Fez Travel Guide 2026: Medina, Tanneries, Madrasas and Prices

The main entrance to Fes el Bali, built in 1913, blue on the outside (the colour of Fez) and green on the inside (the colour of Islam). Through the arch you see the minarets of Bou Inania. From here start the two main streets of the medina, Tala'a Kebira and Tala'a Seghira.

Price: free · Tip: it's the easiest landmark to find your way back.

Built between 1350 and 1355 by the Marinid sultan Abu Inan Faris, it's one of the few religious buildings in Morocco that non-Muslims can visit. The courtyard has carved cedar, stucco and zellige tile work of incredible detail, and opposite is a famous 14th-century water clock.

Price: about MAD 20–30 · Hours: closed during Friday prayers · Time needed: 30 minutes.

A smaller Marinid madrasa from 1325, next to Al Quaraouiyine and the spice market ("attarine" means perfume sellers). Many people think its decoration is the finest in Fez. Climb to the roof for a view of the green tiled roof of the Quaraouiyine.

Price: about MAD 20–30 · Time needed: 30 minutes.

Founded in 859 by Fatima al-Fihri and enlarged over the centuries, it is still a mosque and a university, and its library, restored in 2016, holds manuscripts over 1,000 years old. Non-Muslims cannot go inside, but you can look into the courtyard through the open doors.

Price: free to look from the doors · Tip: be respectful and don't block the entrance during prayer times.

The largest of the three tanneries in Fez, in use since around the 11th century. From the terraces of the leather shops around it, you look down on the stone vats full of dyes and white lime where workers treat the hides by hand, the same way for centuries. The smell is strong; shops give you a sprig of mint to hold under your nose.

Price: the terraces are free, but you're expected to look at the shop or tip MAD 10–20 · Time needed: 45 minutes · Tip: go in the morning, when the colours are brightest and the most workers are there.

A small square where coppersmiths hammer giant pots, next to the Quaraouiyine library. Around it are the souks of the dyers, weavers and slipper makers. Also visit the Nejjarine Fountain and the Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts in an old caravanserai (fondouk).

Price: square free; Nejjarine museum about MAD 20–40.

The Dar el Makhzen palace in Fes el Jdid is closed to visitors, but its seven golden brass doors, made in 1969, are one of the most photographed sights in Morocco. Next to it is the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, with houses with balconies facing the street, the Ibn Danan synagogue and the Jewish cemetery.

Price: palace doors free; synagogue and cemetery small fee.

On the hill north of the medina, the ruins of the 14th-century Marinid royal tombs give the best panoramic view of Fes el Bali, especially at sunset when the call to prayer comes from hundreds of minarets.

Price: free · Tip: go by taxi and come back before dark; don't go alone.