LOCAL INSIDER’S GUIDE
Fes, Morocco
Travel Guide 2026
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Fes, from the historic medina and local food to the best things to do, where to stay, day trips and practical tips, written by a local licensed guide.
Youssra Sayouri
Licensed Tour Guide, Morocco Ministry of Tourism #3367
Founded
859 CE
Oldest University
in the World
UNESCO
World Heritage Site
9,000+
Alleyways
Car-Free
Medina
A Living City
of 150,000+ People
Welcome to the Real Fes
Fes is the city most visitors get wrong before they even arrive. They picture Marrakech with fewer crowds, but what they find instead is the oldest continuously inhabited medieval city in the world, a working city where the crafts, the food, and the daily rhythm of life have barely changed in centuries.
I was born and raised inside that medina. This guide is everything I wish every traveler knew before their first morning here, written honestly, not as a marketing brochure.
Youssra Sayouri
Licensed Tour Guide, Morocco Ministry of Tourism #3367
Table of Contents
- Why Visit Fes
- Best Time to Visit
- How Many Days
- Getting to Fes
- Getting Around
- Things to Do
- Where to Eat
- Where to Stay
- Day Trips
- Is Fes Safe?
- Practical Tips
- FAQs
Fes at a Glance
Quick answers to the most important questions before your trip.
Best Time to Visit
Mar–May & Sep–Nov (mild weather)
How Many Days
2–4 days recommended
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Language
Arabic (Darija), French, English
Getting Around
On foot (no cars in the medina)
Safety
Generally safe and welcoming
Why Visit Fes?
Fes is Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, home to the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 CE and recognized by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing degree-granting university in the world.
The medina, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest car-free urban zone on the planet. This isn’t a museum, it’s a living city where every alley tells a story.
Best Time to Visit Fes
Fes has a continental climate, with hot summers, mild springs and falls, and cool winters. Here’s a seasonal breakdown.
Spring (Mar–May)
Mild days, cool evenings. Ideal for walking.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot (often >35°C). Early mornings best.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Mild and comfortable. Great for exploring.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Mild days, cold evenings. Occasional rain.
Visiting During Ramadan?
Expect limited daytime restaurant hours, but the medina comes alive after sunset (Iftar) in a special way.
Top Things to Do in Fes
The best experiences, recommended by a local.
Explore the Medina with a Private Guide
Uncover hidden history and authentic places.
Watch and Learn a Craft
Pottery, zellige, leather, and more.
Eat Like a Local
Street food and family-run kitchens.
Shop the Souks Properly
Learn to spot quality and negotiate fairly.
Try a Henna Workshop
A unique and personal cultural experience.
Where to Stay in Fes
Staying in a traditional riad inside the medina is the best way to experience the real Fes. From budget-friendly to luxury, here are our top recommendations.
Where to Eat in Fes
Fes cuisine is considered the most refined in Morocco, with influences from Andalusian, Berber and Arab traditions. Discover the best stalls and hidden restaurants.
Day Trips from Fes
Explore beyond the medina
Chefchaouen
The Blue Pearl: ~200km, full day
Meknes & Volubilis
Imperial city & Roman ruins: ~65km, full day
Middle Atlas
Cedar forests & Berber villages: ~80km, full day
Suggested Itineraries
1, 2, or 3 days in Fes: detailed day-by-day plans to make the most of your trip.
Is Fes Safe?
Yes: Fes is a welcoming city, and violent crime against tourists is rare. Learn about common scams, cultural norms, and tips for solo female travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a guide to visit Fes?
Is the food in Fes different from Marrakech?
How many days should I spend in Fes?
What should I wear in Fes?
Is Fes safe for solo female travelers?
Is Fes worth visiting if I'm going to Marrakech?
Youssra Sayouri
About the Author. Born and raised in Fes, Youssra shares her city with honest advice, local insights, and a genuine passion for Moroccan culture.