Solo Traveller’s Guide to Fes: Morocco’s “Cultural Capital”
Travelling solo to Fes? Discover the best things to do, where to stay and essential tips in this Solo Traveller’s Guide to Fes.
Fes is Morocco at its most enchanting – an atmospheric maze of medieval lanes, ancient traditions and sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s an imperial city I have visited multiple times and grown to love, particularly when travelling solo and with the space to follow my curiosity.
Travelling alone in Fes can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Every turn reveals something new: craftspeople at work in the hole-in-the-wall workshops, the scent of fresh bread drifting from communal ovens and the echoes of the call to prayer ringing out across the world’s largest car-free medina.
Personally, I think Fes is an ideal destination for curious solo explorers looking to dive deeper into Moroccan culture.
In this guide to solo travel in Fes, I’ll explain everything you need to know about exploring this ancient Moroccan city, from transport to sightseeing and amazing places to stay.
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Getting to Fes
By Air:
- Fly into Fes-Saïss Airport — a 30-minute drive from the edge of the medina.
- Taxis cost around 250–300 MAD (night rates are slightly higher).
By Bus:
- Fes is well-connected by bus to destinations across Morocco.
- CTM and Supratours are the two main companies used by tourists.
- Bus tickets can be purchased online, either directly with the companies or at 12Go.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling Morocco by bus here.
By Train:
- Fes is connected to Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and Tangier by train.
- Tickets can be purchased via the ONCF website or at 12Go.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling Morocco by train here.
Getting Around Fes
- Walking: The medina is car-free and relatively easy to navigate on foot.
- Petit taxis: Short rides within the city cost 10–50 MAD. Taxis should be metered, but if not, agree on the fare before riding.
- Car rental: Ideal if you’re planning day trips to Meknes, Volubilis or the cedar forests of Afrou. Discover everything you need to know about renting a car in Fes here.
Safety note:
Fes is generally a safe city to visit – petty theft is rare and locals are used to solo tourists. That being said, I recommend keeping valuables stashed safely away and don’t follow any unsolicited “guides” who approach you in the medina.
Where to Stay in Fes
Fes is a city that can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re exploring it on your own. There are LOTS of people competing for your attention and it’s easy to get lost in the medina amidst the chaos.
That’s why it’s important to find a place where you can retreat when the hustle and bustle becomes too much.
Fortunately, Fes is filled with amazing riads that cater to independent travellers of all budgets, ranging from affordable to luxurious. In my opinion, the city excels in its traditional riads – properties that have been beautifully restored to showcase their original features, rather than being modernised.
Head here to find a collection of highly recommended hotels in Fes for solo travellers or check out some of my favourites below.
Budget beauty – Moroccan Dream Hostel
Mid-range magic – Riad Al Bartal
High-end splurge – Riad Fes – Relais & Châteaux
Top Things to Do in Fes for Solo Travellers
1. Wander the Labyrinthine Streets of Fes el-Bali
Referred to as Fes el-Bali, the city’s medina is not only one of the largest car-free areas in the world. It has also been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its 9,000+ winding alleys meander through souks, artisan workshops and past centuries-old mosques. Believe me when I say it’s a paradise for adventurous solo travellers.
Top things to see and do in Fes el-Bali:
- Capture a photo of the stunning Bab Boujloud gate, one of the medina’s most iconic entrances.
- Soak up the views across Fes el-Bali from a rooftop restaurant or cafe.
- Discover the history of the world’s oldest continuously operating university, Al Quaraouiyine. It currently functions as an active mosque and is not open to non-Muslims, though you can often glimpse its beautifully decorated inner courtyard through the open doors.
Solo tip:
Worried about getting lost in the medina? Consider hiring a local guide on your first day or join a small-group tour of Fes el-Bali. It will help you to get your bearings and give you the confidence to explore independently the following day.
2. Visit the Chouara Tannery
Chances are you’ve heard about the tanneries in Fes (they’re among the oldest in the world) and Choura is undoubtedly the most famous. It’s the largest tannery in the city and believed to date back to its founding in the 9th century.
From its high terrace, you can observe artisans dyeing leather in large stone vats, employing techniques that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. In the shops below, you’ll discover a vast selection of leather products available for purchase, including bags, babouches, jackets and pouffes.
Solo tip:
If you plan to visit the Chouara Tannery without a guide, you will probably be approached by one of the staff from the leather shops below. They will guide you to the terrace and provide a brief history of the site. If you don’t intend to buy any leather goods from them after your visit, it’s customary to leave a tip.
3. Explore Al Attarine Madrasa
Commissioned in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris, Al Attarine is one of the most beautiful madrasas in Fes. It’s definitely my favourite!
At the centre, you will find a beautifully decorated courtyard that leads into a spacious prayer hall. The tall walls are embellished with intricate stucco carvings and calligraphic designs, while zellige tiles adorn large areas.
Encircling the courtyard are the modest yet functional student accommodations. Make sure to check them out too!
Solo tip:
Al Attarine Madrasa can get really busy with tour groups. Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and people-free pics.
4. Shop for Artisan Goods in the Souks
Fes has been a centre for artisans for more than a thousand years and it continues to be one of Morocco’s top shopping destinations today. It is famous for its ceramics, brass lanterns and zellige tiles, as well as, of course, its handcrafted leather products.
If you’re looking to find unique souvenirs during your visit to Morocco, Fes is the ideal location.
In addition to the typical items you’ll encounter throughout the country, you’ll discover distinctive pieces that are crafted in Fes’ small workshops. If you enjoy connecting with the creators, Fes will certainly meet your expectations!
Shopping experiences not to miss in Fes:
- Shop for handmade soaps, aromatic spices and argan oil products at Souk Al-Attarine (just a short walk from Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque).
- Listen to the sounds of coppersmiths shaping metal into lanterns, brass trays, and teapots in Souk Seffarine.
- Browse the handmade ceramics and artisan rugs for sale at the Cooperative Artisanal de Fes.
If it’s your first time shopping in a Moroccan souk, check out my guide for solo travellers here. It explains what you can expect and the art of haggling to get a great deal.
5. Join a Moroccan Cooking Class
There are many cities in Morocco where you can participate in a cooking class. However, I think that Fes stands out as one of the best.
For the record, it has been dubbed the “Moroccan Capital of Food”. This is largely due to the fact that this historic city boasts its own unique cuisine – Fassi.
Fassi cuisine is believed to have its roots in the city’s funduqs (historic inns that were once frequented by traveling merchants). It merges cultural influences from the Amazigh, Moors, Jews and French.
When you take a cooking class in Fes, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to make traditional dishes such as chicken tagine with preserved lemon, pastilla or couscous. Most of these can be adjusted to suit vegetarian or vegan diets – just inform your hosts when you make your reservation.
Top-rated food experiences in Fes for solo travellers:
- Discover some of the city’s top historical sights while sampling street food on a Fes Cultural and Tasting Tour.
- Share a meal with a Moroccan family (and help to prepare it) during this Dinner With a Family in Fes experience.
- Learn the secrets of Fassi cuisine on the open-air terrace of Palais Amani – one of the leading cooking schools in Fes.
Looking for more amazing food tours and experiences in Fes? Check out my detailed article here.
Solo tip:
Small-group cooking classes are a fantastic way to meet other travellers (as well as locals!) Not only will you learn new skills, but you’ll get to enjoy a delicious meal together at the end!
6. Visit the Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts
Commissioned by Sultan Hassan I of the Alaouite dynasty in the late 19th century, Dar Batha is one of my favourite places to visit in Fes. It has recently reopened to the public after extensive restorations and highlights Morocco’s architectural and artistic brilliance.
Dar Batha features an impressive collection of over 6,500 historical artefacts and crafts, making it one of the best museums in Fes. Its galleries are arranged around a magnificent Andalusian-style garden – it’s the perfect place to spend a few quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
For more details about visiting Dar Batha, including opening hours and entrance fees, check out my detailed article here.
Photography tip:
DSLR and compact cameras are not permitted in Dar Batha. However, you can take photos with your phone.
7. Visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts
Housed in a beautifully restored caravanserai, the Nejjarine Museum highlights Morocco’s rich woodworking traditions. The building is gorgeous and the displays are engaging. In short, I absolutely LOVE this place!
Some of the standout items in the Nejjarine Museum’s collection include stunning chests, mashrabiya screens and musical instruments, along with wooden boards that were once used for Quranic recitations. If you have a passion for woodwork (like I do), this museum is definitely one of the top places to visit in Fes.
For more information about visiting the Nejjarine Museum, including opening hours and entrance fees, head here.
Solo tip:
After exploring the galleries of the Nejjarine Museum, climb to the rooftop terrace. There’s a cafe here serving hot and cold drinks, acommpanied by wonderful views across Fes.
8. Climb to Borj Nord for Sunset Views
In the late afternoon, escape the medina and make your way (either by foot or taxi) to Borj Nord, a 16th-century fortress that offers a stunning view of the old city. It’s a fantastic spot to watch the sunset and listen to the evening call to prayer echo across the rooftops.
Borj Nord is also home to the Museum of Arms, showcasing military artifacts from over 30 nations. Some of the items on display were actually produced in Fes at a 19th-century arms manufacturing facility.
If this piques your interest, plan to arrive at Borj Nord before it closes at 6 pm.
For more details about the best museums in Fes, including their opening hours and entrance fees, check out my detailed article here.
Solo tip:
Although the area around Borj Nord is generally safe, I would advise solo travellers not to stay out too late after dark. Once the last sunset-watchers start to leave, head down with them.
9. Take a Day Trip from Fes
Fes serves as an excellent starting point for day trips into the Moroccan countryside and nearby cities, whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or a touch of nature.
It has great rail connections to the Imperial city of Meknes. Additionally, buses head north from Fes to Chefchaouen, one of the most Instagrammable destinations in Morocco.
If you’re interested in joining a guided tour from Fes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some tours cover several destinations in a single day – something that would be challenging to achieve on your own using public transport.
Top day trips from Fes:
- Take in the grand gates of Meknes, the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Head north to the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen to explore its photogenic streets and mountain views.
- Travel to the cedar forests of Azrou to come face-to-face with Barbary macaques and wander the Swiss-inspired streets of Ifrane.
Discover more of my top Fes day trip recommendations here.
Exploring Fes Independently
Travelling solo in Fes is an experience unlike any other. Yes, it can be intense. But it’s also eye-opening and incredibly rewarding. Exploring Fes independently has taught me to travel with an open mind and cultural awareness – there’s a lot to learn from the way Moroccans have traditionally lived.
Whether you’re wandering the narrow alleys of the medina, sipping mint tea on a rooftop terrace or learning centuries-old traditions from local artisans, Fes is a destination that, I believe, solo travellers can navigate confidently and safely.
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
