Fez Medina: Private Walking Tour, Tannery & Madrasa Entry

Summary

Wander Fez’s ancient alleys, meet artisans, sip mint tea in the Medina

You’ll wind through Fez’s maze-like Medina with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. From blue-tiled gates to the scent of spices in bustling souks, you’ll see tanneries in action and step inside tranquil madrasas. Expect laughter over mint tea and small surprises around each corner — this isn’t just sightseeing; it feels like stepping into someone else’s daily life.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the color — not just on the walls of Bab Bou Jeloud but everywhere. Our guide Yassine grinned when I stared at those blue tiles (he called them “the city’s smile”). The morning was already humming with voices and clinking metal as we ducked into the Medina. I tried to keep up but honestly, I lost my sense of direction after about five turns. That’s probably why you need a private walking tour of Fez Medina — otherwise you’ll end up in someone’s kitchen by accident. Not that I’d mind; the smell of cumin and fresh bread was everywhere.

We paused at Al-Attarine Madrasa, where sunlight slipped across carved cedar and tile. Yassine explained how students once lived upstairs — he pointed out faded names scratched into a wooden doorframe. The place felt quiet, even with the city outside buzzing. Later, at the Chouara Tannery, I’ll admit I hesitated at the smell (they hand you sprigs of mint for a reason). But watching men work those vats — centuries-old routine, hands stained red and yellow — it stuck with me more than any museum could.

I fumbled my way through bargaining for a scarf in Souk Attarine (I’m hopeless), but the shopkeeper just laughed and poured more tea. There was this moment near Place R’cif where an old man balanced a stack of flatbreads on his head like it was nothing. Yassine waved at him; everyone seemed to know each other here. By afternoon my feet were tired but my head was spinning with colors and stories — honestly, I still think about that view from Borj North, rooftops stretching forever under pale sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Fez Medina and landmarks

• Start tour at accommodation
• Visit Bab Boujloud gate
• Walk through the Mellah district
• See Ibn Danan synagogue
• Admire Kings Palace exterior
• Ascend Merindes Tops and Borj North and South
• Tour ceramic factory
• Explore Medina streets and souks
• Visit Zaouia Moulay Idriss II shrine
• See Quaraouiyine and Andalusian Mosques
• Visit Chouara Tannery
• Tour Al-Attarine Madrasa
• Stroll Souk Attarine spice market
• Explore Souk Sebaghine dyers market
• Visit Place R’cif square
• Discover Museo Nejjarine
• Walk Rainbow Street murals
• End tour at hotel or riad

Top questions

How long does the private walking tour of Fez Medina last?

The tour typically lasts several hours, including stops at major landmarks and markets.

Is hotel or riad pickup included in this Fez Medina walking tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included.

What main sights are included on this day trip in Fez?

You’ll visit Bab Bou Jeloud gate, Al-Attarine Madrasa, Chouara Tannery, Zaouia Moulay Idriss II (outside), souks like Attarine and Sebaghine, Place R’cif, Rainbow Street, Funduq al-Najjarin (Museo Nejjarine), Mellah district and King’s Palace views.

Are entry fees for sites like Al-Attarine Madrasa included?

No, entry fees such as 20 DH per person for Al-Attarine Madrasa are not included.

Is lunch or food included during the tour?

No full meal is included but coffee or tea is provided during your walk.

Can non-Muslims enter Zaouia Moulay Idriss II shrine?

No, entrance is restricted to Muslims only; non-Muslims can view from outside.

Is this Fez Medina walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but involves several hours of walking on uneven surfaces.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or riad pickup and drop-off in Fez so you don’t have to worry about finding your way back after wandering those tangled streets. You’ll be guided by a professional local who knows every shortcut (and best tea stalls), plus there’s time for coffee or mint tea along the route before returning to your accommodation at the end.