Fes, Morocco’s ancient imperial city, is often hailed as ‘the world’s largest labyrinth.’
Fes el Bali (the Old City), boasting over a millennium of history since the 9th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its intricate network of alleyways still buzzes with daily life.
Donkeys carry loads, the aroma of spices wafts from the souks (markets), and the rhythmic clanging of artisans’ tools fills the air – it’s truly a living medieval Islamic city.
This article curates five must-see, vibrant, and fascinating tourist attractions for visitors to Fes. From the iconic main gate to a madrasa with breathtaking decorative beauty, and a scenic spot offering panoramic views of the medina, we’ll guide you through Fes with a deep-dive perspective!
Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate)
📍 Address: Batha, Fes, Morocco
The largest entrance to Fes’ Old City and the prologue to its labyrinthine streets is ‘Bab Bou Jeloud,’ commonly known as the Blue Gate. Built in 1913 in Moorish style, this gate immediately heightens your anticipation for the exotic walk that lies ahead.
While it appears to be merely a beautiful gate at first glance, its deepest secret is the differing tile colors on its outer and inner faces. The outside, facing the medina, is adorned in the vibrant ‘Fes Blue,’ symbolizing the city, while the inside, once you pass through and look back, is colored with ‘Islamic Green,’ a sacred hue in Islam.
The area around the gate is densely packed with restaurants and cafes, bustling with a chaotic energy of tourists, locals, and handcarts throughout the day. For memorable photos, the early morning, when foot traffic is low and the rising sun beautifully illuminates the gate, is ideal. A classic and best shot is captured with a minaret peeking through the archway beyond.
Al Attarine Madrasa
📍 Address: 328G+3H2, Rue Talaa Kebira, Fes, Morocco
While Fes’s Old City is home to several madrasas (Islamic schools), the 14th-century ‘Al Attarine Madrasa’ stands out for its intricate and stunning decorations. Located beyond the spice souk (Attarine Souk), this institution allows non-Muslim visitors to explore its courtyard and upper floors for an entrance fee of 20 MAD.
Stepping inside, you’ll find a silence that belies the hustle and bustle outside. The courtyard walls are meticulously adorned with hand-carved geometric zellige (mosaic tiles), openwork stucco featuring Quranic calligraphy, and exquisite cedar wood carvings, showcasing the pinnacle of Marinid-era Moroccan architecture.
To fully immerse yourself in this solemn atmosphere, visiting in the early morning before tour groups arrive is highly recommended. Please note that internal viewing may be restricted during prayer times, and the entrance door might be closed, so plan your visit to avoid these periods.
Place Seffarine
📍 Address: Fes, Morocco 327G+MVH
The saying ‘Fes is a living World Heritage site’ resonates most strongly at ‘Place Seffarine.’ Located near the Kairaouine Mosque in the heart of the medina, as you approach this square, you’ll hear the high-pitched ‘clang, clang’ of metal being hammered from down the alleyways.
This is where traditional coppersmiths and brass workers gather. It’s not a show for tourists, but an authentic ‘working site’ where men sweat as they meticulously hammer out huge copper pots, delicate teapots, and trays, one by one.
The square, filled with sparks, the scent of metal, and the rhythmic breathing of the artisans, possesses an energy akin to stumbling into a blacksmith’s village in an RPG game. In Morocco, taking photos of people without permission is considered impolite (and can lead to trouble), so always ask an artisan or offer a small tip as a gesture of respect before pointing your camera. A sophisticated way to enjoy the scene is to climb the stairs of a cafe overlooking the square and observe the craftsmanship from above while sipping mint tea.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
📍 Address: Fes, Morocco 327F+WJ5
The ‘Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts,’ which showcases woodwork and artisans’ tools, is a hidden gem praised by travelers more for its ‘building itself’ and ‘stunning rooftop views’ than for its exhibits (entrance fee: 20 MAD). The building was once a ‘fondouk,’ a caravanserai that housed merchants, with stables on the ground floor and accommodations on the upper floors.
The interior space, with its white stucco walls and multiple layers of arched wooden corridors, is exceptionally beautiful and highly photogenic. The museum also offers clean restrooms and benches, making it a valuable oasis when you’re tired from walking.
And the absolute highlight is the rooftop terrace. With no tall buildings obstructing the view, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Fes’s Old City’s sprawling rooftops. A cafe is also located on the terrace, so taking a break while gazing at the labyrinth city spread out below will surely be a highlight of your Fes trip.
Borj Nord Museum
📍 Address: Fes, Morocco 3288+W24
For those who want to escape the medina’s hustle and bustle and gaze upon the entire city from an external vantage point, ‘Borj Nord’ (Northern Fort) is highly recommended. This robust fortress was built in the late 16th century to monitor and defend Fes, and it now serves as a museum displaying various weapons and military technologies from prehistoric times to the present day (entrance fee: 60 MAD).
While the entrance fee is slightly higher than other attractions, the magnificently restored fortress architecture is well worth seeing. The exhibits include English explanations, allowing visitors to delve deep into the history of weaponry not only in Morocco but worldwide. Its accessibility for wheelchairs, a rare feature in ancient Fes, is also notable.
The true value of this place lies in the panoramic view of ‘Fes Old City, resembling an ant-lion’s trap,’ from its terrace. Glimpsing the countless houses and clusters of minarets from atop the hill will give you a tangible sense of just how vast a labyrinth you’ve been exploring. The museum closes at 5 PM (closed Mondays), so if you’re aiming for a sunset view, it’s essential to arrive early, wait on the terrace, and schedule your departure to coincide with closing time.
Tips and Etiquette for Navigating the Labyrinth City of Fes
Fes’s medina (Old City) is one of the world’s most intricate labyrinths. Its narrow alleys can cause GPS inaccuracies, so it’s essential to sometimes put your phone away and embrace the joy of getting lost. If you find yourself disoriented, try to reach a larger street (like Talaa Kebira) or use visible minarets and Bab Bou Jeloud as landmarks to reorient yourself.
Furthermore, in the alleyways, you’ll frequently hear cries of ‘Balek!’ (Clear the way!). This is a signal that donkeys or mules carrying loads are approaching. When you hear this, immediately move to the side of the path and prioritize their passage – it’s a golden rule of the medina. Be mindful not to impede their work, as they are crucial to the local infrastructure.
Finally, Fes’s Old City is predominantly a ‘cash-only society.’ Entrance fees for attractions (often 20 MAD), cafe payments, and fresh-squeezed orange juice from street vendors all require cash. Having plenty of small dirham notes and coins from ATMs at the airport or in the new city will allow you to enjoy a deep dive into the city without stress.
