Fes Morocco 6 Day Itinerary

Fes, Morocco 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Medina

Morning

  • Arrive in Fes and check-in to your riad (traditional Moroccan house with an interior garden) in the medina (old city)
  • Visit the Bab Boujloud Gate, a beautiful example of Moorish architecture
  • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the medina, getting lost is part of the fun!

Afternoon

  • Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a beautifully tiled madrasa (school) built in the 14th century
  • Stop by the Fes el-Bali, the oldest part of the medina and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Wander through the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient city

Evening

  • Dine at Café Clock, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Moroccan cuisine with a view of the medina
  • Stay at Riad Fes, a beautifully restored riad with comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Kairaouine Mosque, one of the oldest and most important mosques in Morocco (non-Muslims can only visit the exterior)
  • Explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), a historic neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage
  • Stop by the Fes Museum, which showcases the city’s history and cultural significance

Afternoon

  • Visit the Dar Batha Museum, a beautiful Andalusian-style palace turned museum
  • Take a stroll through the Andalusian Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the medina

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Fes el-Fassi, serving traditional Moroccan cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Relax at your riad or explore the nearby streets, taking in the evening atmosphere

Day 3: Crafts and Shopping

Morning

  • Visit the Fes Pottery Cooperative, where you can see artisans at work creating beautiful ceramics
  • Explore the Souk el-Attarine, a bustling marketplace filled with colorful crafts and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Souk el-Henna, a market specializing in traditional Moroccan clothing and accessories
  • Visit the Dar Nejjarine, a beautifully restored palace turned artisanal workshop

Evening

  • Dine at Le Tapis Rouge, a cozy restaurant serving French-inspired cuisine with a Moroccan twist
  • Browse the local markets or relax at your riad, taking in the sights and sounds of the medina

Day 4: Day Trip to Meknes and Volubilis

Morning

  • Take a guided day trip to Meknes, a nearby imperial city known for its stunning architecture and historical landmarks
  • Visit the Bab Mansour Gate, a beautiful example of Moorish architecture
  • Explore the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, a stunning monument dedicated to the former sultan

Afternoon

  • Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most impressive historical sites
  • Return to Fes in the evening, taking in the sights and sounds of the medina once more

Day 5: Relaxation and Leisure

Morning

  • Take a leisurely stroll through the Jnan Sbil Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the medina
  • Visit the Hammam Dar Yacout, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse where you can relax and rejuvenate

Afternoon

  • Relax at your riad or explore the nearby streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the medina
  • Consider booking a cooking class, where you can learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurant L’Ambre, serving modern Moroccan cuisine with a focus on local ingredients
  • Relax at your riad or take a leisurely stroll through the medina, taking in the evening atmosphere

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring any sights you may have missed
  • Check-out of your riad and depart for the airport or your next destination

Things to Know

  • Fes is a conservative city, dress modestly and respect local customs
  • Haggling is expected in markets, be prepared to negotiate prices
  • Arabic and French are widely spoken, but many locals also speak some English
  • The medina can be overwhelming, consider hiring a guide for the first day or two

Transportation

  • Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ) is located about 15km from the city center
  • Taxis and grands taxis (shared taxis) are widely available, but be prepared to negotiate prices
  • Walking is the best way to explore the medina, but be mindful of narrow streets and pedestrian traffic

Tips

  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking through the medina
  • Be respectful of local customs and dress modestly
  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “shukraan” (thank you) and “as-salamu alaykum” (hello)
  • Don’t drink tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water

Other Things of Interest

  • The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, an annual festival celebrating music from around the world
  • The Fes Medina Marathon, a unique opportunity to run through the ancient streets of the medina
  • Cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes
  • Day trips to nearby cities, such as Meknes and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun