Fes

Busy, very busy

The former capital of Morocco is a busy city but not in a touristy way.

It is just buzzing, energetic and fast. Yes, everything seams to go fast in Fes

Fes, home to about 2 million people, was founded year 789 and has been on and off the capital of Morocco ever since.

Now it’s the second largest city in the country and the old atmosphere is still intact.

And.. Fes Medina, a UNESCO world heritage site, has over 9000 streets!

If you don’t get lost, you haven’t been there.

What to see and do in Fes

Fes is a city you should visit for the cultural experience and it’s busy vibe and not for tourist attractions.

There are a few things you shouldn’t miss in the city though

  • Chouara Tannery - One of the oldest, still working, tanneries in the world. It can be dated back to the 9th century. A very interesting place with a tremendous smell. (they use pigeon poop to soften the leather)

  • The Medina - 9000 streets, ore more. Walk and get lost, walk and get lost again, walk some more and get lost. It is supposed to be that way.

  • Bab Bou Jeloud - Is the name of the famous blue gate. It is fairly new, built 1913 by the French and works as the main entrance to the old Medina.

  • El Glaoui Palace - One of Moroccos royal palaces.

  • Karaouiyne - or “University of al-Qarawiyyin” is the worlds oldest university founded by a woman, Fatima al-Fihriya, in the 9th century. Unfortunately only muslims are allowed to get inside. If you are a muslim you should defiantly check it out.

Chouara Tannery

Scammer stories from Fes

There are few scams going on in Fes but there is one that is more common and that you should look out for.

The “friendly” guys that wants to help you find the way or show you the way to your hotel and then either rob you or more commonly demand a big tip. In Fes it could be 50€.

My hotel manager told me that the police are after the guys and that the hotels and law enforcement are working together to make this scam stop.

Where to stay in Fes

In the Medina is the short answer. Then you will have walking distance to nearly everything.

I book my accommodation either on Booking or Agoda And I often compare prices and read reviews on both sites.

In Fes I stayed in a beautiful family owned Riad, Palais Fes Yahya, and I was very warmly welcomed.

You can check it out here: Booking. Agoda.

How to get to Fes

Fes have an international airport but most visitors arrive by train or bus.

If you need to rent a car I highly recommend Rentalcars.com to get the best deal.

Book your flights here

If you are travelling in Morocco the train is very convenient.

More from Morocco

Thank you for reading my travel blog about Fes.

I hope you found it interesting and helpful.

Use the form, under contact, if there is something that you think should be added to this site.

Cheers

Roger