//
City in Fez-Meknes, Morocco
Photo: Michal Osmenda from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Fez (فاس) (French: "Fès") is a city in Morocco that is famous for being home to the world's oldest university (Qarawiyyin University), dating to 859, and the world's oldest continuously-operating library, dating to 1359. It has an ancient World Heritage listed walled city, which many compare to the walled city of Jerusalem.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Quartier des tanneurs / Chouara Tannery
In the midst of the maze-like medina are the colorful leather-dying pits. Any number of young boys will offer to guide you to them: just listen for "you want to see the tanneries?" The tour is free (though it is appropriate to offer 1-5 dirham to your "guide").
There is no chance of getting to see the tanneries by yourself, instead, be prepared for physical abuse for even trying! However, just 10 m left of the entrance is a leather shop that offers views to the tannery free of charge and you can see it all from the balcony. Expect to be pressured into buying goods from the shop in return.
It is possible to get into the tannery itself, hang around near the entrance until someone offers to take you in for 10 dirham. He will get you past the entrance and then you can wander in among the workers. A word of advice: wear closed shoes and maybe bring a mint leaf to sniff if you have a weak stomach.
The tanneries in the medina features leather-making techniques unchanged since the Middle Ages. Men walk the narrow paths between huge vats of lye and colorful dyes, water wheels creak as the leather is rinsed, and buildings facing the tannery are covered with pelts hanging to dry. Visit early in the morning before the sun hits the tannery and the stench sets in. Note that there is also Sidi Moussa Tannery in the medina, which is smaller and located about 700 m southeast of Chouara Tannery.
A breathtaking 14th-century religious college. The best example of Islamic architecture a non-Muslim can see in Fez, with wooden walls elaborately carved with geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy, and a beautiful minaret. In the courtyard there is a portico with a still-functioning mosque, separated by the rest of the courtyard by a small moat.
Another former religious college open to visit, much smaller but just as richly decorated as the Bou Inania Madrasa. Built by the Marinid sultan Uthman II Abu Said in 1323-5.
Dates back to the inception of the city in the 9th century, with the completion of the foundation in 859-860. This makes it one of the oldest mosques in the world. The mosque had been renovated and expanded several times since then. Today, it is one of the relatively few remaining Idrisid-era establishments and the main landmarks of the city. Off-limits to non-Muslims.
One of the two fortresses overlooking the old city and contains an armaments museum. The view from the hills surrounding the old city is spectacular. The fort houses the Museum of Arms.
Southern fortress, a counterpart to the Borj Nord. The interior is not open, but like the Merenid Tombs it has spectacular views of the medina from the other side. It is a short walk (uphill) from Bab Ftouh.
Marinid Tombs
The ruins of 14th-century tombs, on a hill with excellent panoramic views over the medina and the wider city, as well as the olive tree lined hills surrounding the city. A nice place for some peace and quiet, a sanctuary from the bustle of the rest of the city—though you may still see the occasional tout. As of 2026, the ruins are closed for reconstruction, though its possible to either bribe a worker or sneak your way inside during the evening.
The tomb of Fez's founder. Entrance is limited to Muslims, but the view from just outside its doors is still well-worth hunting down.
Al-Karaouine
A large religious complex that has evolved since the 9th century into a famous center of learning. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the courtyard and the prayer hall are partly visible from the mosque's doorways. (Doors are more likely to be open on Fridays.) Its historic library is housed in an annex on the south side of the mosque, off Place Seffarine.
Sidi Ahmad al-Tijani is the founder of the Tijaniyya Sufi order. He was born in a Berber family in Aïn Madhi in Algeria, and died in Fez at the age of 80.
Funduq al-Najjariyyin
Museum of wooden arts and crafts. Many historic items presented in beautiful and spacious Fondouk. The museum has a nice rooftop cafe.
A former royal palace, commissioned by the Alaouite Sultan Hassan I and his successor Abdelaziz in the 19th century. It was converted into a museum in 1916. It houses exhibitions mainly about local craftsmanship and has a very nice garden.
A synagogue dating from the 17th century, with a Jewish cemetery nearby. There aren't set opening times, but the guardian will let visitors in for 25 dirham each and give a brief tour of the inside.
They usually have hundreds of jars of twisted root and twig neatly lined up along the walls.
The oldest garden in Fes, created by Sultan Moulay Abdallah in 18th century. It features 3000 plant species, some of them are quite rare.
A beautiful run-down palace. Unfortunately, it has infrequent opening times, so dont count on it being accessible.
The last major madrasa built in the medina, dating from 1670. It's less ornate than the older Marinid madrasas but larger and the dormitories of its upper stories can be visited.
Terrace has an incredible view over the medina if you are willing to pay 30 dirham for a glass of tea in order to access it. This is particularly worthwhile if you can time your visit to coincide with the call to prayer, as you can hear multiple minarets from the terrace.
This multi-use stadium is primarily used for soccer. Its two home teams are Maghreb (top tier) and Wydad de Fès (second tier). The stadium was opened in 2007 and has a capacity of 45,000. In 2025 / 26 it hosted matches in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Enjoy lunch on the terrace or a leisurely dinner on the carpet-adorned second floor. The service is very friendly and more than willing to fire up the grill to make you the first brochettes of the day. Tagine, couscous, and other staples are well-done.
Friendly service, a solid selection of inexpensive Moroccan staples (excellent vegetarian tagine) and a couple of lovely high terraces overlooking the Gate on one side and the medina on the other. It is a comfortable atmospheric place to chat to other travellers and it's a welcome haven from the bustle of the crowded streets of the medina. Street food is allowed to eat at the terraces. You pay only the service for the drink.
Tasty and cosy café-style restaurant, however it can get too touristy. Food is fine, specially the "boricuas" (deep fried thin dough layers wrapping meat-chicken-rice fillings).
Great place for traditional Moroccan food. Owner speaks French and English.
Set over three floors, with an additional outside patio, Mezzanine offers both a cosy lounge bar for a quiet cocktail tapas as well as a comfortable larger seating area for dinners and parties.
Magnificently restored house turned into a cafe. The people are friendly (and speak English) and the food is excellent. Ask to be seated on the terrace, and listen for the call to prayer coming from several minarets in the area. Bring a camera, especially during the day.
Located in the home of Maimonides, the famous Jewish philosopher and rabbi. This restaurant is run by the Muslim family that now lives there, and is non-kosher.
Dar Tazi (Place R'cif)
A rooftop restaurant over a carpet shop, Dar Tazi offers Fez's best pastilla and other traditional dishes. The stairs up are steep and narrow, but the food and view are well worth it.
Talaa Kbira
Table d'hote menus with basic Moroccan specialties in a very grand setting. Mediocre quality, but fabulous surroundings.
Fed up with couscous and tajine? Then you could try this Morocco owned Italian restaurant in the new part of town. It offers a lovely Italian deli and numerous pasta and pizza dishes for a decent price.
A favorite of Travel and Leisure magazine and is worth the indulgence.
An elegant and superior dining experience in all of Morocco. Serving up Moroccan cuisine with innovative twists, food is served in one of three rooms, including a spectacular terrace.
In the rear of Hotel Batha are two bars - the first is more of a lounge, with comfortable leather chairs and fireplaces. It is definitely the more stately of the two options. In the rear is a night-club type bar that is mostly empty and rarely open.
This little place is easy to overlook, but the fact that the outer windows are mirrored should be the first indication it will not be at the top of any tourist routes. The crowd here is all local, and foreigners might expect a few stares and side looks. They serve the basic selection of beer, as well as some of the best spaghetti and pizza in town. Three stories, but avoid the middle one - the band is usually blasting bad synthesizer-Arabic music. Also avoid the basement, unless you are looking for prostitutes.
A good place to find alcohol if you prefer to drink at home. There are two brick-and-mortar liquor stores on either side of the Souk, and many of the vendors inside keep discreet stashes for thirsty foreigners.
Set over three floors, with an additional outside patio, Mezzanine offers both a cosy lounge bar for a quiet cocktail tapas as well as a comfortable larger seating area for dinners and parties. Fully wifi d, Mezzanine transforms from a day time lounge into one of Fez most cosmopolitan dinner, music and venues with its resident DJ. Open from 12:00 until 02:00 non stop. Enjoy a cocktail, beer or wine on the terrace. It is really unique
Stylish lounge bar and fumoir feature cocktails, spirits, wines, and a selection of cigars.
Decent amount of shade, French toilets and (sometimes warm) showers
Albergue Juvenil
Clean, bright, friendly and well placed in the ville nouvelle. Unfortunately there is a debilitating 10PM curfew and a five hour lockout
The owner is hospitable and the rooms are clean, noisy and simple. Shared bathrooms on the first and second floor, free hot shower on the first. In the same price-range as the youth hostel with a better location (with views on the Bab Boulejoud and over the medina) and no lockout, and therefore attracting a clientele of young backpackers and solo tourists looking for travel companions. Staying on the roof-terrace which also has a restaurant (breakfast 25 dirham, mains 50 dirham) is cheap, although could be the 05:00 calls to prayer waking you up, 06:00 light and summer midday-heat.
Big rooms, slightly antique feeling, hot water only in the morning.
Bed bathrooms (cold shower, just over the toilet).
Riad-style, wonderfully decorated rooms, nice roof-terrace, wifi and very welcoming staff.
Spa, free breakfast, wifi. Lots of Moroccan decor.
Delicious free breakfast and rooftop seating where you can look out on the medina.
A traditional riad that has been restored to its former slendour, with extremely helpful and welcoming staff. The rooms are large and comfortable and the breakfast will keep you going all day. The location is in a residential local area of the medina, a good walk from the main attractions, but near a gate (bab) for a short taxi ride to the busy medina. Its location ensures a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the main medina, whilst also providing local amenities for fruit and vegetables and everyday Fes life.
This 14th-century dar, or courtyard house, has been completely restored using local craftsmen, techniques and materials and provides the perfect luxurious base to begin exploring the Medina of Fez. It's next to Talaa Kebira, the Medina's main street, so it offers easy access to all major sites of interest. Dar El Menia is run and owned by an Englishman, Graham Coules. The Dar El Menia website also has information regarding desert tours, cooking schools, cafes/restaurants and nearby sites of interest.
Beautiful riad decorated in a traditional Moroccan style, but including a host of modern amenities. This place is really the best of both worlds: if you stay in the Dar Anebar Annex, you can enjoy the elegance of a riad, while still having access to the convenience of free wifi, hot showers, and French toilets. Also great location, just minutes from Bab Guissa
A traditional 18th-century house (riad) in the Medina for vacation or holiday rental for up to five people. This website also has lots of information about Fez museums, architecture, restaurants, real estate and monuments.
The outside of the hotel is great but the room are very basic and old. Just around the corner towards the Bab Bajeloud is an internet café run by a couple of very nice guys who speak English and will be more than willing to give you some insights on the best places to visit and explore in the city.
Lovely riad transformed from a traditional palace with two courtyards and a swimming pool. Friendly and helpful English-speaking staff.
Single-sex dorm rooms in a beautiful riad. Includes hot showers, fresh linen and soft towels, free Wifi, air-con and heating, flat screen TVs. Large breakfasts, plenty of chill out spaces, large terrace with incredible views over the Medina, night club, VIP pod, fun lively atmosphere, sheisha pipes, cooking classes, yoga. Quote Wikivoyage in your reservation for a 10% discount. English, Spanish and French spoken.
Lovely family-run guesthouse in the heart of the medina, beautiful courtyard, roof terasse for relaxed evenings, 4 en suite rooms (single, double, triple), the souk is around the corner, Bab Boujiloud about 10 minutes walk. Friendly and helpful English-speaking staff.
Built in 2008. The Guesthouse features easy access and Moorish decor.
Traditional hotel.
2001
Riad Fes is renowned for its luxury, impeccable service and fine restaurant. Its Andalous pavilion and lounge have brought an even more vibrant edge to Fez’s most stylish Riad. With spectacular views of the Medina and the Atlas Mountains, Riad Fez is ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure.
Intimate boutique hotel. Franco-Mediterranean cuisine. What sets this establishment apart is the interesting decoration which is a juxtaposition of French and English vintage and Asian contemporary. The panoramic view from the rooftop terrace is one of the best in the medina.
Riad Tizwa is Morocco's first recognised environmental riad (by Clef Verte) a traditional Moroccan home in the heart of the medina. Five double bedrooms and English speaking staff makes for good service. Easy to find in the best area of the old town of Fes, the riad has wonderful freshly made breakfasts, a lovely roof terrace to relax on, and nice touches like handmade soap, rose petals, and a great selection of tasty Moroccan food.
Riad Verus is the brainchild of Nor and Nora. Between them they speak 7 languages and are very tourist savvy and will bend over backwards to ensure you enjoy your stay and are safe.All rooms have Wi-Fi, air con, heating and are ensuite. The Riad has been beautifully restored with original mosaics, cedar wood designs and specialist plastering and meets all the new legal safety requirements for Hotel operation. The riad has a large salon, coffee bar, restaurant, chill out pod, amazing 360 degree panoramic views of the Medina from their roof terrace is very cool. The location is excellent, parking close by, around the corner from Ryad Sheherazade in the trendy neighbourhood. Breakfast is Instagram worthy and guiding offered by the team of carefully chosen fun official guides. They also have a dorm room for €25 a night en suite for the budget traveller who wants to stay in style at an affordable price and meet other like-minded people.
A fassi house in the medina restored on the norms and of tradition by the artisans of Fez.
Riad in the Medina. Has Hammam.
Zellijart
A specialized workshop dedicated to authentic Moroccan zellige. Visitors can observe the traditional "Menqach" hand-chiseling process used for high-impact kitchen and bath backsplashes. They produce hand-glazed tiles from local Atlas clay.
By train
There are hustlers operating on trains into Fez. See the #Stay safe and #Cope sections below.
By bus
From the Gare Routière, you can leave by bus for almost any direction in North Morocco.
By car
Fez is a 4-hr drive by car from Casablanca. The stretch of toll highway from Rabat to Fez is in superb condition.
By taxi
Traveling by grand taxi (inter-city taxi), though more expensive than trains, is viable for tourists.
On foot
Ignore the travel guides that tell you that you will get lost in the medina and that you must hire a guide.
By taxi
Within Fez, a ride in the petits taxis (local taxis) rarely costs more than 15-20 dirham. However, the medina of Fes el-Bali is only accessible from a few points by car.
By bus
50–3 dirham. The bus no.50 dirham. The stop is a bit outside of the train station on Rue Lalla Asmaa, there exists a sign indicating the stop, but no time table.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Saïss · International · FEZ
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Fez and Morocco.
ItinerariesPlan an epic 7-day Morocco itinerary for 2026. Explore Marrakech, Fes medinas, and the Erg Chebbi Sahara dunes with transit tips and real costs.
8 min read
ItinerariesFes, Morocco on foot: the car-free alleys of Fes el-Bali, Chouara Tannery, Bou Inania Madrasa, the best riads and the food stalls worth a queue.
8 min read
InspirationWhere to watch the 2 August 2027 total solar eclipse, comparing 6 minutes of totality in Luxor with southern Spain, weather and hotel bookings.
6 min read
ItinerariesThe Orient Express was a legendary train service between eastern and western Europe founded in 1883. While the route changed over the years, the traditional final destinations were Paris and Istanbul.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.