Fes is a vibrant Moroccan city that is so rich in history and culture. There’s plenty to see and do for first timers.
3 days in Fes should be enough to get a good taste of what this city has to offer.
We put this 3-day Fes itinerary to covers the must-do things in the city, but you can also take a look at our comprehensive list of all the things to do in Fez.
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About Our Fes Itinerary
Fes is one of the most popular cities to visit in Morocco. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers plenty of fun and cultural things.
My husband and I have spent a lot of time discovering the city and its hidden treasures.
I’ll be honest, Fes can be very confusing and hard to get around, even for locals, if you don’t know where to go.
This is why we created this detailed itinerary to help our readers make the most of their time enjoying the trip without feeling lost.
Why 3 days? We believe that 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the main gems of Fes.
But of course, if you have more time, you can always add more activities to your itinerary but 3 days is a good start.
What if I have just two days? well, If you have just 2 days in Fes, simply skip Day 3 on our itinerary.
Our itinerary is designed so that you can easily mix and match activities according to your interests and travel style.
We’ve also included recommended hotels, restaurants, and cafes each day so that you can easily plan your trip.
Fes 3 days Itinerary: DAY 1
Day 1 Overview
- Morning: Marvel at the blue gate (Aka Bab Bou Jloud Gate)
- Morning/afternoon:Explore the old Medina with a local guide
- Morning/afternoon: Visit the Chouara Tanneries
- Evening: Enjoy a homemade dinner at your Riad/hotel
Marvel at Bab Bou Jloud gate (Blue Gate)
On the way to your Riad in the old Medina, you’ll be able to see the beautiful blue gate (Bab Bou Jloud).
The massive gate is the main entrance to the old part of the city (Fes El Bali) and it’s a sight not to be missed.
The blue gate was built in 1913 to serve as the main entrance to the old Medina.
The local name given to the gate is Bab Bou Jloud but it is also commonly referred to as the Blue Gate for its exterior side blue color.
Hint: the interior side of the gate has another color. It’s for you to discover when you visit.
Explore the old Medina with a local guide
The best way to explore the old Medina of Fes is to simply hire a local guide. Fes El Bali is formed with infinite alleyways and it can be really easy to get lost.
On our first visit to Fez, my husband and I attempted to explore the Medina without a guide and it was so confusing.
We ended up finding our way back to the Riad to hire a local guide.
A local guide will be able to take you to all the hidden spots that you would have missed if you were exploring on your own.
Some of the famous attractions you will discover with your guide are the artisanal workshops, the tanneries, the blue gate, Bou Anania Madrassa, the Souq Attarine, Quaraouiyine Mosque, Nejjarine Fountain, Batha Palace, and many more.
Visit the Chouara Tanneries
One of the stops during the guided tour of the Medina is the Chouara Tanneries.
The leather tanneries are one of the most iconic sights in Fes and Chouara is the oldest and largest of all the tanneries in Morocco.
The tanneries have been in operation since the 11th century and the process of making leather hasn’t changed much since then.
We were lucky to witness the complicated process of making leather in Chouara.
The hides are soaked in large basins of lime and water before being dyed using natural pigments. The dyes used are usually derived from plants and minerals.
Once the skins are dyed, they are stretched out to dry in the sun on the rooftops of the tanneries.
After they are dried, they are ready to be turned into beautiful leather products.
Finding the right spot to get a good view of the tanneries can be tricky. Our guide took us to the perfect viewing spot where we had an amazing panoramic view of the tanneries.
But if you decide not to go with a guide just head to this location of a leather shop.
They have the nice view of Chouara from their balcony. You don’t have to pay to go in but you can purchase something from their shop if you like.
Enjoy an authentic dinner at your Riad
Most Riads in Morocco offer dinner options for their guests. And we highly recommend that you take advantage of this and have dinner at your Riad.
The best part about having dinner at your Riad is that you won’t have to worry about finding a good restaurant in the Medina.
They can also arrange a romantic dinner set up if you ask for it. If you’re celebrating a special occasion during your trip to Fes, try and arrange a surprise dinner for your loved one.
But if your Riad doesn’t have dinner options which it’s rare, there are plenty of Riads that take dinner reservations.
They may even come and pick you up from your hotel or Riad.
Fez 3 days Itinerary: DAY 2
Day 2 Overview
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Clock
- Afternoon: Cooking class tour followed by lunch
- Evening: Spend an evening at Janan Sbil Graden
- Alterntive: Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs
Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Clock
Start your second day in Fes with a yummy Moroccan breakfast at Cafe Clock.
Cafe Clock is the most famous cafe and restaurant in Fes. It offers an authentic dining experiences with a variety of Moroccan and western dishes to choose from.
Cafe Clock is located in the Fes El Bali district, on Taala Kabira street.
My favorite thing about this place is the view. From the rooftop terrace of Cafe Clock, you can get a glimpse of the old Medina vibes.
We tried Cafe Clock for breakfast but I have heard that they have great meals for lunch and dinner.
If you are staying in old Medina, there is no harm in trying this place more than one time. The prices are very reasonable as well.
Cooking class tour followed by lunch
This is one of the many things I always recommend to first-time visitors to Morocco.
There is nothing better than taking a cooking lesson from a local chef and then enjoying the meal you cooked for lunch.
My husband didn’t want to go for a cooking lesson in Fes since I’m his everyday Moroccan chef. But it’s a fun thing to do as a tourist.
The cooking lesson usually starts by discussing the menu you are going to make and then followed by a visit to the local market (Aka Souq) where you will buy all the ingredients you need including fresh produce and spices.
After the Souq visit, you will head back to the Riad (cooking lessons are usually held in Riads) where the Moroccan chef will teach you how to cook multiple Moroccan dishes.
And once everything is cooked, you will get to enjoy your own creation for lunch.
The best part is that you get to keep the recipes so that you can make the same meal back home.
There are many cooking classes to choose from in Fes. The previously mentioned Clock cafe offers them as well.
Spend an evening at Janane Sbil Graden
Jnane Sbil Gardens are a lovely place to end your second day in the city.
Straddling the Medina and the Mellah (the Jewish quarter), this beautiful garden is the only proper green space in the old Medina.
Jnane Sbil has a long and rich history that goes back to the 19th century by Sultan Moulay Hassan I to provide a place of relaxation for the royal family.
Now, the gardens are open to the public and anyone can enjoy a stroll through its ancient trees, fountains, and the famous waterwheel.
After a chilled break in the gardens, hit the nearby Café La Noria for a fresh pot of Moroccan mint tea.
Alterntive: Visit Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs
If you are not into gardens and in good shape to climb some hills, you can spend your evening visiting two of the city’s most famous historical sites, Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs.
Borj Nord is an ancient fortress located on the northern hill of Fez overlooking Fes El Bali district.
The fortress was built in the 16th century by the Saadi Dynasty as a defense structure against external attacks.
The fort is now called the Museum of Arms, where a collection of Moroccan weaponry from different periods is exhibited.
And if you head up toward the summit of the hill, you will find the second attraction in this evening plan, the Merenid Tombs.
Unfortunately, the tombs are in a bad state, and not much to see. But the views of Fes El Bali from up there are simply unexplainable, especially at sunset.
Fez 3 days Itinerary: DAY 3
Day 3 Overview
- Morning: Souvenir shopping at the Souk
- Afternoon: Visit Fez new city (Fes Nouvelle)
- Evening: Indulge in a Moroccan Hammam Spa
Souvenir shopping at the Souk
I think your last day should be dedicated to shopping. Because what’s a trip to Morocco without some good old Moroccan souvenirs, right?
I always wanted to buy a leather poof for my house and I picked a beautiful brown one I found in Fes.
There are plenty of other things to buy as well such as Berber rugs, lanterns, spices, and clothing.
Read more: Souvenir Shopping in Morocco: 7 Best Things to Buy
Visit Fes new city (Fes Nouvelle)
There isn’t actually much to see in the new city of Fes as it is quite a modern area with not much historical significance.
The reason I wanted to include it in this 3 day in Fes itinerary is that the new city offers a completely different vibe from the old Medina.
It is a lot more relaxed with wider streets, fewer people, and more green spaces.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the new city, maybe a lunch in one of the many restaurants before heading back to your Riad for some well-deserved rest.
Indulge in a Moroccan Hammam Spa
If you still have some energy left, I recommend that you treat yourself to a Moroccan Hammam Spa. Hammams are very popular in Morocco and you will see many of them around the city.
A Hammam is a type of steam room where you can relax, get rid of all the dead skin on your body, and have a good scrub.
It is a very traditional way of cleansing oneself and has been around for centuries.
If you want to try it out, make sure to book a Hammam session in advance as they tend to get full quickly.
Where to say in Fes for 3 days
The best place to stay in the city for first timers is Fes El Bali in the old Medina.
Fes El Bali is where all the main attractions are located and there are plenty of Riads and guesthouses to choose from in this area.
On our first visit to Fes, we stayed in the lovely Riad Farah. It’s located at the entrance of the Fes El Bali.
We loved staying there, the rooms were lovely, and an amazing rooftop view. In terms of cost, it was quite affordable.
>>Check more budget hotels in Fez
Riad Braya is another mid-range Riad I was planning to stay in but unfortunately, they were fully booked when I was there. An authentic stay with a modern twist, Riad Fes should definitely be on your list.
>>Check more mid-range hotels in Fez
If you are looking for a more luxurious place to stay, I recommend Palais Amani. Known for its impeccable service and stunning interior design, this Riads is one of the best in Fez.
>>Check more luxury hotels in Fez
3 days in Fes Budget
Fes is a relatively cheap city to visit but the budget will depend on your travel style and the type of accommodation you choose.
We chose to budget our 3 days trip in Fes as we were visiting other cities in Morocco as well.
This is our rough estimate per person per day:
- 3 nights in a double room at Riad Farah: $250 (high season)
- Attractions entrance fees: $20/day
- Medina Tour guide: $50/ 4-5 hours guide
- Transport/transfers: $30/ day
- Food drinks snacks: $30-$50 /day
- Cooking class tour with lunch: $50
- Hammam Spa Day: $60-$90
Useful tips and tours
Fes Medina Sightseeing Tour: If you want to make the most of your 3 days in Fez and see all the main attractions, book a Medina sightseeing tour with a qualified guide. This will allow you to see all the main sights in Fes without having to worry about getting lost or scammed by shop owners.
Chefchaouen day trip: Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue city located in the Rif Mountains, about 3 hours away from Fes. If you have some extra time, or maybe you want to take advantage of your last to discover somewhere else. I recommend that book a day trip to Chaouen with a hotel pickup and a qualified guide.
Read more: Top Things to Do in Chefchaouen, Morocco
FAQs
2 to 3 days is enough to explore the main attractions in Fes, including the medina, tanneries, and all the historic sites like the Al Qarawiyyin University and the Bou Inania Madrasa.
It’s tough to pick which city, Marrakech or Fes, is better. Both cities offer great cultural experiences but in different ways. If you can, you should visit both. But if you’re going to Morocco for the first time and can only visit one, I’d say go to Marrakech. Marrakech is a great place to start if you want to explore Morocco.
Yes, 3 days in Fez is generally enough to explore the main highlights and get a good feel for the city.
If I had to pick, I’d say Fez is better than Casablanca. Fez is like stepping back in time. It has old streets filled with history and Moroccan culture. It’s a great place if you want to see and feel the real Morocco, with its markets, old schools, and beautiful buildings.
Fez is famous for its rich history and culture. The city is home to Fes el Bali, one of the largest intact medieval cities in the world, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s also famous for its vibrant souks, and traditional madrasas, including the Al-Qarawiyyin University, recognized as the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Fez is also known for its leather goods produced in its ancient tanneries.
Morocco is on my plan likely for 2024. Fez and Chefchaouen are both on my itinerary to visit. Thanks for the great tips. I didn’t think of taking a cooking class while there but now will definitely consider it.
This sounds like a fantastic introduction to Fez! The cooking class is SUCH a great idea. I’d love to learn more about making tasty Moroccan food.
Hi Jozy, a cooking class is a great start! Check out our Moroccan recipes as well. Happy travels