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The art of travelling light

Five best things to see in Fes, Morocco 🇲🇦

by Nick 21 March 2021
1.5K

Moroccan architecture fuses many architectural styles, including 20th-century art deco, early neo-Moorish, and European colonial, and the city of Fes, roughly 1,200 years old, is no different. Main attractions include a Royal Palace, the Blue Gate, Fez Medina, a madrasa and the world’s oldest tannery. Read our guide to the five best things to see in Fes, Morocco.


Travel Essentials for the five best things to see in Fes, Morocco

 

Getting there

Air: No direct flights from London. Direct from Amsterdam (AMS) to Fes-Saïss (FEZ) with Air Arabia from £200, return.
Local transport: Take the Chefchaouen and Erfoud bus that stops in Fes.
Things to note: Four buses a day. There are no trains.
Cost: 75 MAD (approximately £6.10).
Journey time from Chefchaouen to Fes: 4 hours 20 minutes.

 

Need to know

Visa: Australian, NZ, UK, US and Canadian residents – no visa for stays up to 90 days.
Currency: Dirham (1GBP = 12 Dirham approx.) – closed currency – purchase only within country.
Language: Arabic, French, some Spanish. People speak English.
Best time to visit: September to April (nights can be cold). June to August is hot.
Time: GMT +1

 

Quick Facts about Fes

  • Home to the Al Karaouin, the world’s oldest university.
  • Roughly 100,000 people and 9400 alleyways in the car-free Fes medina.
  • Morocco’s capital until 1925.
  • Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1981.
  • Famous for Fes hats.

 

Five best things to see in Fes, Morocco

  1. Royal Palace of Fes (Dar el Makhzen) دار المخزن
  2. Bab Bou Jeloud Ornamental Gate باب_بوجلود 
  3. Fes el Bali Medina فاس البالي
  4. Al-Attarine Madrasa مدرسة العطارين
  5. Chouara Tannery.

 

1. Royal Palace of Fes (Dar al-Makhzen) 

The Royal Palace of the King of Morocco has distinct, ornate 20th-century gates at the Place des Alaouites. Mosaic tile work, carved cedarwood decorate the doors of gilt bronze. The palace interior is not open to the public.

The gates at the Royal Palace at Fes, Morocco

The gates at the Royal Palace at Fes, Morocco


2. Bab Bou Jeloud Ornamental Gate (The Blue Gate of Fes)

Found at the western entrance to Fes el Bali (فاس البالي), and known as The Blue Gate of Fes. It is blue when entering,  but green on the other side, representing the colour of Islam. The original gate from the 12th century is no longer in use. The main street crossing the medina leads to the Mosque and University Karaouiyn (جامعة القرويين ) 

Bab Bou Jeloud - The Blue Gate of Fes, Morocco

Bab Bou Jeloud – The Blue Gate of Fes, Morocco


3. Fes el Bali Medina

A labyrinth of 9,000 alleyways and 100,000 people remains car-free, beware of motorcycles and scooters that zip along at full throttle, revving as they weave through the crowds with large, dented steel milk canisters on both sides.

Bashir, a camel butcher, told me, “Some people are born and die inside the medina; they never leave.” Having spent an hour walking around in circles with no mobile phone signal, it is easy to understand why this is true.

Some people are born and die inside the media, they never leave.


Fes medina is one of the best conserved in the Arab world. It projects a way of life and culture that has remained the same for several centuries.

A huge selection of dates, Fes medina, Morocco

A huge selection of dates, Fes Medina, Morocco


4. Al-Attarine Madrasa

Deeper into the medina is the Al-Attarine Madrasa, buillt in the early 1320s, and taking it name from the pefume and spice market. The interior is a splendid example of Marinid architecture. 

The Al-Attarine Madrasa, Fes, Morocco

The Al-Attarine Madrasa, Fes, Morocco


Walking through an archway leads to the courtyard of the two-storey madrasa. The prayer hall and mihrab are in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca towards which Muslims face during prayer.

The prayer hall and mirhab at the Al-Attarine Madrasa in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca towards which Muslims face during prayer.

Ther prayer hall, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Fes, Morocco


Near the madrasa is the University Karaouiyn, the world’s oldest university, dates back to AD859. Entry is for Muslims only because as it connects to a mosque. Prospective students of the university are required to have memorised the Qur’an in full, alongside shorter medieval Arabic texts. A recent discovery in the library is the oldest surviving medical doctorate from AD1207.


5. Chouara Tannery 

As one of three tanneries in the medina finding the Chouara Tannery is tricky. It happens to be the oldest tannery in the world. Once you find it and enter, the staff hand out sprigs of mint, and it soon becomes apparent why. The smell is so incredibly pungent that it requires holding your breath to prevent spluttering, similar to swimming underwater.

Overlooking the enormous vats of dye, where leather goods are repeatedly soaked, as practised for several centuries, provides an insight into leather-making. Workers build a tolerance to the smell over time, but for the uninitiated, it is unbearable.

 

The smell is so incredibly pungent that it requires holding your breath to prevent spluttering, similar to swimming underwater.

 

Sheets of leather soak in a mixture of white liquids comprising animal urine, pigeon faeces, quicklime, and salt. The fetid air is dense, a combination of the smell and the rising heat. Occasionally, workers who squat on the lips of these large vats lose their balance and fall.

Cowhides, sheep, goats, and other animals are processed by soaking the leather in a series of white liquids made up of animal urine, pigeon faeces, quicklime, and salt. The fetid air is dense, a combination of the smell and the rising heat. Occasionally, workers who squat on the lips of these large vats lose their balance and fall in.

Colorful vats of dye at the Chouara Tannery in Fes, Morocco


As part of any production facility, there is a shop selling wares to the public. It sells everything from miniature purses to large leather sofas. Do practice the art of haggling to get the best price, and do not agree to buy a £500 mini-leather pouch at the first offer.

As part of any production facility, there is a shop selling wares to the public. It sells everything from miniature purses to large leather sofas.

Shop at the Chouara Tannery, Fes, Morocco



The verdict

The indigenous population of Berbers, Arabs, Africans, and Mediterraneans make Fes the city it is today. Although we have highlighted the five best things to see in Fes, Morocco, there are many more. Walking through crowded markets, observing locals as they work and shop, resting to sample food, and Moroccan mint tea is part of visiting Fes.

The Medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main attraction inside the medina walls is the Chouara Tannery, with their shop providing a perfect opportunity to buy authentic leather goods at a fraction of the standard retail price.

The people are warm, open and hospitable. With fewer tourists than other parts of Morocco, you get more value for money and experience Moroccan life that closely resembles a local. Fes is worth visiting away from Marrakesh’s chaos, with excellent cuisine and a favourable climate.

 

More information

Lonely Planet Fes.

Read about our African breaks.

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interestingcheapUNESCOpocket guide
📍 Meteora, Greece 🇬🇷 . There are six Mete 📍 Meteora, Greece 🇬🇷
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There are six Meteora monasteries perched on the natural cliffs of sandstone.
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Monks built l the monasteries a perfect place to achieve tranquility and isolation, as well as safety from attack.
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🇳🇵 . Day 5 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Lukla 🇳🇵
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Day 5 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Lukla to Phakding.
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👍🏼 यह फकडिंग के लिए एक बहुत अच्छा सौम्य ट्रेक है।हिमाचल जैसा लगता है।
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📍 Trek: Lukla (2840m) to Phakding (2610m). 
Accommodation: Hotel Sherpa Phakding (2610m)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance: 5.1 mile (8.2kms)
Net elevation gain/loss: -204m
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🏚 The town of Lukla is centred around a long street with shops selling souvenirs and outdoor gear. At the end is the Pasang Lhamu Gate with a statue of Pasang Lhamu, who was the first Nepalese woman to summit Mt. Everest. After this comes the Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality Office to purchase the first of two regional trekking permits.
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🎟  The permit fee is 2000NPR (£12.80) if not part of an included package.
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🚶‍♂️ The trek from Lukla to Phakding takes you through fantastic scenery. Enjoy the verdant pine trees and wildlife of the national park with glimpses of the mountains ahead. The trail is a mix of dirt and some rocky sections, passing through small local villages. 
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🌉  A few suspension bridges occasionally appear, with more to come in the following days. Approaching Phakding, there are views of the Dhudh Kosi River, the source of which is Gokyo Lake.
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🍲 The Everest Summiter Lodge (2600m) makes a good lunch stop.
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💷  Daily food and drink costs are around £15 at the low end and £25 at the upper end. Lunch costs around 550NPR (£3.52) and tea/coffee 150NPR (£0.96).
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🇳🇵 . Day 5 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Fly fr 🇳🇵
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Day 5 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Fly from Kathmandu (KTM) to Lukla (LUA).
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👍🏼 यह उड़ान खतरनाक है लेकिन मजेदार भी है। दिल्ली से काठमांडू और फिर लुक्ला के लिए उड़ान भरें।
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📍Officially known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, Nepal's busiest domestic hub. At 2846m (9337ft), the short runway is only 527m (1729ft) with a 12% gradient which makes landing risky. 
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✈️ Considered the most dangerous airport in the world, flight schedules are determined by the weather in both Kathmandu and Lukla. With no fixed seating, sit on the left-hand side approaching Lukla for the best views of the Himalayas and the opposite side when leaving Lukla. Over 60 flights per day operate during the peak trekking season, with an average flight time of around 35 minutes.
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🚁 The helicopter company @air_dynasty_heli offers services to and from Lukla, including emergency evacuations and charter flights.
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👨‍✈️ Only experienced pilots who have completed over 100 short takeoff and landing missions can operate here. The hair-raising approach leaves no margin for error. Airline services include @nepalairlinesra @yetiairlines 
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⛔️ Accidents and incidents do occur, so safety is paramount.
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🧳 Due to the flight, rules on baggage weight are strict. Checked-in luggage is a maximum of 10kg, and carry on is 5kg. Extra weight is chargeable but not advised.
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Fun fact: Only radio communication is used for landings and take-offs with no air navigation or radar system.
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🇳🇵 . Day 4 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Temple 🇳🇵
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Day 4 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Temples around Kathmandu.
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📍 Located 11kms (6.8 mile), from the centre of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Temple is known for the stupa (dome), one of the world's largest.
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🛕The stupa is 100ft in width at 43.25m high and an area of 6,756 sq m. It was built during Kashyapa Buddha's and period and is known as the 'stupa of enlightenment'. It was enlisted as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979.
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🪨 The strupa was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake. Almost 30kgs was used in the reconstruction.
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🕉 Hindus and Buddhists both pray here which is something practiced at other religious sites too.
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✅ Other must-visit temples to visit in Kathmandu:
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🛕 Pashupatinath Temple
🛕 Swayambhunath Temple
🛕 Dakshinkali Temple
🛕 Guhyeshwari Temple
🛕 Jagannath Temple
🛕 Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
🛕 Kasthamandapa Temple
🛕 Budhanilkantha Temple
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🇳🇵 . Day 3 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Explor 🇳🇵
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Day 3 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Exploring Kathmandu.
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✅ Must- visit temples in Kathmandu include:

1. Pashupatinath Temple
2. Swayambhunath Temple
3. Dakshinkali Temple
4. Guhyeshwari Temple
5. Jagannath Temple
6. Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
7. Kasthamandapa Temple
8. Budhanilkantha Temple
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🛕Dotted around the city are lots of smaller shrines, stupas and monasteries, such as Drugon Jangchu Monastery, shown in the photo above.
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Fun fact: Kathmandu is also called the city of temples. More than 300+ temples, monasteries, and monuments can be explored inside Kathmandu valley.
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🇳🇵 . Day 2 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Explor 🇳🇵
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Day 2 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Exploring Kathmandu
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👍🏼 अगर आप भारत में रह रहे हैं तो काठमांडू जरूर जाएं।.INR का उपयोग निश्चित दर पर किया जा सकता है और बिना वीजा के। खाना भी बहुत अच्छा है।
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📍Thamel is the biggest tourist market in Nepal and lies in the heart of Kathmandu. It is the tourism centre of the Kathmandu Valley. Here are one can find budget-friendly guesthouses, trekking companies, shopping centers, restaurants for locals and tourists alike.
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🃏 Freak Street, located south of Durbar Square is another interesting part of Kathmandu. This is named after the large number of hippies on the hippie trail residing here in the 1960s and 1970s. 
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🛵 The best and quickest way to get around the city is by scooter taxi. Richshaws and car taxis are slow as the roads are often gridlocked and travelling just a few kilometres can take time. 
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Fun fact: In 2011, Thamel was declared a full Wi-Fi zone, being the first one in Nepal.
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🇳🇵 . Day 1 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Kathma 🇳🇵
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Day 1 - Everest Base Camp Trek - Kathmandu, Nepal
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📍The capital city of Nepal is considered the gateway to the Himalayan mountain range. At an elevation of 1400m (4593 ft), the 17th highest in the world, this compact bustling city is packed full of temples and places of historic interest (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Durbar Square), traffic, chaos, and plenty of noise. 
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🧱 Many sites were destroyed in the major 2015 earthquake (7.8 magnitude), but the city has certainly thriving again and one of those upcoming places to visit.
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🕉 Similar in culture and language to India (80% of Nepal's population are Hindu and Buddhist), and is one of the oldest inhabited placed in the world.
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✈️ Cheap flights from @dxb and @delhiairport 
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Fun fact: Kathmandu valley is full of cultures and heritage sites. It has 7 @unescoworldheritage sites.
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🇱🇹 . 📍Located in southeastern Lithuania, 🇱🇹
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📍Located in southeastern Lithuania, Trakai, famous for its 14-century castle on an island at Lake Galvé, was once home to the great dukes of Lithuania. The castle is surrounded by water on all sides, making it an excellent strategic location. Access is via a footbridge.
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🏰 Built in several phases, the castle fell into a state of disrepair, however during the 19th-century plans were prepared to reconstruct the castle. Work began in earnest in 1952 and finished in 1961. Once used as a prison, the castle is now a museum.
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✈️ Cheap @wizzair flights to Vilnius (27km from Trakai) operate regularly from @ldnlutonairport 
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Fun fact: There are less than 250 people in the world who speak the Turkic language, which is still spoken in Trakai and Vilnius.
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Read my best of Vilnius in a weekend post.
👉 link to website in bio.
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🇩🇰 . 📍Located in the heart of the Jutland 🇩🇰
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📍Located in the heart of the Jutland Peninsula and awarded the European City of Culture in 2017, Aarhus (pronounced oar-hus), Denmark’s second city, packs a lot in. Striking architectural landmarks nestled between enticing restaurants attracting food lovers and city-breakers.
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⛪️ As well as having the longest church in Denmark, Aarhus Domkirke, it has the largest concert hall in Scandinavia too, Musikhuset Aarhus. For good measure, it also has the largest public library in Scandinavia, Dokk1.
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✈️ Cheap @ryanair flights (£20 return) to Aarhus leave Stansted (UK) during the week.
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Fun fact: The Danish people named Aarhus ’Smilets By’, or the Smiling City 😀
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Read my Quick city tour of Aarhus, Denmark
👉 link to website in bio.
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#aarhus #aarhusuni #jutland #visitaarhus #aarhushavn #aarhusø #aarhuscity #hygge #havnefronten #mitaarhus #aarhuscity #aarhusfestuge #aarhusmotion #dokk1 #dokk1aarhus #domkirke #musikhusetaarhus
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