Fes, Morocco: A Journey Through the World’s Oldest Living Medina

There are cities that you visit and then there is Fes, a city that pulls you into its rhythm, wraps you in its history, and refuses to let you leave unchanged.

Fes is not just one of the most fascinating cities in Morocco; it is one of the most culturally significant cities in the world. And for many travelers, especially first-timers, Fes offers the purest look into Morocco’s soul: layered, ancient, artistic, and lovingly chaotic.

Whether you are wandering through the world’s largest car-free urban area, watching master artisans create beauty from tradition, or tasting centuries-old culinary recipes, Fes is the kind of place that gives you stories you remember for life.

The First Impression: A City That Keeps Its Secrets

Your experience begins the moment you enter Fes el Bali, the oldest part of the city.

It feels like stepping into a living museum except nothing here is frozen in time. People don’t reenact history. They are the continuation of it.

Children running through alleys that have existed for 12 centuries

Merchants offering handmade goods using techniques passed down through families

The call to prayer echoing between the walls as it has for generations

The deeper you go, the more Fes reveals its layers. And each layer feels like a discovery.

Getting Lost Is Part of the Experience

Fes has more than 9,000 narrow streets, many of which twist, turn, and loop back in ways no map can capture. You don’t navigate Fes—you surrender to it.

You may turn a corner and see a baker pulling fresh khobz from the communal oven.

Or stumble onto a spice market filled with coriander, turmeric, and saffron that paint the air with fragrance.

Or find yourself standing in front of a centuries-old medersa wondering how such detailed artistry was possible long before machinery existed.

Every “wrong turn” becomes the start of a beautiful story.

The Chouara Tannery: A View You Never Forget

The Chouara Tannery is one of the most iconic sights in Morocco.

From rooftop terraces, you get a bird’s-eye view of the colorful stone vats used for leather tanning—an ancient tradition that still follows the same process as in the Middle Ages.

It is:

Vibrant

Earthy

Labor-intensive

And completely unforgettable

The tanners work with a dedication that feels almost spiritual. Watching them gives you a profound respect for Moroccan craftsmanship.

A Culinary Heritage That Tells Its Own Story

Fes is considered the culinary capital of Morocco, and for good reason.

The flavors are refined, layered, and deeply traditional. When you eat in Fes, you are not eating modern cuisine—you are tasting recipes perfected over hundreds of years.

Some dishes you must try:

B’ssara (creamy fava bean soup served with olive oil and cumin)

Pastilla (sweet and savory pie with layers of phyllo dough, chicken or pigeon, almonds, and spices)

Harira (a rich soup enjoyed during Ramadan but beloved year-round)

Fassi couscous with caramelized onions and raisins

Mint tea served with quiet hospitality

Every meal feels like a cultural lesson.

The Artisans of Fes: Guardians of Morocco’s Heritage

One of the most special aspects of Fes is its artisans. The city is famous for:

Copper hammering

Carved cedarwood

Mosaic tilework (zellige)

Leather goods

Hand-woven carpets

Brass lanterns

Walking through the artisan quarters is like touring Morocco’s oldest “university of craftsmanship.” You see the techniques, the tools, the pride, and the patience behind every creation.

Nothing is rushed here. And nothing is mass-produced.

Visiting Fes with a Tour Company Makes the Experience Easier

Fes is magical, but it can overwhelm first-time visitors—especially with the medina’s complexity and navigation challenges.

This is why many travelers choose local Moroccan tour companies skilled in:

Medina navigation

Cultural immersion

Historical storytelling

Craft demonstrations

Food experiences

Day trips to Meknes, Volubilis, and Chefchaouen

A guided experience in Fes helps you see more, understand more, and enjoy more while avoiding common frustrations.

Day Trips Worth Adding to Your Fes Itinerary

Fes is a strategic base for several unforgettable day trips:

1. Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl

A 3.5-hour drive brings you to one of Morocco’s most photogenic towns.

Blue alleys, mountain views, and serene energy make the trip completely worth it.

2. Meknes

Once the imperial capital, full of palaces, gates, and quiet charm.

3. Volubilis

A UNESCO Roman site that feels like an open-air sculpture garden.

4. Middle Atlas Villages

Ifrane, Azrou, and cedar forests with wild monkeys create a refreshing contrast to Fes.

Who Fes Is Perfect For

Fes is ideal for:

Travelers who love culture, history, and authenticity

Families who want to expose kids to a world of tradition

Solo travelers seeking meaning and depth

Food lovers

Photographers

Anyone who wants a true taste of Morocco, far from overly modern cities

Fes is not a “quick vacation.”

It is a deeply immersive experience—one that stays with you long after you leave.

Sources & References

– Morocco Family Vacation

– for curated Morocco tours, guided cultural experiences, and customized itineraries

– Hassan II University of Casablanca – Moroccan cultural studies

– Moroccan Ministry of Tourism

– UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Best Moroccco Family tours from fes