Fes can be thought of in three parts, Fes el-Bali, and Fes el-Jdid which form the medina and Ville Nouville which as the name suggests is the newer part of Fes and can be found to the South West of the city.
Fes el-Bali is the area of most interest to tourists. Its walls surround a tangle of some 9400 alleyways and souks. It can therefore be quite disorientating and as such this is one of the places in Morocco where a guide is very useful. If you would prefer to find your own way however, there is usually no end of eager children willing to point you in the direction of the nearest landmark for a few dirham. The size and scale of Fes medina can only be compared with Damascus in Syria or Cairo in Egypt and as you walk through the Medina of Fes, you will see colored stars that ADER-Fes has installed to mark tourist circuits. Each color corresponds to a different tourist circuit. So you can take a number of walking tours through the Medina, without having to pull out your guide book at every turn!

Fez was founded soon after the Arab invasion of North Africa and Spain at the end of the 8th century. As the first imperial capital of Morocco, Fes is considered by many as one of the largest and oldest inhabited medieval cities in the world.
It is disputed whether it was Moulay Idriss I or his son Moluay Idriss II who founded the city in 789 AD. Some believe the name of the city, Fes, comes from the Arabic word which translates to axe. Legend has it that a golden pickaxe was discovered at the start of construction and this is how the city gained its name.

Fes in a conservative city and just as Marrakech is considered by many as the southern capital of Morocco, Fes is considered to be the capital of the north. Walking through the medieval medina with its shops, markets and bazaars take some time to watch the artisans from all types of trades weave the magic from centuries old tradition. One can find anything in the bazaars from things for the home to gifts for friends and family.

Fes has three Merdersa’s which are theological college’s that also teach law, Arabic literature, and grammar. If you do not have time to visit all three we would recommend a trip to Merdersa Bou Inania which can be found opposite the famous water clock tower and is the most visually stunning of the three. Entry costs just 10 dh (less than £1) and once inside you can view the spectacular plasterwork and woodcarvings which really make this a site not to be missed. Students came from all over the country to study at this merdersa which is different from the other merdersas as it contains a mosque and a water clock.

The Fes Festival is Fes' annual music festival that hosts musicians from around the world who perform spiritual music. It is a unique musical encounter between the religions of the world. Held at the end of June this is an extremely busy time and it is necessary to book all accommodation way in advance to avoid disappointment.