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So, you are planning a trip to Fez? Welcome to Morocco’s cultural city. Fez is a vibrant city that is so rich in history and culture. There’s plenty to see and do in Fez, and with 3 days in Fez, you’ll be able to get a good taste of what this city has to offer.
Fez is the place where you can truly immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. From exploring the narrow alleys of the old Medina and bargaining for leather goods at the Souk to trying out the best food, Fez has it all.
We put this 3-day Fez itinerary to covers the must-do things in the city, but you can also take a look at our comprehensive list of all the things to do in Fez.
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About Our Fez Itinerary
Fez is one of the most popular cities to visit in Morocco. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and there are plenty of things to do in the city.
My husband and I have spent a lot of time discovering Fez and its hidden treasures and I won’t lie Fez can be really overwhelming even for a Moroccan (me) if you don’t know where to go and how to navigate the city.
This is why we created this 3 days Fez itinerary to help our readers make the most of their time in Fez. Why 3 days? We believe that 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore the main gems of Fez without feeling rushed.
But of course, if you have more time, you can always add more activities to your itinerary but 3 days is a good start. What if I have just two days? well, If you have just 2 days in Fez, simply skip Day 3 on our itinerary.
Our itinerary is designed so that you can easily mix and match activities according to your interests and travel style. We’ve also included recommended hotels, restaurants, and cafes each day so that you can easily plan your trip.
Without further ado, here is our 3-day Fez itinerary.
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Fez 3 days Itinerary: DAY 1
Marvel at Bab Bou Jloud gate (Blue Gate)
On the way to your Riad in the old Medina, you’ll be able to see the beautiful blue gate (Bab Bou Jloud). The massive gate is the main entrance to the old part of the city (Fes El Bali) and it’s a sight not to be missed.
The blue gate was built in 1913 to serve as the main entrance to the old Medina. The local name given to the gate is Bab Bou Jloud but it is also commonly referred to as the Blue Gate for its exterior side blue color.
Explore the old Medina with a local guide
The best way to explore the old Medina of Fez is to simply hire a local guide. Fes El Bali is formed with infinite alleyways and it can be really easy to get lost.
On our first visit to Fez, my husband and I attempted to explore the Medina without a guide and it was so confusing. So, we ended up finding our way back to the Riad to hire a local guide.
A local guide will be able to take you to all the hidden spots that you would have missed if you were exploring on your own.
Some of the famous attractions you will discover with your guide are the artisanal workshops, the tanneries, the blue gate, Bou Anania Madrassa, the Souq Attarine, Quaraouiyine Mosque, Nejjarine Fountain, Batha Palace, and many more.
Visit the Chouara Tanneries
One of the stops during the guided tour of the Medina is the Chouara Tanneries. The leather tanneries are one of the most iconic sights in Fez and Chouara is the oldest and largest of all the tanneries in Morocco.
The tanneries have been in operation since the 11th century and the process of making leather hasn’t changed much since then.
We were lucky to witness the complicated process of making leather in Chouara. The hides are soaked in large basins of lime and water before being dyed using natural pigments. The dyes used are usually derived from plants and minerals.
Once the skins are dyed, they are stretched out to dry in the sun on the rooftops of the tanneries. After they are dried, they are ready to be turned into beautiful leather products.
Finding the right spot to get a good view of the tanneries can be tricky. Our guide took us to the perfect viewing spot where we had an amazing panoramic view of the tanneries.
But if you decide not to go with a guide just head to this location of a leather shop. They have the perfect view of Chouara from their balcony. You don’t have to pay to go in but you can purchase something from their shop if you like.
Enjoy an authentic dinner at your Riad
Most Riads in Morocco offer dinner options for their guests. And we highly recommend that you take advantage of this and have dinner at your Riad.
The dinner will be a homemade version of a traditional Moroccan meal. The best part about having dinner at your Riad is that you won’t have to worry about finding a good restaurant in Medina.
They can also arrange a romantic dinner set up if you ask for it. So, if you’re celebrating a special occasion during your trip to Fez, try and arrange a surprise dinner for your loved one.
But if your Riad doesn’t have dinner options which it’s rare, there are plenty of Riads that take dinner reservations even if you are not staying there. They will even come and pick you up from your hotel or Riad.
Day 1 Overview
- Morning: Marvel at the blue gate (Aka Bab Bou Jloud Gate)
- Morning/afternoon:Explore the old Medina with a local guide
- Morning/afternoon: Visit the Chouara Tanneries
- Evening: Enjoy a homemade dinner at a Riad
Fez 3 days Itinerary: DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Clock
Start your second day in Fez with a yummy breakfast at Cafe Clock.
Cafe Clock is probably Fez’s most famous cafe and restaurant. It offers authentic dining experiences with a variety of Moroccan and western dishes to choose from.
Cafe Clock is located in the Fes El Bali district of Medina just. The restaurant is located in the middle of the Medina on Taala Kabira street. My favorite thing about this place is the view. From the rooftop terrace of Cafe Clock, you can get a glimpse of the old Medina vibes.
We tried Cafe Clock for breakfast but I have heard that they have great meals for lunch and dinner. If you are staying in old Medina, there is no harm in trying this place more than one time. The prices are very reasonable as well.
Cooking class tour followed by lunch
This is one of the many things I always recommend to first-time visitors to Morocco. There is nothing better than taking a cooking lesson from a local chef and then enjoying the meal you cooked for lunch.
My husband didn’t want to go for a cooking lesson in Fez since I’m his everyday Moroccan chef (he just loves my food :p). But I wouldn’t mind going for it if he wanted to. It is a fun thing to do and I may as well learn a tip or two about our Moroccan food from a real chef.
The cooking lesson usually starts by discussing the menu you are going to make and then followed by a visit to the local market (Aka souq) where you will buy all the ingredients you need including fresh produce and spices.
After the Souq visit, you will head back to the Riad (cooking lessons are usually held in Riads) where the Moroccan chef will teach you how to cook multiple Moroccan dishes. And once everything is cooked, you will get to enjoy your own creation for lunch.
The best part is that you get to keep the recipes so that you can make the same meal back home. Talking about Moroccan recipes, I have a few easy ones on our website, check them out if you feel like making some Moroccan food at home.
There are many cooking classes to choose from in Fez. The previously mentioned Clock cafe offers them as well.
Spend an evening at Janane Sbil Graden
Jnane Sbil Gardens are a lovely place to end your second day in Fez. Straddling the Medina and the Mellah (the Jewish quarter), this beautiful garden is the only proper green space in the old Medina.
Jnane Sbil is not just a normal garden with a bunch of trees and flowers. It has a long and rich history that goes back to the 19th century by Sultan Moulay Hassan I to provide a place of relaxation for the royal family.
Now, the gardens are open to the public and anyone can enjoy a stroll through its ancient trees, fountains, and the famous waterwheel. Once you are done, hit the nearby Café La Noria for a fresh pot of Moroccan mint tea.
Alterntive: Visit Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs
If you are not into gardens and in good shape to climb some hills, you can spend your evening visiting two of Fez’s most famous historical sites, Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs.
Borj Nord is an ancient fortress located on the northern hill of Fez overlooking Fes El Bali district. The fortress was built in the 16th century by the Saadi Dynasty as a defense structure against external attacks.
The fort is now called the Museum of Arms, where a collection of Moroccan weaponry from different periods is exhibited. And if you head up toward the summit of the hill, you will find the second attraction in this evening plan, the Merenid Tombs.
Unfortunately, the tombs are in a bad state, and not much to see. But the views of Fes El Bali from up there are simply unexplainable, especially at sunset.
Day 2 Overview
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Cafe Clock
- Afternoon: Cooking class tour followed by lunch
- Evening: Spend an evening at Janan Sbil Graden
- Alterntive: Borj Nord and Merenid Tombs
Fez 3 days Itinerary_DAY 3
Souvenir shopping at the Souk
Your last day of these 3 days in Fez itinerary will be dedicated to souvenir shopping. Because what’s a trip to Morocco without some good old Moroccan souvenirs, right?
I always wanted to buy a leather poof for my house and I picked a beautiful brown one I found in Fez. That was the only thing I bought on this trip as I was on a tight budget but there are plenty of other things to buy such as Berber rugs, lanterns, spices, and clothing.
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Visit Fez new city (Fes Nouvelle)
There isn’t actually much to see in the new city of Fez as it is quite a modern area with not much historical significance.
The reason I wanted to include it in this 3 day in Fez itinerary is that the new city offers a completely different vibe from the old Medina.
It is a lot more relaxed with wider streets, fewer people, and more green spaces. You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the new city, maybe a lunch in one of the many restaurants before heading back to your Riad for some well-deserved rest.
Indulge in a Moroccan Hammam Spa
If you still have some energy left, I recommend that you treat yourself to a Moroccan Hammam Spa. Hammams are very popular in Morocco and you will see many of them around the city.
A Hammam is a type of steam room where you can relax, get rid of all the dead skin on your body, and have a good scrub.
It is a very traditional way of cleansing oneself and has been around for centuries. If you want to try it out, make sure to book a Hammam session in advance as they tend to get full quickly.
Day 3 Overview
- Morning: Souvenir shopping at the Souk
- Afternoon: Visit Fez new city (Fes Nouvelle)
- Evening: Indulge in a Moroccan Hammam Spa
Where to say in Fez during your 3 days trip
The best place area to stay in Fez is the Fes El Bali district in the old Medina. This is where all the main attractions are located and where you will get the most authentic Fez experience.
There are plenty of Riads and guesthouses to choose from in this area. I stayed in the lovely Riad Farah, which I highly recommend. It’s located at the entrance of the Fes El Bali. We loved staying there, the rooms were lovely, and an amazing rooftop view. The only downside of our experience in this Riad is that the AC in our room wasn’t working and there was no availability to change to another room.
>>Check more budget hotels in Fez
Riad Braya is another mid-range Riad I was planning to stay in but unfortunately, they were fully booked when I was there. An authentic stay with a modern twist, Riad Fes should definitely be on your list.
>>Check more mid-range hotels in Fez
If you are looking for a more luxurious place to stay, I recommend Palais Amani. Known for its impeccable service and stunning interior design, this Riads is one of the best in Fez.
>>Check more luxury hotels in Fez
3 days in Fez Budget
Fez is a relatively cheap city to visit, especially when compared to other places in Europe or North America.
The budget will depend on your travel style and the type of accommodation you choose. We chose to budget our 3 days trip in Fez as we were visiting other cities in Morocco as well.
But if you want to know how much you would need for 3 days in Fez only, here is a rough estimate per person per day:
- 3 nights in a double room at Riad Farah: $60/night
- Entrance fees: $20/day
- Medina Tour guide: $50/ 4-5 hours guide
- Transport/transfers: $30/ day
- Food drinks snacks: $30-$50 /day
- Cooking class tour with lunch: $50
- Hammam Spa Day: $60-$90
3 days in Fez useful tips and tours
- Fez Medina Sightseeing Tour: If you want to make the most of your 3 days in Fez and see all the main attractions, book a Medina sightseeing tour with a qualified guide. This will allow you to see all the main sights in Fez without having to worry about getting lost or scammed by shop owners.
- Chefchaouen day trip: Chefchaouen is a beautiful blue city located in the Rif Mountains, about 3 hours away from Fez. If you have some extra time, or maybe you want to take advantage of your last to discover somewhere else. I recommend that book a day trip to Chaouen with a hotel pickup and a qualified guide.
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