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Photography Guide
10 Best Viewpoints in Fes
Hilltop panoramas, tannery terraces, Merenid ruins, and medina rooftop lookouts: where to find the best views of the world's oldest living city.
Fes Photography Tips
Top viewpoint: Merenid Tombs — the defining panorama of Fes
Most iconic shot: Chouara tannery dye pits from above
Best light: Sunrise at Merenid Tombs, late morning at tanneries
Etiquette: Ask before photographing tannery workers; tip expected at leather shop terraces
1
Merenid Tombs
Hilltop PanoramaFree Hill north of Fes el-Bali Best: Sunrise or sunset
The defining viewpoint of Fes — ruined 14th-century tombs on the hill north of the medina that offer a sweeping panorama of the entire walled city. The view is staggering: 9,400 lanes of the world's largest car-free urban area spread below you, punctuated by hundreds of minarets, the green-tiled roof of the Qarawiyyin Mosque, and the white rooftops of the mellah. At sunrise, the eastern light illuminates the medina in warm gold. At sunset, the minarets become silhouettes against an orange sky. The tombs themselves are atmospheric ruins — carved stone arches framing the city below. Taxis from the medina cost 20–30 MAD.
Tip: Sunrise is quieter and the light is extraordinary — the medina glows gold from this angle
2
Chouara Tannery Terraces
Medina RooftopFree (with leather shop visit) Hay Lablida, Fes el-Bali medina Best: Late morning (10–12pm for best light on dye pits)
The most photographed scene in Fes — the Chouara leather tanneries viewed from the surrounding terraces. The dye pits form a geometric pattern of circles filled with vibrant colours: red, yellow, white, brown, and blue. Workers move between the pits, kneading and dyeing leather as they have for centuries. The terraces are inside leather shops that offer free access (with an expectation of browsing). The view is from the second or third floor, directly above the pits. The smell is intense — shops offer sprigs of mint to hold under your nose. The colours are brightest in the morning when fresh dye is poured.
Tip: Visit between 10am and noon when workers are active and the dye colours are freshest
3
Borj Nord (Arms Museum)
Fort Panorama20 MAD museum entry Western hill, above Fes el-Bali Best: Late afternoon
A 16th-century Saadian fort on the western hill — offering a wide panorama from a different angle than the Merenid Tombs. The view stretches across the entire medina from west to east, with the minarets of the Qarawiyyin and Andalous mosques prominent. The fort houses an arms museum (historic Moroccan weaponry) but the rooftop terrace and surrounding grounds are the main attraction for photographers. The afternoon light falls on the eastern face of the medina from this angle, creating warm tones. Less crowded than the Merenid Tombs. The walk from Bab Guissa takes 20 minutes.
Tip: Afternoon light hits the medina perfectly from this western angle — warm and directional
4
Cafe Clock Terrace
Rooftop CafeFree with drink (20–45 MAD) Derb el-Magana, Talaa Kebira, medina Best: Late afternoon
A multi-level terrace cafe deep in the medina — Cafe Clock's rooftop offers intimate views over the surrounding medina rooftops. Unlike the hilltop panoramas, this view is from within the medina — you're at rooftop level, surrounded by satellite dishes, laundry lines, cats, and the occasional stork's nest. The Qarawiyyin minaret is visible in the distance. The cafe serves excellent food (the camel burger is famous) and hosts live Gnawa music on weekends. The atmosphere is a mix of travellers and locals. The terrace has multiple levels — each offering a slightly different angle.
Tip: Sunday afternoons have live Gnawa music — the terrace atmosphere is unbeatable
5
Riad Fes Rooftop
Hotel TerraceWith meal or tea (from 80 MAD) Derb Ben Slimane, Zerbtana, medina Best: Sunset
One of the most polished rooftop experiences in Fes — the Riad Fes hotel's terrace offers 360-degree views with comfortable seating, cocktails, and professional service. The view includes the Qarawiyyin Mosque (directly below), the medina rooftops, and the surrounding hills. The terrace is beautifully designed: tiled floors, brass lanterns, potted plants. Non-guests can access the terrace with a reservation for drinks or dinner. Sunset from here is exceptional — the call to prayer from the surrounding minarets adds an atmospheric soundtrack. More intimate and less crowded than Cafe Clock.
Tip: Book a sunset drink slot — the call to prayer at dusk from this rooftop is an extraordinary experience
6
Bab Boujloud
Gateway ArchitectureFree Bab Boujloud, medina entrance Best: Morning (9–11am)
The most famous gate in Morocco — Bab Boujloud's blue zellige exterior (green interior) frames the entrance to the medina with the minaret of the Bou Inania Madrasa rising behind. The composition is instantly recognizable: ornate Moorish arches, blue geometric tilework, and the green-tiled minaret. The best photos are taken from across the small plaza in front of the gate, with the minaret centred through the main arch. Morning light illuminates the blue exterior; afternoon light catches the green interior face. The surrounding cafes have elevated terraces for a different angle.
Tip: Stand across the plaza and zoom in to frame the minaret through the central arch
7
Bou Inania Madrasa
Architectural Photography30 MAD Talaa Kebira, near Bab Boujloud Best: Late morning
One of the finest examples of Merenid architecture in Morocco — the courtyard of the Bou Inania Madrasa is a symphony of carved plaster, cedar, zellige, and marble. The central fountain, surrounded by intricately decorated walls rising three stories, creates compositions of extraordinary detail. The minaret (visible from Bab Boujloud) rises above the courtyard. The madrasa is smaller and less crowded than the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, but the quality of decoration is arguably superior. Every surface is carved, painted, or tiled. The morning light entering from the east creates beautiful patterns on the zellige floors.
Tip: Look up at the carved cedar eaves — the woodwork detail is some of the finest in Morocco
8
Palais Amani Garden Terrace
Boutique Hotel RooftopWith spa or drink (from 60 MAD) Derb el-Miter, near Bab Guissa Best: Mid-morning
A rooftop garden terrace at one of Fes's best boutique hotels — the view is intimate rather than panoramic, looking over the palace's own garden and the surrounding medina rooftops. The terrace is beautifully planted with herbs and flowers. The combination of garden greenery and medina architecture creates a peaceful composition. Non-guests can access via spa booking or the restaurant. The palace's own garden (below the terrace) has a beautiful symmetrical layout with a central fountain. The Atlas Mountain foothills are visible on clear mornings.
Tip: Combine with a spa visit — the rooftop garden after a hammam is the most peaceful spot in Fes
9
Place R'cif Minaret View
Medina SquareFree Place R'cif, central medina Best: Friday after prayer
The R'cif area — the commercial heart of the medina — offers ground-level views of the R'cif Mosque minaret rising above the surrounding bazaar. The square is one of the most photogenic in Fes: market stalls, donkey traffic, and a sea of humanity flowing through narrow lanes. The composition is pure medina: a green-tiled minaret above a chaotic market scene. The surrounding streets have some of the most visually dense bazaar scenes in Morocco. Friday afternoons, after prayer, the streets are briefly quieter before the weekend shopping rush begins. The atmosphere here is deeply local.
Tip: Friday after prayer is the quietest — the streets clear briefly before the afternoon shopping rush
10
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Garden PanoramaFree Outside Bab Boujloud, western medina edge Best: Morning
The public gardens outside the medina walls — Jnan Sbil (also called Bou Jeloud Gardens) offer a different kind of viewpoint: the medina walls and Bab Boujloud gate seen from outside, with the gardens' bamboo groves, lakes, and shaded paths in the foreground. The view of the medina walls rising above the gardens creates a beautiful composition of nature and architecture. The gardens themselves are a peaceful retreat from the medina — locals come here for morning walks, picnics, and socializing. The bamboo grove creates atmospheric dappled light. A good spot for a calm counterpoint to the intense medina photography.
Tip: The bamboo grove creates beautiful dappled light — photograph the medina walls through the leaves
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get the best views of the Fes medina?
The best panoramic view of the Fes medina is from the Merenid Tombs on the hill north of the medina — a free viewpoint that offers a sweeping panorama of the entire walled city. For views from within the medina, the tannery terraces near Chouara offer dramatic aerial views of the dye pits. Several rooftop cafes and restaurants (Cafe Clock, Riad Fes, Palais Amani) have terraces with medina views. The Borj Nord fort offers a different angle — a wide western view of the medina and its minarets.
Is the Merenid Tombs viewpoint safe?
Yes, the Merenid Tombs viewpoint is safe during daylight hours. The hilltop is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The walk up from Bab Guissa takes about 15 minutes. Avoid the area after dark, as it is unlit. A taxi from the medina to the tombs costs about 20–30 MAD. The best times for photography are early morning (the medina is lit from the east) and sunset (warm golden light). The view encompasses the entire Fes el-Bali medina — the largest car-free urban area in the world.