Fascinating Things To Do In Fes, Morocco
By Space Coast Daily // June 28, 2023
Are you ready for an adventure in one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities? Fes is waiting for you! With its stunning architecture, rich history, and bustling markets, there are so many things to do and see here.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Fes has something to offer everyone.
From staying in a former palace to taking a walking tour of the old medina, exploring the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al-Attarine Madrasa, witnessing coppersmiths and tanners hard at work, strolling around the Jewish Quarter, getting a history lesson at museums, shopping in the souk, and taking a day trip to Meknes – there’s never a dull moment in Fes. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in this vibrant city where every corner holds secrets waiting to be discovered. 10 days tour from casablanca
Stay in a former palace.
Want to feel like royalty? Stay in a former palace-turned-riad in Fes! It’s one of the most fascinating things to do in Fes, Morocco. These guesthouses offer an authentic experience of Moroccan culture and history while providing modern amenities for your comfort.
Many of these riads are decorated with intricate mosaics, carved cedarwood ceilings, and traditional Moroccan furnishings. The courtyards are often adorned with fountains and lush gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets outside. After a day exploring the city, come back to your own private oasis and relax like a true king or queen. Now that you’ve experienced luxury living, it’s time to take a walking tour of the old medina.
Take a walking tour of the old Medina
Explore the winding streets and bustling markets of the old medina on a walking tour. Get lost in the maze of alleyways, where you’ll find hidden gems such as artisan workshops, ancient mosques, and colorful souks. The medina is full of history and culture, with each corner telling a different story. Your guide will lead you through the labyrinthine streets while sharing fascinating insights into Fes’ rich past.
As you walk through the medina, immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. You’ll see locals going about their daily lives – haggling for goods at the market or chatting with friends over mint tea in a traditional café. The sounds and smells will tantalize your senses as you make your way through this enchanting city within a city. After your walking tour, continue your journey by visiting Bou Inania Madrasa to witness its stunning architecture and intricate details that showcase Islamic artistry at its finest.
Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa.
You can’t miss the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic religious school that showcases some of the most beautiful and intricate carvings and mosaics in Fes. As you enter the madrasa, you’ll be greeted with an awe-inspiring courtyard that’s surrounded by intricately carved arches, walls adorned with zellij tilework, and a mesmerizing water fountain at its center. Here are some fascinating things to do while visiting this architectural marvel:
– Take a moment to appreciate the incredible craftsmanship of the woodcarvings on the doors and ceilings.
– Admire the intricate calligraphy inscribed on the walls, which bears witness to a time when penmanship was an art form.
– Head upstairs to explore the small prayer hall or mihrab where students would come for their daily prayers.
– Don’t forget to look up! The ceiling of the mihrab is adorned with gold leaf and intricate geometric patterns.
As you leave Bou Inania Madrasa feeling inspired by its beauty, make your way over to tour the Al-Attarine Madrasa – another masterpiece that will leave you breathless. Viajes a Marrakech desierto
Tour the Al-Attarine Madrasa.
To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Fes, take a tour of the Al-Attarine Madrasa and marvel at its intricate tilework and stunning architecture. This 14th-century Islamic religious school is a real gem that cannot be missed during your visit to Morocco. As you explore this masterpiece, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of the city.
The building is decorated with beautiful tilework and carved cedarwood that will leave you breathless. The details are so intricate that it’s hard to believe they were made by hand centuries ago. You’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship and artistry displayed throughout every inch of this madrasa. After visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, head over to see the coppersmiths and tanners hard at work – an experience you won’t forget!
See the coppersmiths and tanners hard at work.
After marveling at the intricate tilework and stunning architecture of the Al-Attarine Madrasa, don’t miss the chance to witness the hard work of coppersmiths and tanners in action. The tanneries in Fes are a sight to behold as they utilize centuries-old techniques to tan animal skins using pigeon droppings and water. As you approach the tanneries, you’ll be hit with an unpleasant smell, but it’s worth enduring for a unique experience.
Once inside, you’ll see workers hard at work, some standing waist-deep in large vats filled with colorful dyes. The hides are soaked in these vats to achieve their vibrant colors before being hung up to dry on rooftops overlooking the city. Meanwhile, coppersmiths nearby bang away on copper pots and trays creating beautiful works of art right before your eyes. It’s truly mesmerizing to watch them skillfully hammer away at their craft while surrounded by rows upon rows of shimmering metal goods.
As you leave the tanneries behind, it’s time to dine on delectable Moroccan cuisine which is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Dine on the delectable cuisine.
As you watch the coppersmiths and tanners hard at work, your stomach may start to grumble. Don’t worry, because Fes has some of the most delectable cuisines in Morocco. With a blend of flavors from North Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, you’ll be sure to find something that tantalizes your taste buds.
Be sure to try some of the local specialties such as tagines, couscous, and pastilla. These dishes are not only delicious but also tell a story about Morocco’s unique cultural heritage. You can sample these dishes at one of Fes’ many restaurants or cafes while taking in the city’s bustling atmosphere. So sit back, relax, and let your taste buds transport you on a flavorful journey through Fes.
And after filling up on all that delicious food, it’s time to explore more of what Fes has to offer. Make your way over to the Royal Palace and snap a photo of its magnificent golden doors. These doors are symbolic of Morocco’s rich history and will make for an unforgettable memory on your trip to Fes.
Snap a photo of the golden doors at the Royal Palace of Fes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to capture a photo of the magnificent golden doors at the Royal Palace of Fes, a symbol of Morocco’s rich history. Though the palace is not open to the public, you can still marvel at its intricate details from the outside. The doors are adorned with beautiful geometric patterns and calligraphic inscriptions that showcase the country’s Islamic heritage.
Take your time to appreciate this breathtaking sight and soak in the atmosphere of this historic city. As you stand before these majestic golden doors, imagine yourself transported back in time to an era of royalty and grandeur. Once you have captured your perfect shot, it’s time to move on and explore more wonders that Fes has to offer.
So why not take a stroll around the Jewish Quarter? This vibrant neighborhood is filled with colorful markets, charming cafes, and stunning architecture that will leave you spellbound. Let yourself wander through its narrow alleyways and discover hidden gems along the way – from ancient synagogues to bustling souks selling everything from spices to handcrafted pottery. With so much beauty and culture surrounding you, every step promises a new adventure!
Stroll around the Jewish Quarter.
Now that you’ve captured a glimpse of the grandeur of the Royal Palace, it’s time to dive into the heart of Fes’s diverse culture. Take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter, known as Mellah, to experience the rich history and traditions of Fes’s Jewish community.
As you wander around Mellah’s narrow alleys and streets, you can’t help but feel intrigued by its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Here are two things to do while exploring this fascinating neighborhood:
– Visit Ibn Danan Synagogue: This synagogue is one of the oldest in North Africa and boasts stunning interior designs that will leave you in awe.
– Try traditional Jewish cuisine: Walk into one of many kosher restaurants or bakeries for a taste of classic dishes like tagine with almonds and raisins or delicious pastries like Makroud.
The mellifluous sounds emanating from nearby mosques add an enchanting touch to your journey through Mellah. As you continue to explore this charming quarter, you’ll gain an appreciation for Fes’s religious diversity and how different cultures have come together over centuries of coexistence.
Now that you’ve had a glimpse at some aspects of Fes’s present-day life, why not delve deeper into its past? Get ready for a history lesson at the museums!
Get a history lesson at the museums
Immerse yourself in Fes’s rich history by visiting the city’s museums. The Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional Moroccan art and culture. Here, you’ll find a stunning collection of intricate ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and woodwork that showcase the country’s unique craftsmanship. You can learn about the different techniques used to create these masterpieces through interactive exhibits that allow you to see the process up close.
But that’s not all – there are several other museums in Fes that offer fascinating insights into the city’s past. The Dar Batha Museum houses an impressive collection of Islamic art and artifacts from across Morocco, while the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts showcases exquisite examples of woodwork from Fes itself. Each museum offers a different perspective on this ancient city, providing visitors with a well-rounded understanding of its complex history and cultural heritage. And once you’ve had your fill of history, it’s time to head over to the souk for some shopping!
Shop in the souk.
You’ll love exploring the souk in Fes, Morocco. It’s a vast labyrinth of shops selling everything from spices to clothing to souvenirs. The hustle and bustle of the market will definitely excite you as you walk through its narrow alleyways. You’ll find unique items that are perfect to take home as souvenirs for your loved ones.
The best part of shopping in the souk is bargaining with the vendors. Negotiating prices is a cultural practice in Morocco, so don’t be afraid to haggle for a good deal. Your bargaining skills will come in handy as you hunt for treasures like handcrafted pottery, leather goods or traditional Moroccan rugs. Once you’re done shopping, it’s time to take a day trip to Meknes and explore more fascinating sights!
Take a day trip to Meknes.
Embark on a journey to Meknes, where you can wander the sprawling Royal Palace and pay your respects at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. This nearby city offers a fascinating insight into Morocco’s rich history. As you explore the Royal Palace, let your imagination run wild as you picture the grandeur and opulence of its former occupants. From intricately decorated rooms to vast courtyards, this palace is sure to leave a lasting impression.
But that’s not all Meknes has to offer. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is one of the most revered sites in Morocco, and for good reason. Here lies the remains of one of Morocco’s most powerful rulers who left behind a legacy that still resonates today. Take some time out from your busy schedule to pay your respects and reflect on how far this country has come since Moulay Ismail’s reign. A day trip to Meknes will be an enriching experience that will leave you with memories that last forever.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – a list of fascinating things to do in Fes, Morocco. From staying in a former palace to taking a walking tour of the old medina, exploring the city’s history and culture is an adventure that you won’t soon forget.
As you wander through the souks and visit the madrasas, take time to soak in the vibrant energy of this ancient city. And don’t forget to venture out on a day trip to Meknes, where you can explore even more Moroccan wonders.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends and family, Fes is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!