Fez (also spelled Fes) is Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart. Home to the world’s oldest university, one of the largest car-free medieval cities on Earth, and centuries-old craftsmanship, Fez feels like stepping back in time. From labyrinthine souks to breathtaking architecture, Fez offers one of the most immersive travel experiences in North Africa.
Here are the best things to do in Fez, Morocco, for first-time visitors and culture lovers alike.
Get Lost in the Fez el-Bali Medina
Exploring Fez el-Bali is the number one thing to do in Fez. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze of over 9,000 narrow streets filled with markets, mosques, riads, and workshops.
✨ What you’ll see:
- Donkey carts transporting goods
- Spice stalls and copper workshops
- Traditional bakeries and street food
🧭 Tip: Hiring a local guide helps you understand the history—and avoid getting lost.
Visit the Chouara Tannery
One of Fez’s most iconic sights, the Chouara Tannery has been producing leather using traditional methods for over 1,000 years.
🐄 Highlights:
- Colorful dye vats viewed from rooftop terraces
- Artisans hand-dyeing leather
- A glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship
🌿 Local tip: Accept mint leaves offered at entrances to soften the smell.
See Al Quaraouiyine University & Mosque
Founded in 859 AD, Al Quaraouiyine University is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
📚 Why it matters:
- A major center of Islamic learning
- Stunning architecture and courtyards
- Immense historical and cultural significance
⚠️ Note: Non-Muslims can view the mosque from entrances but not enter prayer areas.
Admire the Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud)
The famous entrance to the medina, Bab Bou Jeloud, is one of Fez’s most photographed landmarks.
📸 Fun fact:
- Blue tiles face outward (Fez’s color)
- Green tiles face inward (Islam’s color)
It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the gate is illuminated.
Explore Fez’s Traditional Souks
Fez is Morocco’s handicraft capital, and the souks are filled with authentic, handmade goods.
🛍️ Look for:
- Handwoven rugs
- Brass and copper lanterns
- Ceramics and mosaic tiles
- Leather bags and slippers
🧵 Best area: Around Place Seffarine, known for metal artisans.
Visit Bou Inania Madrasa
One of the few religious buildings open to non-Muslims, Bou Inania Madrasa is a masterpiece of Marinid architecture.
🏛️ Highlights:
- Intricate zellij tilework
- Carved cedar wood and stucco
- A peaceful courtyard in the heart of the medina
Enjoy Panoramic Views from the Merenid Tombs
For the best view in Fez, head to the Merenid Tombs just outside the medina.
🌄 Why go:
- Sweeping views over Fez el-Bali
- Stunning sunsets
- A quiet escape from the busy streets
Experience a Traditional Hammam
A visit to Fez isn’t complete without trying a Moroccan hammam.
🧼 Options include:
- Local neighborhood hammams
- Upscale spa hammams in riads
Expect steam rooms, black soap scrubs, and total relaxation after a long day of walking.
Taste Traditional Fassi Cuisine
Fez is famous for its refined cuisine, known as Fassi food.
🍽️ Must-try dishes:
- Pastilla (sweet-savory meat pie)
- Tagines with prunes and almonds
- Harira soup
- Fresh Moroccan bread
🍵 Finish with mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the medina.
Stay in a Traditional Riad
One of the best ways to experience Fez is staying in a restored riad—a traditional Moroccan home built around a courtyard.
🏡 Why choose a riad:
- Authentic architecture
- Personalized hospitality
- Quiet refuge inside the medina
Final Thoughts
Fez is intense, fascinating, and deeply authentic. It’s not a polished resort city—it’s a living museum where traditions continue as they have for centuries. If you want to experience the cultural soul of Morocco, Fez is unmissable. 🇲🇦