Fez is an important city in northern Morocco, built under the rule of Idris in the late eighth century. It is the first Islamic city in North Africa, the most famous of the four imperial cities, and the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.
Compared to Marrakech, Fez seems more authentic. 9,400 alleys converge into a maze-like old city, which seems to be in a state of eternal chaos. However, many alleys that seem to be dead ends can lead you to exquisite fountain squares or streets with the aroma of food. Climbing up to the roof, you can overlook the sea of minarets, and the half-open porches are the workshops of tireless craftsmen.
As a center of religion, higher education and ancient architectural art, and the origin of Arab-Andalusian culture, the thousand-year-old city of Fez attracts many tourists. The old city of Fez was listed as a cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1981. If you want to learn more about Arab architecture and urban planning, then Fez is definitely not to be missed.
One Day Fez Tour Itinerary
The old city of Fez is the best-preserved ancient city in the world, integrating Islamic, Andalusian and Moorish architectural styles. If you only have half a day or a whole day to experience the old city of Fez, then the following route will never disappoint you:
Bab Boujeloud Blue Gate - Le Palais Des Gouts Fassie - Bou Inania Madrasa - Dar el - Magana Water Clock - Fondouk Kaat Smen (Honey Market) - Chrabiyine Mosque - Henna Market - Fondouk el Nejjarine (Old Caravanserai) - Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss - Al Attarine Madrasa - Mosque and University of al Qarawiyyin - Coppersmith Square - Dyeers Market - R’cif Market
This route will lead you from the classic check-in point Bab Boujeloud Blue Gate to the Mosque and University of al Qarawiyyin, and then head south to the R’cif Market. The journey will take a few hours, and if you like to stroll slowly and understand every detail of the old city, this route can even take a whole day.
Tourist attractions in the old city of Fez
1. Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin
The University of Al-Qarawiyyin and its buildings are the spiritual heart of Fez and even the whole of Morocco. Its grand scale is breathtaking, but due to the continuous encroachment of surrounding streets and houses over the centuries, the original appearance of the building is almost unrecognizable. Although non-Muslims cannot enter its core area, the carefully restored university library has been open to the public since 2016, providing people with a glimpse of this historical treasure.
The University of Al-Qarawiyyin is known as the oldest university in the world and one of the largest mosques in Africa. Located in the heart of the ancient city of Fez, it was built in 859 AD and was originally an Islamic school. Its teaching form is mainly scholars explaining the Quran to believers. It is more than 200 years earlier than the founding of the University of Bologna, the earliest university in Europe, and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest degree-awarding university.
Today, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin has several faculties, including Islamic law, Arabic language and literature, theology and philosophy, in addition to an institute dedicated to Islamic studies. Although non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the prayer area of the mosque, they can admire its architectural beauty from the outside and appreciate the importance of this symbol of history and culture to the ancient city of Fez.
2. Chouara Tannery
Chouara Tannery is one of the most iconic attractions in the old town of Fez, famous for its rich historical atmosphere and unique smell. It provides a unique window into the natural treatment process of leather - a process that has hardly changed since the Middle Ages. This traditional technique is not only an important part of Fez's handicrafts, but also attracts tourists from all over the world.
Tourists cannot go down to the tannery to visit, but can only watch the workers dyeing leather from the rooftops of surrounding shops. The colorful dye vats are arranged in order, and the workers shuttle between them, which is quite spectacular. If you can't stand the pungent smell of the tannery, you can ask the shopkeeper for a bunch of mint seedlings to relieve it.
3. Bou Inania Madrasa
A short walk from the Bourgelou Gate along Talaa Kebira will lead to the Bou Inania Madrasa, which was built by the Marinid Sultan Bou Inania from 1351 to 1357, and then restored with exquisite flower tiles, carved plaster and beautiful cedar lattice screens, and added a huge brass door. The ceiling and fine-grained marble columns of the mihrab are particularly exquisite. It is said that the seminary needed a large mosque because there were no other mosques nearby when it was built. There is also a beautiful green tiled minaret.
Tickets: 20 dirhams per person for adults
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00, closed during prayer
4. Fondouk el-Nejjarine
This used to be a hostel for caravans, where merchants would store goods, sell goods downstairs and keep accounts upstairs. The rooms surrounding the courtyard have been transformed into a traditional craft showroom, displaying artisan tools, large prayer beads, Berber locks, chess and musical instruments. All the items are exquisite, and the beautiful buildings make the exhibition worthwhile. The rooftop cafe offers a beautiful view of the old city.
Tickets: 20 dirhams per person for adults
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00, closed during prayer
5. Al Attarine Madrasa
Al Attarine Madrasa was built in 1325 by Abu Said Uthman II, Sultan of the Marinid dynasty, as an annex to the nearby University of al-Qarawiyyin. Its name " Attarine " means "spice merchant" because it is close to the spice market.
The central courtyard of the madrasa showcases Marinid craftsmanship, decorated with ornate tiles, carved plaster and cedar wood. The mihrab is supported by fine-grained agate columns.
Tickets: 20 dirhams per person for adults
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Delicious food in Fez
In Fez, dining is something that needs to be taken seriously. Fez cuisine is famous throughout Morocco, and the old city also offers a variety of options.
1. Café Clock
Café Clock is located in a traditional Moroccan Riad in the old city of Fez. Climbing up to the rooftop terrace, you can overlook the charming scenery of the old city. This restaurant is famous for its creative dishes that combine Moroccan and Western styles, the most famous of which is the Camel Burger. The cafe hosts local traditional music performances every Sunday to show tourists traditional Moroccan music, such as Gnaouava music.
Recommended dishes: grilled sandwiches, camel meat burgers, baked potatoes
Reference price: 55-95 dirhams/person
2. Ruined Garden
This restaurant was restored from an abandoned Moroccan Riad (traditional courtyard house), and its unique "ruin garden" atmosphere attracts many tourists and locals. Chef and gardener Robert Johnstone grows its own herbs and smokes its own salmon. If you make a reservation, they will arrange a Sephardic feast or traditional slow-roasted lamb.
Recommended dish: slow-roasted lamb
Reference price: 80-120 dirhams/person
3. Restaurant Marrakech
Restaurant Marrakech's decoration is full of Moroccan style. The walls are decorated with traditional Moroccan tiles (Zellige), soft lighting, and Middle Eastern-style chandeliers and fabrics. Some seats are located in the open courtyard, which is very suitable for dining under the stars.
Recommended dishes: couscous with merguez sausage, chicken pastilla (savory pie) with almonds
Reference price: 79 dirhams/person
Rujia Chinese Restaurant is located behind the Bab Boujeloud Blue Gate. If you don't want to eat Moroccan food anymore and want to change your taste, this Chinese restaurant in the old city will definitely suit your appetite. The restaurant manager is very kind and will also provide tourists with many Fez route guides.
Recommended dishes: sweet and sour pork tenderloin, camel meat dumplings
Reference price: 80-160 dirhams/person
There are many accommodation options in Fez, but the prices are much higher than other parts of Morocco. It is recommended to book in advance during the peak season to prevent the desired specialty hotels from being fully booked.
1. Palais de Fes Suite & Spa
Palais de Fes Suite & Spa was transformed from a luxurious palace, retaining some classical architectural features and integrating modern elements, which is very easy to produce photos.
Reference room rate: 1,600 yuan/night/person
2. Ryad Salama Fes
Located between Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira, this inn has a beautiful garden. This is a real Moroccan traditional courtyard with a small swimming pool and a winter salon with a fire. The upstairs rooms have comfortable balconies, enough to perform the Fez version of Romeo and Juliet.
Reference room rate: 1,100 yuan/night/person
3. Hotel Tghat
This modern hotel is conveniently located in the center of the new city of Fez and meets all the elements that a four-star hotel should have. The rooms are as you wish, with swimming pools, Moroccan baths, bars, restaurants, bars, etc.
Reference room rate: 600 yuan/night/person
4. Funky Fes Hostel
This is a hostel run by Spanish people that can provide cheaper backpacker beds. This is a place for young people to socialize, with more beds than you can imagine, and also provides local team tours, activities and cooking classes.
Reference room rate: 600 yuan/night/person
Tours to Cities around Fez
1. Meknes - the glory of the former imperial city
Like Fez, Meknes is one of the four imperial cities in Morocco, but compared to Fez, Meknes is a more relaxed city away from the hustle and bustle. The former glory of Meknes was created by Sultan Moulay Ismail, which can be seen from the winding and narrow streets and magnificent buildings in the old city, but now the city has long become a simple town.
The Khadim Square in the center of the old city of Meknes is opposite the Mansour Gate. The square is always bustling - teenagers playing football, people watching musicians, parents taking a walk and children riding electric toy cars. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, and there is a market behind the square.
2. Volubilis - Exploring Ancient Roman Ruins
Volubilis is a well-preserved ancient Roman archaeological site in Morocco, located on a fertile plain 33 kilometers north of Meknes. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Currently, only 40 hectares of archaeological remains have been excavated in Volubilis, and the more famous ones are the historical remains in the north of the archaeological site. Because it is far from the main entrance in the south, the information signs are placed irregularly, and the explanations in various parts of the archaeological site are not clear. Tourists often don’t know which ruins they are looking at. Therefore, if you don’t have much time to visit, it is recommended to hire a guide.
1. Precautions
• It is not safe to go to the old city alone late at night, especially for female tourists. If you go out late, many hotels and restaurants can usually arrange escort services upon your request.
• Some official guides may suggest turning the tour into a shopping trip and may exert some pressure to buy. Carpet merchants in Fez are known for their superb sales skills. If you have no intention of buying, it is recommended to avoid entering the store. Also, please note that once you enter the store with a guide, the price of the goods may increase due to the guide's commission.
• It is easier to think of shopping in Fez as a "war" than a "game", but it is always wise to be prepared.
2. To Get Cash
There are many banks along Boulevard Mohammed in the new city, equipped with automatic teller machines (ATMs). There are also ATMs at the Batha Post Office in the old city and banks near Place R’cif.
If you want to know more information and tips about traveling to Morocco, please refer to our blog: Morocco Travel Guide.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries:
3-Day Morocco Sahara desert Tour: Departing from Marrakech
5-day Northern Morocco Tour: a blend of history and culture
7-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Marrakech
10-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
13-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
Want to customize your Morocco travel itinerary? Welcome to contact us:
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