Travelers may want to begin their visit by walking through the Fes el Bali medina, where goods are transported by donkeys and handcarts.

With a population of about 150,000 inhabitants, the medina is the largest carfree urban area in the world by population.

Traditional adobe homes and courtyards ornamented with mosaic tiles line a maze of narrow streets and alleys filled with souqs and shops.

Fes is also famous for dyed leather goods. Several places are limited to Muslims, but just viewing the striking exteriors makes the trip worthwhile.

Explore Fes

Founded in 789, Fes served as Morocco’s capital for hundreds of years. Today, the nation’s third-largest city is better known as Morocco’s handicraft center.

Fes is the ideal destination for visitors who want to experience the heady and bustling ambiance of a Moroccan marketplace. The government is taking great pains to return the historic old town, the medina Fes el Bali, to its original glory. With a population of about 150,000 inhabitants, the medina is the largest carfree urban area in the world by population.Traditional adobe homes and courtyards ornamented with mosaic tiles line a maze of narrow streets and alleys filled with souqs and shops.

Much of the fun of a visit to Fes comes through wandering through the old medina for up-close encounters with craftsmen making and selling their wares. Almost all of the traffic is pedestrian, although donkeys are sometimes used for transportation. The medina is where most of Morocco’s famous cobalt blue Moroccan ceramic tiles are made. Located in an 18th-century Moorish palace, the Dar Batha Museum houses a fine collection of ceramic tiles as well as other traditional Fes crafts, including woodcarving, copperware and sculpted plaster.

Fes is also home to the Karaouiyine mosque, which houses a medersa that is considered the oldest university in the world. With its splendid copper doors, minaret and stalactite-domed entrance chamber, the Bou Inania medersa is worth a visit as well. Like many cities in modern Morocco, Fes also has a Ville Nouvelle, or New City, that offers modern and comfortable accommodations for visitors to the ancient imperial capital.

Riad Fes

A subtle mix of Andalusian sumptuousness and Moroccan art de vivre, the Riad Fès reflects its prestigious past and the refined civilisation to which it belongs. This majestic palace is an authentic example of Hispanic-Moorish architecture, boasting four harmoniously styled patios, sculpted doors and zelliges on the walls, stucco arcades and marble basins. It offers panoramic views of the magical spectacle of the sun rising over the Fès Medina, and the Atlas mountains. Hammams and massages, fountains, smoking-rooms, sophisticated cuisine and a trendy lounge bar: this is a world where traditions and contemporary conveniences combine delightfully.

One of our most bookmarked in Fez! In the heart of Fes medina (historic quarter), this Riad is a a 25 minute drive from Fes International Airport. It offers air-conditioned rooms and suites with oriental furnishings and a panoramic pool-side terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.

The Fes Riad’s restaurant serves authentic Moroccan cuisine. Meals can be served in the hotel’s dining room or on the roof-top terrace.

Guests can relax in the outdoor swimming pool or hammam. The Riad also provides a 24-hour front desk with currency exchange service and a tour desk.

Fes El Bali is a great choice for travelers interested in shopping, markets and food.

This is our guests' favorite part of Fez, according to independent reviews.

Book below.