A Long Weekend in Fes: The Perfect Moroccan Mini-Adventure

Let’s be real – Morocco is packed with amazing places to explore, but if you’ve only got a few days and want to soak up rich culture, handmade treasures, and seriously cool day trips, Fes might just be your new favourite long weekend escape.

Fes is the handicraft capital of Morocco, and its medina is basically a real-life labyrinth…think winding alleys, colourful souks, centuries-old architecture, and the constant hum of artisans at work. It’s a full-on sensory experience in the best possible way. Add in day trips to Chefchaouen and Meknes, and you’ve got the perfect Moroccan mini-adventure.

Here’s how I spent a long weekend in Fes and how you can too…enjoy!

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Quick Tips for Visiting Fes

Where to stay: Look for affordable riads within or close to the medina. Riad Dar Bensouda is a great mid-range option with beautiful architecture and a chill rooftop bar.
Getting around: Most of Fes is walkable, but taxis are cheap and easy for getting to/from the train station or day trip pick-ups.
What to wear: Modest, comfortable clothing is best – long, loose trousers or skirts and breathable tops will keep you cool and respectful.
Take a walking tour of the medina – trust me, it’s the easiest way to avoid getting completely lost (and you’ll learn a ton about the city’s history and culture).

Day 1: Explore the Medina & Catch the Sunset from the Tombs

After flying into Fes airport, drop your bags at a charming riad (I stayed at Riad Dar Bensouda and I highly recommend its peaceful vibe and rooftop bar with views for days). Then it’s time to dive into the heart of the city: the medina.

Start at Bab Boujeloud (aka the Blue Gate) – the most iconic entry point to Fes el Bali, the oldest part of the city. From there, wander down Talâa Kebira, the main street filled with food stalls, shops, and hidden gems around every turn.

A few places to pop into along the way for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink:

Mom’s Touch – a sweet little café with the best mint tea and people-watching perch.
Le Tarbouche – grab lunch here; the tagine is top tier and it’s a welcome break from the medina chaos.

Make sure to check out the Al Attarine Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school known for its gorgeous zellij tilework. Then brace your nose (seriously) and head to the Chaouwara Tanneries. Yes, it smells, but it’s also fascinating – dozens of giant stone vats filled with vibrant dyes and leather being treated the same way it has for centuries. This Get Your Guide tour is a great one that covers Madrasa Al Attarine, Al-Quaraouiyine Mosque, and the Tanneries.

If you’ve still got energy, explore the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. There’s an eerie beauty to the cemetery here, and it offers some amazing panoramic views over the medina.

As dusk settles, hike up to the Merenid Tombs above the city. This was hands-down one of my favourite experiences in Fes. As the sun dips below the horizon, the call to prayer echoes across the valley and the city lights start to flicker on…pure magic.

Wrap up the day with a drink at your riad’s rooftop or a meal at The Ruined Garden (yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds).

Day 2: Day Trip to Meknes

About an hour’s drive from Fes, Meknes is one of Morocco’s lesser-hyped imperial cities, but it’s well worth the visit.

Meknes is a little more chilled than Fes and full of beautiful gates, mausoleums, and grand squares. Spend a few hours wandering the medina, checking out the Bab Mansour gate, and relaxing in the vast El Hedim Square. If you’re a history lover, you’ll want to visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of Morocco’s most powerful rulers. To make the most of your day and take the stress of planning travel away, check out this great Meknes day trip tour.

Grab lunch at a local café (don’t miss trying the kefta tagine), then head back to Fes in the late afternoon. If you’re feeling fancy, squeeze in a hammam before dinner to unwind those market-wandering muscles.

Day 3: Day Trip to Chefchaouen (The Blue Pearl)

Okay, I know Chefchaouen is kind of Insta-famous now, but it still lives up to the hype. Nestled in the Rif Mountains, it’s about a 3.5-hour drive from Fes, so it’s a big day but trust me, it’s worth it.

The town is awash in dreamy shades of blue, and every alley feels like it’s been plucked from a fairy tale. Spend your day getting lost in the maze of painted streets, snapping a few (hundred) photos, shopping for handwoven blankets and lanterns, and sipping mint tea in one of the cute rooftop cafes.

My top recommendations for a lunch or dinner stop are:

MIDO’S – the falafel and tacos are a must try!
Restaurant Bab Ssour – a great rooftop view. Make sure you try the goat cheese, tajine and Moroccan salads.

If you’re into hiking, you can make a short trek up to the Spanish Mosque for sweeping views of the town backed by mountain peaks. Head back to Fes just in time for a late dinner and a final evening stroll through the medina.

To make your life easier, check out this Chefchaouen day trip from Fes!