Fes Morocco is the country's spiritual and intellectual capital, home to the world's oldest continuously operating university, the largest car-free urban area in the world, and a medina so complex that getting lost is considered part of the experience. Founded in the 9th century, this ancient city rewards visitors who slow down and spend more than a day inside its walls.
Planning transport from Fes Morocco to Casablanca, Chefchaouen, or Marrakech? Morocco Private Transport offers fixed-price private drivers with door-to-door pickup from your hotel or riad. Request a free quote here.
Where is Fes Morocco?
Fes Morocco is located in north-central Morocco, approximately 300 km northeast of Casablanca and 180 km east of Rabat. The city has three distinct parts: Fes el-Bali (the ancient medina, UNESCO-listed), Fes el-Jdid (the 13th-century new city), and the French-built Ville Nouvelle to the south.
When to Visit
The best months to visit are March to May and September to November. Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C) and the medina is at its most atmospheric. Summer regularly exceeds 38°C, making the densely built lanes particularly uncomfortable. Winter is mild but occasionally rainy.
Top Things to Do in Fes Morocco
The Fes el-Bali Medina
The UNESCO-listed medina contains over 9,000 streets and lanes, more than 300 mosques, and a functioning traditional economy of tanneries, dyers, potters, and weavers largely unchanged since the medieval period. Navigation is genuinely challenging: a local guide significantly improves the experience.
The Chouara Tanneries
The most photographed sight in the city, the Chouara Tanneries are a working leather dyeing facility where hides are soaked in large circular stone vats of natural pigments. The best view is from the balconies of surrounding leather shops. Merchants offer sprigs of mint against the intense smell.
The Bou Inania Madrasa
Built between 1350 and 1355 by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan, this madrasa is the finest example of Marinid architecture in the country, with carved cedar wood, intricate zellige tilework, and stucco plasterwork covering every surface. One of the few madrasas open to non-Muslim visitors.
The Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque
Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, the Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating university. The mosque is not open to non-Muslims but the surrounding lanes give views of its green-tiled rooftops and ornate doorways.
The Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Established in 1438, the Mellah was one of the first Jewish quarters in North Africa. Its distinctive architecture, with overhanging upper floors and wrought-iron balconies, differs visibly from the surrounding Arab medina.
The Royal Palace (Dar el-Makhzen)
Not open to the public, but its golden brass doors set against a vast tiled plaza are one of the most photographed spots in the city. The best angle is from the Place des Alaouites in front of the main gate.
How to Get Around
Fes el-Bali is entirely pedestrian. Petit taxis connect the medina gates to the Ville Nouvelle. For day trips to Meknes, Volubilis, or Chefchaouen, a private driver is the most efficient option with fixed pricing and hotel pickup.
Day Trips from Fes Morocco
The city is the ideal base for day trips into northern and central Morocco:
- Fes to Chefchaouen: approximately 200 km northwest. Private driver from 2,400 MAD per vehicle. Morocco's Blue Pearl is the most requested excursion from this base.
- Fes to Meknes: 60 km west. A UNESCO-listed imperial city often combined with nearby Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins.
- Fes to Volubilis: 80 km west, usually combined with Meknes. Full day private driver from 1,700 MAD per vehicle.
Book a Private Driver from Fes Morocco
Fixed price, door-to-door from your hotel or riad. English-speaking driver included. All prices per vehicle, not per person.
Transport from Fes Morocco to Other Cities
| Route | Distance | Journey Time | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fes to Casablanca | ~300 km | ~3h30 | 2,900 MAD |
| Fes to Chefchaouen | ~200 km | ~3h | 2,400 MAD |
| Fes to Rabat | ~200 km | ~2h30 | Contact for quote |
| Fes to Meknes + Volubilis | ~80 km | full day | 1,700 MAD |
| Full Day Private Driver (10h) | flexible | 10h | 1,700 MAD |
All prices are per vehicle, not per person. Book via the Morocco Private Transport contact form.
Where to Stay
Riads inside Fes el-Bali offer the most immersive experience, with traditional architecture, rooftop terraces, and direct access to the main sites on foot. The Ville Nouvelle has international hotels with easier vehicle access for those who prefer a modern base.
Practical Information for Fes Morocco
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs available at the medina gates and throughout the Ville Nouvelle.
- Language: Arabic and Tamazight officially. French widely spoken. English available in tourist-facing riads.
- Getting there: Fes-Saiss Airport (FEZ) connects to several European cities. From Casablanca, private driver from 2,900 MAD per vehicle, approximately 3h30.
- Navigation: Download an offline map before arrival. Orient around Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate), the Chouara Tanneries, and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque.
- Safety: Fes Morocco is safe for tourists. Decline unsolicited guides politely and use official guides booked through your riad.
Frequently Asked Questions: Fes Morocco
Is Fes Morocco safe to visit?
Yes. The city is generally safe for tourists. The main issue is unsolicited guiding in the medina: decline politely and use official guides booked through your riad.
How many days do you need in Fes Morocco?
Two to three days is the minimum to see the main medina sites. A third day allows for a day trip to Meknes and Volubilis or to Chefchaouen. The medina rewards slower exploration.
What is Fes Morocco famous for?
Fes Morocco is famous for the world's oldest university (Al-Qarawiyyin, founded 859 CE), the largest car-free urban area in the world (Fes el-Bali), the Chouara Tanneries, and its exceptionally well-preserved medieval architecture.
Can you visit the tanneries in Fes Morocco?
Yes. The Chouara Tanneries are best viewed from the balconies of leather shops surrounding the complex. Entry is typically free with a small purchase, and they operate most actively in the morning hours.
How do you get from Fes Morocco to Chefchaouen?
A private driver from Fes Morocco to Chefchaouen takes approximately 3 hours each way, from 2,400 MAD per vehicle for the day.
How do you get from Casablanca to Fes Morocco?
A private driver from Casablanca to Fes Morocco takes approximately 3h30, from 2,900 MAD per vehicle. The ONCF train takes approximately 4 hours and is a comfortable budget alternative.
