10 Best Things to Do and See in Fez
Exploring Fes on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Fes, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Fes. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Jnan Sbil
Jnan Sbil is a pleasant public garden in Fez, appreciated as a green haven in the heart of the city. Visitors will find wide shaded paths, pools, fountains, and carefully maintained greenery that invite strolling and relaxation. The site offers a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for taking a break from the city buzz and enjoying a well-kept natural setting. It is also a favorite spot for visitors for its simple charm and refreshing feel, especially enjoyable during a walk in Fez.
2. Royal Palace
In Fez, the Royal Palace stands out for its vast monumental gates, its ramparts, and its carefully maintained gardens, making it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Even if the interior is not always open to visitors, the site impresses with its traditional Moroccan architecture, zellige and bronze decorations, as well as the elegance of its facades. Located near the medina, it is a must-see stop to admire a symbol of Morocco’s historical heritage and royal power.
3. Bab Rcif
Bab Rcif is one of the iconic gates of the medina of Fez, Morocco, and a lively entry point to the city’s historic heart. Located in a vibrant and busy area, it attracts visitors with its traditional architecture and its role as a landmark in the old urban fabric. When you arrive, you discover the typical atmosphere of Fez, with its narrow streets, passersby, and the daily activity around the gate. It is an interesting place to experience the authentic charm of the medina and begin a walk through the old city.
4. Attarine Madrasa
Located in the heart of the medina of Fes, the Attarine Madrasa is a former religious school renowned for the refinement of its architecture. On a visit, you will discover an elegant courtyard, zellige decoration, carved wood and finely crafted stucco that reflect Moroccan artisan craftsmanship. The whole site captivates visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and harmonious proportions. It is one of Fes’s emblematic landmarks, appreciated as much for its historical significance as for the beauty of its ornamentation and the intimate atmosphere it exudes.
5. Merinid Tombs
The Marinid Tombs, in Fez, offer a popular sightseeing stop thanks to their commanding position above the city and the medina. Today, this site is especially notable for its peaceful atmosphere and stone remains, attracting visitors looking for panoramic views and traces of the past. From the heights, you can enjoy sweeping views over Fez, its rooftops, its ramparts, and the surrounding landscape. The site appeals as much for its heritage value as for the calm it exudes, especially at sunset.
6. Florence Square
Florence Square, in Fez, is a pleasant green space that offers a welcome break from the pace of the city. Visitors will find a landscaped garden designed for walking and relaxing, with paths, shaded areas, and a peaceful atmosphere appreciated by both locals and visitors. Located in an accessible part of the city, it is a simple and welcoming place to rest, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a quiet moment. It is a small green oasis that brings freshness and a breath of air to Fez.
7. Nejjarine Fondouk
The Fondouk Nejjarine, located in the heart of Fes medina, is a fine example of traditional Moroccan architecture transformed into a place to visit. Inside, visitors discover an elegant inner courtyard, often decorated with carved wood, zellige tiles, and handcrafted details that reflect local craftsmanship. Linked to the world of trades and commerce, this fondouk offers a peaceful atmosphere in the middle of the lively narrow streets. It is an interesting stop to appreciate the decorative art of Fes and observe the importance of the city’s artisanal heritage.
8. Bab el-Semmarine, باب السمارين
Bab el-Semmarine, in Fez, is one of the emblematic gates of the old medina and a gateway to a lively district with a rich artisanal heritage. As you approach it, you discover traditional defensive architecture in harmony with the city walls, as well as the typical atmosphere of Fes’s historic entrances. The site marks the transition between the modern city and the maze of old alleyways, where you can see shops, everyday life and the movement of the medina. It is a place appreciated for experiencing the lively, authentic character of Fez.
9. Borj Sud
Overlooking the city of Fes from above, Borj Sud is a fortress offering superb views of the medina and its ramparts. This site appeals both for its heritage value and for its panoramic outlook, ideal for understanding the city’s layout and admiring its rooftops, alleys, and surrounding landscapes. As you stroll around the borj, you’ll discover a peaceful atmosphere, imposing walls, and a place cherished by visitors for a contemplative break away from the bustle of the historic center.
10. Fes Tanneries
At the Fes Tanneries, discover an iconic craft site where leather is prepared and dyed in large stone vats. Visitors can watch traditional work still done by hand, with repeated gestures and raw materials transformed on site. The experience reveals a craft deeply tied to Fes's history. The colors of the vats, the smell of leather and the nearby workshops create a very distinctive scene in the medina, active, ancient and instantly recognizable.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
