Why visit
Fes has the world's oldest continuously operating university (Al Quaraouiyine, 859 AD) and a car-free medina of 9,000 streets that still feels medieval.
Fes at a glance
City population
1.3 million
Elevation
400 m
1,312 ft
Time zone
UTC+1
Africa/Casablanca
Airport
FEZ
Fès–Saïs
Founded
789 CE (Idrisid dynasty)
Getting around
Petit taxis + walkable medina (no cars in old city)
Signature dish
Pastilla bil-hout, harira, sellou, fès-style tagine
Neighborhoods for travelers
Fes el-Bali (old medina)Fes el-JdidVille Nouvelle
Morocco at a glance
Country center
32.0°, -5.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
446,550 km²
172,414 mi²
Country population
37.8 million
85/km²
Subregion
Northern Africa
Currency
Moroccan dirham (د.م.)
MAD
Dial
+212
Languages
Arabic, Berber
Demonym
Moroccan
Internet
.ma
UN
Member state
ISO code
MA / MAR
Where in the world
32.0° · -5.0°
Morocco
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Did you know
- Fes has the world's oldest continuously operating university: Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD.
- The Fes medina is the world's largest car-free urban area, with over 9,000 streets.
- Fes is known for traditional leather tanneries that still use 1,000-year-old techniques.
- Casablanca is the commercial capital even though Rabat is the political capital: Morocco is one of only 11 countries where the largest city is not the capital.
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca has a minaret 210 m tall: the tallest in the world.
Bordering Morocco
Traveler notes
- Chouara tannery viewpoint (cover your nose)
- Bou Inania and Al Attarine medersas
- Guides essential for the Fes el-Bali maze
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Fes
What currency is used in Fes?
Fes uses the Moroccan dirham (د.م.), ISO code MAD.
What languages are spoken in Morocco?
The primary languages are Arabic and Berber.
What is the international calling code for Morocco?
The calling code is +212.
What airport serves Fes?
Fès–Saïs (IATA: FEZ).
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