The Only One Day Fes Itinerary That You’ll Need

The Royal Palace

Start your 24 hours in Fes by visiting The Royal Palace. The palace is an impressive architectural landmark with historical and cultural significance and a must-visit when in Fes. 

Considering that most of the accommodations in Fes are located in the Old Medina you most probably will have to take a taxi to come and go, this is why it is a good starting point for your Fes itinerary.

While the Royal Palace in Fes remains inaccessible to the public, its exterior serves as a display of traditional Moroccan architectural beauty. The entrance mirrors the skillful craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail inherent in Moroccan design.

Upon reaching the Royal Palace, you’ll be greeted by lively tiles, intricate mosaics, and decorative elements. The fusion of traditional Islamic art and Moroccan motifs creates a truly picturesque setting.

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 worth visiting. 

It won’t take you more than 30 minutes to appreciate the beauty of The Royal Palace. And if you like to wake up early like me, you can probably see it empty, without the crowds.

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. 

Bab Boujloud

After you visit The Royal Palace, take a taxi to go to the entrance of the Old Medina through Bab Boujloud, also known as the Blue Gate. It is a top-rated sight in the city and you can’t miss it in your one day in Fes, Morocco. 

Constructed in the early 20th century, Bab Boujloud stands as a key entry point to the historic Medina of Fes. Given its constant activity, it’s an ideal spot to witness the vibrant pulse of daily life in the city.

Famed for its blue ceramic tilework, this ancient gate brings a lively splash to the city’s architectural scenery. The blue tiles showcase intricate geometric patterns and classic Moroccan designs.

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.

Most probably you will be approached by a lot of restaurant hosts inviting you for a meal. If you are feeling hungry or ready for a break, resist until Cafe Clock – it is way better than cafes around Bab Boujloud.

Rue Talaa Kebira

Next, I want you to discover the most picturesque street in Medina, 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.

As one of the more touristy areas in Medina, you’ll encounter plenty of Insta-worthy spots in Fes along the way – from quaint shops to trendy modern cafes. Keep an eye out for picturesque alleys intersecting Rue Talaa Kebira and make sure you bring your camera with you.

The highlight of the street is Bou Inania Madrasa and the fantastic view of the minaret peeking through. You will not miss it as you approach Bou Inania Madrasa.

This is also a great place to get some souvenirs, but make sure you negotiate the price and work on your bargaining skills as you do that. As our guide informed us, don’t bargain for little items like magnets, postcards, keychains, etc.

Cafe Clock (optional)

If you feel in the mood for a break or snack, head to the Cafe Clock. Cafe Clock is located in a small alley in front of the Bou Inania Madrasa, so you have a good chance to make a stop in one of the coolest cafes in Fes.

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.

We had some refreshing and delicious lemonade with mint but you can also enjoy a cup of Moroccan tea or coffee. When it comes to food, it didn’t disappoint either. Their signature dish is camel burger, but there are a lot of international dishes. 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 last floor and take advantage of the panoramic views.

Bou Inania Madrasa

If you follow Rue Talaa Kebira it will lead you to the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa. It is one of the top things to do in Fes in one day, so don’t miss it.

Bou Inania Madrasa’s architecture features intricate tilework, geometric patterns, and meticulous stucco carvings, highlighting the skill of Moroccan artisans from the Merinid dynasty.

The central courtyard, adorned with a lovely fountain, provides a taste of Moroccan culture. One of the notable features of Bou Inania Madrasa is its minaret which you can see from the courtyard.

Right outside the Madrasa, don’t miss the Dar al-Magana (Water Clock).

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 to see something incredible to add to your Fes one-day trip.

Lunch: Le Trabouche or The Ruined Garden

When you have one day in Fes, you can’t miss the succulent specialties that the city has to offer. For your lunch, I am giving you two delicious alternatives for an unforgettable meal.

If you are looking for a quick bite because you are impatient t to see what more Fes has to offer, head to Le Trabouche. This tiny restaurant serves mouth-watering food for a very competitive price. This is the perfect place to try a fresh tabbouleh and some other local specialties.

The prices of main dishes vary between 60 – 90 MAD.

The Ruined Garden offers a delightful patio where you will be surrounded by tiles and plants for a pleasant experience. It has a cozy indoor hall for rainy days as well. The ambiance is not the only reason to choose this location. The food is also delicious! Give a chance to the Harira Soup.

The prices of main dishes vary between 100 – 160 MAD.

Chouara Tannery

If you are wondering what to see in Fes in one day to take some incredible photos and see a unique place in the world Chouara Tannery is the place to be. Let’s be honest, you can’t go to Fes and skip tanneries, so this is an absolute must during your one day Fes itinerary.

You will notice that throughout the city there are several tanneries. Chouara Tannery 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.

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.

I have to warn you that visiting 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. It will make your one day in Fes truly unforgettable.

Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts

And just a short walk away from the Chouara Tannery, there is the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. If you are wondering what to do in Fes for a day and you are passionate about museums and crafts, this is the best place to visit in Fes.

This museum is another gem located in Medina and it showcases a remarkable collection of wooden arts and crafts. Inside the museum, you’ll discover intricately carved wooden doors, furniture, and tools. One notable highlight is the variety of wooden musical instruments.

I have to say, it is a very interesting museum to visit in Fes. Even if you are not passionate about woodwork, the building itself is a piece of art. And you will learn the history that shaped the craftsmen of modern Morocco.

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.

Al Attarine Madrasa

Al Attarine Madrasa is just a gasp away from the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. It 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.

the spectacular courtyard of Al Attarine Madrasa will welcome you as soon as you enter, and you will be surrounded by stunning examples of Moroccan tile designs and one-of-a-kind wooden details.

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.

If you want to understand Moroccan culture and see the essence of this city, make sure you visit Al Attarine Madrasa during your Fes 1-day itinerary.

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.

Mosque and University Kairaouine

Next to Al Attarine Madrasa, find the Mosque and the University of Al-Qarawiyyin. This is an ancient institution that holds a pivotal role in the Islamic world. 

It was established in the 9th century by a Muslim woman Fatima al-Fihri, originally from Tunisia. Mosque and University Kairaouine is recognized as one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions globally. 

Utilizing her inheritance from her father’s merchant wealth, Fatima initiated the university, initially functioning as a madrasa and a mosque. Over time, it transformed into a comprehensive higher education institution.

While its initial emphasis was on religious education, the university swiftly broadened its academic horizons, encompassing fields such as logic, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy, among others.

Let me warn you 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 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 see the Mosque and University Kairaouine without any crowds.

Place Seffarine

Place Seffarine is one of my favorite places in Medina and one of the best places to see in Fes in one day. 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 visit the square to buy some antique pieces or souvenirs. Or you can take some fantastic photos of some local shops and 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, you also sit 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.

Dinner: Darori

To make your 24 hours in Fes unforgettable, head to Darori. I wanted to try this restaurant and then our Riad host said “If you have one day in Fes, make sure you dine at Darori”. And he was right. You absolutely can’t miss this restaurant when you visit Fes.

First of all, the Tajine was absolutely fantastic. The vegetables were seasoned and delicious and the meat was so unbelievably tender. This is also the perfect place to try Pastilla, which is the typical dish of Fes.

The service is also worth mentioning – professional, and welcoming at the same time. But my favorite part was design. This restaurant is located in a historical palace and it offers a typical Moroccan design with tiles and framework.

The prices are slightly higher compared to other places in the city but justified considering the overall quality. Main dishes cost between 100 – 150 MAD, but you can also order some specific dishes in advance if you want. 

Make sure you check the road from Darori to your accommodation. It is located in Medina and you won’t be able to get a taxi there, so you will have to find a way through the maze of alleys. The owner of the restaurant can point you in the right direction as well.

Further reading for one day in Fes

Or read more about: Fes | Casablanca | Chefchaouen | Morocco

In conclusion…

This is the end of my guide on how to spend one day in Fes and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to visit Fes and create some unforgettable memories.

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.

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