How to Spend 2 Days in Fes
Quick answer
Spend day one on a guided deep-dive of the Fes medina — the Chouara tannery, the medersas, Al-Qarawiyyin and the souks — and day two exploring the medina solo at your own pace or taking a day trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Meknes.
Two days is the sweet spot for Fes: enough to do the world’s largest car-free medina justice and add either some unhurried wandering or a worthwhile day trip. Here’s a relaxed plan.
A guided first day pays off hugely here, given how maze-like the medina is.
Day 1 — guided medina
Hire a registered guide for a half- or full-day to navigate Fes el-Bali and unlock its highlights: the Chouara tannery (viewed from the leather-shop terraces), the stunning Bou Inania and Al-Attarine medersas, the Al-Qarawiyyin (one of the world’s oldest universities), the Nejjarine fountain and woodwork museum, and the souks organised by trade.
The guide gives history and context and deflects the faux guides. Break for a rooftop lunch and a mint tea, and finish the afternoon browsing the artisan quarters.
Day 2 — solo wandering or a day trip
Option A: explore the medina solo now that you’re oriented — get pleasantly lost, revisit the souks, see the mellah (Jewish quarter) and the Royal Palace gates, and catch sunset over the city from the Marinid Tombs.
Option B: day-trip to the magnificent Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss (about an hour away), often combined with the imperial city of Meknes — an easy, rewarding full day.
Tips for two days
Stay in a medina riad near a main gate (Bab Boujloud) for atmosphere and easy access, and arrange a first-night pickup. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles and hills, dress modestly (Fes is conservative), and keep your riad’s card and nearest gate noted since GPS struggles inside the walls.
Two days also makes Fes a perfect launch point for a desert tour afterwards, since Merzouga is closer to Fes than to Marrakech.
Key takeaways
- Day 1: guided medina (tannery, medersas, Al-Qarawiyyin, souks).
- Day 2: solo wandering or a Volubilis + Meknes day trip.
- Stay in a medina riad near a main gate; arrange a pickup.
- Great springboard for a Sahara tour afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Fes?
Yes — one guided medina day plus a second day for solo wandering or a Volubilis/Meknes day trip covers Fes well without rushing.
What is the best day trip from Fes?
The Roman ruins of Volubilis with the holy town of Moulay Idriss (about an hour away), often combined with the imperial city of Meknes.
Do you need a guide for the Fes medina?
For your first day, yes — it’s the world’s largest car-free maze, and a registered guide makes it far easier and richer. Day two you can explore solo.
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