Discover What To Do In Fez Morocco For A Day

Are you planning to visit Morocco? Discover what to do in Fez Morocco for a perfect day.

When you visit Morocco, you must include the city of Fez in your itinerary.

Fez is one of Morocco’s most iconic cities, filled with rich history, bustling markets, and some of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world.

With just one day, you can still soak in much of what makes Fez such a special destination.

Fez was undoubtedly one of our favorite cities during our two-week vacation in Morocco.

In this post, we outline what to do in Fez Morocco for a one-day visit.

Including how to get to Fez, key highlights to explore in the city, and an itinerary that ensures you make the most of your day.

How to Get to Fez

Fez is well-connected and accessible from various parts of Morocco, making it easy to include in your travel itinerary.

Whether you’re coming from Casablanca, Marrakech, or another city, you have several options to reach Fez.

1. By Tour Bus

Taking a tour of Morocco is a fantastic way to explore the country.

You can enjoy the convenience of traveling by tour bus without the hassle of driving or navigating.

Tour buses offer a convenient way to combine travel and sightseeing, with guides providing insights about Morocco’s history and culture along the way.

Many operators offer multi-city tours, stopping at landmarks between Casablanca and Fez.

Our tour did just that, the tour included a guided stop in Meknes, known for its impressive gates and medina, and Volubilis, an ancient Roman city.

These tours typically last all day and allow you to explore each destination before arriving in Fez in the evening.

This is an excellent option because it allows you to start your day fully refreshed and ready to explore all that Fez has to offer.

2. By Train

If you prefer not to take a tour, another great way to get to Fez is by train.

ONCF (Office National des Chemins de Fer) operates the trains, with frequent connections to Fez from cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Rabat.

• Casablanca to Fez: The journey by train takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Trains depart regularly throughout the day from Casa Voyageurs Station.
• Marrakech to Fez: This is a longer journey, typically around 7 hours, but it’s a scenic route that gives you time to relax and enjoy the Moroccan countryside.
• Rabat to Fez: A shorter trip, about 2.5 hours, with frequent train services available.

Booking tickets online or at the station is simple, and opting for first-class tickets offers reserved seating and more comfort, especially on longer journeys.

3. By Bus

If you are on a budget or don’t want to take an organized tour, buses are another reliable option to reach Fez. 

CTM and Supratours are the two main bus companies that operate in Morocco.

• Casablanca to Fez: The bus ride takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Marrakech to Fez: Expect the journey to last around 8 to 9 hours by bus, with breaks along the way.

4. By Car

Renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and explore more off-the-beaten-path destinations.

From Casablanca, the drive to Fez takes about 3.5 hours via the A2 highway.

From Marrakech, the drive is around 6.5 to 7 hours.

Driving in Morocco is generally straightforward, with well-maintained highways between major cities.

The only thing to keep in mind is that mountain roads are often narrow and winding.

During our journey, we frequently wondered how our bus driver managed those sharp turns.

Some sections can feel intimidating, but if you’re used to driving in such conditions, this can be a viable option.

Also, driving through the narrow streets of Fez’s Medina is impossible, so you’ll need to park outside the old city.

5. By Air

If you’re short on time or prefer flying, you can take a domestic flight to Fez-Saïss Airport (FEZ).

Several airlines, including Royal Air Maroc, operate flights from major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and even international hubs.

Once you arrive, the airport is about a 30-minute taxi ride from the city center.

What to Do in Fez Morocco for a Day

Fez is known as the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with one of the world’s oldest medinas, iconic mosques, and a rich artisan tradition.

Here are the top 5 things we did to make the most of our day in Fez.

1. Explore the Fez Medina (Fes el-Bali)

Start your day with a stroll through Fes el-Bali, the ancient walled medina of Fez.

Enter through one of the monumental gates, like Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate).

This gate was our first sight of the medina, and we have to say it looks impressive, serving as a reminder of the grand place we were about to enter.

The intricate mosaic tiles decorating this gate will be one of your first tastes of Fez’s exquisite craftsmanship.

As you step into the medina, you’ll immediately be transported back in time.

The narrow streets are filled with the scent of spices, the sound of traders haggling, and the sight of donkey carts transporting goods through alleyways too small for modern cars.

You’ll pass by mounds of vibrant spices, and stalls selling ceramics, pots and pans, handwoven carpets, and copperware.

Things to look for in the Fez Medina:

• The busy Rue Talaa Kebira is one of the main thoroughfares lined with colorful stalls.
• The bustling Souks (markets) are where you can find handcrafted goods, from traditional Moroccan textiles to jewelry and ceramics.
• Donkey carts: The medina is largely car-free, so you’ll see donkeys and mules carrying goods through the narrow streets, a living testament to traditional Moroccan commerce.

2. Visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa

After exploring the medina, make your way to Madrasa Al-Attarine, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Built in the 14th century during the Marinid dynasty, this madrasa was an important center of learning, where students came to study Islamic theology and law.

The madrasa’s name is derived from the nearby Souk al-Attarine, a market that once specialized in spices and perfumes.

As you walk through the madrasa’s gates, you’ll be struck by the beauty of its zellige (mosaic tilework), carved cedar wood, and plasterwork, which adorn the walls and arches.

The central courtyard features a fountain surrounded by ornate tilework, reflecting the school’s intricate design.

The prayer hall inside the madrasa is another highlight.

Its high ceilings, adorned with more detailed tilework and calligraphy, offer a quiet space for contemplation.

While the madrasa no longer functions as a school, it stands as a monument to the rich educational heritage of Fez.

Visiting the madrasa was one of the highlights of our trip. We found the Islamic architecture breathtaking, and walking through the courtyard felt incredibly peaceful.

3. Visit a Traditional Tannery

No visit to Fez is complete without seeing one of the city’s famous tanneries, where leather goods have been produced for centuries using traditional methods.

The Chouara Tannery is the largest and most iconic tannery in the city, offering a fascinating and colorful glimpse into this ancient craft.

From a viewpoint overlooking the tannery, you’ll see the large stone vats filled with various natural dyes.

Workers dip animal skins into the vats, coloring them with pigments made from saffron, poppies, indigo, and other natural materials.

After seeing the process, you can visit one of the nearby shops to purchase leather goods, such as a bag, jacket, or slippers (known as babouches).

Remember to haggle; it’s a customary part of shopping in Morocco!

4. Pass by the Al-Karaouine Mosque and University

Continue your walk through the medina and pass by the Al-Karaouine Mosque, home to one of the world’s oldest universities.

Founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri, this institution is recognized as the longest continually operating university in the world.

While non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque, the exterior is still worth a visit.

The green-tiled roofs and towering minaret make the Al-Karaouine Mosque a distinctive landmark in the Fez skyline.

If you’re visiting during one of the call-to-prayer times, you’ll hear the powerful and moving sound resonate through the medina.

5. Enjoy a Traditional Moroccan Lunch

After all that walking and exploring, you’ll have worked up an appetite.

Head to a traditional Moroccan restaurant to enjoy either a tajine or couscous for lunch.

Both are classic Moroccan dishes that showcase the country’s rich culinary traditions.

• Tajine: A slow-cooked stew made with vegetables, meats, and a mix of spices like saffron, cumin, and cinnamon. It’s named after the earthenware pot in which it’s cooked.
• Couscous: A light and fluffy dish made from steamed semolina, served with vegetables, meat, and a flavorful broth. In Morocco, couscous is often considered a Friday meal but is served at restaurants daily.

Pair your meal with mint tea, a Moroccan staple, and enjoy the local ambiance of Fez’s traditional eateries.

6. Get Lost in the Souks and Shop for Souvenirs

After lunch, spend more time exploring the souks in the medina.

Fez is known for its skilled artisans, so you’ll find a wide variety of handmade goods to bring back home.

Look for:

• Ceramics: Hand-painted pottery in Fez’s signature blue and white design.
• Textiles: Traditional Moroccan fabrics, blankets, and scarves.
• Spices: Buy a bag of Ras el Hanout, a Moroccan spice blend, to bring the flavors of Morocco back to your own kitchen.

The souks can be a maze, but that’s part of the fun.

Wander through the narrow streets and enjoy the vibrant energy that surrounds you.

A Day to Remember in Fez, Morocco

Even with just one day in Fez, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this vibrant, ancient city.

From the bustling medina and the intricate beauty of the Al-Attarine Madrasa to the colorful tannery and historic mosques, Fez offers a deep dive into Moroccan culture and history.

So if you’re planning a trip and wondering what to do in Fez Morocco, this itinerary will help you maximize your time and experience the best that Fez has to offer.

Whether you’re drawn to the city’s history, architecture, or vibrant souks, Fez is a destination that captivates travelers and leaves a lasting impression.