Medina: Tours and Guided Visits

The city of Fez is divided into its buzzing metropolis filled with skyscrapers and its sacred ancient town, which showcases the history of the city through its madrasas, mosques, and tanneries, since its founding in the 9th century.

Medina tours in Fez are a must for anyone wanting to find the heart and soul of the city through its ancient monuments.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Medina, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in Fez.

What are the best Medina tours in Fez?

Medina walking tour in Fez

This Medina tour in Fez begins with a convenient hotel pickup service, which makes for a seamless experience. You’ll then be transported to the oldest part of the city where your guided walking tour commences. You’ll stroll through the Medina’s cobbled streets and discover a plethora of its most beloved attractions alongside your knowledgeable guide.

Among the landmarks you’ll see is the University of al-Qarawiyyin, which has been altered and perfected since it was originally founded as a mosque in the 9th century.

You’ll also explore the Al-Attarine Madrasa, which showcases spectacular Marinid architecture and once accommodated up to 60 students at a time. The madrasa was, in its prime, linked with the University of al-Qarawiyyin, providing lodging to low-income scholars of the mosque.

Alongside these historic monuments, you’ll also have the opportunity to wander past vibrant stalls selling aromatic spices and colorful fabrics at a number of the city’s souks, which are woven into the roots of Fez.

Medina minivan tour in Fez

A Medina tour in Fez by minivan is the ideal solution for those with a limited itinerary or those who tire easily. Aboard your comfortable vehicle, you’ll make your way through the city on the outskirts of the Medina.

You’ll discover the Fortifications of Fez, which helped protect the city from Ottoman invaders, as well as Dar Batha. This 19th-century royal residence was transformed into a museum in the first half of the 20th century. Today, it showcases more than 6,000 artifacts related to the city’s history and archeology, including excavated remains of 9th-century minbars.

Depart your vehicle at the Bab Bou Jeloud city gate to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the city, and discover its neighboring square before continuing on your tour.

Learn about the Jewish roots of Fez at the 17th-century Ibn Danan synagogue before paying your respects to the king of Morocco at the Royal Palace of Fez, which was built by the Marinid sultan Abu Yusuf Ya'qub in the 13th century. Finish up this Medina tour in Fez by overlooking the enchanting maze of streets from a panoramic vantage point.

Private Medina tour in Fez

A private Medina tour in Fez is one of the most comprehensive options for anyone wanting to dig deeper into this corner of the city. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll travel through the district, visiting a range of sites not seen on other tours.

Attractions on the itinerary include the Chouara Tannery, the largest of Fez’s three leather-making destinations. Here, you can watch as skilled artisans soften and dye cowhides using a range of traditional methods, all in the open air.

Explore the city’s most iconic landmark — the University of al-Qarawiyyin  — as well as Seffarine Square, which is lined with copper workshops as a nod to the plaza’s history as the location of the coppersmith’s souk.

Are there any combos available with Medina tours in Fez?

Medina tour in Fez plus cooking class

You’ll begin this authentic Moroccan culinary experience by following your guide into the Fez Medina to shop for local produce. Here, you’ll discover regional staples you may have never seen before and learn about their uses in popular Moroccan dishes.

Then, journey to an esteemed restaurant where you’ll don an apron and whip up a feast during a cooking class, all under the care of a professional chef who will teach you tried-and-true techniques. Once your culinary lesson is over, you can dine on your masterpiece as you bond with your group over your shared experience.

Which places are visited?

University of al-Qarawiyyin

The University of al-Qarawiyyin was founded first as a mosque by Fatima al-Fihri in the Islamic Golden Age and over time intertwined religion with education. Scholars would come to the mosque to receive an education in religious sciences and the University of al-Qarawiyyin is thought to be the world’s oldest formal college.

While the landmark was originally called the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, it was renamed as a university in the 1960s. Today, the mosque still operates as a madrasa, providing education to Islamic students from across West Africa.

Bab Bou Jeloud

Bab Bou Jeloud is the city gate where tourists can enter into the Fez Medina. While the Medina itself is littered with architecture spanning the course of more than 1,000 years, this gate is a relatively new structure, built by the French protectorate at the start of the 20th century.

It was constructed to replace an older entrance to the city of the same name, which is thought to date back to the 12th century. The original gate can still be seen, although it is a humble alternative to the newer and much more grand Bab Bou Jeloud.

How much do Medina tours in Fez cost?

A Medina tour in Fez that takes place by foot costs around US$20 per person. Minivan tours are private affairs and also cost approximately US$20 each.

If you select a private Fez Medina excursion, you’ll pay just over US$50 per adult. Your group can be formed of up to 15 participants and children aged 1 to 8 benefit from a discounted rate of US$20.

Combination Medina tours and cooking classes in Fez have a minimum requirement of two participants and cost just over US$70 per person.

What is included?

Medina tours in Fez always include the services of a knowledgeable guide who will fill you in on the city’s history and provide a fascinating walk through its old town. You may also benefit from complimentary beverages along your excursion. If you opt for a combination tour that includes a cooking class, you’ll notice that all food and drinks are included in the overall price.

Where does it start?

The majority of Medina tours in Fez offer a complimentary accommodation pickup service from any hotel in Fez. However, if you’d prefer, you can often choose to meet your guide in a centrally-located spot in the city instead, such as the Bab Bou Jeloud Gate.

If choosing an accommodation pickup, you’ll simply select your hotel from a dropdown list and, on the day of your excursion, await collection from your friendly guide in the lobby at a predetermined time.

Alternatively, if your meeting point is in the city, upon arrival, you’ll find your guide to be wearing or holding an item that makes them easily recognizable.

Either way, you’ll be able to find out the starting point of every Medina tour in Fez before booking so that you can make any necessary transportation arrangements ahead of time.

How long does it last?

Medina tours in Fez typically last around 4 hours. This will give you plenty of opportunity to explore this ancient corner of the city’s main attractions and gain a feel for its history.

However, those who are short on time can select a minivan Fez Medina tour, which reduces the time spent traveling between different landmarks significantly and covers the area in just 2 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Because of the nature of the historic destination, several Medina tours in Fez are unsuitable for wheelchair users. In some cases, the accessibility of a tour is not listed on the booking page and you may need to contact the operator of your selected excursion directly to see whether they can cater to all members of your party.

When is the best time for a Medina tour in Fez?

The best time for a Medina tour in Fez is during the spring (late March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the temperatures are moderate and the weather is pleasant.

It's generally best to start your tour in the morning. Not only is it cooler, but you'll also get to experience the medina as it comes to life.

What other sightseeing tours can you do in Fez?

• Free walking tours in Fez
• City tours in Fez
• Food tours in Fez

Travel tips

• Fez, and Morocco in general, is a predominantly Muslim city. It's respectful to dress modestly. Women should consider wearing long skirts or trousers and tops that cover the shoulders. Men should avoid wearing shorts.
• The Medina has uneven cobblestone streets, and you'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.
• The Medina is a photographer's dream, but always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in more private settings.
• If you visit mosques or religious schools (madrasas), remember to be respectful. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside many mosques in Morocco, so always ask before entering.