Imperial Cities Tours
2 Days in Fes: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for the Medina and Beyond
Published November 5, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: spend day one inside Fes el Bali with a licensed guide: Bab Boujloud, the Bou Inania and Attarine madrasas, the door of Al Quaraouiyine, the Nejjarine fountain and the Chouara Tannery, then a sunset from the Merenid Tombs. Use day two for Fes el Jdid (the royal palace gates and the Mellah), the Jnan Sbil gardens and a zellige and pottery workshop, or a half-day trip to Meknes and Volubilis.
Fes el Bali, founded in the 9th century, is one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its 9,000-odd lanes are why a guide on the first day saves hours.
Day 1: Fes el Bali
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | Bab Boujloud, the blue-tiled gate into the medina |
| 9:30 | Bou Inania Madrasa, a Marinid masterpiece of carved cedar and zellige |
| 10:30 | Down Talaa Kebira, the main street, past food and craft stalls |
| 11:30 | Attarine Madrasa and the entrance of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 |
| 12:30 | Lunch in a palace restaurant: try pastilla |
| 14:00 | Nejjarine fountain and the museum of wooden arts |
| 15:00 | Seffarine square and its coppersmiths |
| 15:30 | Chouara Tannery from a terrace |
| 17:30 | Sunset over the medina from the Merenid Tombs or Borj Nord |
Day 2: Fes el Jdid, gardens and crafts
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9:00 | The golden doors of the Royal Palace (Dar el Makhzen), photographed from the square |
| 9:30 | The Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, with its wooden balconies and synagogue |
| 11:00 | Jnan Sbil gardens, shaded and calm |
| 12:30 | Lunch near Bab Boujloud |
| 14:30 | Zellige and pottery workshops on the edge of the city: watch tiles being cut by hand |
| 17:00 | Free time in the souks, or a hammam |
Alternative day two: a half-day trip to Meknes, the Roman city of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
Tips
- Book a licensed guide through your riad; unofficial guides near Bab Boujloud lead to shops.
- Many monuments close on Friday midday; plan accordingly.
- Stay in a riad in or near the medina; read riad or hotel for how to choose.
- More background in our Fes medina guide.
Where to go next
- The Sahara: 7 to 8 hours to Merzouga; see Fes to Merzouga and Fes desert tours.
- Chefchaouen: 4 hours north; see Fes to Chefchaouen.
- Marrakech: by train or through the desert; see Marrakech to Fes.
Frequently asked questions
Are 2 days enough for Fes?
Yes for the highlights: one day in Fes el Bali with a guide and one for Fes el Jdid, crafts or a trip to Meknes and Volubilis.
Do I need a guide in Fes?
For the first day, it is strongly recommended. The medina is a maze, and a licensed guide saves time and avoids unofficial guides.
Can non-Muslims visit Al Quaraouiyine?
Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but can look into the courtyard from the doors.
What is the best view of Fes?
The Merenid Tombs and Borj Nord on the northern hill, especially at sunset.
Plan it with us: Marrakech tours and trips, Private Morocco tours and Morocco itineraries.
See it with a private driver
Planning a trip around this? These private, driver-guided itineraries cover it — every route can be adjusted to your dates.
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