ATLAS DRIVER · BLOG
Things to do in Fes
Guides & tips for travelling in Morocco
Fes is the oldest and most authentic of the imperial cities — a living medieval labyrinth. Here are the essentials, and how to approach it without getting lost.
The Fes el-Bali medina (UNESCO)
- The world's largest car-free area: ~9,000 lanes. Getting lost is part of the experience (by day).
- Chouara tanneries: the spectacle of coloured vats, seen from the terraces (you're offered mint to sniff).
- Bou Inania & Attarine madrasas: masterpieces of zellige and carved wood.
- Bab Boujloud (the blue gate), the Quaraouiyine (world's oldest university, exterior).
Crafts & flavours
- Souks by guild: leather, brass, weaving, Fes pottery (Fes blue).
- Pastries, medina street food, dinner in a riad-palace.
Around Fes
- Meknes & Volubilis (UNESCO Roman site) + Moulay Idriss — see our day trip.
- Ifrane & Azrou cedars (monkeys) — see the Ifrane trip.
How long?
- 2 days: medina (tanneries, madrasas) + one day trip (Volubilis or Ifrane).
- An ideal stop on an imperial-cities / desert tour.
Practical tips
- Local guide in the medina: strongly advised (you'll get lost, and the history is dense).
- Pedestrian medina: drop-off at the gate nearest your riad.
- Getting there: Fes-Saiss airport, from Casablanca (3h), or on to Chefchaouen / the desert.
Approach Fes serenely
A private driver drops you at the right gate, arranges your day trips (Volubilis, Ifrane) and the onward journey — at a fixed price confirmed in advance.
FAQ
How many days for Fes?
2 days: the medina + one day trip (Volubilis or Ifrane).
Do I need a guide for the medina?
Strongly advised: the medina is a labyrinth and the history is rich.
How to reach the desert or Chefchaouen from Fes?
As a tour to Merzouga, or Fes → Chefchaouen, at a fixed price.