One Perfect Day in Fez: What to See, Do, and Eat in 24 Hours

Fez isn’t just a city—it’s a sensory experience wrapped in centuries of history, tradition, and craftsmanship. Known as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, Fez invites travelers to wander through its maze-like medina, marvel at ancient architecture, and savor flavors that have stood the test of time.
While many travelers dream of spending days getting lost in Fez’s timeless streets, even a single day in this enchanting city can be deeply rewarding. Whether you’re stopping over on a wider Moroccan itinerary or planning a focused day trip, this 24-hour guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your time—from dawn prayers echoing across the rooftops to a dinner under the stars.
Get ready for a day filled with sights, smells, tastes, and stories that you’ll carry with you long after you leave the city’s ancient gates.

Morning in Fez: How to Start Your One Day in Fez

Wander the Fez el-Bali Medina

After breakfast, head into Fez el-Bali, the oldest walled part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to the 9th century, this medina is a living museum—still bustling with local life, artisans, markets, and spiritual centers. It’s a labyrinth of over 9,000 alleys, where time seems to stand still.

Begin at the iconic Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)—a stunning tiled entrance that serves as the perfect launch point. From here, take your time exploring the main arteries:

• Talaa Kebira – one of the oldest and busiest streets, lined with spice shops, antique stalls, and traditional crafts.
• Bou Inania Madrasa – a 14th-century religious school known for its intricate carvings, zellige tilework, and peaceful courtyard. It’s one of the few religious buildings in Fez open to non-Muslim visitors.
• Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University – considered by UNESCO and Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest continuously operating university. While non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, glimpses through its doors reveal its historic grandeur.
• Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts – housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai, this museum showcases exquisite woodworking and offers a rooftop view of the medina.

Visit the Chouara Tannery

No trip to Fez is complete without witnessing the famous Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest leather tanneries in the world. Climb up to one of the leather shops’ terraces for a panoramic view of the circular stone vats filled with colorful natural dyes—saffron yellow, poppy red, indigo blue. The smell can be strong, so most shops offer a sprig of mint at the entrance.

Watch as workers dye leather by hand, just as they’ve done for centuries. It’s messy, smelly, and completely fascinating.

Midday in Fez: A Pause for Flavor and Relaxation

Optional: Quick Souk Shopping Break

If you have the energy, take a stroll through the souks before the afternoon heat settles in. The medina’s bustling markets offer some of Morocco’s finest handicrafts and souvenirs:

• Fez pottery and ceramics, often in signature blue-and-white motifs
• Leather bags, slippers (babouches), and poufs straight from the nearby tanneries
• Zellige tile mosaics and brass lanterns made by hand in tiny workshops
• Woven textiles and embroidery unique to the Fez region

Don’t be afraid to haggle—negotiation is part of the shopping culture here, and it’s done with a smile. If you’re not shopping, browsing alone is a cultural experience, as shopkeepers often share stories and even offer tea.

Afternoon in Fez: Art, Architecture, and Local Life

Step Into History at a Museum or Fort

With the midday sun casting a golden glow over the city, it’s the perfect time to dive deeper into Fez’s rich heritage.

Option 1: Dar Batha Museum

Housed in a former 19th-century palace, Dar Batha Museum offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of the medina. Inside, you’ll find a curated collection of traditional Moroccan arts, including carved wood, zellige tilework, antique jewelry, and intricately embroidered textiles. The tranquil Andalusian garden in the courtyard is an added bonus—a great place to rest in the shade.

Option 2: Borj Nord and the Arms Museum

If you’re up for a short taxi ride or guided walk outside the medina, head to Borj Nord, a 16th-century fortress built by the Saadians. It now houses the Arms Museum, featuring centuries-old weapons from across Morocco and beyond. The real highlight? The panoramic view over Fez el-Bali and the surrounding countryside from the rooftop terrace—an ideal photo spot.

Discover the City’s Artisan Heart

Fez is renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, and the afternoon is an ideal time to observe artisans at work.

Visit a zellige tile workshop to see the centuries-old technique of geometric tile-making, or stop by a pottery cooperative on the outskirts of the medina where the famous blue Fez ceramics are shaped and glazed by hand. Some shops even offer short demonstrations where you can try your hand at the craft.

Other artisan specialties to explore include:

• Copper and brass engraving
• Handwoven rugs and foutas
• Traditional embroidery and silk weaving

Many cooperatives support local families and preserve endangered craft techniques—so purchasing here is both meaningful and authentic.

Optional: Traditional Hammam Experience

If you’re seeking relaxation, consider visiting a traditional Moroccan hammam—a steam bath and exfoliation ritual that locals have practiced for centuries. Some popular options offer a more tourist-friendly experience with private rooms, massages, and natural argan oil treatments.

Recommended spots include:

• Hammam Mernissi in the medina for a more local feel
• Hammam Spa at Palais Amani for a luxurious, riad-style experience

You’ll emerge refreshed and glowing, just in time for a magical Fez evening.

Evening in Fez: Rooftops, Cuisine, and Ambience

Watch the Sunset Over the Medina

As the day winds down, Fez transforms. The call to prayer echoes across the rooftops, the golden light softens the skyline, and the medina glows with a timeless charm. There’s no better way to take it all in than from a rooftop terrace.

Head to a rooftop café or your riad’s terrace around sunset for a truly unforgettable view. Recommended spots include:

• Riad Fes – Elegant and upscale, with panoramic views and a stylish bar.
• Cafe Clock Rooftop – A relaxed, bohemian vibe perfect for travelers looking for a more casual sunset spot.
• Dar Roumana – Intimate, romantic, and a hidden gem overlooking the medina walls.

Don’t forget your camera—this is Fez at its most photogenic.

Dine Like a Local (or Go Gourmet)

Fez offers a wide range of dining experiences, from home-style Moroccan meals to refined gastronomy.

Option 1: Traditional Dinner in a Riad

Many riads offer multi-course dinners featuring:

• Seasonal Moroccan salads
• Chicken or lamb tagine with preserved lemon or prunes
• Couscous on Fridays
• Fresh fruit or pastilla with milk for dessert

The ambience of candle-lit courtyards, tiled fountains, and soft Andalusian music adds to the experience.

Option 2: Fine Dining with a Modern Twist

For a more upscale or fusion dining experience, try:

• Dar Roumana – French-Moroccan cuisine in a beautifully restored 18th-century home.
• Numéro 7 – A stylish concept restaurant with rotating guest chefs, focusing on seasonal Moroccan ingredients with a creative flair.

Pair your meal with a Moroccan wine, a fresh mint tea, or a spiced citrus mocktail.

Savor the Medina at Night

After dinner, take a final walk through the quieting streets of the medina. The crowds have thinned, shops begin to close, and the alleyways take on a mystical atmosphere lit by lanterns and fading daylight.

End your day with a cup of mint tea at a local café or your riad’s terrace, listening to the city settle into night. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the vibrant colors, flavors, and stories you’ve experienced in just one unforgettable day.

Practical Tips for Your One-Day Adventure in Fez

To make the most of your 24 hours in Fez, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some tips to help your perfect day run smoothly:

Getting Around

• Walking is the best way to explore the medina, but be prepared for uneven surfaces and narrow alleys.
• Local guides are highly recommended for first-timers—they can help you navigate, avoid scams, and offer deeper cultural context.
• For areas outside the medina (like Borj Nord), use petit taxis—small, inexpensive, and easy to find.

When to Visit

• Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather.
• Avoid midday exploration in summer, as temperatures can soar above 35°C (95°F).

What to Wear

• Dress modestly—lightweight, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees is best.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water, especially in warmer months.

Money & Safety

• Cash is king in the medina—carry small denominations of Moroccan dirhams.
• ATMs are available but can be limited inside the old city.
• Fez is generally safe, but always stay alert in crowded areas and avoid empty alleys at night.

Where to Stay (if overnighting)

• Riad Fes, Palais Amani, and Riad Laaroussa offer comfortable, authentic stays right in the heart of the medina.
• Booking a riad with a rooftop terrace is ideal for relaxing before or after your city adventure.

Conclusion: One Day, a Lifetime of Memories

One perfect day in Fez may not be enough to uncover every secret of this ancient city, but it’s more than enough to fall under its spell. From sunrise over minarets to the colorful chaos of the souks, from centuries-old tanneries to timeless tagines, Fez delivers an unforgettable mix of tradition, artistry, and soul.

Whether you’re here for a quick stop or this is your first taste of Morocco, Fez will stay with you—etched in your memory like the intricate patterns of its tiles. And as many travelers will tell you, one day is just the beginning.