Fes is one of the most magical cities I have ever visited. It felt like I was back in the 12th century when you walk around in this city. You here hammers, smell the spices, and eat great food throughout the medina. Most sights are in the medina, but not everything. If you want to know more about Fes, keep reading and make this a must-go destination.

Walk through the fantastic medina

The medina of Fes is something so special that you should put it on top (with the Sahara) of your list of things to do in Morocco. I can't describe how it feels walking through the small alleys and fantastic market stalls, but the least I can say is that it is a unique experience. I would recommend asking your Riad to do a private walking tour (I never did this), because here it was so special because the guide brought us where no one came. This is the place to be in Fes.

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 1 Full day.

Explore the beauty of Al-Atterine Madrasa

This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the medina of Fes. The madrasa was built in the 14th century, and it is still very beautiful. It consists mostly of one beautiful room and a couple of side areas, which are all worth visiting. The building is an oasis in the middle of Fes and absolutely a must-do.

Price: 20 dirham

Tourist occurrence: Medium

How much time needed: 30 minutes

See the entrance of Fes at Bab Jou Jeloud

Bab Jou Jeloud is the gate to the heavens of the medina of Fes. The gate is beautiful, and it is worth studying the details on the outside. Walk underneath and enjoy the scenery. There is no entrance fee for this sight, so walk as many times as you would like!

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

Have some views at Kairaouine 

Kairaouine mosque and university was built in the 9th century as a mosque, and since 1963, this building has also been a university. Because the building is still a mosque, as a non-Muslim, I was not allowed to go into every section. There is a nice view of the mosque and the minaret. We had this part for ourselves and enjoyed it to the fullest.

Tourist occurrence: Low

How much time needed: 20 minutes

See people at work at the Chouara  Tannery

The Chouara Tannery is one of the main reasons to visit Fes. You can see how leather products are being made with a wonderful view of different areas. This is such a special place, and something is happening you would never see anywhere else. It can be a bit smelly, but I thought the smell was not as bad as people described. If you grab a bit of fresh mint, you almost don't smell anything else. A guide let us go to this place (there are multiple buildings to go up), and you can buy some leather. This was, besides the medina itself, my highlight of Fes.

Price: Technically free, but a tip is almost obligatory (but also worth it), or by some products.

Tourist occurrence: High

How much time needed: 45 minutes.

See the Golden doors of Dar al-Makhzen

This is one of the royal palaces in Morocco and the official residence of the king when he is in Fes. The palace is located outside the medina, and the walk there is pretty nice. This is not very popular to do, so we were the only ones. The golden doors are very pretty and huge. This is a free thing to do (not sure what happens when the king is present). 

Tourist occurrence: Very low

How much time needed: 15 minutes

Learn the Moroccan kitchen in a cooking class

A cooking class is perfect to understand the great food of Morocco. First, you decide what kind of tajine you will be making, then you go to a fantastic market to buy the ingredients, then you will be cooking for a couple of hours, and then you can eat it! The people were extremely sweet, helped us through the class, and did some as well. The food was also very tasty.

Price: We had one around 40 euros, but it can be more expensive.

How much time needed: 4 hours

Things I have not done, but can be interesting

• There are more madrasas to visit except Al-atterine
• Marinid Tombs
• Borj Nord

Final thoughts

Although I only wrote 7 highlights of Fes, wandering the streets is a fantastic experience, and you can do that for weeks. Except for the tanneries and a madrasa, there may be no must-do's in Fes because strolling the medina is the best thing. The other sights are absolutely worth a visit, though. The city of Fes made my dreams come true as one of the coolest cities I have ever visited.

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