Is Fes Morocco Worth Visiting in 2025?

Stepping into Fes feels like time-traveling into an ancient world… with a twist of modern charm. There’s something about it—the way the sun hits the worn stone alleys in the early morning, the hum of quiet chaos inside the Medina, and the scent of leather, spices, and something else you can’t quite place.

Fes, or Fez depending on how you’re spelling it, is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and arguably its most mysterious. It’s home to the oldest university in the world, and the medina here?

It’s not just old. It’s ancient. A labyrinth of history still beating with daily life. In 2025, with Morocco seeing a continued rise in curious tourism and easier international flights—thanks to more budget airlines and improved access through Saïss Airport—this city has quietly slipped onto a lot of future trip shortlists.

Is Fes Morocco Worth Visiting in 2025?

If you’re wondering, “Is Fes Morocco worth visiting in 2025?” this guide will break it all down for you. And maybe it’ll surprise you.

What Makes Fes Unique Among Moroccan Cities?

✅ The Oldest Medina in the World – Fes el-Bali

Let’s start here, because you sort of have to. Fes el-Bali is the heart and soul of the city. It’s not just a place—it’s a pulse.

This walled city dates back to the 8th century and still operates like a living, breathing medieval city. No cars. No flashy signs. Just donkeys, narrow streets, chaotic souks, and an overwhelming mix of smells and sounds.

Some call it a true medina. Others call it a complicated maze that will eat you alive. Both are right. You don’t visit Fes el-Bali to find your way. You visit to get lost in it.

✅ A City Untouched by Time – No Cars, Just Culture

Unlike Casablanca or even Marrakech, Fes hasn’t smoothed out its edges to make room for modernity. There are parts of the city where time really hasn’t moved forward much.

You’ll wander through alleyways where artisans still work with their hands, where the local mosque calls echo off 14th-century walls. There’s no Uber here. No Starbucks. Just culture—raw and, sometimes, a bit messy.

✅ Cultural Capital of Morocco – Not Just a Buzzword

Fes has long been dubbed Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital. It’s not just marketing. The city is full of Islamic schools, religious buildings, intricate carvings, and open-air courtyards that feel like they’ve whispered secrets for centuries.

Bab Bou Jeloud (or Bab Boujloud, you’ll see it both ways) marks the famous blue gate into the medina, and it’s as photogenic as it is historic.

✅ Comparison with Marrakech and Casablanca – Why Fes Stands Apart

Marrakech is flashy. Casablanca is fast. Fes? It’s reflective. It’s a little gritty, maybe, and not quite as liberal as coastal cities like Essaouira. But that’s what makes it stand out.

It doesn’t sell you a version of Morocco. It hands you the real thing and says, “Here, deal with it.” And that, honestly, feels refreshing.

Top Unique Things to Do in Fes in 2025

✅ Explore the Medina & Souks (with guided or DIY options)

Fes el-Bali, the old medina, isn’t just a place—it’s a living maze. Over 9,000 narrow alleyways twist and turn through souks, homes, mosques, workshops, and centuries of history. You will get lost. It’s not a maybe—it’s a promise. And that’s kind of the point.

If you’re the type who likes a bit of structure (or doesn’t want to miss key spots), consider booking a licensed local guide for a half-day tour. They’ll help you find hidden gems like the Nejjarine Fountain or the Bou Inania Madrasa without the stress.

But if you’re into wandering, just dive in. You’ll stumble across spice sellers, coppersmiths pounding away in tiny corners, cats sunbathing in random shafts of light, and maybe even a rooftop café you’ll never find again.

✅ Visit Al Quaraouiyine – The World’s Oldest University

This isn’t just some historical footnote—it’s the oldest continually operating university in the world, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri. Way before Oxford, way before Bologna.

It’s technically a mosque, and non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside the prayer area. But honestly, the surrounding architecture, views from nearby rooftops, and the vibe of the place are still something else.

Peek through the arches, take in the ornate calligraphy, the green-tiled roofs, and the quiet sense that you’re standing near a thousand years of scholarship and tradition.

✅ Discover the Famous Tanneries – A Feast for the Senses

Chouara Tannery is not subtle. It’s bright. It’s smelly. It’s intense. But it’s also iconic.

You’ll be handed a mint sprig (or sometimes a whole bouquet) at the door—trust us, you’ll want it. From high-up terraces, you’ll watch workers dip leather hides into massive vats of dye, just as they’ve done for centuries.

The colors—saffron yellow, brick red, deep indigo—pop against the earthy backdrop of the medina. It’s chaotic, gritty, and raw… and somehow, weirdly beautiful.

Pro Tip: Tannery viewpoints are attached to leather shops. It’s fine to browse politely, but you don’t have to buy anything. Just be respectful and smile your way out.

✅ Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path (artisan quarters, rooftop views, etc.)

There’s a whole different side of ancient city Fes that slips past most itineraries. The Andalusian Quarter, for example, is quieter and filled with delicate details—arches, zellige tiles, and fewer tourists.

Or take the time to seek out traditional artisan workshops—coppersmiths, ceramicists, woodcarvers. Many of them are tucked in quieter lanes and don’t mind you watching as they work (some even offer informal demos or quick chats).

And rooftops of Fes Medina? Don’t underestimate them. Whether it’s your riad, a hidden café, or a random terrace with tea, the views from above give you a whole new perspective on the chaos below. Golden hour over the minarets is something you don’t forget quickly this beautiful city.

✅ Day Trips from Fes – Volubilis, Meknes, Ifrane and Casablanca

Fes makes a solid home base for some incredibly different day trips, all within two hours.

Volubilis – A hauntingly beautiful Roman site where olive trees and open skies frame ancient mosaics and crumbling columns. It’s quiet, it’s wide open, and it feels almost untouched.

Meknes – One of Morocco’s lesser-hyped imperial cities. It’s more relaxed than Fes, with grand gates like Bab Mansour, royal granaries, and fewer crowds. You can stroll without getting bumped every five seconds.

Ifrane – Also known as “Little Switzerland,” this alpine town feels like a weird little glitch in Morocco. Think pine forests, clean streets, chalet-style homes, and snow in winter. It’s a complete mood shift if you want a break from the dust and noise.

13 Days Tour from Casablanca (Can Start from Fes Too) – If you’re based in Fes and feeling like day trips just aren’t enough—there’s a way to go bigger. The 13 Days Tour from Casablanca is a popular, all-encompassing route through Morocco that covers the country’s most iconic cities, natural wonders, and cultural highlights.

But here’s the good news: you can often join this tour from Fes instead of Casablanca. Most tour operators are flexible and can arrange a custom pickup from Fes, allowing you to jump into the itinerary without needing to backtrack.

From there, you’ll journey through places like the Sahara Desert (yes, actual camel trekking and starlit camps), the dramatic Todra Gorges, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains, and vibrant cities like Marrakech and Essaouira.

This type of tour is perfect if you’ve got the time and want to experience Morocco beyond a single region—without having to figure out every detail yourself. You get transportation, accommodations, and a rough structure—but still plenty of freedom to soak it all in at your pace.

You can hire a private driver, book a small group tour, or even DIY these by grand taxi if you’re comfortable navigating that.

How Safe and Tourist-Friendly is Fes in 2025?

✅ Current Safety Conditions and Travel Advisories

As of 2025, Morocco continues to be considered safe for tourism by most international travel bodies. Like any busy medina, petty theft can happen—just keep your belongings close. Stick to well-lit streets at night.

Solo travelers, especially women, might get the occasional unwanted attention, but many report feeling generally safe. Just be smart, like anywhere.

✅ Tips for First-Time Visitors – Scams to Avoid, How to Navigate

Don’t follow anyone who says “this way, I show you.” Even if they seem helpful. They’ll often ask for money later. Also, agree on taxi prices beforehand, or insist they use the meter. The medina? Download an offline map, or better yet, embrace being lost… or hire a guide.

✅ Local Hospitality – Real Stories from American Tourists

There’s a kind of warm formality here. Locals might not smile wide like in some touristy cities, but they’re helpful when you need it. One American tourist mentioned how a shop owner invited him in for tea when he looked tired—just sat him down, poured mint tea into a paper cup, and let him rest. No sale. Just kindness.

✅ Language, Communication, and Getting Around

French and Arabic dominate, but English is catching up—especially in places like Medina Social Club or Riad Fes. Gestures go a long way. For public transport, buses and trains are budget friendly, and taxis (small red ones) work for short hops. There’s also a high-speed train from Casablanca if you’re coming in from there.

Is Fes Budget-Friendly for American Travelers?

✅ Cost of Accommodation – Riads vs Hotels vs Hostels

You can get a room in a Moroccan riad for under $50 a night, or splurge on 5-star hotels like Riad Fes or Riad Fes Maya if you want more comfort.

Moroccan Hostels like Medina Social Club or Riad Moulay Driss & Giacomo offer cozy, communal vibes that don’t break the bank.

✅ Eating on a Budget – Street Food & Traditional Dishes

Tagine from a street vendor. Couscous on a rooftop. A bowl of harira soup at a tiny corner stall. Honestly, the food scene in Fes is incredible—and cheap. You can eat well on $10–15 a day. Don’t skip the Moroccan dishes like pastilla or mint tea (served everywhere, always).

✅ How Much to Budget for a 3–5 Day Trip in 2025

Here’s a rough breakdown:

Not bad, right? Especially for an entire city that feels like it belongs in a storybook.

✅ Transportation Options – Taxis, Trains, or Walking?

Walk as much as you can—it’s the best way to see the city on foot. For longer distances, taxis are fine if you negotiate. Buses work, but can be crowded.

Trains are clean, affordable, and a good way to connect to other major cities. Ryan Air and Air Arabia Maroc offer direct flights from many European cities, so international flights aren’t too bad either.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Fes?

✅ Spring (March–May) & Fall (September–November)

These are the sweet spots. Comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and just the right energy level. Summer gets hot (like, sweat-in-places-you-forgot-existed hot), and winter is cooler but still pleasant if you pack layers.

✅ What’s Happening in 2025?

If you’re visiting in June, the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is a standout. Expect performances from global artists, set in mosques, gardens, and ancient ruins. It’s weirdly moving—even if you’re not the spiritual type.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Fes in 2025

✅ The Highlights – Culture, Affordability, Authenticity

Fes gives you that real Moroccan experience—no sugar-coating. It’s one of the most culturally rich cities in the country, packed with history, tradition, and local flavor.

From sipping mint tea in centuries-old riads to watching artisans hammer copper in tucked-away souks, the city feels more like time travel than tourism.

It’s also pretty budget-friendly. Compared to Marrakech or even Tangier, travel to Fes tends to be easier on the wallet—accommodations, food, and guided tours are often more affordable.

For those craving authentic Moroccan experiences without the Insta-crowds, Fes quietly delivers.

✅ The Challenges – Hustle, Heat, and Getting Lost

But Fes isn’t for the faint of heart. The medina is a maze—navigating the medina solo can be frustrating, especially if you’re not used to the chaos.

Street vendors can be pushy (though usually not aggressive), and signage is… well, let’s just say don’t rely on Google Maps alone.

Also, the summer heat is no joke. If you’re visiting between June and August, be prepared for dry, intense heat, especially if your riad doesn’t have AC. One of the key Morocco travel tips? Visit Fes in spring or fall for a more comfortable vibe.

✅ Is It Worth It Compared to Other Destinations in Morocco?

If you’re all about polished tourist experiences and easy navigation, Fes vs Marrakech might lean in Marrakech’s favor. But if you’re chasing raw history, quiet beauty, and a deep cultural dive, Fes wins.

It’s less flashy, more gritty, but undeniably one of the most fascinating Moroccan cities to visit—especially in 2025, when tourism is rising but still not overwhelming.

If you’re planning your first Morocco trip and wondering “Is Fes worth visiting?”—go for it. Just bring comfy shoes, a bit of patience, and an open mind.

Final Thoughts: So, Is Fes Worth It?

If you want shiny and easy, Fes might not be your vibe.

But if you want real, Fes delivers. It’s intense, beautiful, and imperfect in all the right ways. You’ll learn to slow down, lean into the chaos, and appreciate the rhythm of a place that hasn’t sold its soul to tourism.

So yes—Fes, Morocco is absolutely worth visiting in 2025… if you’re ready for the kind of 3 Days tour from Marrakech to Fes trip that stays with you long after you’ve left.

✅ Frequently Asked Questions