{"id":16688,"date":"2026-09-10T13:59:47","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T13:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maroclovers.com\/visit-fes-for-a-week-7-day-itinerary\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T19:33:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T19:33:36","slug":"visit-fez-one-week-itinerary-7-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maroclovers.com\/en\/visit-fez-one-week-itinerary-7-day\/","title":{"rendered":"One week in Fez: our perfect itinerary!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fes, Morocco\u2019s ancient and spiritual city, is home to the world\u2019s largest medina within its walls. We were captivated by this UNESCO-listed labyrinth, its 137 mosques, and its traditional tanneries, which preserve a unique craft. A week-long stay allows you to explore the imperial city and venture out to neighboring towns nestled between the Rif and Middle Atlas mountains.Here\u2019s our ideal itinerary for a week in Fez, complete with plenty of photos! <\/p>\n\n

\"Our<\/figure>\n\n

This opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n

Visiting Fes in 1 Week: Practical Tips<\/h2>\n\n

What can you see in Fez in one week? Is that long enough? <\/h3>\n\n

A week in Fez gives you plenty of time to explore every nook and cranny of the thousand-year-old medina, while also taking day trips to Meknes, Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and the Middle Atlas Mountains. It\u2019s the perfect length of stay to balance cultural heritage, local crafts, and the great outdoors. <\/p>\n\n

\"Bab<\/figure>\n\n

Maps of must-see attractions<\/h3>\n\n

To help you find your way as you read our itinerary below, here is our map of the main tourist attractions in Fez:<\/p>\n\n

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Map: Top Attractions in Fez<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

Getting around Fez<\/h3>\n\n

The medina of Fez is a veritable labyrinth that can only be explored on foot, as no vehicles are allowed inside. Rely on the small red taxis or a private car service to reach the New City and its surroundings; they remain inexpensive and convenient. Renting a car isn\u2019t essential for exploring the medina, but it can be useful for a series of day trips throughout the week: check out the car rental options<\/a>. Large shared taxis connect Fes to the surrounding villages. We also recommend hiring an official guide for your first visit to the medina to avoid getting lost. You\u2019ll also come across horse-drawn carriages in the city, a mode of transportation we prefer to avoid out of respect for animal welfare. <\/p>\n\n

\"Fès<\/figure>\n\n

Where to Stay in Fez<\/h3>\n\n
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WHERE TO STAY IN FES<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In F\u00e8s El-Bali (old medina)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hotel Riad Dar Lys – See prices, photos and availability<\/a>Hotel Riad Dar Laura – See prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

F\u00e8s El-Jdid (near the Royal Palace)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Palais Faraj Suites & Spa Hotel – See prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Hotel<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

See our complete selection of the best hotels in Fez<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See all available accommodation >><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Our Ideal Itinerary: 7 Days in Fez<\/h2>\n\n

We designed this itinerary to alternate between immersing yourself in the medina and its spiritual heritage and exploring the surrounding areas. Three full days are devoted to the imperial cities, the Rif, and the Middle Atlas, while the rest of the week focuses on the treasures of Fez itself. <\/p>\n\n

Day 1 \u2013 A Deep Dive into the Millennium-Old Medina<\/h2>\n\n

9 a.m.\u201312 p.m.: Bab Boujloud and Al-Qarawiyyin University<\/h3>\n\n

Start your week at the Bab Boujloud Gate, built in 1913 during the French Protectorate. We enjoyed this colorful transition between the modern city and the medieval world, with its blue zellige tiles on the outside and green ones on the inside. <\/p>\n\n

\"Bab<\/figure>\n\n

As you walk up Talaa Kebira Street, you\u2019ll pass by the mosque and Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in the 9th century by Fatima al-Fihri and considered the oldest university still in operation in the world. The interior is reserved for Muslim worshippers, but we could feel the power of its history from certain gates of the medina. <\/p>\n\n

\"Al-Qarawiyyin<\/figure>\n\n

2:00\u20134:00 p.m.: The Chouara Tannery<\/h3>\n\n

The afternoon is devoted to one of the most fascinating sights in the medina: the Chouara Tannery. The process, which lasts three weeks, begins with the removal of hair from the hides in lime baths before they are softened with natural ammonia. We watched the leather being dyed\u2014poppy red, indigo blue, or saffron yellow\u2014from the terraces of the leather goods shops. More than 250 families there pass down this craft from generation to generation. You\u2019ll be given some mint to help mask the smell of ammonia while the guide explains the process. Visit the Chouara Tanneries with a local multilingual guide!<\/a><\/p>\n\n

\"Chouara<\/figure>\n\n

4:30 p.m.\u20136:00 p.m.: The Attarine Madrasa<\/h3>\n\n

End your day at the Attarine Madrasa, built in the 14th century during the Marinid dynasty. Its refined architecture captivated us from the moment we entered: colorful zellige tiles, carved cedar wood, and intricately crafted stucco. You\u2019ll explore the small rooms where students from across the kingdom once lived, as well as a central courtyard featuring a fountain that invites you to relax. Book your tour of the madrasas of Fez today<\/a>. For dinner, head to the Caf\u00e9-Restaurant Moulay Idriss or Restaurant Le Tarbouche, both renowned for their traditional Moroccan cuisine. They\u2019re among our top recommendations for<\/a> where to eat in Fez. <\/p>\n\n

\"Médersa<\/figure>\n\n

Day 2 \u2013 Spiritual Heritage and Crafts of the Medina<\/h2>\n\n

Morning: The Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II<\/h3>\n\n

We headed to the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, founder of Fez and son of Moulay Idriss I. This sacred monument impressed us with its woodwork and its majestically proportioned doors. From the outside, we admired the large prayer hall in front of the tomb, adorned with fountains and mosaics; the interior is reserved for Muslims. The site bears witness to the spiritual significance of the Idrisid dynasty, which made Fez a leading religious capital. Take the time to observe the architectural details and respect the reverence of the worshippers present. <\/p>\n\n

\"Moulay<\/figure>\n\n

Noon: The Nejjarine Museum and Dar Al-Magana<\/h3>\n\n

Continue on to the Nejjarine Museum, housed in a former 18th-century fondouk. We were fascinated by its collection dedicated to woodworking arts and crafts, ranging from spindles from southern Morocco to customary law tablets inscribed in ink on palm wood. The tea lounge terrace offers one of the most beautiful views of the medina\u2019s rooftops. Please note that photography is not permitted in the exhibition halls. <\/p>\n\n

\"Musée<\/figure>\n\n

Not far away, Dar al-Magana intrigues visitors with its row of small openings: this 14th-century water clock once marked the rhythm of daily prayers. Although its mechanism no longer works, it remains a rare testament to Merinid scientific ingenuity. <\/p>\n\n

Afternoon: artisan souks and Fondouk Barka<\/h3>\n\n

Finish with a stroll through the artisans\u2019 souks in the medina: dyers working with vibrant colors, merchants selling fragrant spices, and copper craftsmen who still hammer their work by hand. Fez remains one of the great centers of Moroccan craftsmanship, with its workshops for pottery, mosaics, zellige, and weaving. <\/p>\n\n

\"Fez<\/figure>\n\n

We enjoyed discovering the Fondouk Barka, a former caravanserai where artisan cooperatives display their creations. These encounters reveal the city\u2019s creative spirit, far from the most touristy shops. <\/p>\n\n

\"Fondouk<\/figure>\n\n

It can be hard to find your way around the medina. You can easily get lost in the maze of narrow streets! We recommendtaking a half-day guided tour of the Fez medina with a local guide<\/a>\u2014or even a full-day tour. <\/p>\n\n

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OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n