Fes — Medieval medina and the world's oldest university

Fes

Medieval medina and the world's oldest university

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Why should I come?

Why visit Fes?

Visitors come to witness the living history of the Islamic world, explore the ancient University of al-Qarawiyyin, and watch master artisans practice centuries-old crafts in the winding alleys of the medina.

Country

Morocco

Currency

Moroccan dirham

Language

Arabic (Moroccan Arabic/Darija and Modern Standard Arabic), Tamazight (Berber); French widely used

Airport

Fes–Saïs Airport (FEZ)

Time Zone

Africa/Casablanca (UTC+1; Morocco Standard Time; seasonal/time-of-daylight adjustments are applied at times such as Ramadan)

Best Time

March - May

What do locals know?

Practical insight from people who've lived it

Fes el-Jdid

The 'New Fes' built in the 13th century, featuring the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen) and the historic Mellah or Jewish Quarter.

Chicken Pastilla

Fes is the birthplace of this sophisticated sweet and savory pie, made of layers of thin pastry, spiced meat, almonds, and cinnamon.

Souk el Henna

One of the oldest markets in the medina, traditionally selling henna, cosmetics, and ceramics under the shade of ancient plane trees.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts

Housed in a beautifully restored travelers' inn, this museum celebrates the master woodcarvers of Fes and their architectural contributions.

Can I book somewhere to stay?

Where to stay in Fes

Live rates across Booking.com, Agoda, VRBO and Hotels.com — compare in one search, no extra cost to you.

Popular destinations

9 stays near Fes
Fes nature
Booking.com

Fes nature

Ain chkf, Fès Morocco, 30070
2 guests
from
$55 / night
Moon house
Booking.com

Moon house

Route Ain Chqef, Ville Nouvelle Morocco, 30000
8.0/10(30 reviews)
6 guests · 2 beds
from
$265 / night
Résidence Hôtelière Le Diamant Vert
Booking.com

Résidence Hôtelière Le Diamant Vert

5 Route Ain Shkef, Fès Morocco, 30000
7.3/10(897 reviews)
7 guests · 2 beds
from
$64 / night
Chez Khalid, near airport
Booking.com

Chez Khalid, near airport

CPGE IbnGhazi Fes, Fès, 30050, Morocco
8.0/10(1 reviews)
6 guests · 1 bed
from
$55 / night
Beautiful apartment near airport
Booking.com

Beautiful apartment near airport

Route Sans Nom, Fès, 35000, Morocco
6.0/10(2 reviews)
5 guests
from
$45 / night
Nour
Booking.com

Nour

Route Ain Chkef, Fès Morocco, 30000
9.0/10(1 reviews)
8 guests · 2 beds
from
$71 / night
appartement neuf haut standing
Booking.com

appartement neuf haut standing

13B zahrat madain 1er, Fès Morocco, 30000
6 guests · 1 bed
from
$77 / night
luxury appart fes
Booking.com

luxury appart fes

فاس 1, Fès Morocco, 30050
9.7/10(7 reviews)
6 guests · 2 beds
from
$49 / night
Dar araha
Booking.com

Dar araha

تجزئة عزيزة طريق عين الشقف, Fès Morocco, 30000
9.0/10(2 reviews)
6 guests · 2 beds
from
$45 / night

Live rates across our partner network (Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, Hotels.com) via Stay22. Makutet may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Prices update in real time and may vary before booking.

What do I need before travelling?

What you need before you go

Currency and Budgeting

  • ·The Moroccan Dirham is the local currency. Fes is very affordable, but carry small bills for medina purchases where cards are rarely accepted.

Petit Taxis and Walking

  • ·Inside the medina, walking is the only option. Outside, red 'Petit Taxis' are cheap and ubiquitous; ensure they use the meter or agree a price.

Navigating the Medina

  • ·It is easy to get lost. Download offline maps and be wary of 'faux guides' offering unsolicited help; polite persistence in saying 'no' is key.

Local SIM Cards

  • ·Pick up a SIM card from Maroc Telecom or Inwi at the airport or in the Ville Nouvelle for reliable 4G data to help with medina navigation.

Good to Know

Fes FAQs

See It Through A Creator's Eyes

Want to discover Fes through people who have actually experienced it?

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