10 Magical Year-Round Things to Do in Fes el Bali Morocco That Dive Deep Into History and Culture

Key Takeaways:

• Fes el Bali is the ancient walled medina of Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural heart, filled with winding alleys, artisan workshops, and UNESCO-listed history.

• This guide highlights 10 immersive, year-round experiences, from historic sites and souks to scenic hikes and music festivals.

• Fes el Bali offers a blend of old-world charm and vibrant culture, making it a must-visit for curious travelers and storytellers alike.

Step inside the maze of Fes el Bali, and you step into a living museum — a 1,200-year-old city center where donkeys outnumber cars and every alley tells a story. As the oldest medina in the Arab world, Fes el Bali is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that still thrives as a cultural, spiritual, and artisan powerhouse. From ancient mosques and madrasas to open-air tanneries and hidden gardens, the old city is a kaleidoscope of Moroccan tradition and everyday life.

What travelers love most about Fes el Bali is how immersive it is. The atmosphere pulls you in year-round with warm hospitality, intricate architecture, and a soundtrack of calls to prayer, hammering copper, and sizzling tagines. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or photographer, there’s always something to explore in this labyrinth of wonder.

Table of Contents

1. Wander the Labyrinthine Alleys of the Medina

2. Visit the Iconic Chouara Tannery

3. Take in the Beauty of Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University

4. Shop for Traditional Handicrafts at Souk el Henna

5. Catch a Performance at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

6. Hike to the Merenid Tombs for a View of the Old City

7. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class Inside a Riad

8. Explore the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts

9. Sip Mint Tea at a Rooftop Café Overlooking the Medina

10. Discover Bou Inania Madrasa and Its Intricate Architecture

1. Wander the Labyrinthine Alleys of the Medina

Fes el Bali is made up of over 9,000 narrow alleys, making it one of the world’s most complex urban mazes. Getting lost here is part of the magic. You’ll pass stalls selling everything from fresh dates and mint tea to handwoven rugs, brass lanterns, and mosaic tiles. Every turn offers a new sensory experience — the smell of cumin, the flash of color, the rhythm of artisans at work.

This is a year-round experience best enjoyed slowly, with comfortable shoes and an open mind. Even in the cooler months, the medina stays lively and full of character. Hire a local guide if you want to hear the stories behind the gates, fountains, and hidden mosques — or let your curiosity lead the way. In Fes el Bali, getting lost is how you find the best moments.

2. Visit the Iconic Chouara Tannery

Nothing captures the essence of old-world craftsmanship like a visit to the Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest operating tanneries in the world. From rooftop viewpoints, you can see circular stone vats filled with dyes and workers tending to leather in a tradition that dates back a thousand years. The colors — saffron yellow, poppy red, indigo blue — are almost as striking as the commitment to manual technique.

Open throughout the year, the tannery experience changes with the seasons — in summer, it’s busier and brighter; in cooler months, more mellow and aromatic. Most visits include a tour through a leather shop, where you can pick up handcrafted jackets, bags, and babouches (traditional slippers). It’s gritty, honest, and unforgettable — one of the most photographed (and olfactorily distinct) places in all of Morocco. Just grab a sprig of mint on your way in — you’ll thank us later.

3. Take in the Beauty of Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University

Founded in 859 AD by a woman named Fatima al-Fihri, the University of Al Quaraouiyine is considered by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the oldest existing university in the world. While non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, the view from the doorways and nearby rooftops reveals stunning Islamic architecture — turquoise tiles, whitewashed archways, and intricate calligraphy. The university and mosque remain active and deeply respected in Moroccan academic and religious life.

The site is open year-round, with Fridays and prayer times being the most sacred and bustling. The surrounding area is peaceful and full of bookshops, small cafés, and quiet courtyards. Even without entering the prayer space, being near this landmark is a powerful reminder of Fes’s legacy as a hub of knowledge, science, and faith. History is alive here, echoing through every carved panel and mosaic.

4. Shop for Traditional Handicrafts at Souk el Henna

Souk el Henna is one of the oldest and most atmospheric corners of the medina, known for its henna, natural cosmetics, and traditional ceramics. The stalls here are shaded by trees and often quieter than the more chaotic parts of the market, making it a great spot for slow shopping and conversations with vendors. You’ll find jars of kohl, argan oil, handmade perfumes, and beautifully painted tagine pots.

It’s a year-round treasure trove for ethical souvenirs and local secrets. The vendors are usually happy to explain how items are used in Moroccan beauty and healing traditions. Whether you’re buying or just browsing, Souk el Henna is a great place to support local artisans and escape the noise. Pro tip: ask about the history of the tree that grows in the center of the market — it’s said to be hundreds of years old.

5. Catch a Performance at the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music

Every spring, Fes hosts the Festival of World Sacred Music, an international event that brings together artists from across cultures and faiths for concerts, storytelling, Sufi nights, and poetry readings. Performances take place in gorgeous venues like palace gardens, historic riads, and open-air courtyards. The energy is electric, inclusive, and deeply spiritual — whether you’re into classical Arabic music, flamenco, gospel, or indigenous chants.

Though the festival takes place in May or June, the artistic spirit carries through the city year-round. If you’re not visiting during the festival, check out local cultural centers or music cafés for smaller performances inspired by it. The festival has become one of Morocco’s most beloved cultural events and highlights the city’s role as a bridge between worlds. If you can time your visit for this, do it — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

6. Hike to the Merenid Tombs for a View of the Old City

Perched on a hill just outside the medina walls, the Merenid Tombs offer a panoramic view of Fes el Bali that’s especially magical at sunset. These 14th-century ruins are the resting place of Merenid dynasty royals and, though weathered by time, still carry an aura of dignity and mystery. The short hike up takes you through grazing land and ancient pathways, with each step revealing more of the city’s intricate sprawl below.

This walkable adventure is accessible year-round, but cooler months provide the most comfortable trek. It’s a peaceful escape from the medina’s chaos and a top spot for photographers, couples, and those seeking a quiet moment above the noise. Pack water, wear comfy shoes, and plan to linger — once you see Fes bathed in golden light, you won’t want to leave. Local kids often fly kites here, adding to the charm.

7. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class Inside a Riad

For an unforgettable cultural experience, sign up for a Moroccan cooking class in a traditional riad kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare dishes like chicken tagine with preserved lemon, zaalouk (eggplant salad), or pastilla (sweet-savory pie). Classes typically begin with a guided trip to the local market to pick out ingredients and end with a communal meal in a serene courtyard. It’s hands-on, flavorful, and deeply social.

Cooking classes are offered all year and are available for beginners to advanced foodies. Many are led by Moroccan women who share not just recipes, but family stories and spice secrets passed down for generations. You’ll leave with new skills, full bellies, and maybe even a recipe book or spice blend to recreate the magic at home. It’s a delicious way to connect with the city on a deeper level.

8. Explore the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts

Set inside a beautifully restored caravanserai (traditional inn), the Nejjarine Museum is dedicated to the wooden arts of Morocco — think intricate doors, carved furniture, and musical instruments. The building itself is a masterpiece, with latticed balconies, a central fountain, and tiled floors that transport you to another time. It’s calm, cool, and packed with culture.

Open all year, this museum is a hidden gem for architecture lovers, design nerds, and anyone who appreciates craftsmanship. The rooftop café offers a peaceful spot to sip mint tea and look out over the medina rooftops. Exhibits have English and French explanations, making it accessible to most travelers. It’s a quiet escape that gives rich context to the art and design you see throughout Fes.

9. Sip Mint Tea at a Rooftop Café Overlooking the Medina

One of the most relaxing and memorable experiences in Fes is simply sipping fresh mint tea at a rooftop café while watching the medina’s rhythms unfold below. From places like Café Clock, Café 7, or your riad’s rooftop, you can hear the calls to prayer echo, see birds glide over tiled minarets, and feel the sun warm the ancient clay walls. Time slows down here — and that’s the point.

Rooftop cafés are open year-round and offer not just tea, but light meals, smoothies, and sometimes live music or storytelling nights. It’s a great place to write, sketch, or connect with fellow travelers. Whether it’s your first day or your last, these terraces remind you why Fes is best experienced slowly, from above, with something sweet in hand.

10. Discover Bou Inania Madrasa and Its Intricate Architecture

Built in the 14th century, the Bou Inania Madrasa is one of the most beautifully preserved theological colleges in Morocco — and one of the few religious buildings in Fes that non-Muslims are allowed to enter. The courtyard is a jaw-dropping mix of zellij tilework, carved cedar, and marble columns, all designed with perfect symmetry. It’s a shining example of Marinid-era architecture at its finest.

Open year-round with a small entrance fee, this madrasa is centrally located in the medina and easy to visit on a self-guided or small-group tour. The light filtering through wooden latticework changes with the time of day, giving photographers endless inspiration. Quiet and meditative, the space invites visitors to slow down and admire every detail. It’s more than a site — it’s a sanctuary of beauty and thought.

What to do if you have kids?

Fes el Bali can be a fun and educational destination for kids, especially if you pace your days and lean into sensory experiences. Children will enjoy the maze-like medina, donkey sightings, rooftop views, and colorful stalls full of spices, toys, and sweets. Cooking classes can be kid-friendly with prior arrangement, and gardens like Jnan Sbil offer space to run and explore. Just avoid long museum days or overly packed schedules — instead, let curiosity guide your family from tea shop to souk to sunset view.

Where can I find free events in Fes Fès-Meknès taking place this weekend?

To discover free events, pop-up performances, cultural workshops, or open-air markets happening this weekend in Fes, head over to PlanMyWeekend.ai. This smart AI-powered tool pulls together real-time local listings tailored to your interests and location — so whether you’re into music, food, arts, or outdoor gatherings, it delivers quick, curated options. Just type in “Fes” and browse what’s on — all for free.

Final Thoughts on Planning a Trip to Fes el Bali

Fes el Bali is more than a destination — it’s an experience that wraps around your senses and stays with you long after you leave. From spiritual sites and culinary adventures to rooftop sunsets and centuries-old artisanship, every corner holds meaning. The best part? It’s open and alive all year long.

So whether you’re escaping for history, beauty, food, or personal discovery, Fes invites you to get lost — and find something magical along the way.