20 Best Things to Do in Fes (2026): Sights, Prices & Local Tips
The best things to do in Fes, in short: enter the medina through Bab Boujloud, see the carved courtyards of Bou Inania and Al Attarine madrasas, watch the dye pits of the Chouara tannery from a terrace, walk to Fes el-Jdid for the Royal Palace gates and the Mellah, and end the day with the view from Borj Nord. Most paid sights cost 20–60 MAD.
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This guide lists the 20 best things to do in Fes, grouped by area so you can plan your days on foot in one of the most confusing medinas in the world. Each paid sight comes with its entry price and opening hours, checked in October 2026, plus a map of every stop. For the bigger picture, see our Fes travel guide.
Fes Attractions at a Glance: Prices and Hours
| Attraction | Area | Hours | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bou Inania Madrasa | Fes el-Bali | 9:00–17:00/18:00, closes for prayers | 20 MAD |
| Al Attarine Madrasa | Fes el-Bali | 9:00–18:00 | 20 MAD |
| Nejjarine Museum | Fes el-Bali | 10:00–17:00 | 30 MAD |
| Dar Batha Museum | Fes el-Bali | 10:00–18:00, closed one day a week | 60 MAD |
| Chouara Tannery | Fes el-Bali | About 9:00 to sunset | Free, tip at the terrace |
| Borj Nord (Museum of Arms) | North hills | 9:00–18:00 | 20 MAD |
| Jnan Sbil Gardens | Between the two medinas | 8:00–19:00 | Free |
Sources: Malika in Morocco’s Fes museums guide (updated July 2026) and one-day Fes itinerary. Sources differ on Bou Inania’s closing time, on Dar Batha’s closing day (Monday or Tuesday) and on whether Jnan Sbil closes on Mondays, so confirm locally. Hours are shorter during Ramadan.
How to Plan Your Visit to Fes
If You Have Half a Day
- Enter through Bab Boujloud.
- Visit Bou Inania Madrasa.
- Walk along Talaa Kebira.
- Explore the traditional souks.
If You Have One Full Day
- Explore Al Attarine Madrasa.
- See Al Quaraouiyine from the doorway.
- Visit Seffarine Square.
- See Chouara Tannery.
- Explore Nejjarine Museum.
If You Have Two Days
- Explore Fes el-Jdid and the Royal Palace gates.
- Visit the Mellah and Ibn Danan Synagogue.
- Relax at Jnan Sbil Gardens.
- End the day at Borj Nord or the Merenid Tombs.
Map of the Best Things to Do in Fes
Red = Fes el-Bali, blue = Fes el-Jdid, green = viewpoints. Pins are approximate.
Things to Do in Fes el-Bali (the Old Medina)
1. Enter Through Bab Boujloud
The blue-tiled Bab Boujloud is the main western gate of the medina and the easiest starting point. It never closes, so you can start early, according to Malika in Morocco. Come before breakfast for photos without crowds.
2. Walk Down Talaa Kebira Through the Souks
From Bab Boujloud, the main street of Talaa Kebira runs downhill through the souks toward the heart of the medina. It is one of the best free things to do in Fes: food stalls, spice shops, leather and brass, and donkeys carrying goods where no car can go. Keep to the main street on your first walk to learn the layout.
3. Bou Inania Madrasa
Founded in 1351 according to Kimkim, this Marinid school near Bab Boujloud is one of the finest buildings in Morocco, with carved cedar, stucco and zellige around its courtyard. Entry is 20 MAD. It closes briefly at prayer times and for longer at Friday prayers, so return after a few minutes if the door is shut.
4. Al Attarine Madrasa
Smaller but just as richly decorated, Al Attarine sits deep in the medina beside the Qarawiyyin Mosque. Entry is 20 MAD, and Malika in Morocco notes that it closes periodically, so check before making the walk.
5. See Al Quaraouiyine From the Doorway
The Qarawiyyin Mosque was founded in the 9th century, according to UNESCO. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but you can glimpse the courtyard through the open doors as you pass.
6. Watch the Chouara Tannery From a Terrace
The Chouara tannery is the most famous of all Fes attractions. You see the dye pits from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops. Entry is free, but whoever takes you up expects a tip unless you buy something, so be clear if you only want photos. Mornings are best for light and activity, and mint leaves help with the smell.
7. Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts
On Nejjarine Square, this museum shows carved wood and traditional crafts. It opens from 10:00 to 17:00, and entry is 30 MAD.
8. Hear the Metalworkers of Seffarine Square
Near the Qarawiyyin, Seffarine Square is where coppersmiths and brass workers hammer pots and trays in the open. It is one of the most atmospheric free things to do in Fes and a good place to stop for a mint tea.
9. Dar Batha Museum
A 19th-century palace near Bab Boujloud, now a museum of Islamic arts. Entry is 60 MAD. DSLR cameras are not allowed, but phone photos are fine, according to Malika in Morocco.
10. Zaouia Moulay Idriss II
The shrine of Moulay Idriss II, one of the founders of Fes, is one of the city’s most important religious sites. Non-Muslims can see it only from outside, so be discreet and avoid photographing worshippers.
Compare guided Fes medina tours on Klook →
Things to Do in Fes el-Jdid
11. The Royal Palace Gates
The palace itself (Dar el-Makhzen) is closed to the public, but its huge brass doors and zellige-covered gateway are one of the most photographed sights in Fes.
12. The Mellah and Ibn Danan Synagogue
Next to the palace, the Mellah is the historic Jewish quarter. Its Ibn Danan Synagogue was rebuilt by 1701 and restored before reopening in 1999, according to Wikipedia. Ask locally about visiting hours.
13. Relax in Jnan Sbil Gardens
Between Fes el-Bali and Fes el-Jdid, these free gardens are a calm break after the medina, open from 8:00 to 19:00 according to Malika in Morocco.
14. Bab Makina
This large walled square in Fes el-Jdid is one of the historic gathering places of the old city and a short walk from the palace gates.
Best Viewpoints in Fes
15. Borj Nord
This fortress on the hill north of the medina houses the Museum of Arms, with entry at 20 MAD. The terrace outside gives one of the best views over the medina rooftops.
16. The Merenid Tombs
The ruined 14th-century tombs above Borj Nord are a classic sunset viewpoint. Malika in Morocco reports that they were closed during an April 2025 visit, so check access first and avoid the area after dark.
Best Experiences in Fes
17. Take a Guided Medina Tour on Your First Morning
A licensed guide is one of the most useful things to do in Fes on day one. You learn the main routes, understand what you are seeing and avoid unofficial guides. Book through your riad or a tour platform, and agree the route and whether shop stops are included before you start.
18. Try a Hammam
Choose a neighborhood hammam for the local experience, or a spa hammam in a riad for privacy and an explained routine. It is a good way to end a day of walking the steep medina lanes.
19. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class
Fes is famous for its cuisine, and many riads and cooking schools start with a market visit before teaching you to make a tagine, salads and bread.
20. Try a Pottery and Zellige Workshop
Fes is known for its blue-and-white pottery and zellige tilework. Hands-on workshops let you watch craftsmen cut tiles and try it yourself, which makes a better souvenir than anything from a shop.
Compare Fes cooking classes, hammams and workshops on Klook →
One of the most memorable experiences in Fes is watching the medina come alive. The sound of craftsmen working in Seffarine Square, the colorful souks and the scent of fresh mint tea make exploring the old city feel special. For first-time visitors, one important tip is to avoid rushing between attractions. Start early, wear comfortable walking shoes and save your riad’s location on an offline map. The medina’s narrow streets are easy to get lost in, so taking your time is part of the experience.
Things to Do Near Fes
- Volubilis and Meknes: Roman ruins and an imperial city, the most popular day trip from Fes.
- Moulay Yacoub: hot springs about 25 minutes from the medina, according to Kimkim.
- Chefchaouen: the blue town is best with an overnight stay.
- The Sahara: Merzouga is about 460 km away, so plan at least one night; see how to get from Fes to Merzouga.
Free Things to Do in Fes
- Walking through Bab Boujloud and down Talaa Kebira
- Watching the metalworkers in Seffarine Square
- The Royal Palace gates and the Mellah
- Jnan Sbil Gardens
- The view from the hills near Borj Nord
- The Chouara tannery terraces (tip expected)
Tips for Visiting Fes Attractions
- Start early. The madrasas are calmest at opening time.
- Plan around Friday prayers, when some religious sites close for longer.
- Carry small notes and coins for entry tickets and tips.
- Ignore anyone who says a street is closed or a site is “open only today”. It is a common way to lead visitors to shops.
- Save your riad on an offline map, and leave by the nearest gate and take a taxi if you are tired.
- Dress modestly near mosques, shrines and madrasas.
For a base close to the sights, see our guide to where to stay in Fes.
Compare riads and hotels in Fes on Klook →
Things to Do in Fes: FAQs
What is Fes best known for?
Fes is best known for its UNESCO-listed medina, Fes el-Bali, the Chouara tannery, Marinid madrasas such as Bou Inania and Al Attarine, the Qarawiyyin Mosque and its traditional crafts.
How many days do you need to see Fes?
Two to three days is enough to see the main things to do in Fes: one day for the old medina with a guide, one for exploring alone and Fes el-Jdid, and an optional day trip to Volubilis and Meknes. Our 3 days in Fes itinerary plans each day.
What are the best free things to do in Fes?
The best free things to do in Fes are walking down Talaa Kebira from Bab Boujloud, watching the metalworkers in Seffarine Square, seeing the Royal Palace gates and the Mellah, and relaxing in Jnan Sbil Gardens.
Is the Chouara tannery free?
There is no ticket, but you watch from the terraces of leather shops, and whoever takes you up expects a tip unless you buy something. Agree in advance if you only want to take photos.
Can non-Muslims visit mosques in Fes?
Non-Muslims cannot enter the Qarawiyyin Mosque or the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, but they can visit the Bou Inania and Al Attarine madrasas, which are among the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Do I need a guide to visit Fes attractions?
It is not required, but a licensed guide on your first morning makes the medina far easier to navigate. After that, most visitors explore the main things to do in Fes on their own.
Plan the Rest of Your Trip
Now that you have a list of things to do in Fes, these guides will help you plan the rest of your Morocco trip: