Fez Medina
Things To Do in Fez Medina
Discover the best things to do in Fez Medina: ancient tanneries, stunning madrasas, historic souks & hidden gems in Morocco's oldest medieval city.
Fez stands as one of the world's most remarkable medieval cities, a living testament to Morocco's rich cultural heritage and Islamic architectural brilliance.
Established in the 9th century, Fez Medina has remained largely unchanged for over a millennium, earning its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Exploring the ancient medina ranks among the essential experiences when visiting Fez, In this piece, I'll showcase the top landmarks and destinations that make the Fez medina an unforgettable experience and the most significant landmarks worth visiting within the historic medina.
This sprawling labyrinth of narrow alleyways, bustling souks, and historic monuments serves as the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, drawing visitors from around the globe who seek to experience authentic Moroccan life.
The medina encompasses nearly 300 hectares of densely packed buildings, where approximately 150,000 residents continue to live and work much as their ancestors did centuries ago, making Fez Medina not merely a museum piece but a vibrant, functioning medieval city.
Stepping into Fez Medina is like traveling back in time, where the sights, sounds, and aromas create an intoxicating sensory experience unlike any other destination.
The medina's car-free streets wind through a maze of over 9,000 passages, where traditional craftsmen still practice centuries-old trades in workshops tucked beneath ancient archways.
From the famous Chouara Tannery with its colorful dyeing vats to the prestigious Al-Qarawiyyin University, founded in 859 CE and recognized as the world's oldest continuously operating educational institution, Fez Medina offers countless treasures waiting to be discovered.
Whether exploring the intricate tilework of historic madrasas, bargaining for handcrafted goods in the vibrant souks, or simply wandering the atmospheric alleyways, visitors to Fez Medina find themselves immersed in an authentic medieval Islamic city that has preserved its character through the ages.
1. Bab Bou Jeloud: The Gateway to Fez's Soul
Every time I step through Bab Bou Jeloud, I'm reminded why this iconic blue gate remains my favorite entry point into Fez Medina.
Built in 1913, this stunning archway serves as the main western entrance to the old city, and its vibrant blue and green tilework never fails to captivate me, no matter how many times I've passed beneath its ornate horseshoe arch.
The exterior shimmers in brilliant blue tiles representing the city of Fez, while the interior gleams with green mosaics symbolizing Islam.
Standing before this magnificent gate, I always feel a sense of anticipation—beyond lies a world where time moves differently, where the medieval past mingles seamlessly with present-day life.
For anyone planning their itinerary of things to do in Fez Medina, I always insist they begin here, as Bab Bou Jeloud offers the perfect introduction to the wonders that await within the medina's ancient walls.
Once I pass through the gate, I'm immediately enveloped by the energy of Talaa Kebira, the main thoroughfare that descends into the heart of Fez Medina.
The contrast is striking—one moment you're in the relatively modern Ville Nouvelle, and the next you're transported into a living medieval city.
I love watching first-time visitors' faces as they take in the scene: the narrow street lined with shops selling traditional goods, the calls of vendors echoing off ancient walls, the smell of fresh mint tea and spices filling the air.
The square just inside Bab Bou Jeloud has become a popular gathering spot, and I often meet friends at one of the rooftop cafés overlooking the gate, where we sip sweet tea and watch the endless stream of tourists, locals, and donkeys laden with goods passing through.
What I appreciate most about Bab Bou Jeloud is how it represents the perfect starting point for exploring things to do in Fez Medina.
From this gate, every major attraction in Fez Medina becomes accessible—the famous tanneries are a fifteen-minute walk away, the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa lies just down the hill, and countless souks branch off in every direction.
I always tell visitors to take a moment at the gate before diving in: photograph it from every angle, admire the craftsmanship of the zellij tilework, and mentally prepare for the sensory adventure ahead.
The beauty of beginning your journey at Bab Bou Jeloud is that you can simply follow your instincts and let the medina reveal itself to you, knowing that this brilliant blue landmark will always guide you back when you're ready to emerge from Fez's enchanting labyrinth.
2. Bou Inania Madrasa: A Masterpiece Steps from the Gate
After passing through Bab Boujloud, I always face that familiar decision: should I take the path known as Talaa Seghira, the "small hill," or turn left through the winding alleyways via Talaa Kebira, the "large hill"? Both routes lead deep into the heart of Fez Medina, each offering its own discoveries and adventures.
However, if you choose to continue straight without turning left via the small hill, you'll find yourself just steps away from one of the most magnificent things to do in Fez El Bali—visiting the Bou Inania Madrasa.
This proximity makes it incredibly convenient for anyone beginning their exploration of the medina, and I often recommend it as the perfect first stop to truly appreciate the architectural splendor that defines this ancient city.
The moment I step inside Bou Inania Madrasa, I'm struck anew by its breathtaking beauty, even though I've visited countless times over the years.
This historic madrasa, built between 1350 and 1355 by the Marinid sultan Abu Inan Faris, immediately captivates visitors with its intricate marble courtyards that seem to glow in the filtered sunlight.
The vibrant green tile mosaics—that distinctive Fassi zellij work—cover the walls in mesmerizing geometric patterns, while beautifully detailed wooden carvings adorn the upper galleries and prayer spaces.
What makes this place even more special is that it's one of the few religious buildings in Fez Medina that non-Muslims can enter, offering everyone the opportunity to witness the extraordinary craftsmanship of Moroccan Islamic architecture.
The entrance fee is remarkably reasonable at just 20 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $2), making it an accessible and essential experience among the many things to do in Fez.
I always encourage visitors to take their time exploring Bou Inania Madrasa—don't just walk through quickly snapping photos.
Look up at the carved cedar wood ceiling, examine the intricate calligraphy inscribed along the walls, and listen to the fountain in the central courtyard that once provided ablution water for students.
This madrasa functioned as both a theological college and a congregational mosque, and you can still feel the scholarly atmosphere in its student cells that line the upper floors.
Standing in that serene courtyard, surrounded by centuries of history and artistry, I'm reminded why Fez Medina holds such a special place in Morocco's cultural heritage.
For anyone compiling their list of things to do in Fez, I can't emphasize enough how essential this stop is—it sets the tone for everything else you'll discover in the medina's labyrinthine streets.
Tip: Plan your visit outside of prayer times, as visits by non-Muslims are prohibited during prayer times.
3. Rainbow Street: Fez Medina's Most Colorful Corner
When I first wandered into "Rainbow Street in Fez", I was genuinely taken aback by how different it felt from the traditional atmosphere of the Fez Medina.
This narrow alleyway is completely transformed by hundreds of vibrant paintings splashed across its walls, creating a burst of color you don’t usually find in the old city.
It’s a refreshing contrast to the historic architecture that surrounds it, yet somehow it blends perfectly into the soul of Fez.
As I walked deeper inside, I couldn’t help but see why people mention it among the unique things to do in Fez Medina.
Every step reveals a new mural, a new style, and a new emotion. Artists have turned this simple passage into a living open-air gallery, and the experience feels both intimate and inspiring.
It’s the kind of place where you slow down, observe, and appreciate the creativity tucked away inside the Medina’s maze.
If you're a photography lover like me, "Rainbow Street Fez" is simply irresistible. The colors, textures, and playful compositions make it one of the most photogenic corners of the Fez Medina.
Whether you're capturing portraits, street art, or just documenting your trip, this alleyway guarantees stunning shots. Visiting it has become one of my top things to do in Fez Medina, and every time I return, I find a new detail I hadn’t noticed before.
Among all the things to do in Fez Medina, Rainbow Street offers something refreshingly different while still being deeply connected to Fez Medina's living, breathing culture.
This isn't a museum installation or a tourist trap—it's a genuine expression of local creativity that has transformed a residential alley into an open-air gallery.
The beauty of this place is that it shows how the medina continues to evolve and inspire, how tradition and modernity can coexist in the most surprising ways.
When I bring friends here, they're always amazed at how such a riot of color can feel so at home within these ancient walls.
My advice? Visit with a fully charged camera or phone, because you'll want to capture every angle of this remarkable street.
And don't forget to look up—even the arches above are adorned with colorful artwork, creating a canopy of creativity that makes Rainbow Street one of the most unique photo opportunities in all of Fez Medina.
4. Dar al-Magana: Fez's Mysterious Medieval Timekeeper
In front of the Bou Inania Madrasa, among the many fascinating things to do in Fez Medina, you should pause and pay close attention to the water clock located on its facade near the northern entrance.
I've stood before this enigmatic structure countless times, and each visit fills me with the same sense of wonder and mystery.
Dar al-Magana, as we call it, was designed in a very unique way back in the 14th century, and here's what amazes me most: the mystery of how it worked to tell the number of hours in a day remains unsolved to this day.
Its operating system is a secret that has puzzled scientists, historians, and engineers for centuries.
In a medina filled with architectural marvels, this water clock stands out as one of Fez Medina's most intriguing puzzles—a testament to the sophisticated scientific knowledge our ancestors possessed, knowledge that somehow became lost to time.
The physical structure of the Bou Inania Water Clock itself is quite remarkable to examine up close.
It consists of 13 wooden beams protruding from the wall, each topped with a large brass bowl that gleams even after all these centuries.
Above each brass bowl are windows with iron balls suspended from them, creating an intricate mechanical display that would have been cutting-edge technology in medieval times.
According to historical accounts and what elders in Fez Medina have passed down through generations, at the end of each hour, the windows would open sequentially, and the iron ball would fall into the brass bowl, producing a loud sound to indicate the passing of another hour.
I try to imagine what it must have been like when this clock was operational—the rhythmic clanging echoing through the narrow streets, marking time for the entire community in an era long before wristwatches and smartphones.
What I find particularly clever about this ingenious timekeeping system is how it served the entire neighborhood, not just those standing directly in front of the madrasa.
Passersby who were not near the Bou Inania Madrasa could determine the time by observing the number of windows open when the iron ball fell—they simply had to glance at the facade from a distance and count the empty windows.
This communal aspect of the clock speaks to the interconnected nature of life in Fez Medina, where innovations were designed to benefit the whole community.
I'm pleased to share that ongoing research is underway to understand how this "Bou Inania clock" worked, with the aim of restoring its functionality.
Several teams of researchers and horologists have been studying the mechanism, and there's hope that one day we might hear the brass bowls ring out once again, reviving one of the most unique things to do in Fez Medina—listening to a medieval water clock mark the hours just as it did over 600 years ago.
5. Al-Labbata Hotel: A Hidden Gem of Marinid Heritage
The historic Al-Labbata Hotel, adjacent to Darb Bouhaj in the Talaat Kebira district within the walls of the old city of Fez, is an archaeological and tourist landmark over eight centuries old that often gets overlooked by visitors following the standard tourist routes.
Visiting it is definitely one of the more unique things you can do in Fez Medina, especially if you're interested in going beyond the famous tanneries and madrasas to discover the lesser-known treasures of Fez Medina.
Its construction dates back to the Marinid era, that magnificent period between the 13th and 15th centuries when Fez flourished as a center of learning, commerce, and artistic achievement.
Walking through Talaat Kebira, the "large hill" that descends into the heart of the medina, you might easily pass by this historic funduq without realizing the centuries of history contained within its walls.
Al-Labbata Hotel in Talaat Kebira is a prominent historical landmark, not only as an ancient building but also as a symbol and significant site in the history of leatherwork, traditional tanning, and handicrafts in the intellectual capital of the Kingdom.
The term "hotel" here refers to what we traditionally call a funduq or caravanserai—a commercial inn where merchants would store their goods, conduct business, and rest during their travels.
What makes Al-Labbata particularly special is its deep connection to the leather trade that has defined Fez for centuries.
This was where leather merchants and artisans gathered, where deals were struck over fine Fassi leather goods, and where the intricate knowledge of traditional tanning methods was exchanged between masters and apprentices.
Understanding this historical context adds so much depth to your experience of things to do in Fez Medina—you're not just looking at old architecture, you're standing in a place that was once the beating heart of one of the medina's most important industries.
I visited Al-Labbata Hotel once, about five years ago, and I think it's worth visiting at least once if you want to experience the authentic, less-touristed side of Fez Medina.
I remember navigating the narrow passages of Talaat Kebira, asking locals for directions, and finally finding this remarkable building tucked away from the main thoroughfares.
The architecture still bears the hallmarks of Marinid design—you can see remnants of the traditional courtyard layout where pack animals would have been kept, and the surrounding rooms that once housed merchants and their precious cargo.
What struck me most was the sense of stepping into a time capsule, a place where the commercial pulse of medieval Fez still echoes through the aged wood and weathered stone.
While it may not be in pristine condition like some of the restored monuments, that's precisely what makes it authentic.
For travelers seeking to understand the real working history of Fez Medina beyond the polished tourist sites, Al-Labbata Hotel offers an invaluable glimpse into the city's mercantile past and its legendary leather trade heritage.
6. Tanneries Of Fez
Although tanneries exist in various Moroccan cities including Fez, Tetouan ,and Marrakesh, Fez's tanneries remain the most celebrated and historic.
1. The Chouara Tannery: Where Ancient Craft Meets Living Tradition
The Chouara tannery is one of the three tanneries in Fez, and the largest of them all—a fact that becomes immediately apparent when you first gaze down upon its vast array of stone vessels filled with vibrant dyes.
Built in the 11th century AD, it is considered the oldest tannery in the Arab world, and visiting it ranks among the most unforgettable things to do in Fez Medina.
The tannery is located in the tanners' quarter, which separates the Andalusian and Qarawiyyin districts, the latter being home to Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
I find this geographic positioning deeply symbolic—here you have intellectual pursuit and manual craftsmanship existing side by side, both equally essential to the identity of Fez Medina.
The proximity of these two worlds reminds me that our city has always valued both the work of the mind and the work of the hands.
What many visitors don't realize is just how significant the leather industry has been throughout Fez's history. Moroccan tanneries, especially those in Fez, are among the oldest and largest in Africa, and the numbers tell an impressive story.
During the Almohad era, there were eighty-six tanneries operating in the city, and this number increased to about one hundred during the Marinid era when Fez was at the height of its economic power.
Imagine that—a hundred tanneries all working simultaneously, the smell of leather and dyes permeating the entire medina, thousands of workers processing hides that would be transformed into the finest leather goods and exported across the known world.
However, only three of these tanneries remain in the old city of Fez today: the Sidi Moussa tannery, the Ain Zlitan tannery, and the Chouara tannery, where we find ourselves among the most authentic things to do in Fez Medina.
Standing on one of the surrounding terraces, looking down at Chouara's honeycomb of dyeing vats, I'm always struck by the timeless nature of what I'm witnessing.
The methods used here have remained essentially unchanged for a millennium—workers still soften the hides using a mixture of cow urine, quicklime, water, and salt, then dye them using natural pigments like poppy for red, indigo for blue, and saffron for yellow.
Yes, the smell is intense—they'll offer you fresh mint to hold under your nose—but that pungent aroma is the smell of authentic tradition, of a craft that has survived centuries of change and modernization.
The circular stone vessels, some filled with white calcium solution, others bursting with jewel-toned dyes, create a photographer's dream and a living museum of medieval industry.
When I bring visitors here, I always remind them that they're not just checking off another item on their list of things to do in Fez Medina.
They're witnessing craftsmen who are the custodians of an ancient art form, keeping alive traditions that define the very soul of Fez Medina.
2. The Gherniz Tannery: Fez's Hidden Leather Workshop
Sidi Moussa Tannery, also known as the Gherniz Tannery, is smaller than the Chouara tannery and less well-known—if not completely unknown to many visitors to Fez.
This is precisely what makes discovering it one of the most rewarding things to do in Fez Medina. for those who want to escape the crowds and experience something more intimate and authentic.
While tour groups flock to Chouara, I've often found myself almost alone at Gherniz, able to watch the tanners work without jostling for position on a crowded terrace.
It's located in the Gherniz district, near the Moulay Idriss II shrine and the Nejjarine Hotel in the heart of Fes el-Bali in the old city of Fes.
Built in the 11th century, it is one of the city's oldest historical tanneries, sharing the same ancient lineage as its more famous counterpart but maintaining a quieter, more understated presence within Fez Medina.
What I find particularly fascinating about the Gherniz Tannery is its strategic location and historical significance.
The tanneries were built alongside the Ain al-Dabbaghine spring, a water source that was absolutely essential for the leather-working process.
Our ancestors understood that tanning required vast amounts of clean water, and they positioned these workshops accordingly, demonstrating the sophisticated urban planning that went into creating Fez Medina.
Sources indicate that tanning was a major industry even in the city's early history, playing a significant role in its economy during the medieval period.
I remember reading historical accounts that described how the products of the city's tanneries were highly valued and of exceptional quality, contributing to their export along the trade route to Baghdad.
Imagine that—leather worked right here in these very vats traveling all the way to the Abbasid capital, carrying Fez's reputation for excellence across the Islamic world.
For travelers compiling their list of things to do in Fez Medina, I always suggest making the effort to find the Gherniz Tannery in addition to visiting Chouara.
The experience is markedly different—more personal, less commercialized, and in some ways more authentic because you're not surrounded by dozens of other tourists.
The scale is smaller, which actually allows you to appreciate the individual craftsmanship more closely. You can observe the tanners working the hides, see the natural dyes up close, and understand the backbreaking labor involved in this ancient craft.
The locals in the surrounding shops are usually more relaxed here, less accustomed to the constant flow of tour groups, and often more willing to explain the process without immediately steering you toward a sale.
Finding this hidden gem requires a bit of navigation through the winding streets of Fez Medina—you'll need to ask for directions to the Gherniz district or the Moulay Idriss area.
But that journey itself becomes part of the adventure, reminding you that the medina's greatest treasures often lie off the beaten path.
3. Ain Zliten Tannery: The Forgotten Leather Workshop
Ain Zliten Tannery is also a less well-known tannery compared to Chouara, making it another hidden treasure among the authentic things to do in Fez for those willing to venture beyond the typical tourist circuit.
Tucked away in the labyrinthine passages of Fez Medina, this historic tannery operates much as it has for centuries, with fewer visitors and less commercial pressure than its famous counterpart.
I've always appreciated Ain Zliten for its quiet dignity—here you can witness traditional leather-working methods without the crowds, the aggressive shop owners, or the performative aspect that sometimes accompanies more touristy sites.
The tanners here go about their daily work with a focused intensity, treating their craft with the seriousness it deserves rather than as a spectacle for cameras.
While it may lack the grand scale of Chouara or even the historical prominence of Gherniz, Ain Zliten offers something equally valuable: an unvarnished look at how this ancient industry continues to survive in modern Fez Medina.
For travelers who truly want to understand the working soul of the old city rather than just photograph it, seeking out Ain Zliten represents one of the most genuine things to do in Fez.
A chance to see tradition carried on not for tourists, but simply because this is what these craftsmen do, what their fathers did, and what they're teaching their sons to do.
Tip: The strong smell at the tanneries can be overwhelming for some visitors. Consider bringing a face mask or small bottle of perfume to make your visit more comfortable—though most tanneries offer fresh mint sprigs to hold under your nose.
7. The Attarine Madrasa: A Masterpiece of Marinid Splendor
Located next to the Qarawiyyin Mosque in the heart of the old city of Fez, the Attarine Madrasa is considered one of the most beautiful and prestigious Quranic schools in the Islamic world.
This magnificent school, captivating with its rich architecture and decorations, was built in the 14th century during the reign of the Marinid Sultan Abu Sa'id Uthman II, between 1323 and 1325.
What strikes me every time I approach this madrasa is its perfect positioning—standing in the shadow of Al-Qarawiyyin, the world's oldest continuously operating university, the Attarine Madrasa seems to draw inspiration and authority from its illustrious neighbor.
The name "Attarine" comes from the nearby souk of perfume and spice sellers, the attarin, and I've always loved how this connection reminds us that even the most sacred centers of learning in Fez Medina were intimately woven into the commercial and sensory life of the medina.
Among all the things to do in Fez Medina, visiting this madrasa offers one of the most concentrated doses of architectural beauty you'll find anywhere in Morocco.
Upon entering the Attarine Madrasa, you will be amazed by the exquisite and unique decorations, where Arabic calligraphy, zellige mosaics, intricate geometric patterns, finely carved cedar wood, and arabesque designs blend harmoniously to create a masterpiece of dazzling beauty.
I remember my first visit—I literally stopped in my tracks at the threshold, overwhelmed by the sensory richness of what lay before me.
Every surface seems to have been treated as a canvas for artistic expression: the lower walls are covered in those characteristic Fassi zellij tiles forming mesmerizing geometric patterns in deep blues, greens, and whites.
Above them, intricately carved stucco work displays Quranic verses and geometric designs; and higher still, the carved cedar wood seems to defy the very nature of the material with its delicate, lace-like patterns.
The refinement of these decorations testifies to the skill of the artisans of that era, craftsmen who understood that creating a space for learning the Quran required nothing less than perfection.
The central courtyard, with its marble fountain and the play of light across the decorated surfaces throughout the day, creates an atmosphere of contemplative beauty that makes you understand why students could dedicate years of their lives to study here.
I've visited the Attarine Madrasa several times over the years, and it deserves to be on your list of things to do in Fez Medina—not just as a checkbox item, but as a place to spend real time absorbing its beauty and historical significance.
What I appreciate about this madrasa compared to some other monuments is its remarkable state of preservation and the accessibility of its spaces.
You can climb the narrow stairs to the upper level where student cells line the courtyard, peer into these tiny rooms where scholars once lived and studied.
And imagine the rhythm of life here centuries ago—the call to prayer echoing through the courtyard, the murmur of students reciting Quranic verses, the scratch of reed pens on paper as they copied manuscripts.
The contrast between the austere simplicity of those student cells and the elaborate decoration of the public spaces tells its own story about the values of Islamic education: humility in private life, beauty in communal worship and learning.
Each visit reveals new details I hadn't noticed before—a particular calligraphic inscription, the way light hits the courtyard at a certain hour, or a subtle variation in the geometric patterns.
This renowned historical landmark in Fez is now one of the most visited monuments in Morocco, and rightfully so.
It stands as a testament to the importance placed on education in Moroccan culture and, more broadly, in the Islamic world during the medieval period.
As visitors wander through its ornate corridors and halls, they immerse themselves in the history of education in Morocco, marveling at a true gem of Arab-Islamic art that represents the pinnacle of Marinid architectural achievement.
What moves me most about the Attarine Madrasa is how it embodies the idea that education and beauty are inseparable—that learning deserves to take place in surroundings of extraordinary beauty, and that creating such beauty is itself an act of devotion.
When I recommend things to do in Fez Medina to friends and family, I always emphasize that the Attarine Madrasa isn't just about admiring pretty decorations; it's about understanding a worldview where knowledge, faith, craftsmanship, and aesthetics were all part of a unified vision of what makes life meaningful.
This is what makes Fez Medina so remarkable—it's not just old, it's a living argument for a particular way of being in the world, and the Attarine Madrasa expresses that argument in some of the most beautiful architectural language ever created.
8. Al-Qarawiyyin University: The World's Oldest Seat of Learning
Al-Qarawiyyin University is a university in the city of Fez, Morocco, and it holds a distinction that fills me with immense pride every time I walk past its historic walls.
It is recognized as the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world, according to UNESCO and the Guinness Book of World Records—not just the oldest in Morocco or the Arab world, but in the entire world.
Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, also known as Umm al-Banin, it is considered the first university established by a woman in history and remains operational and teaching to this day, over eleven centuries later.
I find this fact particularly moving—that a woman, using her inheritance, chose to invest in education and created an institution that would outlast empires and shape intellectual history across continents.
Visiting Al-Qarawiyyin, or at least experiencing its exterior and learning about its significance, should be at the top of any list of things to do in Fez Medina.
This isn't just a historic building; it's a living connection to the golden age of Islamic scholarship and a testament to Fez Medina's role as a beacon of learning.
The complex comprises a mosque, a university, and a library, forming an integrated center of worship, education, and knowledge preservation.
It is connected on all four sides to the intricate network of alleyways and passages of the old city (Medina), which means you're constantly walking near or around it as you explore Fez Medina, even if you don't realize it.
The university's roof, covered with distinctive green tiles, overlooks the urban sprawl of Fez and serves as a visual landmark that helps orient you when you're lost in the medina's maze—I've used it as a navigation point countless times.
What I find remarkable is how organically Al-Qarawiyyin is woven into the fabric of daily life in Fez Medina.
This isn't some isolated campus on the outskirts of town; it's embedded in the heart of the medina, with shops, homes, and workshops pressed right up against its walls.
Students, worshippers, merchants, and residents all share the same narrow streets, creating a living ecosystem where sacred learning and everyday commerce coexist just as they have for over a millennium.
The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, expanded to its current form in the 12th century, is one of the largest mosques in North Africa and can accommodate approximately 20,000 worshippers, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica.
The scale is genuinely impressive, especially considering the constraints of building within the dense urban fabric of Fez Medina.
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, which I understand can be disappointing for visitors interested in things to do in Fez Medina.
However, most tourists can still admire its spacious courtyard, intricate carvings, elaborate arches, and beautiful fountains through the mosque's massive doors on all four sides.
I always advise visitors to time their visit for when these doors are open, typically around prayer times, when you can catch glimpses of the interior's stunning architecture—the forest of horseshoe arches, the ornate mihrab, and the serene courtyard with its marble pavings and central fountain.
Even this limited view offers a powerful sense of the mosque's grandeur and the devotion that went into its construction and continuous maintenance over the centuries.
Al-Qarawiyyin University is also the first scientific institution in the world to have invented specialized academic chairs and degrees, and it is the first university to grant a degree in medicine.
These innovations in educational structure that we take for granted today—specialized faculty positions, formal degree programs, systematic curricula—were pioneered right here in Fez Medina over a thousand years ago.
Historical records show that scholars from across the Islamic world and beyond came to study at Al-Qarawiyyin, including notable figures like the Jewish philosopher Maimonides, the cartographer Muhammad al-Idrisi, and even Pope Sylvester II, who studied mathematics here before his papacy.
The university's library contains some of the oldest manuscripts in existence, including a 9th-century Quran and Ibn Khaldun's original copy of his groundbreaking work on sociology and historiography.
When I think about things to do in Fez Medina, I always emphasize that understanding Al-Qarawiyyin's contribution to world civilization transforms your experience of the entire medina.
You're not just walking through an old city; you're walking through the birthplace of the modern university system, a place where the foundations of academic structure as we know it were first laid.
That realization makes every step through Fez Medina feel like walking through the pages of world history.
9. Dar Batha Museum: A Treasury of Fassi Heritage
Dar Batha Museum stands as one of the most enriching things to do in Fez Medina for anyone who wants to understand the artistic and cultural soul of the city beyond its streets and monuments.
Home to rare Islamic artifacts such as 19th-century woolen carpets, traditional musical instruments, and kaftans embroidered with gold and silver threads, some dating back to the 14th century, this museum offers a concentrated dose of Moroccan craftsmanship and heritage.
I visited it once about eight years ago, and it's well worth a visit—in fact, I'd say it's essential for anyone serious about understanding Fez Medina's artistic legacy.
The original building, constructed in 1885, served as a palace for the governor's entourage and a summer residence for the Alaouite Sultan Moulay Hassan I before being re-established as a museum in 1915.
Walking through its elegant horseshoe arches and into its Andalusian-style garden, you immediately sense the transition from the bustling medina outside to a tranquil space dedicated to preservation and contemplation.
The museum brings together archaeological collections, architectural elements, and ethnographic objects relating to the city of Fez and its surrounding regions.
Following redevelopment in 2006, the museum's focus shifts to spiritual life and the art of living, which I think is a brilliant curatorial decision—it's not just about displaying beautiful objects, but about showing how art and spirituality were integrated into every aspect of daily life in traditional Fez.
Opening to the courtyard and garden, the museum's interior begins with a section on the city's Islamic origins, represented by manuscripts with gold leaf gilding, liturgical wooden objects, and a copper astrolabe—including a rare example of a leather astrolabe disc that absolutely fascinated me when I saw it.
The craftsmanship required to create a functional astronomical instrument from leather speaks to the ingenuity of Fassi artisans.
Another section is dedicated to architectural elements, and this is where the museum truly shines in showcasing the bones of Fez Medina's beauty.
Wooden architectural elements are represented by cornices, panels, door jambs, and other decorative pieces dating from various dynasties, showcasing Moroccan craftsmanship that originated in Fez and influenced design across North Africa and Al-Andalus.
In addition to their artistic value, many pieces possess significant historical and archaeological value, such as the beam dating back to 877 CE, considered the oldest wooden piece from the Moroccan Islamic period.
Standing before this ancient beam, I felt a profound connection to the earliest days of Fez—this piece of carved wood has survived over eleven centuries, outlasting countless generations, and now sits quietly in a museum gallery telling its story to anyone who takes the time to listen.
Moroccan tilework, known as zellige, is another hallmark of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture during the Islamic era, and the Batha Museum houses impressive collections of it—some dating back to the 14th century from the Marinid period.
If you've been walking through Fez Medina admiring the geometric tile patterns on madrasas and fountains, the museum gives you the opportunity to examine these zellige pieces up close, to understand the mathematical precision and artistic vision required to create these intricate mosaics.
The collection also strongly emphasizes the traditional arts of Fez, whose richness and diversity are evident in a collection of counted-thread embroidery pieces, highlighting their delicate monochromatic aesthetics, and a variety of decorations on the wedding attire of the city's inhabitants.
I was particularly struck by the elaborate kaftans and takchitas on display—the embroidery work is so fine that you wonder how human hands could achieve such precision.
These weren't just clothes; they were wearable art that represented years of skilled labor and cultural tradition.
Finally, the museum features a rich collection of regional enameled pottery, distinguished by its monochromatic blue-gray decoration that has become synonymous with Fassi ceramics.
This distinctive blue pottery, known as "Fez blue," has been produced in the city for centuries and remains highly prized by collectors worldwide.
Tip: The entrance fee to Dar Al Batha is 10 Moroccan dirhams per person - 1 US dollar.
Visitors from outside the city of Fez can explore the rural crafts and trades on display, including pottery and jewelry from the surrounding regions, which provides important context for understanding how Fez Medina functioned as the urban center of a broader artistic and commercial network.
The museum does an excellent job of showing both the sophistication of urban Fassi crafts and the beauty of rural traditions from the Atlas Mountains and surrounding countryside.
What I appreciate most about Dar Batha Museum as one of the key things to do in Fez Medina is how it complements the experience of walking through the medina itself.
After seeing the museum's collections, you return to the streets of Fez Medina with new eyes—you understand what you're looking at when you see zellige work.
You can appreciate the skill behind the wooden carvings, and you recognize the continuation of centuries-old traditions in the contemporary workshops you pass.
The museum is conveniently located near Bab Boujloud, making it easy to incorporate into a day of exploring the old city.
I'd recommend visiting it early in your stay in Fez, as it provides invaluable context that enriches everything else you'll see and do in the medina.
The modest entrance fee is a bargain for the wealth of beauty and history contained within, and the peaceful garden courtyard offers a welcome respite where you can rest and reflect on what you've seen before plunging back into the sensory intensity of Fez Medina's bustling streets.
10. Funduq Al-Najjarin: Where Craftsmanship Meets History
The Nejjarine Inn, or Funduq Al-Najjarin, is a historic caravanserai located in Fes el-Bali, and I have visited it several times over the years—each visit revealing new layers of beauty and historical significance.
Among all the things to do in Fez Medina, exploring this magnificently restored funduq offers a unique window into the commercial life that once thrived in Fez Medina.
The Nejjarine Inn is located in the heart of Fes el-Bali, and together with the adjacent fountain (saqaya) and Souk al-Nejjarine, the carpenters' market, it forms an architectural complex and a prominent historical center within the urban fabric of the old city.
Built during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727), the inn served as a warehouse for valuable goods traded by the city's leading merchants, particularly those dealing in precious woods and carpentry materials.
A large, ornately decorated doorway—itself a masterpiece of carved cedar and bronze metalwork—leads to the center of a rectangular courtyard that takes your breath away with its intricate zellige tilework and carved plaster.
Similar rooms are arranged on three levels around this courtyard, connected by staircases built into two corners of the inn, creating a harmonious architectural composition that exemplifies the functional beauty of traditional Moroccan commercial architecture.
In 1998, the building underwent extensive restoration and was transformed into a museum specializing in woodworking and carpentry, now known as the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts.
This transformation was a brilliant decision that honors both the building's history and the craft traditions it supported.
Its galleries display antique tools used in carpentry—saws, planes, chisels, and measuring instruments that look deceptively simple yet required tremendous skill to use effectively.
The museum also showcases unique artifacts demonstrating the evolution of the woodworking craft over centuries, highlighting the skill of Fez's carpenters and some of their original creations.
From intricately carved doors and window screens to elegant furniture pieces and the famous painted cedar ceilings that adorn so many of Fez Medina's historic buildings.
I've spent hours examining these pieces, marveling at the geometric precision and artistic vision they represent.
What strikes me most is how these craftsmen worked without modern tools or technology, relying entirely on their trained eyes, steady hands, and inherited knowledge passed down through generations of master carpenters to apprentices.
The name "Nejjarine" means "carpenters" in Arabic, and the inn's location adjacent to the carpenters' square made it the natural hub for this essential trade.
The funduq not only served as a warehouse but also provided accommodation for traveling merchants and traders who came to Fez to buy and sell wood products and carpentry work.
The carpenters' souk dating back to the 13th century has been a center of this craft for over 800 years, and you can still find working carpentry shops in the surrounding streets today, creating a living connection between past and present.
The accompanying Nejjarine Fountain (saqaya), built in the 18th century and later embellished by Sultan Abderrahman in the 19th century, stands as one of the most beautiful public fountains in Fez Medina.
This fountain, crafted with elaborate cedar wood canopy, intricate stucco carvings, and impressive zellige tilework, demonstrates how even utilitarian structures were treated as opportunities for artistic expression.
Designated as a historical monument in 1916, the building faced various uses and threats over the 20th century—it was even converted into a police station by the French colonial authorities in the 1940s, which ironically may have helped preserve it from demolition or severe alteration.
Today, the restored Funduq Al-Najjarin stands as one of the finest examples of what cultural preservation can achieve and represents one of the most rewarding things to do in Fez for visitors interested in traditional crafts and architectural beauty.
The building is renowned for its carved cedar elements, including ornate balustrades, decorative panels, and the beautifully painted ceilings that draw the eye upward. The rooms are accessed via wooden staircases and galleries on the upper levels.
What I love about this museum is how it contextualizes the woodworking craft within the broader story of Fez Medina—you come to understand that the beautiful doors, carved screens, and painted ceilings you've been admiring throughout the medina weren't just decorative flourishes but represented a sophisticated industry employing hundreds of skilled craftsmen whose work was exported throughout Morocco and beyond.
Tip: Entry fees range from 20 to 40 dirhams ($2-$4), and you'll find guides ready to bring the building's stories to life, revealing the history embedded in every architectural detail.
The admission fee is modest, and the experience of standing in that elegant courtyard, surrounded by centuries of craftsmanship, makes it an essential stop on any thoughtful exploration of things to do in Fez Medina.
I always tell visitors that Funduq Al-Najjarin isn't just a museum—it's a celebration of the skilled hands and creative minds that built and beautified Fez Medina, and a reminder that true craftsmanship is a form of cultural heritage worth preserving and honoring.
11. Place Seffarine: Where Copper Comes Alive
Conclusion
After exploring the countless wonders woven into the fabric of Fez Medina, I'm always left with a profound sense of gratitude that such a place still exists in our modern world.
From the moment you pass through the iconic blue tiles of Bab Boujloud to your final steps out of the ancient gates, every experience in the medina tells a story of human creativity, devotion, and resilience spanning over twelve centuries.
The things to do in Fez Medina aren't just tourist activities to check off a list—they're opportunities to connect with living history.
Whether you're standing in the courtyard of the Attarine Madrasa marveling at Marinid craftsmanship, watching copper artisans at Place Seffarine continue traditions passed down through countless generations, or navigating the aromatic chaos of the Chouara Tannery where leather has been processed using medieval methods for a millennium.
Each monument, each souk, each hidden funduq reveals another layer of this extraordinary city's character.
What makes Fez Medina truly special isn't just its age or its UNESCO World Heritage status—it's the fact that it remains authentically alive, a functioning medieval city where approximately 150,000 people still live, work, worship, and carry forward the traditions of their ancestors.
My advice to anyone planning their journey through Fez Medina is simple: give yourself time, embrace getting lost, and approach the medina with patience and open curiosity.
The things to do in Fez Medina that will stay with you longest aren't necessarily the most famous landmarks, but rather the unexpected moments—a conversation with a shopkeeper who explains the symbolism in a piece of zellige work.
The play of afternoon light through a carved cedar screen, the call to prayer echoing from Al-Qarawiyyin across the labyrinth of alleyways, or stumbling upon a hidden square where children play as their ancestors did centuries ago.
Fez Medina demands that you slow down, that you engage with it on its own terms rather than trying to conquer it with efficiency and checklists.
Whether you spend your days exploring grand monuments like Bou Inania Madrasa and the Nejjarine Museum, seeking out hidden gems like the Gherniz Tannery and Rainbow Street, or simply wandering without destination and allowing the medina to reveal itself to you.
You'll leave with memories of a place unlike anywhere else on earth.
This is what I love most about my visits to Fez Medina—no matter how many times I return, the medina always has new secrets to share, new corners to discover, and new reminders of why this ancient city remains one of Morocco's greatest treasures and a testament to the enduring power of human civilization.
Maghrebista
I'm a Moroccan travel blogger with a deep passion for discovering the hidden beauty of my country. From majestic landscapes and traditional villages to cultural heritage and authentic cuisine, I love exploring places that many overlook. My goal is to shine a light on Morocco’s lesser-known wonders and share their unique stories with the world. Through Maghrebista, I aim to introduce you to the real Morocco—its rich traditions, vibrant culture, and the timeless charm of its people and crafts. Whether you're curious about travel, history, or Moroccan lifestyle, this blog is your guide to uncovering the soul of the Maghreb.
