Fes el-Bali
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The old city of Fes el-Bali | One of the world's largest car-free old towns, on the World Heritage list. | With a guide on a first visit |
| The Al Qarawiyyin Mosque | Founded by Fatima al-Fihri in 859, one of the oldest universities in the world. | Heart of the old city |
| The Chouara tannery | Colourful stone vats where hides are tanned the old way, seen from the terraces. | Tanners' quarter |
| The Bou Inania Madrasa | A 14th-century school of zellige tiles, carved wood and stucco. | Near Bab Bou Jeloud |
| Bab Bou Jeloud | The famous blue gate into the old city. | West of the old city |
Around Fez
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Royal Palace gates | Huge golden brass gates with zellige decoration. | Fes el-Jdid |
| The Marinid Tombs | Hilltop ruins with a view over the whole old city, loveliest at sunset. | North of the city |
| Meknes | An imperial city with Bab Mansour and its walls, on the World Heritage list. | About an hour |
| Ifrane | A mountain town of cedar forests and winter snow. | About an hour |
Tips before you go
- The old city is a maze of lanes, so take a guide on your first visit.
- Al Qarawiyyin is a place of prayer; non-Muslims view it from the door.
- Fez is about 4 hours by train from Casablanca.
More places nearby
- Things to do in Morocco
- Things to do in Marrakech
- Things to do in Casablanca
- Things to do in Tangier
- Things to do in Chefchaouen
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Fez?
Fes el-Bali, the Al Qarawiyyin mosque, the Chouara tannery, the Bou Inania Madrasa, Bab Bou Jeloud, the Royal Palace gates and the Marinid Tombs.
When was Al Qarawiyyin founded?
In 859, by Fatima al-Fihri.
Do I need a guide in Fez?
It is best on a first visit, as the lanes are many and tangled.
Planning your trip to Morocco? Read Travel to Morocco from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.