tanneries, a medieval center for making leather, are one of the best things to see in the Fes Morocco medina. I watched workers dye hides in bright vats from the terrace of a leather shop. I held mint leaves to hide the smell. I was interested in the process, which hadn’t changed in hundreds of years: cleaning hides with lime and then dyeing them with natural saffron and indigo.

5. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

In Seffarine Square, the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts showcases Morocco’s woodworking heritage. Housed in a restored fondouk, its cedar chests and kasbah doors captivated me. The rooftop café offered mint tea ($2) with medina views.

6. Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II

The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II is a holy site in Fes, Morocco, where the city’s patron saint is buried. I liked the beautiful outside, which was a spiritual anchor in the medina, but non-Muslims can’t go inside. People from the area told me stories about how holy it is, which made my visit more meaningful.

7. Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University

The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, which opened in 859, is the oldest university in the world. Non-Muslims can view its courtyard through the gates, where I glimpsed its green-tiled minaret and intricate tiles.

8. Hydraulic Clock

Near Medersa Bou Inania, the 14th-century hydraulic clock (known as Dar al-Magana) is a quirky Fes Morocco relic. I marveled at its ancient Egyptian-inspired mechanism, where water droplets in glass cups marked time.

Outside the Medina: More Fes Morocco Attractions

Beyond the Fes Morocco medina, landmarks offer history and calm.

1. Marinid Tombs

The Marinid Tombs, 13th-15th century ruins on a hill north of the medina, offer panoramic views. I hiked up at sunset, the medina glowing below, sheep grazing nearby.

2. Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

The Mellah, Fes’s historic Jewish quarter, features unique carpentry and synagogues. I wandered its streets, less crowded than the medina, and visited the Ibn Danan Synagogue ($2).

3. Jnan Sbil Garden

The Jnan Sbil Garden, a peaceful oasis outside the medina, is a Fes Morocco attraction for relaxation. I strolled its palm-lined paths, birds chirping, a contrast to the medina’s bustle.

Day Trip from Fes: Volubilis

A 1.5 hour drive from Fes, Volubilis, a UNESCO-listed Roman ruin, is a must. I explored its Triumphal Arch and mosaics, remnants of a 3rd-century outpost.

Fes Morocco Restaurants: Where to Eat

Dining in Fes is a cultural experience. Here are top Fes Morocco restaurants I’ve tried, plus traveler favorites:

Where to Stay: Fes Morocco Hotels, Hostels, and Riads

Accommodation in Fes enhances the experience. Here’s a mix of Fes Morocco hotels, Fes Morocco hostels, and Fes Morocco riads:

Practical Tips for Visiting Fes Morocco

FAQs About Fes Morocco Historic Landmarks

Fes Morocco Itinerary Programs: Tailored for Every Visitor

Based on extensive experience guiding travelers through Fes and current visitor patterns in 2025, here are optimized itinerary programs that adapt to your available time and experience level.

1. Fes Morocco Itinerary Programs: ONE DAY IN FES (First-Time Visitors)

2. Fes Morocco Itinerary Programs: TWO DAYS IN FES (First-Time Visitors)

Fes Morocco: A Journey Through Time

The Fes Morocco medina is a time capsule, where the clink of tannery vats and the call to prayer from Al-Qarawiyyin weave a cultural tapestry. From the blue-tiled Bab Boujloud to the serene Jnan Sbil Garden, Fes Morocco attractions captivate. As a local who’s savored tagine at The Ruined Garden and haggled in souks, I urge you to wander, get lost, and let Fes’s history ignite your soul. Stay in a Fes Morocco riad, dine at Fes Morocco restaurants, and chart your path with a Fes Morocco map—your adventure awaits.