How to spend One Day in Fes

How to spend One Day in Fes

The Blue Gate of Fes at night by Michal Osmenda from Wikimedia Commons

Welcome to Fes, Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. You’ll either find it exhilarating or incredibly draining since it’s frantic, chaotic, and intense in every manner. However, it is one of the most intriguing sites to visit in Morocco and a city with well-preserved customs and crafts businesses.

For first-timers, one day in Fes will be the ideal amount of time to take in the city’s chaotic Medina, become fully immersed in local culture, and ultimately depart with some very lasting impressions.

So, what do you do in Fes?

Even if you only have a limited amount of time, use this guide to make the most of your vacation. These are the best attractions and activities to do in Fes for a single day.

1. Have breakfast in town

Moroccan food by Christian Muise from Wikimedia Commons

Nothing gets your day off to a better start than a satisfying meal. One little restaurant sticks out among the numerous others dispersed across the city. The quaint and welcoming Made in M restaurant offers a variety of breakfast selections along with great interior design and an unusual ambience.

You might say that their cuisine is a combination of European and Moroccan. It’s more of a tourist attraction than a local establishment, yet only excellent food and exceptional friendliness could be expected.

2. Walk around Fes el Bali’s streets

Medina in Fes by Sim Br from Wikimedia Commons

The ambience of Fes Medina’s streets is unmatched. It would almost be enough to simply meander around its labyrinths and take it all in, such as the combination of noises, smells, and colours. You don’t have to worry about vehicles since Fes el Bali is one of the largest urban pedestrian zones in the whole globe. The streets are packed and congested, but in addition to the tourists and locals, bikes, and scooters, you may still see mules and donkeys hauling cargo like in the past. The Old Town’s ancient labyrinthine structure makes it easy to get lost, so if you want to keep on a familiar path, stick to Talaa Seghira and Talaa Kebira, the two main retail avenues.

The souks (markets) are all around you, in case you were wondering. Learn about the artistry of the region and purchase one-of-a-kind Moroccan trinkets like colourful carpets, elaborate ceramics, all-natural cosmetic items, argan oil, Moroccan spices, leather babouche slippers, and more. The goods are comparable to those found in the souks of Marrakech, although they are more affordable. While certain goods are available at set pricing, shopping in the souks typically involves some negotiating.

3. Observe one of the Madrasas

Bukhara divan begi madrasa by Adam Harangozó from Wikimedia Commons

In Medina, in addition to mosques, there are a variety of other religious and cultural sites. Both Madrasa al-Attarine and Bou Inania Madrasa are important historical Islamic institutions that you should visit. There’s no need to visit both because you only have one day in Fes, but you should absolutely take some time to explore one of them. With their exquisite carvings, lovely zellij (colourful tilework), and plastic work with Koranic texts all over the inner courtyard, they are both remarkable and rather comparable.

Student rooms with views of the courtyard are located on the higher floor, so be sure to check them out. The only madrasa in Fes with a minaret is Bou Inania Madrasa, which is visible from numerous restaurant rooftops nearby. Muslims may also visit the remarkable University of Al Quaraouiyine, which is the oldest continuously operating university in the world.

4. Look at the Bab Boujeloud

Bab Boujeloud by Mike Prince from Wikimedia Commons

Following either of the two main streets (Talaa Seghira or Talaa Kebira) will bring you to the Blue Gates (Bab Boujeloud). Built-in 1913, the entrance to Medina is comparatively recent. Awe-inspiring archways may be admired from both sides. The tiles facing Medina are green since that is the colour of Islam, and the tiles facing the street are blue because that is the colour of Fes.

5. Stop at the Nagham café for lunch

Moroccan food by Christian Muise from Wikimedia Commons

The Old Town of Fes is crowded with eateries and carts selling street cuisine. Time the busy streets might be entertaining for a while, most customers would rather eat in a relaxed setting. For this reason, a lot of restaurants have rooftop patios where you may eat while admiring the city below.

Go to the Nagham café adjacent to the Blue Gate to savour the fusion of Moroccan and western cuisine while taking in sweeping views of the Medina. They provide some of the greatest Tajines in the area, with a variety to select from.

6. Visit the Chouara Tannery as you hold your breath

Chouara Tannery by just_a_cheeseburger from Wikimedia Commons

The Chouara Tannery, the oldest still in operation in the world, is one of Fes’ most fascinating attractions. You have to enter a shop in order to see the tannery because it is fully encircled by private structures, most of which are leather shops. You are not required to purchase anything, despite the forceful sales tactics of the shopkeepers, so feel free to observe the dyeing process from any of the store terraces.

The tannery, which dates to the eleventh century, still utilizes the conventional method of dyeing leather. Be prepared for an unpleasant smell as the stone pots are filled with colours and liquids such as cow urine and pigeon excrement. 

7. At the Jnan Sbil Garden, unwind

Jnan sbil by Robert Prazeres from Wikimedia Commons

It’s time to go from Medina for a bit as the crowded streets may be exhausting. Fortunately, there is the charming Jnan Sbil Garden, a tranquil natural space not far from the Medina walls.

The locals absolutely like spending time here since it is the ideal place to unwind by the lake and cool down in the summer heat. These magnificent gardens, which Sultan Moulay Abdallah commissioned more than a century ago, have lately undergone a complete renovation to restore them to their original beauty.

8. Take a hike up to the Marinid Tombs for an incredible 360-degree vista

Marinid tombs by Abdul muhib from Wikimedia Commons

The most stunning panoramic view of Fes may be seen from a certain location. You may reach the Marinid Tombs, the remains of two opulent tombs with large horseshoe-arch entrances, by ascending a pleasant 30-minute trek to the summit. Although it’s unclear for whom they were constructed and who was interred there, it’s generally accepted that they belonged to a royal family.

The area is now well-known for its picturesque views of the Fes Medina, which are especially stunning at dusk. You can stop in Borj Nord, a historic fort that holds a museum of armour and weaponry from various ages, on your journey to the Marinid Tombs.

9. A meal at Café Clock

Madrasa Bou Inania by Patrick Barry from Wikimedia Commons

The nightlife in Fes is just as vibrant as the daytime scene. Locals congregate in the city’s squares, children run about on the sidewalks, and young people smoke shisha at well-known rooftop bars. The perfect time to relax on outdoor terraces and take in the energetic nighttime ambience is right now.

One of the most well-known eateries is Café Clock, which offers outside dining on several levels with stunning views of the Bou Inania Madrasa tower and Medina roofs. Every customer may find something they like on the restaurant’s varied menu. They provide great falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh.

One of the most tolerant Arab countries is Morocco, which has a reputation for it. The nation is stable, tranquil, and largely safe. Both Arabic and Berber Moroccans are renowned for their amiable dispositions and warm hospitality.

In places with few visitors, tourists could get strange stares, but this is frequently followed by happy waving and attempts to strike up a discussion.