Bab Bou Jeloud, the Blue Gate into the Fez medina
AfricaCultureHistoryCrafts

Fez

Medinas, tanneries, and historic madrasas

Plan with AISee the 1 itineraryPhoto: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Best timeMarch-May or September-November for mild weather
Typical trip length3 days
On travli1 itinerary
Getting aroundWalk the medina; petit taxis outside the walls
CurrencyMoroccan dirham (MAD)

About Fez

Fez stands out for its medieval medina, Fes el-Bali, where daily life continues among historic monuments. Its dense lanes surround the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, while the mellah, the old Jewish quarter, lies in neighboring Fes el-Jdid beside the royal palace. Bab Bou Jeloud provides the classic entry point for most travelers.

Crafts define much of a visit here. Madrasa Bou Inania displays fine Merinid architecture while Chouara Tanneries show leather dyeing in open pits. Al-Attarine Madrasa and Nejjarine Fountain add to the sequence of sites. This destination suits a deliberate trip centered on history and traditional trades.

Why travelers love it

Top attractions

1 Fez itinerary

Fez questions

Is three days enough for Fez?

Three days covers the main medina sites plus Volubilis. Add one day if you want slower pacing through the souks.

Do I need to book madrasa tickets in Fez ahead?

Buy tickets on site at Bou Inania and Al-Attarine madrasas. Arrive before 10 a.m. to skip lines.

How do I get from Fez to Volubilis?

Take a shared grand taxi from Bab Ftouh or a CTM bus to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun then a short taxi to the site. Total travel time is two hours each way.

What should I wear in the Fez tanneries?

Wear closed shoes and bring mint sprigs for the smell. The tannery terraces have no shade so use sunscreen and carry water.