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
Merenid Tombs
Hilltop PanoramaFreeThe 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.
Chouara Tannery Terraces
Medina RooftopFree (with leather shop visit)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.
Borj Nord (Arms Museum)
Fort Panorama20 MAD museum entryA 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.
Cafe Clock Terrace
Rooftop CafeFree with drink (20–45 MAD)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.
Riad Fes Rooftop
Hotel TerraceWith meal or tea (from 80 MAD)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.
Bab Boujloud
Gateway ArchitectureFreeThe 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.
Bou Inania Madrasa
Architectural Photography30 MADOne 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.
Palais Amani Garden Terrace
Boutique Hotel RooftopWith spa or drink (from 60 MAD)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.
Place R'cif Minaret View
Medina SquareFreeThe 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.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Garden PanoramaFreeThe 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.
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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.