Fes & Meknes Travel Guide: Journey into Morocco's Imperial Soul

To truly understand Morocco, you must walk through its history. Nowhere is this more possible than in the imperial cities of Morocco, and at the heart of this legacy are Fes and Meknes. These two cities, located less than an hour apart, offer a profound journey into the country's soul, each telling a different story of power, faith, artistry, and ambition. This comprehensive guide explores all the incredible things to do in Fes and Meknes, helping you decide how to best experience this fascinating region.

Fes, the ancient spiritual center, enchants with its labyrinthine medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels suspended in time. Meknes, its grand and often-overlooked neighbor, impresses with its monumental scale and the legacy of a sultan who dreamed of building the "Versailles of Morocco." Visiting both is not just a tour; it’s a step back through centuries of Moroccan history.

Fes: The Spirited Soul of Morocco

There is nowhere on earth quite like Fes. As the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, it has been the country's cultural, spiritual, and intellectual capital for over a millennium. Its heart is Fes el-Bali, a sprawling, chaotic, and utterly captivating medieval city where donkeys are still the primary form of transport. A trip to Fes is an immersive, sensory experience that stays with you long after you've left its winding alleyways. A splendid Fes experience is guaranteed.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Fes

Explore Fes el-Bali (The Old Medina)

The main event. This is the world’s largest surviving medieval city and an urban labyrinth of over 9,000 alleyways. Getting lost here isn't just a possibility; it's part of the magic. Every corner reveals a new sight: a bustling souk filled with spices, a hidden courtyard with a tinkling fountain, or an artisan hammering intricate designs into a brass tray. The best way to see the Fes attractions within the medina is with a certified guide for your first day to get your bearings.

Witness the Chouara Tannery

One of the most iconic sights in Fes, Morocco, the Chouara Tannery has been in operation for centuries. From the terraces of the surrounding leather shops, you can watch the workers treat and dye animal hides in a kaleidoscope of stone vats—a process that has remained unchanged for generations. The smell is pungent (you'll be offered a sprig of mint to help), but the view is an unforgettable photograph and a testament to ancient craftsmanship.

Visit Al-Qarawiyyin University & Mosque

Founded in 859 AD, the University of Al-Qarawiyyin is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest continuously operating, degree-granting university in the world. While non-Muslims cannot enter the main prayer hall, you can peek into its serene courtyard from the entrance gates and appreciate its historical significance. It stands as a powerful symbol of Fes's legacy as a center of learning.

Admire the Bou Inania Madrasa

A stunning example of Marinid architecture, this 14th-century religious college is one of the few Islamic sites in Fes open to non-Muslims. Its interior is a masterpiece of intricate zellij tilework, carved plaster, and beautiful cedarwood, all surrounding a tranquil central courtyard. It’s a peaceful and breathtaking space that showcases the pinnacle of Moroccan artistry.

Enter Through Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate)

The grand and iconic entrance to Fes el-Bali, Bab Bou Jeloud, is a must-see. The gate is famous for its striking blue mosaic tiles on the outside, which transition to green tiles on the inside (green being the color of Islam). Passing through this gate feels like stepping into another era. It's a bustling spot and a great landmark for navigating the medina.

Meknes: The Grand Vision of a Sultan

Often living in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, Meknès, Morocco is an imperial city that deserves its own spotlight. It rose to prominence in the 17th century under the ambitious Sultan Moulay Ismail, who set out to create a capital of unparalleled grandeur. The result is a city of massive walls, monumental gates, and vast underground structures. Meknes is more relaxed and manageable than Fes, making it a wonderful and less overwhelming travel experience.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Meknes

Marvel at Bab Mansour Laleuj

Considered one of the most beautiful gates in all of North Africa, Bab Mansour is the main entrance to Moulay Ismail's imperial city. Completed in 1732, its sheer scale and intricate zellij tilework, inscriptions, and marble columns (plundered from the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis) are designed to inspire awe. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the city's imperial past.

Explore Heri es-Souani (The Royal Stables and Granaries)

This vast complex is a testament to Moulay Ismail's grand vision. The structure was engineered to store grain and water for the entire city and to house an astonishing 12,000 horses. The massive vaulted chambers and ingenious natural cooling system are an incredible feat of engineering. Walking through the seemingly endless rows of arches is a powerful experience.

Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

One of the few Moroccan mosques open to non-Muslims, this is the final resting place of the sultan who built Meknes into an imperial capital. The tomb is a pilgrimage site for Moroccans, and visitors are welcome to enter the peaceful outer courtyards to admire the beautiful fountains and intricate tilework, a serene example of Moroccan sacred architecture.

Unmissable Day Trip: Volubilis & Moulay Idriss

No Fes travel guide is complete without mentioning the incredible day trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Easily accessible from both Fes and Meknes, this journey takes you even further back in time. Volubilis is a remarkably well-preserved Roman city, a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can walk among ancient villas, temples, and stunning floor mosaics. Nearby, the whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is perched on a hilltop and is one of Morocco's most important spiritual sites, as it holds the tomb of the country's first Islamic ruler.

Fes vs. Meknes: Which Imperial City Should You Visit?

Ideally, you should visit both. A tour from Fes can easily incorporate Meknes and Volubilis. However, if time is short:

• Choose Fes if: You crave a deep, immersive, and sometimes challenging cultural experience. You love getting lost, exploring ancient crafts, and feeling the vibrant, chaotic pulse of a city that has existed for centuries.
• Choose Meknes if: You prefer a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer crowds. You are fascinated by grand-scale architecture and the ambitious vision of a single powerful ruler. It offers a more relaxed and manageable introduction to imperial Morocco.