(opening)
Morocco offers an exotic and medieval travel experience. Roaming the streets of Marrakesh and Medina feels like stepping back in time, yet the country is as beautiful as it is ancient. Fez is one of the largest cities in Morocco, and its medieval trade and manufacturing practices still in use today make for an interesting trip. For travelers planning a visit, our list below provides guidance on the best things to do in Fez.
Getting To Fez From Rabat And Casablanca
You can reach Fez from Rabat and Casablanca by train. It is one of the largest cities in Morocco. The journey offers a direct view of the changing landscape, and trains run frequently from both cities. From Casablanca, the trip takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours; from Rabat, about 2.5 hours. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at the station or online. For those planning a broader itinerary, consider checking a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy if your travels extend beyond Morocco.
Chouara Tannery
[caption id="attachment_77136" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by Trover.com[/caption]
Chouara Tannery is one of the oldest tanneries in the world. It still uses the medieval method of manufacturing leather and is a must-visit spot in Fez, Morocco. As the tannery is surrounded by houses and shops for locals, it doesn’t make for a very pretty sight, but you get to see how leather is produced using traditional methods.
Before visiting, note the intense smell. Keep your nose and mouth covered properly; a cloth alone may not suffice, so keeping something fragrant like flowers or mint helps. Locals and traders around may offer you cloth and mint to cover your nose for some money, so you don’t necessarily have to pack them. Here, you witness firsthand how leather has been manufactured by humanity for ages—quite an experience and a must when visiting Fez.
2.
Al Quaraouiyine Mosque
[caption id="attachment_77138" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
Photo by Nami Quenby from Flickr[/caption]
Fez is one of the largest cities in Morocco, with a traditional, ancient character. The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque is not a mosque per se, but a university — one of the most ancient still functioning today. Established in 859 AD, it has been integral to Fez ever since. It functions as a mosque and houses a rich library as part of its heritage university status. The tilework and architecture, though renovated, remain true to the originals. The library, renovated in 2016, is open to the public. Although the mosque does not allow entry to non-Muslims, you can access the library. The Al Quaraouiyine Mosque is adjacent to the Al Attarine Madrasa, which is similar in several areas; you can visit both at once. Both offer deeper insight into the traditions and architecture of old Fez. For travelers planning around climate, consult a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy for comparison.
3.
Dar Batha
[caption id="attachment_77139" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by Gerard Decq from Minube.co.uk[/caption]
Dar Batha sways away from the medieval look of Fez. This renovated castle now serves as a museum. The best thing about coming here is relaxing in its lush green gardens. Inside, you will find decorative elements and 14th-century memoirs, with tiles and woodwork from the same period. Moroccan tiles, carpets, and fountains make Dar Batha a must-visit. For travelers planning a trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help you choose the best time to explore similar historic sites.
4.
Medersa Bou Inania
[caption id="attachment_77143" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by Rig from Flickr[/caption]
This 14th-century building, located near the entrance of the Old Medina, once functioned as a university. Though no longer operational, the restored structure showcases original Moroccan elements. Sultan Bou Inan commissioned it in the 1300s, and it now stands as a monument to the city’s scholarly past. Visitors can explore the former classrooms and other preserved rooms open to the public. The interior dazzles with intricate mosaic art, a peaceful courtyard with fountains, and hand-constructed walls. The massive wooden doors are particularly striking. This medersa offers a tangible glimpse into Fez’s medieval educational heritage.
5.
Merenid Tombs
[caption id="attachment_77144" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by Lazyhiker.com[/caption]
The Merenid Tombs entomb the remains of sultans, high royal officials, and other important figures from the Merenid Dynasty, which once ruled Fez. The tombs and pillars remain in good structural shape, though the paintings and murals have faded over the years. Located on a hilltop, the site offers a great view of the Medina. It is one of the largest cities in Morocco, and this vantage point makes the climb worthwhile. Plan to head downhill before sunset. For travelers considering other destinations, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help with timing a trip there.
Al Attarine Madrasa
[caption id="attachment_77141" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by jrodphoto305 from Flickr[/caption]
Madrasa is the Arabic word for any educational institution. Visiting the Al Attarine Madrasa offers a once-in-a-lifetime trip to witness this monument. You also get to explore the surrounding Al-Attarine Souk, where you can shop for local fruits, spices, and Arabic exotic handicrafts.
Al Attarine Madrasa is different from the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, though originally an annex to it, so they share similarities. The courtyard fountain, blue tile work, and indoor classrooms are common to both. For travelers planning a longer trip, a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy can help coordinate timing, but in Fez, the madrasa itself is a highlight worth adding to your travel list.
Mellah
[caption id="attachment_77142" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by Fescity.com[/caption]
The Mellah in Fez is a historic Jewish quarter, with the word "Mellah" meaning "salt marsh." It was the first area of Jewish settlement in Fez, established in 1438. Mellahs acted as refuge for Jews during the 15th century and the beginning of the 19th century, with an additional wall fortifying the community. Located in areas important for trade, the Mellah served both as a safe space and a key commercial structure. For travelers exploring cultural heritage, this site offers a deep connection to the city’s layered history, much like uncovering the "mysteries inside Arkansas' Devil's Den" reveals hidden stories of a different landscape. Fez is one of the largest cities in Morocco, and the Mellah remains a significant monument within it.
8.
Dar el Makhzen
[caption id="attachment_77148" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by arrivalguides.com[/caption]
The Dar el Makhzen is an important part of Fez, Morocco. As the only functioning castle of the city, it is quite a sight to behold. The royal family doesn't actually reside in the city today, but it serves as one of their castles nonetheless. Although you might only see it from the outside, it is a must-visit on your trip to Fez.
The palace is not open to the general public; you might be lucky to see the interiors at all. But the exteriors reflect the royal and magnificent look of this palace. The ginormous bronze and gold doors are worthy of the royal look this place exudes. Overall, the colors, tiles, and huge walls and doors make this a must-visit. Dar el Makhzen is a touristy spot, and you may encounter a lot of rush. Not visiting this palace will make your visit to Fez incomplete.
Mount Zalagh
[caption id="attachment_77149" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by darbalmira.com[/caption]
If you are tired of exploring the monuments around and inside the city of Fez, head over to Mount Zalagh. From the top, you can see the entire city and surrounding areas. It is one of the largest cities in Morocco, and the view from here offers a different perspective.
This is a relief from the city's hustle and bustle, offering personal time in peace. It is also a nature trek with olive trees and stunning views of the Medina. On the way up, stop at the Borj Nord Arms Museum for historical info about Fez.
Borj Nord
[caption id="attachment_77147" align="aligncenter" width="640"]
Photo by Riadzany.blogspot.com[/caption]
The Borj Nord Arms Museum is a 16th-century fortress overlooking the Medina. Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur built it to keep the disloyal masses in check. It is not as high as Mount Zalagh. Visitors can stop here to see views of the Medina city.
In 2016, the fortress opened a museum displaying arms from the 16th century. The museum offers a deeper look at the dynasties that ruled Medina and Fez. It houses jeweled Arabic daggers and other weapons. Visitors can learn about wars, history, and arms development in the area. Fez is one of the largest cities in Morocco.
Conclusion
Visiting Fez offers not the usual travel spot of amazing sights everywhere, but its historical significance and overall vibe make it a haven for history lovers. The city comprises sand-coloured buildings, ancient monuments, and forts—a place to see how people lived under medieval rule.
Fez held major historical significance for the Arab dynasty. It is important to respect locals and their culture. There are plenty of places to explore inside and outside the city. The weather is hot; protect yourself from the heat.
Overall, it is an interesting place to immerse yourself in local culture, historical sites, arts, and trade. Museums show the educational and ruling history of Fez. For planning your trip, consider a month-by-month guide to the weather in Italy to compare climates, or check the top 10 National and State parks to see for outdoor alternatives.
