Fes Medina Walking Tour: Bou Inania, Tanneries & Souks

Summary

Labyrinth alleys, ancient mosques and the scent of leather in Fes

You’ll wind through Fes Medina’s tangled alleys with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. See Bou Inania Madrasa’s quiet beauty, breathe in the tannery’s wild scents (with mint if you want), sip sweet tea by Nejjarine fountain, and watch coppersmiths at work. Expect dust on your shoes—and memories that linger longer than you think.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell — not bad exactly, just sharp and earthy — drifting from the Chouara Tannery as we turned a corner in Fes Medina. Our guide, Youssef, grinned when he handed out little sprigs of mint to hold under our noses. “It helps,” he said, but honestly I kind of liked it. The colors below were wild: blues and yellows in big stone vats, men up to their knees in dye. I tried to take a photo but got distracted by an old man singing softly while stirring hides with a stick.

We started at Bab Boujloud — that blue gate you see in all the photos — and Youssef kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: carved cedar doors half-hidden behind market stalls, or the way people step aside for donkeys hauling crates (no cars here, which feels almost impossible). Inside Medersa Bou Inania, sunlight filtered through latticed windows and made dust float like gold. Someone recited verses quietly in a corner. I didn’t expect to feel so calm inside such a busy place.

I lost track of time wandering those alleyways. We stopped for sweet tea near Nejjarine fountain; the cup was sticky with sugar and there was this faint scent of wood shavings from nearby carpenters. At Seffarine Square, coppersmiths hammered bowls in a rhythm that somehow matched my heartbeat — maybe it’s silly but I still think about that sound sometimes. Youssef told us stories about scholars at Al-Qarawiyyin University (he said it’s the oldest one in the world), and Li laughed when I tried to say “shukran” properly — probably butchered it.

The tour ended at Rcif square but honestly I wasn’t ready to leave yet. There’s something about Fes Medina: every turn feels like you’re slipping into another century. My shoes were dusty and my head full of voices and color — not sure you can really prepare for how alive it all feels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day Fes Medina sightseeing

• Depart after breakfast
• Visit Bab Boujloud gate
• Explore Bou Inania Madrasa
• See Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and university
• Walk through Chouara Tannery
• Visit Seffarine Square
• End tour at Rcif square
• Return to accommodation

Top questions

How long is the Fes Medina walking tour?

The tour lasts around 4 hours from pickup to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup from your Riad or hotel in Fes is included.

What main sites are visited during the guided walk?

You’ll visit Bab Boujloud, Bou Inania Madrasa, Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, Chouara Tannery, Seffarine Square, Nejjarine fountain, and end at Rcif square.

Are there cars inside Fes El Bali medina?

No cars are allowed; it’s entirely pedestrian inside the old city walls.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s a slow-paced walking tour suitable for most fitness levels.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Does this include entry fees or lunch?

The tour includes your local guide and hotel pickup; meals aren’t included.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right from your riad or hotel in Fes and guiding throughout by someone who really knows these streets—no need to worry about getting lost or missing those tucked-away corners most travelers walk past without noticing.