How to Spend 48 Hours in Fes: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Fes stands as Morocco’s cultural epicentre and one of its most treasured historical cities. Founded in the 8th century, this ancient metropolis presents an authentic glimpse into Morocco’s past with its remarkably preserved medieval architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive today.

Unlike its more touristic counterpart Marrakech, Fes offers travellers an unfiltered experience of Moroccan life, where centuries-old traditions remain intact within the world’s largest car-free urban environment. The UNESCO-protected Medina of Fes El Bali, with its 9,000+ winding alleyways, houses artisans practicing crafts using techniques passed down through generations—from intricate leatherwork and pottery to detailed woodcarving and textile production.

For travellers seeking an immersive cultural experience within a limited timeframe, Fes presents the perfect destination. Its compact historic centre allows visitors to explore significant landmarks, taste authentic cuisine, and witness traditional craftsmanship—all within walking distance of each other. The city’s distinct blend of Amazigh, Andalusian, and Arab influences creates a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of Moroccan culture in its most authentic form.

This 48-hour itinerary guides you through the essential experiences of Fes, carefully balancing must-see attractions with hidden gems that showcase the city’s true character. From navigating the labyrinthine streets of the medina to visiting the world’s oldest continuously operating university, from savouring traditional Fassi cuisine to witnessing the ancient leather tanning process—this guide ensures you’ll experience the depth and breadth of what makes Fes an extraordinary destination, even during a brief visit.

Day 1: Unveiling Fes El Bali

Morning

Start with Breakfast at a Traditional Riad

Begin your Fes adventure with a traditional Moroccan breakfast in the atmospheric courtyard of a riad—a historic house with an interior garden or courtyard. These architectural gems offer an authentic start to your day, where you can enjoy breakfast surrounded by intricate tilework, carved cedar, and the gentle sound of fountains.

A typical Moroccan breakfast includes msemen (square-shaped, flaky flatbread often served with honey or jam), beghrir (spongy pancakes with honey), fresh seasonal fruit, yogurt, and an assortment of Moroccan pastries. Of course, no Moroccan breakfast is complete without fresh mint tea—served in metal teapots and poured from a height into small glasses—and freshly squeezed orange juice.

For a memorable breakfast experience, consider staying at Riad Laaroussa, known for its exceptional courtyard and rooftop views, or Dar Roumana, which serves a particularly impressive traditional breakfast. Riad Fes Baraka offers another excellent option, with breakfast typically included in your stay.

Explore the Historic Medina

After breakfast, step out into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina of Fes El Bali. Begin at the iconic Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud), the most famous entrance to the old city. This ornate gateway, decorated with blue and green tilework (blue on the exterior symbolizing Fes, green on the interior symbolizing Islam), marks the beginning of Talaa Kebira, one of the main thoroughfares of the medina.

As you pass through the gate, you’ll immediately be immersed in the sights, sounds, and scents of medieval Fes. The narrow streets branch in countless directions, each alleyway revealing something new—from food vendors and spice merchants to craftsmen working in tiny workshops.

Take your time wandering through this maze-like district, where donkeys remain the primary mode of transportation for goods. Watch for the ornate doorways, hidden fountains, and unexpected open squares that punctuate the dense urban landscape.

Al-Qarawiyyin University and Mosque

Make your way to Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 CE by Fatima Al-Fihri and recognized by UNESCO as the oldest continuously operating educational institution in the world. The complex includes both a mosque and university, with the library housing some of the world’s most valuable manuscripts.

While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer areas, visitors can view the stunning courtyard and admire the elaborate exterior architecture with its green-tiled roof, intricate wooden carvings, and ornate doorways. The recently restored library section now welcomes visitors by appointment, allowing glimpses of precious manuscripts and the beautiful reading room.

The surrounding area, known as the Karaouine Quarter, is worth exploring for its scholarly atmosphere and historical significance as a center of Islamic learning that attracted students from across North Africa and Europe.

Afternoon

Lunch in the Medina

By midday, you’ll have worked up an appetite exploring the labyrinthine streets. For an authentic lunch experience, stop at Restaurant Rcif near the Rcif Square for excellent traditional cooking. Their chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives exemplifies classic Moroccan flavours.

Alternatively, try Café Clock, a more contemporary option that serves a famous camel burger alongside traditional dishes in a restored home with multiple levels. For those seeking an upscale version of Moroccan classics, Dar Hatim offers a refined family-run dining experience—their pastilla (sweet-savory pie with layers of thin pastry, typically filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices) is particularly noteworthy.

Discover Traditional Tanneries (Chouara Tannery)

After lunch, head to the northeastern part of the medina to witness one of Fes’s most iconic sights—the Chouara Tannery. Dating back to the 11th century, this is the largest of the city’s tanneries and offers a fascinating glimpse into a craft that has changed little in nearly a thousand years.

From the leather shops surrounding the tannery, you can access terraces that provide excellent viewing platforms over the honeycomb of stone vessels filled with dyes and liquids. Watch as tanners process hides using natural ingredients: lime for hair removal, pigeon droppings for softening the leather, and natural dyes from plants and minerals to create vibrant colours.

Be prepared for the distinctive smell—most shops will offer you a sprig of mint to hold near your nose as you observe. While entry to the viewing terraces typically comes with the expectation that you’ll browse the shop’s leather goods, there’s no obligation to buy.

Artisan Shopping

The remainder of your afternoon is perfect for exploring Fes’s legendary craft districts. Each section of the medina specializes in particular crafts—the Nejjarine Quarter for woodwork, Seffarine Square for brass and copper work, and the Haddadine area for ironwork.

For ceramics, seek out the blue pottery that Fes is famous for, particularly the intricate hand-painted designs. The area around Place Seffarine offers numerous pottery shops. For textiles and carpets, the streets leading from the Bou Inania Madrasa house several reputable vendors.

When shopping, remember that haggling is expected but should be conducted respectfully. A good rule is to counter with about half the initial asking price and work toward a middle ground. Take your time and enjoy mint tea offered by shopkeepers as part of the social ritual of shopping.

Evening

Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant

As sunset approaches, make your way to a rooftop restaurant for panoramic views over the ancient city as it transitions from day to night. Palais Amani offers exquisite contemporary Moroccan cuisine on a terrace overlooking the medina, while The Ruined Garden provides a magical setting among restored ruins.

For dinner, sample specialities like mrouzia (lamb with honey and raisins), kefta (spiced meatballs), or monkfish chermoula. Finish with a traditional Moroccan dessert such as chebakia (sesame cookies soaked in honey) or briouat au miel (honey-soaked pastry).

Night Stroll

After dinner, take a leisurely evening walk along Talaa Kebira or near the Blue Gate area, which remains lively after dark. The medina takes on a magical quality at night, with lanterns illuminating the narrow streets and local families taking their evening promenades.

For a truly authentic experience, stop for mint tea at Café La Terassa or venture to the area around the Rcif for local nightlife. While the medina maintains its medieval feel after dark, the main thoroughfares remain well-lit and populated with locals and visitors alike.

The contrast between the bustling daytime medina and its more serene evening atmosphere provides a different perspective on this ancient city, as residents gather in small groups, vendors pack up their wares, and the calls to prayer echo across the rooftops.

Day 2: Beyond the Medina – Exploring Fes’ Surroundings

Morning

Breakfast: Indulging in Local Morning Treats

Start your second day in Fes with a more casual breakfast experience at one of the city’s popular cafés. Café Clock offers a blend of traditional Moroccan breakfast items with international influences, while Café la Nuit in the Ville Nouvelle serves exceptional pastries alongside robust coffee.

For an authentic local breakfast, try sfenj (Moroccan donuts) from a street vendor, paired with khlea خليع eggs (preserved meat with eggs) from a small café. Morocco’s evolving coffee culture means you can now find excellent espresso and specialty coffee in establishments like Café Fes or La Maison Bleue.

Moroccan breakfast pastries worth sampling include cornes de gazelle (crescent-shaped pastries filled with almond paste), fekkas (similar to biscotti), and brioches. These sweet treats pair perfectly with traditional mint tea or a strong Moroccan coffee spiced with cardamom.

Journey to the Merenid Tombs

After breakfast, take a taxi to the hillside ruins known as the Merenid Tombs, dating back to the 14th century. These stone structures served as the final resting places for members of the Merenid dynasty that ruled Morocco from the 13th to 15th centuries.

While the tombs themselves are mostly in ruins, their location provides the true appeal. Situated on a hill overlooking the entire city, this vantage point offers the most spectacular panoramic view of Fes available. The ancient medina sprawls below, with its countless minarets rising above the sea of rooftops, while the more modern Ville Nouvelle stretches in the distance.

The early morning light casts a golden glow over the cityscape, making this an ideal spot for photography. Consider bringing a small picnic breakfast to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking views. This elevated perspective helps visitors better understand the layout of this complex city and appreciate its massive scale.

Walk Through the Jnan Sbil Gardens

Descending from the Merenid Tombs, make your way to Jnan Sbil Gardens (also called Bou Jeloud Gardens), an oasis of tranquility dating back to the 18th century. Recently restored, these historic gardens span 7.5 hectares and provide a refreshing contrast to the dense urban environment of the medina.

Stroll along palm-lined paths among citrus trees, bamboo groves, and flowering plants, while the sound of running water from fountains and streams creates a soothing atmosphere. The central lake with its island pavilion offers a picturesque spot to rest, while ornate bridges cross over waterways inspired by traditional Islamic garden design.

These gardens have served as a public park for over a century, providing locals with a place to gather, exercise, and relax. Observe Fassi residents enjoying their leisure time—retired men playing chess, families on weekend outings, and students studying on benches beneath the shade of eucalyptus trees.

Afternoon

Lunch at a Traditional Moroccan Restaurant Outside the Medina

For lunch, venture beyond the medina walls to experience Moroccan cuisine in a more spacious setting. Palais de Fes, located in the Ville Nouvelle, offers traditional Moroccan dishes in an elegant atmosphere without the tight confines of medina restaurants.

Alternatively, try L’Amandier at the Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, where you can enjoy refined Moroccan cuisine on a terrace with spectacular views. Their slow-cooked lamb shoulder with seasonal vegetables represents the best of Fassi home cooking elevated to restaurant quality.

For those interested in a more contemporary take on Moroccan flavours, Restaurant International serves fusion dishes that incorporate traditional ingredients in innovative preparations. The slower pace outside the medina allows for a more relaxed dining experience—perfect for reflecting on your Moroccan journey so far.

Explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

After lunch, explore the Mellah, Fes’s historic Jewish quarter established in the 14th century. This neighborhood represents an important chapter in Morocco’s diverse cultural history, once home to a thriving Jewish community that lived alongside Muslim neighbors for centuries.

The architectural style here differs noticeably from other parts of the medina—houses feature street-facing balconies and windows, contrasting with the inward-facing designs typical in traditional Moroccan homes. The wider streets and grid-like layout also stand in contrast to the organic growth pattern of the rest of the old city.

Visit the restored Ibn Danan Synagogue, built in the 17th century and featuring a Moorish-influenced interior with ornate woodwork and colorful tilework. The nearby Jewish Cemetery, with white-washed tombs cascading down the hillside, offers a moving testament to the long history of Jewish presence in Morocco.

The Mellah’s main street still houses jewelry merchants and goldsmiths, trades historically associated with the Jewish community in Morocco. Though most Jewish residents have departed, the neighborhood preserves this important aspect of Fes’s multicultural heritage.

Dar Batha Museum

Complete your cultural exploration at the Dar Batha Museum, housed in a 19th-century summer palace built by Sultan Hassan I. This splendid example of Moorish architecture now showcases an impressive collection of traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.

The museum’s highlights include an extensive display of blue Fassi pottery and ceramics, dating from the 14th century to modern times. Admire the intricate woodcarvings, including antique doors and furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, and the collection of traditional embroidery that showcases the skilled needlework of Moroccan women.

The central courtyard garden, with its Andalusian influence, provides a restful spot to appreciate the harmonious design of this historic building. Seasonal exhibitions often highlight different aspects of Moroccan cultural heritage, from carpet weaving to calligraphy.

Evening

Final Evening in a Hammam

As your Fes adventure nears its conclusion, treat yourself to one of Morocco’s most cherished traditions—the hammam, or public bath. These steam baths have served as centers for hygiene and socialization for centuries.

For an authentic yet comfortable experience, visit Hammam Mernissi or Nausikaa Spa, both offering traditional services with varying levels of luxury. The ritual typically begins in a heated steam room, followed by a thorough scrubbing with black soap made from olive oil and a kessa glove that exfoliates the skin.

First-time visitors should note that traditional hammams separate men and women, and modest bathing attire is appropriate. The experience typically concludes with relaxation in a cool room and mint tea. This centuries-old cleansing ritual offers both physical rejuvenation and cultural insight.

Farewell Dinner at an Elegant Fassi Restaurant

Conclude your 48 hours in Fes with a memorable dinner showcasing the refined cuisine this imperial city is known for. Nur Restaurant offers innovative dishes that honor traditional Fassi cooking techniques while incorporating contemporary presentations. Their seven-course tasting menu provides a comprehensive tour of Moroccan flavours.

For classical Moroccan royal cuisine in a spectacular setting, book a table at Palais Amani’s Eden Restaurant, where seasonal ingredients elevate traditional recipes. Their pastilla royale and shoulder of lamb with ras el hanout exemplify the complex, layered flavors that distinguish Moroccan cuisine.

Consider pairing your meal with Moroccan wine—the country has a growing wine industry, with notable vineyards in the nearby Middle Atlas region producing excellent reds from Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and whites from Chardonnay and local varieties.

As you savor your final evening in this ancient city, reflect on the rich tapestry of experiences Fes offers—from its labyrinthine medina and historic monuments to its vibrant craft traditions and distinctive cuisine. Even in just 48 hours, Fes manages to leave visitors with lasting impressions of a civilization that has preserved its cultural heritage while continuing to evolve over more than twelve centuries.

Conclusion

Fes distills the essence of Morocco into an intoxicating blend of history, artistry, and tradition that rewards even the briefest visit. This 48-hour itinerary introduces you to the core experiences that have captivated travelers for generations—from navigating the medieval medina’s serpentine paths to witnessing traditional craftsmanship unchanged for centuries.

While Marrakech might capture international headlines and Casablanca exudes cosmopolitan energy, Fes remains Morocco’s cultural heart. The city preserves its heritage not as a museum piece but as a living tradition where ancient knowledge transfers from master to apprentice in workshops tucked within the medina’s walls. This itinerary balances must-see landmarks with authentic cultural interactions, allowing visitors to experience both the monumental legacy and everyday rhythms of this extraordinary city.

The medina of Fes El Bali offers an increasingly rare opportunity to step into a medieval urban environment functioning much as it has for centuries—where donkeys serve as delivery vehicles, bread bakes in community ovens, and craftspeople work with techniques refined over generations. Yet Fes continues to evolve, embracing selective modernization while maintaining its distinct character and traditions.

Whether you’re captivated by architectural splendors like Al-Qarawiyyin University, enchanted by the sensory experience of spice markets, or moved by the spiritual heritage embedded in madrasas and zawiyas, Fes creates lasting impressions that transcend typical tourism. Even with just 48 hours, visitors depart with a deeper understanding of Morocco’s cultural complexity and an appreciation for a civilization that has preserved its authenticity despite centuries of change.

Have you visited Fes recently? Share your experiences or questions about this ancient imperial city in the comments below. Did you discover hidden gems not included in this itinerary? What aspects of Fassi culture most captured your imagination? Your insights might help fellow travelers craft their own perfect weekend in Morocco’s cultural capital.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Fes