Fes Sightseeing City Tour

A soft cultural journey through stories, traditions, and the living heart of Morocco.

Your day begins with a warm, friendly greeting from your guide, who meets you right at your riad or hotel. As you step outside, Fes is slowly coming to life children walking to school with bright smiles, shopkeepers lifting their shutters, and the comforting smell of fresh bread floating through the morning air.
The medina feels alive and full of stories, but as we move gently through its narrow streets, the noise softens. Little by little, you leave the busy rhythm behind and begin to discover the deeper, quieter layers of this ancient city a world where history, tradition, and daily life come together in the most beautiful way.

Royal Palace Dar El Makhzen

Golden gates, quiet beauty , a touch of Moroccan royalty

Your first stop is the Royal Palace of Fes, a place that immediately captures the heart with its calm elegance. As you arrive, the famous golden gates shine softly in the morning light, reflecting warm colors that feel almost magical.

Standing here is a moment to simply pause and admire the artistry that Morocco is known for the delicate zellige mosaics, the detailed carved wood, and the graceful patterns that frame the doors like a piece of living art.

Although the palace is closed to the public, being in front of it still feels special. You sense the history, the traditions, and the royal heritage of the city woven into every detail. It’s a quiet, beautiful introduction to the craftsmanship and culture that makes Fes so unique.

Jewish Quarter Mellah

A neighborhood shaped by memory, coexistence & quiet stories

From the Royal Palace, you stroll gently into the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of Fes. Immediately, the atmosphere feels different from the medina the streets are wider, the balconies made of carved wood, and the architecture tells a story of another time.

As you walk through these peaceful lanes, your guide shares the history of this neighborhood, explaining how Jewish and Muslim families once lived side by side, supporting each other and shaping a beautiful cultural harmony that is still felt today.

The Mellah is calm and simple, but deeply meaningful. Every doorway, every balcony, every old wall carries quiet memories of community, coexistence, and the diverse roots that make Fes such a rich and soulful city.

This gentle walk helps you understand not only the history of Fes, but also the spirit of respect and togetherness that has lived here for centuries.

Borj Nord Panoramic View of Fes

A peaceful breath above the city

Our drive continues to Borj Nord, a quiet viewpoint that sits above Fes like a gentle guardian. From here, the entire medina opens beneath you rooftops stretching far into the hills, tall minarets rising toward the sky, and the ancient walls embracing the old city with timeless grace.

Standing here feels peaceful and refreshing, as if the city has slowed down just for you. The view is soft and inspiring, giving you a moment to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of Fes from above. It’s the perfect place to take photographs and enjoy a quiet pause before continuing your journey into the lively heart of the medina.

Fes el Bali  Old Medina Walking Tour

The soul of Fes, where every corner holds a story

Now you enter Fes el Bali, the beating heart of the old city and one of the world’s oldest and most magical medieval medinas. Here, time moves differently. Life follows ancient rhythms  artisans shaping wood and metal by hand, donkeys carrying goods through narrow lanes, soft voices of shopkeepers welcoming visitors, and families preserving traditions passed lovingly from one generation to the next.

As you walk through the medina with your guide, each step brings a new discovery. You wander through colorful souks, filled with the scents of spices, the glow of brass lamps, the softness of leather, and the beauty of handmade crafts. You visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, a true jewel of Islamic art, where carved wood, zellige tiles, and peaceful courtyards create a feeling of harmony and elegance.

Your path leads you to the Nejjarine Fountain and Museum, celebrating the art of wood craftsmanship, and then to Al-Qarawiyyin University, one of the oldest centers of learning in the world a place where generations of scholars once studied science, religion, and philosophy.

You pass through old fondouks, caravan inns where traveling merchants once rested with their animals and goods. You may also step inside traditional bakeries, where warm bread comes out of clay ovens, or artisan workshops, where masters keep their ancient skills alive.

As your guide shares the meaning, symbols, and stories behind each corner, the medina begins to feel like a living history book  full of culture, memory, and the gentle spirit that makes Fes such a remarkable city.

Chouara Tanneries  Colors, Tradition  the Heartbeat of Old Craftsmanship

Your journey through the medina brings you to the famous Chouara Tanneries, one of the oldest working leather workshops in the world. From the viewpoint above, the scene opens like a painter’s palette  deep saffron yellow, mint green, poppy red, and rich indigo filling the dye pits below. These colors come from natural ingredients that artisans have used for centuries.

As you watch the tannery come to life, your guide explains the ancient Berber and Arab methods still used today. Each piece of leather is washed, softened, dyed, and dried by hand, just as it was done hundreds of years ago. This craft is passed carefully from father to son, making the tannery not only a workplace but a living piece of Fes heritage.

Lunch in the Medina A Quiet Break with Moroccan Flavors

Midday brings a gentle pause as you stop for lunch in a peaceful restaurant hidden inside the medina. Your guide recommends places known for their simple, fresh, and traditional dishes  steaming tagines, couscous, pastilla, fragrant salads, and warm bread.

It’s a moment to slow down, enjoy the flavors of Morocco, and feel the warm hospitality that Fes is known for.

Ceramic Pottery Workshop  Where Hands Shape Beauty

In the afternoon, you visit a ceramic and pottery workshop, where artisans shape clay into beautiful bowls, plates, tiles, and mosaics. You watch as hands work patiently molding, carving, painting, and glazing  turning simple clay into pieces of art.

The colors and designs of Fes ceramics are unique in Morocco, and seeing the process up close helps you appreciate the deep artistry, patience, and love behind every creation.

Afternoon Exploration Quiet Corners  Hidden Alleys

After the workshop, your guide continues showing you the medina in a gentle, personal way.
You may walk through quieter alleys, artisan neighborhoods, or simple everyday streets where families cook, children play, and life follows a slow, authentic rhythm.

This part of the tour is flexible, shaped around your interests, allowing you to connect with the medina in a meaningful, human way.

Return to Your Riad A Soft Ending to a Beautiful Day

Around late afternoon, between 5:00 and 5:30 PM, your guide and driver take you back to your riad or hotel. The day ends softly, with warm goodbyes and the feeling of having experienced something real and close to the heart.

You return with your mind full of stories, your eyes full of color, and your heart touched by the beauty and spirit of Fes  guided gently by your Morocco Desert Safari family.