Best things to do in Fez

Fez Essentials

Fez is home to the world's largest urban pedestrian zone, Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 8th century. This collection highlights the city's religious and educational foundations, including the 9th-century Kairaouine University and the intricate Merenid-era Madrasa al-Attarine. The list covers essential landmarks from the traditional leather dyeing pits of the ancient tanneries to the 14th-century Borj Nord fort and the historic metalworking hub of Seffarine Square.

Davide Cesare Veniani / CC-BY-SA-3.0

Medina of Fez

Fes el Bali is the oldest walled part of Fez, the second largest city of Morocco.

mwanasimba / CC BY-SA 2.0

Tanneries

Rather ambivalent experience - the tanneries are smelly and it can be hassling, too.

Khonsali / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kairaouine Mosque & University

This 9th century mosque is not open to non-Muslims yet it is still worth stopping by and peeking through the doors.

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

Mosquée Bou Inania

Built in the mid-14th century, this madrasa and congregational mosque features elaborate zellij tilework, carved plaster, and cedar wood. It is one of the few religious sites in Morocco that non-Muslim visitors can enter.

Michal Osmenda / CC BY-SA 2.0

Madrasa al-Attarine mdrst altaryn

Completed in 1325 by the Marinid Sultan Abu Said Uthman II, this former educational college is renowned for the intricate tilework and woodcarving in its central courtyard. It stands at the entrance of the spice and perfume market.

Mr. Granger / CC0

Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II

The Zawiya of Moulay Idris II is a zawiya in Fez, Morocco. It contains the tomb of Idris II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and is…

Elgaard / CC BY-SA 4.0

Al Nejjarine

Housed in an 18th-century funduq, or traditional inn, this museum displays historic Moroccan woodwork and craftsmanship. The building itself is a restored landmark located next to the decorative Nejjarine Fountain.

Omar-toons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Borj Nord

Borj Nord or Burj al-Shamal, Al-Burj ash-Shamali is a fort in the city of Fez, Morocco.

Josep Renalias / CC BY-SA 3.0

Merenid Tombs

The Marinid Tombs or Merenid Tombs are a set of ruined monumental tombs on a hill above and north of Fes al-Bali, the old city of Fez,…

Mrzang / CC-BY-SA

Dar Batha

Dar Batḥa, or Qasr al-Batḥa, is a former royal palace and present-day museum in the city of Fez, Morocco.

Seffarine Square

A historic plaza in the medina where traditional coppersmiths and brassworkers have practiced their trade for centuries. The square is defined by the rhythmic sound of metal being hammered into trays, pots, and kettles.