10 Best Cultural Things To Do In Fez, Morocco

Fes is not only one of the popular destinations in Morocco, it is also considered a landmark in North Africa. The country is known for its exotic beauty and rich culture. Visiting Fes would give tourists a chance to appreciate why the city is considered the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco.

Visiting enchanting Morocco is like traveling through ancient places, thanks to the country’s unique attractions such as its medinas, its UNESCO World Heritage sites and its world-famous imperial cities: Marrakech, Fez, Rabat and Meknes. To travel is to rejuvenate and enrich your soul, and what better way to do that than to learn a new culture through the Moroccan wonder that is Fez?

ten Explore the medina

Fez el Bali and Fez Jdid make up the Medina of Fez, an ancient medieval city listed as a World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the best preserved historic cities in the Arab world and the largest car-free urban area on the planet. The place is simply world class. Exploring the alleyways of the medina will take tourists to historic inns, stately residential areas, stunning mosques, humble madrasas, and picture-perfect fountains. Fez el Bali offers many sites and monuments since the place is the oldest fortified part of Fez. Fez Jdid should not be overlooked either, as it prides itself on its gates, fortifications and other imposing structures. The medina is the traveller’s medicine.

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9 Take a look at the historic Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque

The Al-Qarawiyyin is a mosque, library and educational center considered the oldest university in the world. It started as a mosque in 859 and evolved into a madrasa until it was included in the country’s university system in 1963. As it is a working mosque, non-Muslims cannot are not allowed inside Al-Qarawiyyin, but they can still take a look. its splendid exteriors. The center has many entrances, some with horseshoe arches that contain huge, intricately designed doors. This is a must visit for Muslim travelers who want a piece of Islamic history.


8 Pass by a tannery

For those who don’t know, a tannery is a place where animal hides are tanned or where leather is made. It is a thriving industry in Fes and has been around for many years, so much so that it has become a local attraction. The tanners still work traditionally, and tourists can visit them as they work in their vats and dyeing corners. A must-see, the Chouara Tannery, considered the oldest in the world. Here, tourists can experience how the skins are processed from preservation to drying before being made into bags, jackets or wallets. With all the high quality things, customers shouldn’t miss the opportunity to purchase items as well.


7 Visit the Merinid Tombs before it’s too late

The ruins are deteriorating, so those who visit Fez must come face to face with the remains of ancient Merinid tombs. Since the old cemetery is located on a hill, it offers tourists a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings. At the top of the hill, tourists can experience the fortified parts of the city and after sunrise they can watch the twinkling lights as the daily prayer of the mosque envelops the valley. The monuments may not be as stunning as they once were, but they remain proud markers of the past.

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6 Explore the Nejjarine Museum

The Nejjarine Museum is full of wooden arts and crafts, and it is located in a historic funduq or traditional inn. It houses wooden masterpieces that showcase Morocco’s rich tradition of woodworking. The cedar wood canopy is already stunning on its own, and there’s a corner here for every selfie connoisseur. In this museum, apart from exploring the exhibits, tourists can keep busy enjoying the intricate courtyard, checking out the mesmerizing tiling or lounging by the fountain. On the roof, a café is ready to serve customers with aromatic drinks that complement the unique views of the medina.


5 Relax at the Moulay Yacoub baths

Tourists who want to swim after a day of wandering around the medina can visit Moulay Yacoub near Fez. The spa town is famous for its thermal baths, perfect for capping off a Moroccan adventure. It might not initially come to mind when talking about cultural visits, but swimming could be a perfect way to take a break and immerse yourself in the wonders of Fez. Hot spring baths are one of the most popular recreational activities in the region, thanks to the sulphurous spring that helps guests relax and relieve body aches. The water here is always good.


4 Learn something new at the Al Houria Cultural Complex

Tourists who have fallen in love with Fes and want to immerse themselves in its rich culture can visit the Al Houria Cultural Complex, a place of learning and excitement. It is packed with local knowledge just waiting to be explored by avid travelers. In this welcoming establishment, guests can spend an afternoon at the theater, a moment in the library, or acquire something new through the exhibitions or the educational sessions, like learning the local language, perhaps. Moreover, it regularly organizes shows and live music, which ensures that the place puts the fun in the learning.

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3 Stroll through the gardens of Jnan Sbil

Where in Fez can tourists really feel the local vibe? In a public attraction like Jnan Sbil Gardens. Sandwiched between Fes Jdid and Fes el Bali, this place is the perfect place to be at the center of a welcoming community while enjoying the greenery. This garden in Fez is home to more than 3,000 species of plants that will fill the logbook of a botanist. For casual tourists, this place doesn’t shy away from sharing its beauty, so they can get busy taking pictures. The garden is vast and it will not disappoint you.


2 Have a memorable visit to the mausoleum

Other unique attractions in Fes are the zawiyas, or mausoleums and shrines. The most famous is that of Idris II, the founder of the city. His zawiya is a popular place of pilgrimage, making it a must visit for Muslim tourists. Besides being a sacred place, the zawiya of Idris II is an amazing architectural marvel from the ground to its roofs. Wherever pilgrims and tourists look, this historic place is synonymous with magnificence. Other mausoleums to visit include that of Sufi Saints and Religious Scholars. In Fez, there is indeed a balance between beauty and peace.

1 Join a festival

Tourists who visit Fes in time for a festival will have an exhilarating experience. The city has lively music festivals like the one that celebrates Amazigh culture, the Melhoun that features melodic poetry, or the World Festival of Sacred Music that has been inspiring people since the 90s. the cherry inscribed by UNESCO in Sefrou which presents folklore, dances and dishes. The Festival of Sufi Culture, meanwhile, takes tourists on a day of spiritual and artistic journey. Near Fez, you can also attend one of Morocco’s popular events, the Tissa Horse Festival. Whatever the celebration, Fez is the place to be.


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