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More InformationOpen-air museum
Open-air museum
Cultural richness
From the souks to the Saïss Plain
Stroll and marvel through the largest medieval old town in the world – with more than 9,000 alleyways. The medina of the imperial city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true pearl of the Orient, with richly decorated palaces, breathtaking medersas (Quranic schools), authentic souks and fascinating museums. The vibrant religious heart of the country, the medina feels like a living open-air museum where spirituality fills the air. Fes captivates lovers of art and culture, as well as gourmets and passionate shoppers.
Discover the richest of Morocco’s four imperial cities in art and culture.
A journey through the ages: palaces, riads and mosques.
Traditional craftsmanship, jewellers and leather goods in the souks.
Play on excellent greens with views of the Atlas Mountains.
Hiking in unspoilt nature through evergreen forests and Berber villages.
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Fes is both a history book and an open-air museum. Anyone wandering through the winding alleyways of the medina embarks on a journey through more than 1,200 years of Moroccan identity. Founded in the 8th century by Idris I as Fes el Bali, the city soon rose to become a spiritual centre: the Al-Qaraouiyine, built about a century later, is the oldest university in the world. With it, Fes laid the foundations of its role as an intellectual and cultural hub. Even under the Arab Muslim dynasties of the Saadians in the 16th century and the Alaouites, who have ruled Morocco since the 17th century, Fes remained the cultural heart of the country, although it lost its status as capital to Rabat after Morocco gained independence in 1956.
Fes was named one of the Best Places to Go in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveller.
A living medieval jewel
Explore the largest medieval old town in the world and wander through a labyrinth of nearly 9,000 alleyways. Fes el Bali, the ancient city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the most fascinating part of Fes – and it is still fully inhabited. Experience everyday Moroccan life while passing magnificent historic buildings, bustling markets and shops, as well as around 60 fountains decorated with colourful zellij tiles.
Idyllic scenery and gateway to the desert
The landscapes around Fes are defined by striking contrasts. The fertile Saïss Plain with its olive groves and grain fields meets the foothills of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Here you will find cedar forests, karst lakes and springs such as Oulmès. While Ifrane National Park offers an almost alpine setting, the scenery to the west changes into gentle high plateaus and canyons, while to the east the landscape gradually turns into steppe and the gateway to the Sahara.
Active between the Atlas and the Saïss Plain
The Middle Atlas and the Saïss Plain offer nature enthusiasts a wide range of outdoor activities. From Fes or Ifrane, adventurous quad tours lead through forests and river landscapes. Sports lovers can explore mountain bike routes of 20–50 km through olive groves or enjoy the region by e-bike. Golf courses nearby, including Michlifen, where skiing is even possible in winter, show the diverse recreational opportunities of the region.
Art and craftsmanship
Fes is a true firework of craftsmanship, art and historical monuments. More than 10,000 historic buildings, including hundreds of mosques, display an incomparable splendour. Special themed routes lead through the city’s craft districts and open workshops: from carpet weavers and babouche makers to tanners, blacksmiths, metal engravers and potters. Their work gives the city its unique character.
The gardens by the blue gate
A peaceful retreat can be found in the beautifully landscaped Sbil Bou Jeloud Gardens near the famous Blue Gate (Bab Bou Jeloud). From here, the historic oasis stretches across seven hectares with canals of the Oued Fes and Oued Zitoun, ponds, bamboo groves, flower beds, palm trees and refreshing fountains. The park’s shaded paths are particularly popular at sunset.
The finest leather in the world
It is often said that the finest leather in the world comes from the imperial city of Fes. In the traditional tanneries, leather is still processed by hand using centuries-old methods and then dyed with natural colours such as indigo or saffron. To soften the strong smell, locals recommend holding a sprig of fresh mint under your nose. The best views of the colourful tanneries can be enjoyed from one of the many surrounding terraces.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music
Each year, this unique celebration of faith, peace and intercultural dialogue takes place in Fes. Artists from around the world gather for concerts, night performances, inspiration and exchange. It is a festival where music becomes a bridge between cultures and religions.
Explore the surroundings
Explore the surroundings
Medina
Glaoui Palace
Borj Nord
Medersa
Tannery
Nejjarine Foutain
Mellah
Bou Jeloud Gardens
Our Pur Life Maroc concierge service offers tailor-made travel experiences designed around your wishes. Discover the most beautiful and authentic sides of Morocco up close, guided by our local experts and Pur Life insiders. Immerse yourself in your own personal Pur Life Maroc journey.
Discover the secrets of the ancient Medina of Fès with a professional guide and marvel at the history, culture and beauty of this unique imperial city. Explore historic treasures such as the famous tanneries, the oldest university in the world, magnificent medersas (Quranic schools), lively souks and impressive palaces.
This tour takes you to the impressive gates of the Royal Palace, the Jewish quarter Mellah with its distinctive Andalusian balconies, and the beautiful Jnan Sbil Gardens. Continue to the pottery district, where you can watch artisans create pottery, ceramics and traditional zellige tiles, before ending the tour with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Medina.
Visit the imperial city of Meknès, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Your guide will show you its beautifully preserved old town, including Bab Mansour, considered Morocco's most magnificent city gate, and the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who dreamed of building a second Versailles in Meknès. Continue to the ancient city of Volubilis, where you can explore 2,000-year-old Roman ruins, including residential houses, impressive mosaics, arches and even ancient baths surrounded by historic olive presses.
A camel ride at sunrise and an unforgettable night in a Berber tent. Discover the captivating beauty and silence of the Sahara on a private two-day excursion from Fès to Merzouga. Visit traditional Berber villages, ride a camel across the dunes, watch the magical play of light between sun and sand, and spend the night in a desert camp.
The medina of Chefchaouen, painted in shades of azure blue, is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Africa. At an altitude of around 600 metres, the town offers fresh mountain air and a maze of narrow alleyways, mosques, memorial sites and charming blue-and-white houses. Even though the imperial city of Fès lies about 200 kilometres away, the famous Blue Pearl of northern Morocco is well worth the journey.
