Entering into Fes looks like time-traveling into an historic world… with a twist of recent attraction. There’s one thing about it—the best way the solar hits the worn stone alleys within the early morning, the hum of quiet chaos contained in the Medina, and the scent of leather-based, spices, and one thing else you may’t fairly place.
Fes, or Fez relying on the way you’re spelling it, is considered one of Morocco’s 4 imperial cities and arguably its most mysterious. It’s dwelling to the oldest college on this planet, and the medina right here?
It’s not simply previous. It’s historic. A labyrinth of historical past nonetheless beating with each day life. In 2025, with Morocco seeing a continued rise in curious tourism and simpler worldwide flights—due to extra price range airways and improved entry by way of Saïss Airport—this metropolis has quietly slipped onto lots of future journey shortlists.
Is Fes Morocco Price Visiting in 2025?

In the event you’re questioning, “Is Fes Morocco worth visiting in 2025?” this information will break all of it down for you. And perhaps it’ll shock you.
What Makes Fes Distinctive Amongst Moroccan Cities?
✅ The Oldest Medina within the World – Fes el-Bali

Let’s begin right here, since you type of need to. Fes el-Bali is the guts and soul of the town. It’s not only a place—it’s a pulse.
This walled metropolis dates again to the eighth century and nonetheless operates like a dwelling, respiratory medieval metropolis. No vehicles. No flashy indicators. Simply donkeys, slim streets, chaotic souks, and an amazing mixture of smells and sounds.
Some name it a real medina. Others name it a sophisticated maze that may eat you alive. Each are proper. You don’t go to Fes el-Bali to seek out your approach. You go to to get misplaced in it.
✅ A Metropolis Untouched by Time – No Automobiles, Simply Tradition
Not like Casablanca and even Marrakech, Fes hasn’t smoothed out its edges to make room for modernity. There are components of the town the place time actually hasn’t moved ahead a lot.
You’ll wander by way of alleyways the place artisans nonetheless work with their arms, the place the native mosque calls echo off 14th-century partitions. There’s no Uber right here. No Starbucks. Simply tradition—uncooked and, typically, a bit messy.
✅ Cultural Capital of Morocco – Not Only a Buzzword
Fes has lengthy been dubbed Morocco’s cultural and religious capital. It’s not simply advertising and marketing. Town is filled with Islamic colleges, spiritual buildings, intricate carvings, and open-air courtyards that really feel like they’ve whispered secrets and techniques for hundreds of years.
Bab Bou Jeloud (or Bab Boujloud, you’ll see it each methods) marks the well-known blue gate into the medina, and it’s as photogenic as it’s historic.
✅ Comparability with Marrakech and Casablanca – Why Fes Stands Aside
Marrakech is flashy. Casablanca is quick. Fes? It’s reflective. It’s a bit gritty, perhaps, and never fairly as liberal as coastal cities like Essaouira. However that’s what makes it stand out.
It doesn’t promote you a model of Morocco. It arms you the actual factor and says, “Here, deal with it.” And that, actually, feels refreshing.
Prime Distinctive Issues to Do in Fes in 2025
✅ Discover the Medina & Souks (with guided or DIY choices)

Fes el-Bali, the previous medina, isn’t only a place—it’s a dwelling maze. Over 9,000 slim alleyways twist and switch by way of souks, properties, mosques, workshops, and centuries of historical past. You will get misplaced. It’s not a perhaps—it’s a promise. And that’s sort of the purpose.
In the event you’re the sort who likes a little bit of construction (or doesn’t wish to miss key spots), think about reserving a licensed native information for a half-day tour. They’ll assist you to discover hidden gems just like the Nejjarine Fountain or the Bou Inania Madrasa with out the stress.
However should you’re into wandering, simply dive in. You’ll stumble throughout spice sellers, coppersmiths pounding away in tiny corners, cats sunbathing in random shafts of sunshine, and perhaps even a rooftop café you’ll by no means discover once more.
✅ Go to Al Quaraouiyine – The World’s Oldest College

This isn’t just a few historic footnote—it’s the oldest frequently working college on this planet, based in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri. Approach earlier than Oxford, approach earlier than Bologna.
It’s technically a mosque, and non-Muslims aren’t allowed contained in the prayer space. However actually, the encompassing structure, views from close by rooftops, and the vibe of the place are nonetheless one thing else.
Peek by way of the arches, take within the ornate calligraphy, the green-tiled roofs, and the quiet sense that you just’re standing close to a thousand years of scholarship and custom.
✅ Uncover the Well-known Tanneries – A Feast for the Senses

Chouara Tannery is just not delicate. It’s vibrant. It’s smelly. It’s intense. Nevertheless it’s additionally iconic.
You’ll be handed a mint sprig (or typically an entire bouquet) on the door—belief us, you’ll need it. From high-up terraces, you’ll watch employees dip leather-based hides into large vats of dye, simply as they’ve performed for hundreds of years.
The colours—saffron yellow, brick crimson, deep indigo—pop in opposition to the earthy backdrop of the medina. It’s chaotic, gritty, and uncooked… and one way or the other, weirdly lovely.
Professional Tip: Tannery viewpoints are hooked up to leather-based outlets. It’s nice to browse politely, however you don’t have to purchase something. Simply be respectful and smile your approach out.
✅ Hidden Gems Off the Overwhelmed Path (artisan quarters, rooftop views, and so forth.)

There’s an entire totally different aspect of historic metropolis Fes that slips previous most itineraries. The Andalusian Quarter, for instance, is quieter and full of delicate particulars—arches, zellige tiles, and fewer vacationers.
Or take the time to hunt out conventional artisan workshops—coppersmiths, ceramicists, woodcarvers. A lot of them are tucked in quieter lanes and don’t thoughts you watching as they work (some even supply casual demos or fast chats).
And rooftops of Fes Medina? Don’t underestimate them. Whether or not it’s your riad, a hidden café, or a random terrace with tea, the views from above provide you with an entire new perspective on the chaos beneath. Golden hour over the minarets is one thing you don’t neglect rapidly this lovely metropolis.
✅ Day Journeys from Fes – Volubilis, Meknes, Ifrane and Casablanca

Fes makes a strong dwelling base for some extremely totally different day journeys, all inside two hours.
Volubilis – A hauntingly lovely Roman website the place olive bushes and open skies body historic mosaics and crumbling columns. It’s quiet, it’s vast open, and it feels nearly untouched.
Meknes – One among Morocco’s lesser-hyped imperial cities. It’s extra relaxed than Fes, with grand gates like Bab Mansour, royal granaries, and fewer crowds. You possibly can stroll with out getting bumped each 5 seconds.
Ifrane – Also referred to as “Little Switzerland,” this alpine city looks like a bizarre little glitch in Morocco. Suppose pine forests, clear streets, chalet-style properties, and snow in winter. It’s a whole temper shift if you’d like a break from the mud and noise.
13 Days Tour from Casablanca (Can Begin from Fes Too) – In the event you’re primarily based in Fes and feeling like day journeys simply aren’t sufficient—there’s a strategy to go larger. The 13 Days Tour from Casablanca is a well-liked, all-encompassing route by way of Morocco that covers the nation’s most iconic cities, pure wonders, and cultural highlights.

However right here’s the excellent news: you may typically be part of this tour from Fes as an alternative of Casablanca. Most tour operators are versatile and might prepare a customized pickup from Fes, permitting you to leap into the itinerary without having to backtrack.
From there, you’ll journey by way of locations just like the Sahara Desert (sure, precise camel trekking and starlit camps), the dramatic Todra Gorges, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Atlas Mountains, and vibrant cities like Marrakech and Essaouira.
Any such tour is ideal should you’ve obtained the time and wish to expertise Morocco past a single area—with out having to determine each element your self. You get transportation, lodging, and a tough construction—however nonetheless loads of freedom to soak all of it in at your tempo.
You possibly can rent a non-public driver, guide a small group tour, and even DIY these by grand taxi should you’re snug navigating that.
How Protected and Vacationer-Pleasant is Fes in 2025?

✅ Present Security Circumstances and Journey Advisories
As of 2025, Morocco continues to be thought-about secure for tourism by most worldwide journey our bodies. Like all busy medina, petty theft can occur—simply maintain your belongings shut. Follow well-lit streets at night time.
Solo vacationers, particularly ladies, would possibly get the occasional undesirable consideration, however many report feeling usually secure. Simply be sensible, like anyplace.
✅ Ideas for First-Time Guests – Scams to Keep away from, How you can Navigate
Don’t comply with anybody who says “this way, I show you.” Even when they appear useful. They’ll typically ask for cash later. Additionally, agree on taxi costs beforehand, or insist they use the meter. The medina? Obtain an offline map, or higher but, embrace being misplaced… or rent a information.
✅ Native Hospitality – Actual Tales from American Vacationers
There’s a sort of heat formality right here. Locals may not smile vast like in some touristy cities, however they’re useful once you want it. One American vacationer talked about how a store proprietor invited him in for tea when he regarded drained—simply sat him down, poured mint tea right into a paper cup, and let him relaxation. No sale. Simply kindness.
✅ Language, Communication, and Getting Round
French and Arabic dominate, however English is catching up—particularly in locations like Medina Social Membership or Riad Fes. Gestures go a good distance. For public transport, buses and trains are price range pleasant, and taxis (small crimson ones) work for brief hops. There’s additionally a high-speed practice from Casablanca should you’re coming in from there.
Is Fes Price range-Pleasant for American Vacationers?

✅ Price of Lodging – Riads vs Motels vs Hostels
You will get a room in a Moroccan riad for below $50 an evening, or splurge on 5-star resorts like Riad Fes or Riad Fes Maya if you’d like extra consolation.
Moroccan Hostels like Medina Social Membership or Riad Moulay Driss & Giacomo supply cozy, communal vibes that don’t break the financial institution.
✅ Consuming on a Price range – Road Meals & Conventional Dishes
Tagine from a avenue vendor. Couscous on a rooftop. A bowl of harira soup at a tiny nook stall. Truthfully, the meals scene in Fes is unbelievable—and low-cost. You possibly can eat nicely on $10–15 a day. Don’t skip the Moroccan dishes like pastilla or mint tea (served all over the place, at all times).
✅ How A lot to Price range for a 3–5 Day Journey in 2025
Right here’s a tough breakdown:
Class | Estimated Price (3–5 Days) |
---|---|
Lodging | $150–$400 |
Meals | $50–$100 |
Entrance Charges/Excursions | $40–$80 |
Transport (Native) | $30–$60 |
Souvenirs | Non-compulsory, however perhaps $20–$50 |
Whole | $270–$690 |
Not dangerous, proper? Particularly for a complete metropolis that feels prefer it belongs in a storybook.
✅ Transportation Choices – Taxis, Trains, or Strolling?
Stroll as a lot as you may—it’s one of the simplest ways to see the town on foot. For longer distances, taxis are nice should you negotiate. Buses work, however could be crowded.
Trains are clear, inexpensive, and a great way to connect with different main cities. Ryan Air and Air Arabia Maroc supply direct flights from many European cities, so worldwide flights aren’t too dangerous both.
When’s the Finest Time to Go to Fes?

✅ Spring (March–Could) & Fall (September–November)
These are the candy spots. Snug climate, fewer crowds, and simply the fitting power degree. Summer time will get scorching (like, sweat-in-places-you-forgot-existed scorching), and winter is cooler however nonetheless nice should you pack layers.
✅ What’s Occurring in 2025?
In the event you’re visiting in June, the Fes Competition of World Sacred Music is a standout. Count on performances from world artists, set in mosques, gardens, and historic ruins. It’s weirdly shifting—even should you’re not the religious sort.
Professionals and Cons of Visiting Fes in 2025
✅ The Highlights – Tradition, Affordability, Authenticity
Fes offers you that actual Moroccan expertise—no sugar-coating. It’s some of the culturally wealthy cities within the nation, full of historical past, custom, and native taste.
From sipping mint tea in centuries-old riads to watching artisans hammer copper in tucked-away souks, the town feels extra like time journey than tourism.
It’s additionally fairly budget-friendly. In comparison with Marrakech and even Tangier, journey to Fes tends to be simpler on the pockets—lodging, meals, and guided excursions are sometimes extra inexpensive.
For these craving genuine Moroccan experiences with out the Insta-crowds, Fes quietly delivers.
✅ The Challenges – Hustle, Warmth, and Getting Misplaced
However Fes isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. The medina is a maze—navigating the medina solo could be irritating, particularly should you’re not used to the chaos.
Road distributors could be pushy (although normally not aggressive), and signage is… nicely, let’s simply say don’t depend on Google Maps alone.
Additionally, the summer season warmth isn’t any joke. In the event you’re visiting between June and August, be ready for dry, intense warmth, particularly in case your riad doesn’t have AC. One of many key Morocco journey suggestions? Go to Fes in spring or fall for a extra snug vibe.
✅ Is It Price It In comparison with Different Locations in Morocco?
In the event you’re all about polished vacationer experiences and simple navigation, Fes vs Marrakech would possibly lean in Marrakech’s favor. However should you’re chasing uncooked historical past, quiet magnificence, and a deep cultural dive, Fes wins.
It’s much less flashy, extra gritty, however undeniably some of the fascinating Moroccan cities to go to—particularly in 2025, when tourism is rising however nonetheless not overwhelming.
In the event you’re planning your first Morocco journey and questioning “Is Fes worth visiting?”—go for it. Simply carry cozy footwear, a little bit of endurance, and an open thoughts.
Ultimate Ideas: So, Is Fes Price It?
In order for you shiny and simple, Fes may not be your vibe.
However if you’d like actual, Fes delivers. It’s intense, lovely, and imperfect in all the fitting methods. You’ll be taught to decelerate, lean into the chaos, and admire the rhythm of a spot that hasn’t bought its soul to tourism.
So sure—Fes, Morocco is totally value visiting in 2025… should you’re prepared for the sort of 3 Days tour from Marrakech to Fes journey that stays with you lengthy after you’ve left.
✅ Often Requested Questions
1. Is Fes secure for vacationers in 2025?
Sure, Fes is mostly secure for vacationers, together with solo vacationers. Simply keep conscious of your environment, keep away from wandering the medina late at night time, and be cautious of frequent avenue scams.
2. What number of days do you want in Fes?
Three to 4 days is right. That provides you time to discover the medina, go to the principle websites, take a day journey, and perhaps get misplaced a bit (which, actually, is half the enjoyable).
3. Are you able to go to Fes on a price range?
Completely. Fes is considered one of Morocco’s most budget-friendly cities. You possibly can eat nicely, keep in a captivating riad, and expertise the tradition—all with out breaking the financial institution.
4. What ought to I put on in Fes?
Costume modestly, particularly within the medina. Light-weight, loose-fitting garments that cowl shoulders and knees are really helpful for each consolation and respect.
5. Is Fes higher than Marrakech?
Relies on your vibe. Marrakech is extra polished and touristy. Fes is uncooked, extra conventional, and fewer filtered—excellent should you’re after authenticity.
6. Is Fez value it in Morocco?
Sure—should you’re searching for an genuine Moroccan expertise, Fez (or Fes) is without doubt one of the most culturally wealthy cities you may go to. It’s not as flashy as Marrakech, but it surely provides deep historical past, conventional artisan work, and a extra uncooked, immersive vibe.
7. Is Fes value going to?
Undoubtedly. For vacationers all in favour of historical past, meals, and seeing the actual Morocco, Fes delivers. Simply be prepared for a little bit of sensory overload—navigating the medina could be intense, however that’s a part of the attraction.
8. What number of days do you have to spend in Fez, Morocco?
Two to 3 days is right. That provides you time to discover the medina, go to key websites like Al Quaraouiyine and the tanneries, and perhaps squeeze in a day journey to Volubilis or Meknes with out dashing.
9. Is it higher to go to Fes or Marrakech?
It relies on your journey fashion. Marrakech is extra polished, tourist-friendly, and fashionable in components. Fes is extra conventional, with deeper historic roots and fewer vacationers. In order for you consolation, go Marrakech. In order for you tradition, go Fes—or higher but, go to each and examine.