The world's oldest medieval city — a maze of 9,000 alleys, ancient madrasas, tanneries, and centuries of Islamic scholarship.
Founded in 789 AD, Fès is Morocco's oldest imperial city and the cultural heart of the country. Its medina, Fès el-Bali, is the world's largest car-free urban area — a labyrinth of 9,000 streets where donkeys are still the primary transport.
Home to the Al-Qarawiyyin University (founded 859 AD — the world's oldest continually operating university), Fès is a living museum. The city's leather tanneries, ancient mosques and ornate madrasas draw travellers seeking authentic, unfiltered Morocco.
Watch leather being dyed in stone vessels just as it was 1,000 years ago — best viewed from surrounding leather shop terraces.
Founded in 859 AD — the world's oldest continually operating university. The courtyard is open to non-Muslim visitors.
The most ornate medieval madrasa in Fès — exquisite cedar wood carving, zellij tilework and white marble columns.
A 1-hour drive brings you to Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis, plus the imperial city of Meknès.
Morocco's "Versailles" — sweeping ceremonial gateways, royal stables and a grand medina just 60 km from Fès.
The world's largest car-free urban area — wander alleys of spice merchants, hammams, and hidden fondouks.
Click any hotel to see full details, amenities and estimated nightly prices.
A 19th-century palace riad in the medina — 13 suites with original stucco work, a stunning pool terrace, rooftop restaurant and a full spa. Impeccable concierge service and direct access to the finest craftsmen and artisans of the old city.
One of Fès' most celebrated boutique properties — 20 suites in a restored 18th-century house with a rooftop hammam, panoramic terrace and one of the medina's finest restaurants. Elegant Moroccan design at its most refined, combining heritage with contemporary luxury.
A lovingly restored riad with hand-painted Fèsi ceilings and intricate zellij tilework — 6 individually decorated suites, a tranquil courtyard, and thoughtful extras like airport pickup and guided medina walks led by a local expert.
A contemporary hotel just outside the medina walls — comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a rooftop pool and easy access to both the medina and the Ville Nouvelle. The practical choice for those who want 4-star comfort without navigating the medina labyrinth.
A long-established hotel at the edge of the medina near Place Batha — reliable, clean and well-priced with a small pool, air-conditioning and genuinely helpful staff who know the medina well and can arrange licensed guides.
Perfect temperatures for medina walks. Spring festivals and flower-filled gardens.
Temperatures above 40°C. The medina becomes oppressive. Avoid July–August if possible.
Warm and manageable. Sacred Music Festival in June draws global artists.
Cool days and occasional rain. Very few tourists — authentic and affordable.