Fès

Fès, also spelled Fez, is one of Morocco’s great imperial cities and one of the country’s most important centers of history, religion, craftsmanship and traditional culture. Its greatest attraction is Fès el-Bali, the ancient medina, where a dense network of narrow lanes leads past mosques, madrasas, fountains, workshops, souks and centuries-old houses.

The Medina of Fès is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 9th century, it developed into a major cultural and intellectual center and is regarded by UNESCO as one of the most extensive and best-preserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim world. Much of its traditional urban fabric and many of its original functions have survived.

Walking through Fès feels markedly different from exploring Morocco’s newer districts. Artisans still work with leather, brass, wood, ceramics and textiles in workshops tucked into the medina. Enter through Bab Bou Jeloud, visit the famous tanneries, admire the decoration of the Bou Inania Madrasa, explore historic fondouks and museums, or simply follow the winding streets through Fès el-Bali. Morocco’s official tourism office highlights the medina, Al Quaraouiyine, the leather tanneries, Marinid Tombs, Nejjarine Museum and Jnan Sbil Garden among the city’s major attractions.

Fès has a particularly strong reputation as a center of Moroccan religious, intellectual and artisanal life. Its medina has preserved architectural traditions and craft skills developed over many centuries, with Andalusian, Oriental and African influences all contributing to the city’s character.

Arabic and Amazigh are Morocco’s official languages, while French is commonly understood. Darija is widely used in daily conversation. Trying a few local words is appreciated, particularly when greeting shopkeepers, restaurant staff or people you meet in the medina.

Fès is culturally more traditional than some Moroccan resort destinations. Visitors do not need to adopt Moroccan clothing, but relatively modest dress is respectful, particularly when exploring religious and historic neighborhoods. Shoulders and knees covered is a useful general standard when visiting culturally sensitive places.

During Ramadan, Muslim residents fast between dawn and sunset and daily schedules can change. Some restaurants and businesses may operate different hours, while evenings can become especially lively after the fast is broken.

Fès is also one of Morocco’s great centers of craftsmanship. Leatherwork is especially famous, but the city is also associated with ceramics, blue-and-white pottery, carved wood, brass and copperware, embroidery, textiles and intricate zellige tilework. Morocco’s tourism office emphasizes the continued importance of crafts within the medina.

Food is an important part of the Fès experience, and the city has long been associated with sophisticated Moroccan cooking. One dish particularly worth trying here is pastilla, a crisp pastry combining sweet and savory flavors, traditionally filled with poultry and almonds and seasoned with spices.

Morocco’s official tourism site even highlights chicken pastilla as one of the essentials of visiting Fès.

Other dishes to look for include tagine, couscous, mechoui and r’fissa. Moroccan cooking brings together Amazigh, Arab-Andalusian and Jewish culinary traditions and makes extensive use of ingredients such as cinnamon, cumin, coriander, saffron, preserved lemon, olives and dried fruits.

For something sweet, try cornes de gazelle, briouates, ghriba and other Moroccan pastries. Mint tea accompanies everything from breakfast to shopping negotiations and remains one of the country’s most recognizable traditions of hospitality.

Inside the medina, you will find everything from very simple food stalls to sophisticated restaurants inside restored riads. For a fuller introduction to Fassi cuisine, a cooking class or guided food tour can also be worthwhile.

Fès is accustomed to international visitors, but travelers should pay close attention to their belongings in crowded parts of the medina. The U.S. State Department warns that petty crime and pickpocketing are common in Morocco’s tourist areas, souks and public transportation. Keep phones and wallets secure and avoid carrying valuables in easily accessible pockets.

Be cautious with people who approach you offering unsolicited guiding services or insisting that a street is closed and that they can show you another route. Not everyone offering help is attempting a scam, but it is sensible to use licensed or prearranged guides and to be cautious with overly persistent strangers.

As of the latest U.S. State Department information available in August 2026, Morocco is at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, specifically because of terrorism concerns. Visitors are advised to remain alert in tourist areas and avoid demonstrations and crowds.

Because advisories can change, travelers should always check their own government’s current guidance immediately before departure.

The best way to experience Fès el-Bali is on foot. Much of the historic medina consists of narrow lanes where regular vehicle access is limited or impractical. Walking is not simply transportation here; it is a major part of the experience.

For trips between the medina, Ville Nouvelle, railway station and other parts of the city, taxis are practical. Agree on or confirm how the fare will be calculated before beginning the journey, and use registered taxis.

Travelers arriving by plane use Fès-Saïss Airport, which has passenger services including taxis, currency exchange, internet access and car rental facilities.

Fès is also well connected by rail. Morocco’s national railway operator, ONCF, operates services linking Fès to other major destinations. Direct travel options include Casablanca, while routes also connect Fès with destinations such as Oujda and Nador.

The railway station is outside the historic medina, so travelers staying in Fès el-Bali will normally need a taxi between the station and the nearest accessible point to their riad.

For U.S. citizens, the current State Department guidance says a tourist visa is not required for visits of 90 days or less. Travelers need a valid passport and at least one blank passport page. Current U.S. guidance also specifies that passports should have at least six months’ validity at the time of entry.

Travelers staying more than 90 days need to address their immigration status with Moroccan authorities; overstaying without obtaining an extension can create problems when leaving the country.

Visitors of other nationalities should check Morocco’s entry rules for their particular passport, since visa requirements differ by citizenship. Because passport, customs and visa regulations can change, always confirm the requirements with an official government source shortly before travel.