Looking to spend 36 hours in Fes, Morocco? Have I got the guide for you!
Imagine strolling through the ancient alleyways of Fes, where the vibrant markets, rich scents of traditional spices, and stunning architecture transport you to another world.
Fes, the heart of Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heritage, offers an unparalleled experience.
In just 36 hours, you can immerse yourself in the depth of Moroccan culture. Begin your adventure in the mesmerizing Fes El Bali, the oldest walled part of the city, and lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets.
From the famed Chouara Tannery to the exquisite Al-Attarine Madrasa, there is no limit to exploring all day long.
Fes is Morocco’s second biggest city and its first capital. Spending 36 hours in one of the most beautiful cities of Morocco is a fantastic idea.
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Things to Do
1. Free Walking Tour
I love taking free walking tours in new cities because it helps me get my bearings set and develop a stronger meaning and connection for the sights around me.
This was an amazing way for my friend group to learn about Fes in a short amount of time.
Free and paid walking tours are available. I usually take free walking tours and pay a tip at the end.
Tip: It is always courtesy to tip your guide on free walking tours because this is how they are paid for the job!
2. Iconic Blue Gates
These gleaming gates mark the downtown Fes entrance. Each of the four imperial cities in Morocco has a different color, and Fes is blue. Marrakech is red and Rabat is white.
I love learning fun facts like this on walking tours!
3. Rooftop Views
Fes has some incredible rooftop views, and taking in the imperial city and Atlas Mountains from above is like no other.
Some of the best places to find rooftop views in Fes include:
- Riads
- Le Rooftop Bar at Riad Fes
- Café Clock
- Borj Nord
- Carpet Shops
I loved our views at Riad Dar Mansoura, and from the carpet shops that encouraged us to take in the sweeping city landscape from their balconies.
4. Riad
Speaking of Riads, it is an absolute MUST to stay one at some point during your Morocco journey!
These past converted homes make for the most unique accommodation and surely are an experience in and of themselves.
We highly recommended our stay at Riad Dar Mansoura in downtown Fes providing us an absolutely exceptional location, DELICIOUS homemade breakfast each morning, and the absolute kindest service.
They also connected us with our amazing tour guide for the day, Azdine (who we could not possibly recommend more!)
Book at Booking.com5. Street Art
In Downtown Fes, the street art scene is blossoming, becoming an unexpected yet vital part of the city’s modern identity.
The importance of this street art lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but also in how it reflects the contemporary pulse of the city, connecting historical heritage with new artistic expressions.
Street art in Fes includes:
- Talaa Kebira
- Place Seffarine
- Rue des Merinides
- Bou Jeloud Square
As of my 2022 visit, the classic rainbow street is unfortunately closed both due to Covid and from having many of the colors washed away from the rain.
Tip: Exploring you can still find yourself down some alternate rainbow walkways.
6. Marinid Tombs
The viewpoint at the top of Maranid tombs undoubtedly offers some of the BEST panoramic views of the entire city and its surrounding landscapes.
Perched on a hill overlooking the medina, these ruins are accessible via a moderate hike or drive to the top. Entry is free.
We accessed the viewpoint on our own as a group of three with a car.
The only other people there were two locals at the top. We personally felt totally safe the entire time.
Safety Note: There have been reported instances of robbery and muggings here. This is not uncommon due to the remoteness of this location.
Solo female travelers have reported feeling unsafe here. If you are uncertain, I HIGHLY recommend booking a short tour as this was not a site to miss.
I highly recommend doing some of your own research to learn about the history and mystery behind the tombs.
7. Tannery
Visiting the Chouara Tannery is considered one of the top things to do in Fes on any itinerary.
According to Chouara staff, over 600 people are usually staffed at the tannery.
When an item is sold from the shop, the profit is split between all who were involved in creating it, including those who are stomping the dye pools.
We were warned to take a scarf with us due to the foul smells, but we didn’t find them so displeasing as compared to the many meat markets we passed.
Many travel writers discuss shop workers charging you for a mint leaf, but it was included in our walking tour.
Read Next: Best Things to do in Chefchaouen, 2 Days in Marrakech
8. Shopping
Shopping in Downtown Fes is like going on a treasure hunt. You can find lots of cool things, but some of the best and most traditional finds are lamps and carpets.
The Medina of Fes is the top spot to shop. Here, each shop is packed with colorful lamps that can light up any room. They show how skilled Fes’s artists are. Carpets are another big deal. They’re super colorful and each one is unique.
Made by hand, these carpets tell traditional stories with their designs, one thread at a time!
Mellah, Jewish Quarter: Things to Do
9. Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Fes, known as Dar el Makhzen, demonstrates the elegance of the city’s imperial past.
Although entry to the palace itself is restricted, the magnificent golden doors and detailed workmanship provide a breathtaking glimpse into Moroccan royalty and craftsmanship.
10. Oldest Temple in Morocco
The Ibn Danan Synagogue holds the distinction of being the oldest temple in Morocco, dating back to the 17th century.
Despite its modest exterior, the synagogue’s interior is a reflection of its rich past, featuring intricately carved wooden panels and bright colors reflecting the country’s diverse culture.
11. Medina
Mellah Medina is definitely more spacious than Downtown Fes.
The strip of shops did not span nearly as long, and we didn’t feel quite as pressured to buy. (Chefchaouen has got an awesome Medina as well).
Fes Planning Details
🗺️Location: 4 hours north of Marrakech.
📅When to visit: Any time of year. Spring is cool and considered an off-season (when I visited).
When I visited Fes in the spring, it was rainy for most of the first day. It was beautiful and clear on our second day.
❓How many days: While you can have an incredible Fes visit in 36 hours, I personally recommend 2-3 full days at the least.
This is the type of town I personally would have loved getting lost in for days upon days.
🚗Parking: There is lots of street parking and parking lots outside of downtown.
The streets are narrow and cars cannot drive around Downtown Fes. We were however able to find street parking in the more spacious Mella, or Jewish Quarter.
Conclusion
Spending 36 hours in Fes offers a unique opportunity to experience Moroccan history, culture, and art!
From staying in traditional Riads to exploring the iconic blue entrance gates of the medina there is always plenty to do.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Fes for yourself. Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure!
