We finally made it to Fes—and this day felt extra special because our daughter had just arrived! She missed our first day in Casablanca and Rabat, so we were all excited to be together again after our Scottish Highlands tour in Glasgow.
Fes had so much waiting for us, and our guide was amazing too, sharing stories at every stop.
Exploring Fes, Morocco: A Day of History, Culture, and Color
Our second day in Morocco kicked off bright and early, as our private tour picked us up right from our hotel—Grand Mogador Hotel, which is now known as Hilton DoubleTree in Casablanca. We had about a 3.5-hour scenic drive ahead of us to get to Fes, and the whole way I was just excited because this was the day our daughter would finally be joining us.
As soon as we reached the city, we met our Fes tour guide, who instantly made us feel like we were about to walk through a living museum. He had stories for every corner and helped us see this ancient city through local eyes.
Here’s everything we saw and loved during our unforgettable day in Fes:
Stop 1: The Royal Palace of Fes
We began the day at the Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen)—you can’t go inside, but the exterior alone is worth the stop. The massive brass doors shimmered in the morning sun, framed by intricate mosaic tiles and carved wood. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Fes for good reason. Standing there felt like stepping into a postcard from the past.
Stop 2: Mellah – The Jewish Quarter of Fes
Just beside the palace is the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. The vibe shifted here—quieter streets, carved balconies, and small synagogues hidden behind weathered doors. It was fascinating to hear our guide explain how Jewish families once lived here, with their own rich traditions woven into the city’s history. The contrast between this neighborhood and the nearby medina gave Fes even more depth.
Stop 3: Fes Panoramic Viewpoint
Next, we were taken to a lookout spot above the city. The panoramic view of Fes was absolutely stunning—you could see the medina’s rooftops stretching endlessly, with minarets poking through the skyline and hills wrapping the city like a protective wall. This was the moment we realized just how big and historic Fes really is.
Stop 4: Ceramics Factory
Then came one of my favorite parts of the day—a visit to a local ceramics workshop. We watched artisans handcraft and hand-paint plates, tiles, and tajine pots with incredible detail. I couldn’t resist buying a traditional tajine ceramic pot to take home with me.
Stop 5: Fes Medina
We then entered the Fes Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site—and easily one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever walked through. The narrow alleys, the noise, the color, the life… it was overwhelming in the best way. Shops selling leather bags, copper lamps, scarves, olives, and sweets lined every corner. No GPS could help you here, that’s why we simply get our private tour guide to hit the best places to see.
Stop 6: Bou Inania Madrasa
Hiding inside the bustling medina is the peaceful Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century theological school built by Sultan Abu Inan Faris. This wasn’t just a place for learning—it was a center for Islamic studies, where students once studied theology, Islamic law, and other religious sciences. It also functioned as a mosque, especially for Friday prayers.
The craftsmanship is stunning.
Stop 7: University of Al-Qarawiyyin
Next was a visit to the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, recognized as the oldest operating university in the world, founded in 859 AD. While tourists aren’t allowed inside, just being near this place was powerful. Our guide told us how it was founded by a woman and has been a center of Islamic learning for centuries. You could feel the weight of history here.
Stop 8: Moroccan Knitting Workshop
We stopped briefly at a Moroccan knitting shop, where men and women were working on scarves, hats, and other handmade clothing. The colors were vibrant, and the detail was beautiful. It was nice to see traditional crafts being kept alive, and we picked up a few gifts to bring home.
The Fes Tannery – A Tradition Like No Other
Our last stop of the day was one of the most unique: a traditional tannery, tucked within the old medina. It’s one of the oldest in the world, and seeing it in person was like stepping into a scene that hasn’t changed for centuries.
How Traditional Moroccan Tanning Works:
Animal hides (sheep, goat, cow) are soaked in a mix of limestone, water, and pigeon droppings to soften them.
The skins are then washed and cleaned by hand.
Next, they’re placed in large dye pits—natural colors like saffron for yellow, poppy flower for red, and indigo for blue.
After dyeing, the hides are laid out in the sun to dry on rooftops or open spaces.
The dried leather is then used to create bags, belts, slippers, jackets, and more.
Surprisingly, the smell wasn’t too strong when we visited—it was actually quite bearable. They still offered mint leaves to hold near your nose, but we didn’t really need them. Watching the entire process from above was such a cool experience and one of the most memorable parts of our day in Fes.
Final Thoughts: A Day to Remember in Fes
Fes has a way of pulling you into its history. Every alley, arch, and artisan told a story. What made it all even more special was sharing it with my family—especially with our daughter finally joining us.
If you’re planning a Morocco itinerary, a full day exploring Fes with a guide is something I can’t recommend enough. This wasn’t just sightseeing—it was stepping into living history, one beautiful stop at a time.
Jeng Cua
After borrowing her lifestyle, living paycheck to paycheck, this work from anywhere mom wouldn’t let anything stop her from chasing her dreams. Now, Jeng has achieved more than she ever imagined, while crafting her life of freedom and purpose by doing what she LOVE. Her passion to travel and work at her own pace is contagious inspiring others to be their boss!