Exploring Fez, Morocco:
Ancient Medina, Divine Food, and Colorful Tanneries
Few cities in the world feel as timeless as Fez. Often considered the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, this fascinating city has been welcoming travelers for more than a thousand years. Founded in the 8th century, Fez grew into one of the most important centers of learning and trade in the Islamic world. Today, wandering through its UNESCO-listed medina feels like stepping back in time. You will find that some of the most enriching things to do in Fez, Morocco, are simply exploring its numerous maze-like alleyways, historic mosques, and bustling souks, all of which have changed remarkably little over the centuries.
At the center of the city is Fes el-Bali, the ancient medina and one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. Here, stunning privately owned riads lay hidden behind ancient carved doors, donkeys still transport goods through narrow streets lined with artisan workshops. Every corner reveals something new: intricate tilework, carved wooden doors, perfume stalls, and the sounds of craftsmen practicing trades that have been passed down for generations. It’s certainly chaotic, colorful, and intoxicatingly captivating.
Things to Do in Fez:
Book a Fabulous Riad Accommodation
A Moroccan riad is a traditional house or palace featuring an inward-facing garden courtyard, often with a fountain, designed for privacy and keeping cool in the scorching heat. Located inside city Medinas (like the one in Fez), these historic homes are typically restored into boutique hotels or guest houses, offering intimate, luxurious accommodation with rooftop terraces often for an affordable price.
My parents and I stayed at a gorgeous riad called Dar Roumana.
Explore the Medina
The Medina of Fez (also known as Fes el-Bali) is one of Morocco’s most captivating historic districts and a living museum of medieval life. Founded in the 9th century the medina grew into a thriving center of religion, scholarship, and trade. Today it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the largest car-free urban areas in the world. For centuries, artisans, scholars, and merchants have shaped the culture of this maze-like city, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the traditions that helped define Fez as the spiritual and intellectual heart of Morocco.
Strolling through the winding alleys of the medina is an adventure in itself. Narrow lanes reveal vibrant souks, hidden courtyards, and the sounds of craftsmen practicing centuries-old trades. Around almost every corner, travelers encounter architectural treasures such as the famous Al Quaraouiyine University (widely considered the world’s oldest continually operating university).
Bask in the Rich Scents of a Perfumery
Perfume making has long been part of the cultural heritage of Fez, rooted in centuries of Moroccan traditions that blend Arab, Andalucian, and North African influences. Perfumers in the Medina craft fragrances from natural ingredients such as rose, orange blossom, amber, musk, and sandalwood, many of which are distilled into essential oils and aromatic waters.
As you explore the souks, you’ll find small perfumeries displaying rows of ornate glass bottles filled with oils, handmade soaps, and traditional cosmetics. Many shops still blend scents by hand, allowing visitors to experience this historic craft firsthand and even create a personalized fragrance.
Ogle at the Masterpieces Created at a Traditional Ceramic and Tile Shop
Ceramic and tile making is another celebrated tradition in the Medina of Fez, where artisans have produced decorative pottery and mosaics for centuries. The city is especially known for Zellige, a form of intricate geometric tilework used throughout Moroccan architecture.
In workshops across the medina, visitors can watch craftsmen shape clay, paint pottery, and carefully cut and assemble colorful tiles by hand. Many studios double as shops, offering beautifully crafted bowls, plates, tagines, and mosaic pieces that reflect Fez’s rich artistic heritage.
Experience the Chouara Tannery
One of the most iconic sights in Fez is the famous leather tannery that must be seen (and smelled) to be believed. From the surrounding terraces, visitors can watch workers dyed and treat leather in large honeycomb-shaped vats filled with natural pigments. The process has remained largely unchanged for centuries. While the potent smell is part of the experience, it’s also a reminder of the city’s long tradition of craftsmanship. The finished leather goods (like handbags, jackets, and slippers of every size and color) are some of the most sought-after souvenirs in Morocco.
Eat to Your Hearts Content
Food is another highlight of visiting Fez. The city is known for its rich and aromatic cuisine, blending Berber, Arab, and Andalucian influences. Traditional dishes like tagine, pastilla (a savory-sweet pastry often filled with chicken and almonds), and slow-cooked couscous are staples of the local dining scene. Whether you’re enjoying street food in the medina or a multi-course meal in a riad courtyard, the flavors of Fez are unforgettable.
Take a Short Day Trip to the Ancient Roman City of Volubilius
Just an hour and a half drive from the city lies another incredible historical treasure: the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. This remarkably well-preserved archaeological site was once a thriving Roman outpost and is now famous for its beautiful mosaics, grand arches, and sweeping countryside views. Visiting Volubilis makes the perfect day trip from Fez, offering a glimpse into an entirely different era of Moroccan history. For travelers exploring northern Morocco, the combination of Fez’s medieval atmosphere and the classical ruins of Volubilis creates an unforgettable journey through time.
From its labyrinth of ancient alleyways to the vibrant colors and aromas that fill the air, the Medina of Fez offers an experience that feels both timeless and alive. Whether you’re admiring the centuries-old traditions behind the famous Chouara Tannery, sampling opulent Moroccan cuisine, browsing artisan workshops, or simply wandering the winding streets, every corner reveals another layer of the city’s remarkable history and rich culture.