Considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco, this “open-air museum” of a city, the second-largest in Morocco and founded in A.D. 789, engulfs visitors in multicultural architecture, cuisine and the arts. Preserving authentic Morocco, it serves as a center for traditional craftsmen and artisans in ceramics, woodworking, leather, textiles and more.
GETTING THERE & AROUND
Fès-Saïs International Airport connects nonstop to 42 destinations in nine countries, primarily in Western Europe. Transit into the city via taxi (13 minutes, $12–15), bus (40 minutes, $2) or rental car. The Médina is best explored on foot; and taxis (an average ride costs $2–4) and a reliable, extensive and inexpensive bus system (20 to 40 cents per ride) prove good options. Car rentals are convenient for daytrips, but be aware local drivers can be aggressive and accidents are common.
LODGING
Located in the heart of the Médina, this traditional Moroccan residence-turned-boutique hotel features traditional carved plaster ceilings, zellij mosaic tiling, rich fabrics and antique furnishings. The property boasts a traditional Moroccan restaurant, spa and hammam, fitness center and pool, and offers culinary classes.
2 Place de L’Istiqlal, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 18 43 maisonbleue.com
Combining tradition and modernity in a property overlooking gardens and the old Médina, Palais Medina features on-site restaurants, a lounge, event space, a large outdoor pool and poolside bar. Enjoy the fitness center and spa as well as free parking and WiFi.
Boulevard Allal El Fassi, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 529 08 01 04 atlashotelscollection.com
Rooms and suites in this traditional 17th-century palace surround a peaceful open courtyard. Offerings include a pool, hammam and spa, while the rooftop bistro serves an à la carte menu of Moroccan dishes and local wines. Concierge services can arrange guides, reservations and daytrips.
3 Derb Bechara, Fès Medina, Morocco, tel 212 674 18 76 39 riad-laaroussa.com
DINING
This fine-dining rooftop restaurant overlooking the Médina serves quintessential Moroccan food matched with Moroccan wines. The adjacent Golden Bar offerings include cocktails and jazz.
Palais Faraj, Derb Bensouda 16-18, Bab Ziat, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 63 53 56 palaisfaraj.com
This diverse and culturally inclusive hangout for locals and visitors alike offers Moroccan (camel burgers!) and international food all day. Indoor and outdoor seating; a welcoming atmosphere; and classes on calligraphy, cooking and Moroccan culture — plus live music, storytelling and cinema nights — deliver something for everyone.
7 Derb el Magana, Talaa Kbira, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 63 78 55 cafeclock.com
Chef Younes Idrissi describes his cuisine as Franco-Moroccan fusion using seasonal, locally sourced products. Complimentary porter service is offered from the nearest Médina gate for guests not staying in the hotel.
30 Derb El Amer, Zkak Roumane, Fès, Morocco, tel 212 535 74 16 37 darroumana.com
ATTRACTIONS
Chouwara Tannery
In a city renowned for its leather goods, Chouwara stands out as the largest and one of the oldest (dating to the 11th century) tanneries in Fès. A host of leather shops overlook the colorful (but odiferous) dyeing pits. Come prepared to haggle for everything from traditional Moroccan backless slippers (babouches) to handbags and jackets.
21 Rue Chouara, Fès el-Bali, Morocco, tel 212 695 13 06 56
The old city of Fès, a literal maze of 9,000 alleys, is designated by UNESCO as having Outstanding Universal Value. This largest urban pedestrian zone in the world houses souks, traditional Moroccan homes, mosques, monuments, fountains and palaces. To avoid getting lost or missing unique attractions, look into hiring a local guide or book with GuruWalk for a free guided tour.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century funduq (inn for traveling merchants), this national museum celebrates another of the crafts for which Fès is known. Displays of fine woodwork from across Morocco include musical instruments, doors, prayer beads, chests and the tools used to create them. Intricately carved archways and courtyard columns as well as the rooms’ cedar ceilings are themselves works of art.
327F+WJ5, Place an Nejjarine, Fès el-Bali, Morocco, tel 212 531 41 26 16
Read This Next
Global City Guidebook: U.S. Virgin Islands
GCGB 2023
Aug 5, 2023All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 23, 20264 Ways to Spend a Weekend in Cleveland, Ohio
Whether an adventure seeker, culturally curious or a lover of all things music, Cleveland, Ohio, is the perfect weekend getaway for all types of personalities and travel styles.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Daily
Sep 23, 2026Delve into a Curated Journey for Mexico City Art Week with Trip Whisperer
During Mexico City Art Week 2027 (Semana del Arte), Trip Whisperer founder Jessica Parker will lead Mexico City Art Week Salon, a small-group expedition to explore the city’s fascinating art, design, culinary and luxury lodging offerings. For five nights, Feb. 2–7, 2027, participants will lodge with creatives and like-minded travelers in Casa Amsterdam, a private Mexico City villa located in the La Condesa neighborhood. After daytime forays to explore the festival’s events, this group will return to the villa to enjoy mezcal tastings, chef-prepared dinners and evening activities.
eFlyer Reviews
Sep 23, 2026Review: Sage Lodge Resort & Spa
Set on more than 1,200 acres in Montana’s Paradise Valley, Sage Lodge sits just 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park, with the Yellowstone River running for more than a mile along the property.
Sponsored Content
IHG Business Edge: A Smarter Way for Small- and Mid-Sized Businesses to Travel
IHG Business Edge is a complimentary travel program designed to help small- and mid-sized businesses manage travel more efficiently while saving on hotel stays. Members enjoy access to guaranteed discounts, loyalty benefits, and partner offers across IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global portfolio of 7,000-plus hotels in more than 100 countries.
Airlines
Sep 23, 2026American Airlines, Condor Airlines Announce New Interline Agreement
American Airlines and Condor Airlines expand their international partner network with a new interline agreement, providing travelers with a wide range of new connections. Passengers can expect connections to more than 150 cities through Condor’s trans-Atlantic gateways in major hubs like JFK, BOS and LAX.
Daily
Sep 23, 2026What’s in Store for Finnair in 2026/2027?
Global Traveler recently sat down with Finnair’s president and CEO Turkka Kuusisto, and Päivyt Tallquvist, senior vice president of communications, to discuss the airline’s past year and its future developments.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Daily
Sep 22, 2026Cunard’s “Queen Mary 2” to Undergo Stunning Refurbishment
Cunard recently announced a stunning refurbishment of Queen Mary 2; the ship prepares to enter dry dock on March 31, 2027, as the flagship of the Cunard fleet and the only ship in the world offering regularly scheduled trans-Atlantic crossings between Southampton and New York. The refurbishment will introduce new Grill Suites, an elevated wellness offering, enhanced retail spaces and refreshed guest areas, while preserving the ship’s Art Deco identity. The ship will return to service May 9, 2027.
ShareThis