15 Best Photo Spots in Fes, Morocco
Wondering where to take photos in Fes? You are in the right place! I will help you discover the best photo spots in Fes and make sure you get some wonderful postcards from your trip.
Fes is one of the most photogenic cities in Morocco with its Medina, narrow alleys filled with colorful shops, famous landmarks like the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Chouara Tannery, and rich cultural heritage.
If you are a photographer or you want to visit the most beautiful places in Fes, you are in for a treat. My guide to the best photo spots in Fes is going to ensure that you don’t miss a single photo opportunity!
I will share additional photography tips, the best time to see these places without crowds, and help you pick the right lens. Let’s get started!
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Are you still planning your trip to Fes?
If the answer is yes, I am here to help you out with some of the essentials, like tours, hotels, and other useful tips that will help you with the entire process.
🎭 Medina in Fes can be a real maze for first-time visitors so a guided tour is highly recommended:
- Fez Old Medina Adventure: get familiar with Medina on this 4-hour guided tour.
- Half-Day City Private Walking Tour with a Guide: or enjoy the private experience instead.
🏆 Other top-rated tours in Fes:
💙 Do you have an extra day in Fes? Don’t miss Blue City Magic: Affordable Day Trip from Fez to Chefchaouen.
🏠 When it comes to accommodations, staying at a traditional Moroccan Riad is an absolute must. Here are some suggestions based on your budget:
- Palais De Fès Suites & Spa: the most beautiful luxury Riad in Fes
- Riad Semlalia: amazing mid-range Riad with rooftop pool
- Riad Arabella: affordable Riad with great value for money
🚗 If you are landing in Fes, I am pretty sure you don’t want to deal with taxi arrangements, so make sure you book your transfer before your arrival.
15 best photo spots in Fes and photography tips
- Chouara Tannery
- Al Attarine Madrasa
- Mosque and University Kairaouine
- Bab Boujloud
- Place Seffarine
- Rue Talaa Kebira
- Bou Inania Madrasa
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
- Rest of Medina
- The Royal Palace
- Jnan Sbil
- Cafe Clock
- Instragrammable Riads of Fes
Chouara Tannery
Chouara Tannery in Fes stands out as one of the most Instagrammable places in Fes. Nestled within the ancient Medina, this centuries-old tannery offers a unique and picturesque glimpse into the traditional leather-making process.
It is the oldest and largest tannery in Fes and has been crafting leather for centuries, demonstrating the city’s rich tradition in leather production. Using traditional methods, skilled artisans employ manual techniques to treat and dye animal hides, and you can see the process with your own eyes.
While there are other tanneries in Fes, this is the one that you want to visit. Trust me, I visited all of them so you don’t have to. I can safely say that Chouara Tannery is one of the most beautiful places in Fes.
I have to warn you that finding the best photo spots at the Chouara Tannery is not an easy task, so make sure you read how to visit Chouara Tannery together with other useful tips that you should know before visiting this famous Fes Instagram spot.
Mosque and University Kairaouine
The Mosque and University of Al-Qarawiyyin is an ancient institution that holds a pivotal role in the Islamic world. Established in the 9th century, it is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions globally.
Let me start by saying that the Mosque and University Kairaouine are accessible only to Muslims and others are not allowed to enter, however, if you pass by, the guard will let you take a look and snap a picture from the entrance.
We were with our guide and stopped by only once the university was closed, but he asked the guard to open the door for a moment, so this is how we could get a picture without any crowds.
Also, the history of this university is very interesting. I don’t want to go into details here, but make sure you ask your guide to briefly stop and learn more about this place. Getting a guide when visiting Medina is highly recommended, at least for the first day.
And as you can see from the photo, it is one of the Insta-worthy places in Fes. Its simple yet elegant structure features elements of Islamic geometric patterns and traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. I was blown away!
Al Attarine Madrasa
Al Attarine Madrasa, located in the heart of Fes, Morocco, is a historic educational institution with a rich cultural significance. This madrasa, or Islamic school, was constructed in the 14th century and nowadays it is a famous landmark in Fes.
The architecture of Al Attarine Madrasa reflects the details of Islamic art and design prevalent during its time of construction. The building features geometric patterns and traditional Moroccan motifs that showcase the craftsmanship of the artisans involved.
If you are looking for the best places to take photos in Fes, you will love the courtyard of Al Attarine Madrasa. As soon as you enter, you will be surrounded by stunning examples of Moroccan tile designs and one-of-a-kind wooden details.
You will want to bring your wide-angle lens to take in all the beauty of the Al Attarine Madrasa and your zoom lens to take some close-ups of the beautiful details.
We visited Al Attarine Madrasa during shoulder season and there were only a few people around in the afternoon, but I recommend you come at the opening time to avoid harsh lights or weird shadows. My photos were taken on a cloudy day, so the sun didn’t affect them.
Make sure that you take the stairs in front of the guard and see the courtyard from the top. On the second floor, you will find student dormitories which offer a different perspective of Al Attarine Madrasa.
It is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee is 20 MAD which needs to be paid in cash. The visit won’t take long, even if you are with a guide and want to take pictures.
Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
This museum is another gem located in Medina and one of the lesser-known Fes Instagram spots. It showcases a remarkable collection of wooden arts and crafts and is a must-visit for those interested in traditional craftsmanship.
Inside the museum, you’ll discover intricately carved wooden doors, furniture, and tools. One notable highlight is the variety of wooden musical instruments. It also offers workshops to locals to ensure that the ancient traditions are passed on to the new students.
To be honest, it is a very interesting museum to visit in Fes. Even if you are not passionate about woodwork, you will find many unique pieces and learn the history that shaped the craftsmen of modern Morocco.
The museum itself is a piece of art and I am sure you can get some amazing Fes photos from the courtyard of Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. You will need a wide-angle lens with a small aperture because it can get dark inside. Visiting on a sunny day at midday can help.
It is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 20 MAD. It takes a bit more than one hour to visit all 3 floors of the museum.
Place Seffarine
Place Seffarine is one of my favorite places in Medina and one of the best Fes photography spots. It is known for its traditional craftsmanship and vibrant atmosphere, so you will find multiple local artisans working on a wide variety of metal goods and not only.
The square itself is a lively place where visitors can witness the craftsmanship in action, with artisans hammering and shaping metal by hand. It is certainly not a peaceful place and yet it represents such a beautiful side of Fes.
You can take some fantastic photos of some local shops or skilled artisans, but make sure you ask permission first. Most of the people didn’t hesitate and allowed us to capture their unique skills and fruits of labor.
Apart from taking pictures, we also sat down at one of the cafes to enjoy some local Moroccan tea and soak in the atmosphere. The chaos of the place completely charmed me and I hope you can experience the same.
Make sure you visit the square around midday. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon, there won’t be many people working and most of the shops will be closed.
Rue Talaa Kebira
This is a picturesque street in Medina and it is one of the best Instagram spots in Fes. Lined with a diverse array of shops, stalls, and local businesses, Rue Talaa Kebira is a central artery that winds its way through the ancient city.
I would say that this is the most touristic area of Medina, so you will find a lot of Insta-worthy places in Fes on your way – starting from cute shops and ending with hip and modern cafes. You will also find some picturesque alleys crossing Rue Talaa Kebira.
The highlight of the street is Bou Inania Madrasa and the fantastic view of the minaret. You will not miss it as you approach Bou Inania Madrasa. Make sure you take a picture of the lively street, local shops, and the charming minaret peeking through.
Bou Inania Madrasa
As you explore Rue Talaa Kebira, make sure you stop at the Bou Inania Madrasa. It is another iconic photo spot in Fes and you don’t want to miss out.
The architecture of Bou Inania Madrasa is characterized by intricate tilework, geometric patterns, and detailed stucco carvings, showcasing the mastery of Moroccan artisans during the Merinid dynasty.
The central courtyard is adorned with a beautiful fountain and offers everything that you need to take a beautiful Fes postcard. One of the notable features of Bou Inania Madrasa is its minaret which you can see from the courtyard.
You will notice the similarity to Al Attarine Madrasa. Just like there, you will need a wide angle to take the courtyard together with a minaret and zoom lens to capture some of the amazing details of the ornaments.
It is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 20 MAD. The visit won’t take more than 30 minutes, but it is an absolute must if you are looking for epic Fes photography spots.
Bab Boujloud
Bab Boujloud, also known as the Blue Gate, is a top-rated sight in Fes. This historic gate is known for its blue ceramic tilework, which adds a vibrant touch to the city’s architectural landscape. Its blue-colored tiles feature geometric patterns and traditional Moroccan designs.
Built in the early 20th century, Bab Boujloud serves as one of the main entrances to the ancient Medina of Fes. As you can imagine, it gets busy throughout the day, so it is not the easiest place to take photos in Fes.
Unless you want to wake up super early, you will have to embrace the crowds. But this way you can get some fantastic street photos and capture the vibes of Fes. Also, you can bring your zoom lens and capture some of the details of the tilework.
Overall, this is a must-visit place in Fes and a great starting point for exploring Medina. Once you pass the gate, you can get lost (literally!) in the maze and discover all the beautiful places hidden inside.
Also, make sure you check the gate from the inside of Medina and discover the beautiful green tones covering the back of the Bab Boujloud.
Rest of Medina
All of the photo spots above are located in Medina, however, there are a lot of cute corners that you will discover without my help. Just spend an afternoon in Medina, bring your camera and you will find a lot of photo opportunities.
From different shops to stunning architectural gems, you are about to discover some of the prettiest places in Fes. To create beautiful Fes photos you will need a bit of curiosity and creativity.
When it comes to photographing markets and shops, make sure you ask for permission. Most sellers were very friendly and happily allowed photos, but with some exceptions, so it is better to make sure it is okay.
When it comes to equipment, a 50 mm lens can do wonders. This way you can take photos of some fantastic details and objects without capturing the crowds or people passing by.
If you are still wondering where to take photos in Fes, Medina is the place to be.
The Royal Palace in Fes
The Royal Palace is an impressive architectural landmark with historical and cultural significance. And no surprise, it is one of the popular Instagram spots in Fes.
Although the Royal Palace in Fes remains off-limits to the public, its exterior stands as a compelling showcase of traditional Moroccan architectural elegance. The entrance reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of Moroccan design.
As soon as you arrive at the Royal Palace, you will be welcomed with vibrant tiles, mosaics, and decorative elements. The combination of traditional Islamic art and Moroccan motifs makes it picture-perfect.
When I read that the palace is not accessible to the public, I considered skipping it, but I am glad I didn’t because the entrance is an attraction itself and an Insta-worthy place in Fes.
There is no entrance fee or opening hours. You will notice a lot of guards in the area but don’t even try to photograph any of them because you might get your camera confiscated.
Jnan Sbil
If you are looking for secret photography spots in Fes, head to Jnan Sbil. It is a lovely public garden that offers a peaceful retreat from the chaotic streets of Fes.
You will need to step outside the city walls to find a spacious 8-hectare garden. Established in the 19th century, the park presents ponds and verdant spaces adorned with 3,000 plant species.
Considering its size, you can easily spend an entire afternoon at the Jnan Sbil and find a lot of photo opportunities. Andalusian fountains, unique tiles, and green alleys – these are just some of the examples of what is waiting for you at the Jnan Sbil.
It is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and the park is closed on Mondays. There is no entrance fee, so you can visit the park for free.
Cafe Clock
After reading a couple of Fes travel guides, you will see that Cafe Clock is a popular Instagram spot in Fes, and for all the right reasons. Located inside the Medina, it offers a cute design spread across 2 floors and a terrace with a wonderful view of Fes.
When it comes to food, it didn’t disappoint either. Their signature dish is camel burger, but there are a lot of international dishes on the menu. Vegetarian and vegan options are available as well.
While the cafe itself is cute and the stairs to the terrace are pretty steep, please make sure you head up to the terrace and take advantage of the panoramic views.
Looking for a local restaurant instead? Darori should be at the top of the list. This restaurant is located in a stunning Riad and offers all the essentials of local cuisine. It is open only for dinner, but you can go there 10 minutes before the opening time and take some photos of the place.
Other beautiful restaurants in Fes that are worth visiting include La Maison Bleue, The Ruined Garden, and Palais De Fes Dar Tazi.
Instragrammable Riads of Fes
In Morocco, Riads are a special highlight, and Fes perfectly embodies this tradition. These converted traditional Moroccan homes, now serving as guesthouses, offer a peek into the city’s vibrant cultural legacy.
Riads of Fes stand out for their inward-facing design, often surrounding a courtyard with detailed tilework and a delightful fountain. Opting for a Riad stay will add a touch of charm to your time in Fes, providing one of the most memorable experiences in Morocco.
And it is a great Fes photo spot as well. This is why I have curated the best options catering to every budget. Click here to discover the most beautiful Riads in Fes.
Camera gear that I used for my Fes photos
- Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR
- Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24 mm f/2.8G ED
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
- Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
- Tamron SP 70 – 200 mm f/2.8 di VC G2
Further reading for the best photo spots in Fes
Or read more about: Fes | Casablanca | Chefchaouen | Morocco
Other useful tips for visiting Morocco
🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda
💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator
🚗 Considering renting a car in Morocco? Use Rentalcars
🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo
In conclusion…
This is the end of the best photo spots in Fes and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to get to Fes and create some unforgettable Fes postcards.
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.