Fez Medina: Half-Day Walking Tour & Tannery Lunch

Summary

Wander Fez’s oldest streets with a guide, see tanneries, taste local flavors

You’ll follow winding alleys through Fes El Bali with a local guide who knows every shortcut—visiting ancient medersas, watching copper workers in Seffarine Square, peering into tanneries (with mint for your nose), then pausing for Moroccan lunch. You might leave full but still hungry for more stories from these old walls.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping into Fes El Bali was the sound — not traffic, but voices bouncing off stone walls, and the clang of metal from somewhere ahead. Our guide, Youssef, just grinned when I hesitated at a maze-like corner. “Don’t worry,” he said, “getting lost is part of Fez.” He showed us how to look for little markers above doorways — I’d have missed them completely. The air smelled like spices and leather and something sweet I couldn’t place. Maybe dates? It was only 10am but already busy; women bargaining over cloth, kids darting past in uniforms.

I didn’t expect the Medersa Bou Inania to be so peaceful inside — all that carved cedar and tilework just sitting quietly behind heavy doors. Youssef explained how students still come here to study Quranic verses; it made me feel like we were guests instead of tourists. We passed by Quaraouiyine University (he called it the oldest in the world), then wandered into Seffarine Square where copper workers hammered away. I tried to say “salaam” to one old guy polishing teapots — he smiled but kept working. There’s this mix of noise and calm in Fez that’s hard to explain.

The tanneries were wild — you can smell them before you see them (not subtle). Youssef handed us fresh mint sprigs to hold under our noses. Looking down at all those bright dye pits felt unreal; people working in bare feet with centuries-old tools. Afterward we ducked into a weaving shop where two women showed us how they make scarves from cactus silk — my hands still smelled faintly of mint and wool after touching the threads. Lunch was in a tiled courtyard restaurant; lamb tagine with prunes, soft bread, lots of tea. Honestly, I still think about that tagine sometimes.

I liked that there wasn’t any rush — if you want to keep wandering after lunch, you can. We skipped the mausoleum this time (too tired), but just sitting with tea watching people pass by felt like its own kind of tour. So yeah, if you want a real day trip in Fez’s medina with someone who knows every shortcut and story, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Fez medina and cultural sites

• Explore old medina Fes El Bali
• Visit 14th century Medersa
• See Quaraouiyine University
• Walk through Seffarine bronze section
• Visit Najjarine Souk and Fountain
• See Nejjarine Fondouk
• Visit mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II
• Visit tanneries and weavers
• Enjoy lunch in Moroccan restaurant

Top questions

How long does the Fez medina half-day tour last?

The tour covers about half a day exploring Fes El Bali and key sites with your guide.

Is lunch included on this Fez walking tour?

Yes, lunch at a Moroccan restaurant is included during the tour.

Are infants or small children allowed on this Fez cultural tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers or prams are allowed and infant seats are available.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the starting point?

You can use public transportation options nearby; pickup isn’t specified but access is easy.

What sites are visited on this Fez historical tour?

You’ll visit Fes El Bali medina, Medersa Bou Inania or similar Quranic school, Quaraouiyine University, Seffarine Square (bronze area), Najjarine Souk and Fountain, Moulay Idriss II Mausoleum (optional), tanneries, and weaving workshops.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health due to walking involved.

Is water provided during the Fez medina day trip?

Yes, mineral water is included as part of your day.

What’s included

Your half-day exploring Fez includes guidance from a professional local guide who’ll lead you through historic neighborhoods and artisan quarters. Mineral water is provided along the way so you won’t go thirsty as you walk the medina’s maze-like lanes. Lunch at a Moroccan restaurant is included before you decide whether to keep wandering or call it a day.