Arriving in Fes: a practical guide
Fes is one of the great cities of the Islamic world and the best-preserved medieval medina in North Africa. Arriving here is easy when you know how the city works: the airport is small and quick, but the old Medina, Fes el-Bali, is a car-free maze of lanes. This guide explains how to reach your riad, what to see, which day trips are worth it and when to come.
From the airport to your riad: the Medina gates
Cars cannot enter Fes el-Bali, so every arrival ends at one of the Medina gates or car parks. The most used drop-off points are Bab Boujloud, the famous Blue Gate on the west side; Bab Guissa to the north; R’cif square, close to the centre of the old town; and Bab Ftouh to the east. The right gate depends on where your riad is, and the difference can mean a two-minute walk or a twenty-minute climb with luggage. Send us your riad’s name when you book: we check the nearest gate in advance, and many riads send someone to meet you there and carry your bags.
Hotels in the Ville Nouvelle, the modern city, and in Fes el-Jdid are reachable by car to the door.
What to see in Fes
- The Medina of Fes el-Bali: souks organised by craft, fondouks and centuries-old houses, best explored with a licensed local guide on your first day.
- The Chouara tannery: the city’s most famous view, seen from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops.
- The Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas: masterpieces of Marinid architecture, with carved cedar, stucco and zellige tilework.
- Al-Qarawiyyin: one of the oldest continuously operating places of learning in the world; non-Muslim visitors can glimpse the courtyard from the doorway.
- The Nejjarine fondouk: a restored caravanserai that houses a museum of wooden arts.
Day trips from Fes
- Meknes and Volubilis: the imperial city of Moulay Ismail and the Roman ruins of Volubilis, each about an hour from Fes. An easy and rewarding full day.
- Ifrane and the Middle Atlas: the alpine-style town of Ifrane and the cedar forests near Azrou, home to Barbary macaques, about an hour south of Fes.
- Chefchaouen: the blue town of the Rif, about 3 h 30 min away. It works as a long day trip, but most travellers prefer to stay a night. A private transfer costs from 1,300 MAD per vehicle, one way.
- The Sahara: Merzouga is about 7 to 8 hours from Fes, so it is best done as part of a 3-day journey continuing to Marrakech. See our private tours.
Practical tips for your first day
- Take a licensed guide for the Medina: the lanes are a genuine labyrinth, and unofficial guides who approach visitors work outside the law.
- Have some dirhams: small shops, cafés and tips in the Medina are mostly paid in cash. ATMs are available at the airport and around the Medina gates.
- Plan around Friday: many shops in the souks close for part of Friday, the main prayer day, so Saturday to Thursday is better for shopping.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the Medina is hilly, with uneven lanes and steps.
When to visit Fes
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons, with warm days and cool evenings. Summer can be very hot inland, so plan visits early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Winter is mild during the day but nights are cold, and riads can feel chilly, so pack a warm layer.
Every arrival and journey is planned by Said Legbouri, official tour guide licence No. 3489. See how booking and payment work.