Off the bustling market streets stepping into this serene and beautiful Madrasa. Ideally, you get a spot in the day when the tour groups are not around, but you don't have to queue to get tickets or go in, and you can wander around the courtyard and admire the beautiful carving and archways. They do not allow you upstairs, so you only really need 10 minutes to wander around and read the information provided.

Definitely a must see in Fes! I went around 2pm and had the whole place to myself. It is 20 MAD to enter & you just buy a ticket at the door. A very peaceful place to escape the bustling Medina and rest for a bit!

Great place to visit A Koranic school founded in 1351–56 in a historic building with Marinid and Moroccan elements. Inside many beautiful ornaments.

Beautiful historical sight, I loved looking at the architecture and all the details! I just wish there was a little bit more information.

Magical place, we were lucky to have it all for ourselves. Careful not to miss it as walking in the chaos of the street it could easily happen. 2€ (20DH) entrance are really worth the money.

The medoussa of Bou Inania Madrasa in Fez is a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. It showcases the finest traditional arts: intricately carved gypsum, beautifully arranged zellige tiles, delicately engraved wood, and polished marble that adds a touch of grandeur. Every detail reflects the skill of Moroccan artisans and the enduring legacy of centuries-old craftsmanship.

You need to pay to enter this part of building, i couldn't remember it well, i think it's around 20 MAD. The place that you could explore is quite restricted, but it's nice to just sit and relax from all the bustling and enjoy the architecture of this building

Visiting the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez is an experience that feels like stepping back through more than a thousand years of history. Located in the heart of the old medina, this sacred place isn’t just a mosque — it’s one of the oldest universities in the world and a symbol of Morocco’s deep intellectual and spiritual heritage. Even though entry to the prayer hall is limited to Muslims, just standing at the gates and observing its remarkable architecture is unforgettable. The intricate zellige tiles, carved wooden doors, and the calm courtyards reflect centuries of craftsmanship and devotion. Walking through the narrow streets that lead to the mosque, you can feel how it remains the living heart of Fez. Around it, you’ll find traditional shops, calligraphy studios, and small cafés where you can pause to soak in the atmosphere. The call to prayer echoing through the medina adds a sense of peace and continuity that connects past and present. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a monument to knowledge, culture, and faith. It’s a must-see landmark for anyone who wants to truly understand the spirit of Morocco and the brilliance of its history.

I only got to see it from the outside since visitors are not allowed inside, but it was still amazing to stand in front of a place with so much history. It is recognized by UNESCO as the oldest existing university in the world, founded in 859 AD by Fatima al-Fihri. The architecture and the details on the gate are beautiful, and it is cool just to think about how long this place has been around and how much knowledge has passed through it. There were a few people outside when I went, and it still had that quiet sense of history. Even if you can only see it from the outside, it is definitely worth stopping by if you are in Fez.

The University of Al Quaraouiyine in Fez is widely regarded as one of the oldest continuously operating educational institutions in human history. According to both UNESCO and the Guinness Book of World Records, it is recognized as the oldest existing and continually operating degree-granting university in the world. It was founded in 859 AD (245 AH) by a devout woman named Fatima Al-Fihri, who dedicated her entire inheritance to building a grand mosque in the city of Fez—then a thriving center of culture and knowledge. Over time, this mosque evolved into a prestigious institution of higher learning, attracting students from across the Islamic world and even from Europe, thanks to its diverse academic curriculum, which included not only Islamic studies but also medicine, mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, music, and logic. Al Quaraouiyine thus became a global intellectual hub long before the founding of the great European universities. Throughout its illustrious history, the University has hosted some of the most prominent thinkers and scholars, such as Ibn Khaldun, Averroes (Ibn Rushd), Al-Idrisi, and Maimonides, and even Pope Sylvester II, who is believed to have studied there and introduced Arabic scientific knowledge to Europe. Al Quaraouiyine was also the first institution known to grant a structured academic degree known as an “Ijazah,” which required rigorous attendance, scholarly engagement, and formal assessment—precursors to the modern Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees. Architecturally, the University is housed in one of the most magnificent examples of Islamic-Andalusian design. Its vast prayer hall, ornate stucco work, calligraphy, and intricate geometric patterns reflect centuries of cultural and artistic sophistication. The University is also home to one of the oldest libraries in the Islamic world, the Al Quaraouiyine Library, which contains thousands of rare manuscripts, including hand-copied works by Ibn Sina, Averroes, and classical Qur’anic exegeses. The library was recently restored to preserve its priceless intellectual treasures. Today, despite the transformation of Morocco’s broader educational system, Al Quaraouiyine continues to operate as a center for traditional Islamic scholarship. It is currently overseen by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and its current president is Dr. Amal Jalal. The university maintains its unique role in training scholars in Islamic sciences, jurisprudence, Qur’anic studies, and theology, while also embracing modern methodologies and academic governance. Thus, Al Quaraouiyine is not merely an educational institution—it is a symbol of Morocco’s cultural, spiritual, and intellectual heritage. For centuries, it has stood as a beacon of knowledge, rational inquiry, and intercultural dialogue, affirming Morocco’s position as a crossroads of civilizations and ideas. Reflecting on the legacy of Al Quaraouiyine today is more than an academic exercise—it is a call to revitalize traditional knowledge systems and to reaffirm the value of intellectual integrity, critical thinking, and cultural rootedness in the face of modern challenges. In this sense, the University of Al Quaraouiyine is not a relic of the past, but a living testament to the enduring power of knowledge and faith. It reminds us that the intellectual glory of Islamic civilization was—and can still be—founded on learning, tolerance, and openness. Reviving the spirit of this historic institution offers a strategic opportunity to rebuild a meaningful educational vision rooted in both authenticity and forward-looking insight.

The University of al-Qarawiyyin, located in Fez, Morocco, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating degree-granting institution. Founded in 859 CE by Fatima al-Fihri, a learned woman originally from Kairouan (in present-day Tunisia), the university began as a mosque and madrasa, eventually evolving into a renowned center of higher learning . Historical Significance Established during the Islamic Golden Age, al-Qarawiyyin played a pivotal role in the intellectual and cultural development of the Muslim world. It attracted scholars from across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, facilitating the exchange of ideas in fields such as theology, law, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine . The university's curriculum was deeply rooted in Islamic studies, with a strong emphasis on Classical Arabic grammar and Maliki jurisprudence . Architectural and Cultural Heritage Situated in the heart of Fez's old medina—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—the university is part of the al-Qarawiyyin Mosque complex. The architecture showcases intricate Moroccan and Andalusian designs, featuring geometric patterns, calligraphy, and zellij tilework . The complex also houses one of the world's oldest libraries, established in 1359 CE, which contains a vast collection of manuscripts, including a 9th-century Quran and works by renowned scholars like Ibn Khaldun . Modern Developments In 1963, al-Qarawiyyin was integrated into Morocco's modern state university system, expanding its academic offerings while preserving its traditional teaching methods . Today, the university comprises several faculties across Morocco, including theology and Arabic language departments in cities like Fez, Marrakech, and Tétouan . It continues to be a vital institution for Islamic scholarship and education.

Such a beautiful and peaceful place. You can enter to pray if you are Muslim. Entrance is for free. Doors are open during prayers

The oldest university in the world founded by a woman, Fatima Al Fihria, a Tunisian from the city of Kairouan. Pe

The University of Al Quaraouiyine (also spelled Karaviyyin) is one of the oldest universities in the world, located in the old Medina of Fez, Morocco. Founded in the 9th century, it is known for its rich history and deep roots in Islamic scholarship, science, and philosophy. The architecture is beautiful, and the atmosphere reflects centuries of learning and culture. A must-visit for anyone interested in history, education, and Moroccan heritage.

The place was swarming with tourists when we were there. But it’s a really beautiful building. An entry fee applies.

Beautiful but crowded Al Attarine Madrasa is stunning, with intricate tilework and beautiful architecture. It does get quite crowded, but it’s an easy 30-minute visit if you’re short on time. Not our top highlight in Fès, but still worth a quick stop if you’re nearby

No wonder it’s one of the most exquisite examples of Islamic architecture — truly worth a visit.

Al Attarine Madrasa is an absolute architectural gem. The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by breathtaking zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, and stunning geometric patterns that showcase the finest craftsmanship of the Marinid era. Every corner feels like a piece of art, beautifully preserved and full of history. What makes the visit even better is how affordable it is — the entry fee is only 20 dirhams, which is incredible for the quality of the experience. It’s peaceful, visually captivating, and a perfect place to appreciate traditional Moroccan design. Highly recommended for anyone exploring Fes!

It was beautiful to catch the view of the Medina and the life of FES from the rooms of the school upstairs! 20Dhr x person, worth it.

Incredible building. In the heart of the medina but very peaceful inside. Compared to the other Madrasa in Fes it’s quite similar. Lovely little views through the windows on the upper floors. Only 20 dirham per person. Takes about 10 minutes to see the whole building (without a guide).

One of the must see in Medina of Fes. Amazing Medrasa / place. Lot of history.

Today I visited the Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts, and it was a wonderful experience. The museum showcases unique pieces that reflect our cultural roots and craftsmanship. From traditional ceramics and woodwork to intricate textiles, it gives you a real sense of how things were made in the past. It's peaceful, well-organized, and a great spot to appreciate the beauty of Moroccan and Islamic art. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Fes!

Wonderful & underrated museum ! We really enjoyed it. IMPORTANT : it was renovated & re-opened in March 2025, so many of the bad reviews are out of date — beware ! Me & my partner did not plan enough time for this museum because we thought it would be small… don’t fall for the old reviews… we were only able to spend 1.5 hours here and we felt so sad to leave ! It is quite big, with detailed explanations about the artifacts & explanations about Moroccan history. I didn’t put pictures of the artifacts here (not sure if it’s allowed) but the outer part / building, garden, etc., are beautiful. The garden is vast and calm, you hear birds singing, the air is fragrant with flowers, I felt happy to sit and enjoy the time there. Highly recommend. We paid 60 dirhams per person & did not book in advance. There was no line and it was not crowded.

Recently reopened museum. Very beautiful with a great collection and curation. Very friendly staff as well that informed us that the museum has recently reopened its doors again. You can definitely spend a half day here, with English explanations everywhere. It’s a bit cooler inside than the 40 degrees outside temperature but still slightly warm, to keep in mind. The entry cost 60 Dirham

This is an amazingly interesting museum if you want to learn something about the history of Marocco. It holds nice squares of mosaics and has a great inner courtyard. Definitely worth a visit, only parking can be a challenge.

Absolute must-see in Fès for many reasons: The collection of artifacts of Islamic art is extremely rich, and the design of the exhibition is modern and well made, with good descriptions in English, French and Arabic. I particularly liked the room with the timeline of Marrocan history and objects presented by this time-line. I learnt a lot, more than in any other museum I visited in Morroco. The objects (wood- and metal works, clothes, weapons, ...) are stunning. The exhibition rooms are organized around a beautiful and peaceful garden, which in itself merits the visit. Entrance fee was 60 dirham and absolutely worth it. I could have easily spent an entire day here or more. The museum is currently extremely underrated (which might be because it was recently renovated - I haven't visited it before).

Awesome exhibition!!!!! Very well done from the UN, that fundet the restauration! Also the garden is awesome

Fantastic museum! Incredibly impressive artefacts, lots of well preserved intricately carved woodwork dating back a thousand years! The courtyard garden is also a beautiful place to relax and escape the busy streets. I don't know why this place isn't busier or more highly rated.

Exploring the Maze of Fes Medina Walking through the narrow alleys of Fes Medina is like stepping back in time. The labyrinthine streets, bustling souks, and historic charm make this ancient city truly unique. As one of the oldest medinas in the world, Fes offers a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life. Whether it's the handcrafted goods or the aromatic spice shops, every corner holds a story. Getting lost in the maze is part of the experience, revealing hidden gems and local craftsmanship. A must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic cultural immersion.

The architecture is breathtaking and appears to be rich looking. However it is not open to the public. It was a long walk from tour bus to the palace. Grounds kept very well manicures.

Good place to start your day before groups arrive then make your way back to the medina through the local streets. Disappointing that you can't even view the inside of the palace

Amazing place in Fes. Must visit place. History, safe, nice architecture…

You can only visit the doors/entrance to the royal palace but you may not go inside. However, the doors are beautiful and have a lot of detailed manual work. First I visited with a night tour which gives you more time to admire without lots of tourists brimming everywhere. Then visited during the day but it was very busy around there.

There was a lot of security around and during the time of my visit I wasn’t allowed to walk on the square in front of it. I’m unsure if that’s always the case. But everyone is allowed to take pictures and enter in front of the gate.

The palace is closed to the general public but do take pictures outside of the gate. It's beautiful and iconic. After that you can then walk around to the souq and explore the medina.

A beautiful spot to enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine in Fes: The setting is stunning—you dine right in the middle of a lush garden, creating a calm and unique atmosphere. The food was delicious and portions were generous. Prices are slightly higher than other places, but the quality and experience make it worth it. They’re also happy to pack up any leftovers to take away. Just keep in mind that they only accept cash, so come prepared. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a special meal in Fes.

Nice garden ambience, nice with fire pit. But food is not so great. The vegetable soup tastes bland, the lamb tangine sizzling on the outside but it's cold inside.

Very charming little overgrown garden with good homemade food. Tables and ambience are quirky and there were sweet cats wandering everywhere. The Vegetable Pastilla was good and the crust was flaky and crisp. The chicken with preserved lemon and olives was outstanding. The beef kefta with eggs was average. No alcohol is served so be prepared. Had a very interesting drink with dates and milk. Service was good and friendly. Absolutely recommend while in Fes. Cash only!!

Cool spot in a 'not-so-ruined-garden'. Make a reservation for prime tables. Very friendly and accommodating staff!

A cool spot to grab a coffee and tea. Lots of locals tried to convince us to go to their mothers place to eat instead or told us this place was closed but we got here. We were able to chill with the turtle amd take a break before heading back into the medina maze.

The food was great! And the people there were lovely. But I spent most the time watching the turtle and petting the cats that lived there.

We celebrated my friend’s birthday 🎂 at The Ruined Garden, and it was absolutely beautiful. The garden setting is dreamy and romantic, with twinkling lights and friendly cats adding to the charm. The food was delicious, and the service exceptional. A special thank you to Driss, who was warm, attentive, and made the evening truly special. One of the most memorable nights we had in Fes! ✨

This place is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re looking to try something unique like a camel burger. It was my first time tasting camel, and I was pleasantly surprised—it’s quite similar to beef in flavor and texture. The burger, fries, and fresh orange juice were all very fresh and satisfying. I highly recommend sitting on the upper floor, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset or simply relax in the sunshine.

Having visited another one of their locations, we decided to go there again and this time try something more traditional. The setting is really nice, and service is great. They also had live music, which wasn't too loud and made for an even nicer experience. We ordered the avocado citrus salad, which was well dressed and had a lot of avocado. We also ordered their sweet potato wedges, which while not crispy, are very good and go well with the harissa mayo. We got their madfouna, which is bread stuffed with slow cooked lamb, and that was our favorite dishes of the ones we had at any of their locations, highly recommended.

Must try camel burger!!!!! 🐪🍔 One of our tour guides recommended this place and it was so great to be able to try it out! We tried the cafe clock in Chefchaouen today and they didn’t have any camel… 😰 Food came out really quickly. Fresh mint lemonades are soooo refreshing 🍋 But the live singing on the rooftop was not very pleasing sorry!

They have many cozy rooms and beautiful terraces. The food was great as well! We tried their recommendation, the camel burger—it was our first time eating camel meat, and it had a unique and delicious taste. Unfortunately, we couldn’t finish our lemonade and ginger drink because it was a bit too strong for us! 😅

Legendary Fez cafe which now has branches across Morocco. Housed in a Riad the cafe is spread over four levels with an impressive roof terrace. The service is top notch with waiters friendly and knowledgeable

Had an amazing experience at Café Clock and I can’t recommend it enough! The ambiance is warm and inviting, with a unique blend of cozy corners and an artistic vibe that makes you feel right at home. The facilities are good (by North African standards) The food? Brilliant. The menu is diverse, with plenty of options to suit all tastes, and everything I tried was fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. But what really made my visit stand out was the exceptional service. Not only was the staff attentive and friendly, but I also had a small incident where I dropped my wallet in the bathroom. I wasn’t aware it was gone until I was about to leave, but a man who had been playing guitar noticed it and kindly returned it to me. That kind of thoughtful gesture really added a personal touch to the experience. 4.5 stars for me. Not giving 5 stars because it’s not a wheelchair accessible area.

I was worried this place would be too touristy but ended up really enjoying it! There are lots of seating and several floors. Food is really reasonably priced despite its fame! My family sat on the rooftop terrace. The mint lemonade was perfect for a hot day

We didn’t stay but had a dinner at the restaurant - great looking riad, good service once we ordered, delicious food - we did the two course tasting menu and dessert separately; a good change from the local cuisine. It is on a little on the pricier side but good experience overall. One observation - when we arrived the staff who received us made it look like they were busier than they were, said will look if they have availability, made us review the menu and wait for table - which is typically not an issue but there was only one other table occupied, throughout our dinner we noticed not even half the tables were occupied at any given time, so not sure why he did all that fuss in the beginning when they clearly had not availability issues. Didn’t feel very welcomed.

This review is for the food, and not the Riad. We went there for dinner, and this was the most disappointing dining experience in terms of the food. For starters, we got a salad and their mixed seafood. The seafood was overcooked, and the sauce tasted like something you would whip up on a weekday at home. The salad was underwhelming, tasting as well like something you would make at home on a weekday. For mains, we ordered the chicken and the sea bass. The chicken was well cooked with crispy skin, but nothing out of the ordinary. The seabass was well done, but only one small seabass filet as a main... Service was very friendly and attentive. The ambiance was nice, but a bit warm. Even though technically we were outside, the outdoor area was completely covered and felt a bit stuffy.

We had dinner at Dar Roumana on a weeknight at 8 pm, and were the last table to leave at around half-past nine. The starters and mains were both very good, even though one of our first preferences was not available. The dessert was just OK. Service was excellent, with a friendly and attentive waiter always ready to assist. The local wines, whilst rather good, were quite expensive for Morocco. In all, a nice restaurant with good ambience and not too many tables. Recommended.

We only went to the restaurant here and had an amazing experience. Within our two months in Morocco this place was definitely a highlight. The quality of the food was amazing, the host was a gentleman that knew what he was doing, the atmosphere was pure Moroccan beauty ánd we where invited to have a drink before dinner on the roof terrace which was spectaculair. Costs a bit more than the usual in Morocco but you (finally) get good worth for your money. It really made our first night in Fez one to remember.

Beautiful building near the heart of the medina. Huge rooms with lots of original moroccan features. Plus a large roof terrace. Delicious (French) food. And welcoming staff. One of our favourite hotels on our visit to Morocco.

The property is well located just a short walk from the market area. The rooftop terrace provides nice views and a comfortable setting to relax and enjoy the sunset and evening lights. The restaurant was comfortable and the menu was delicious. The staff greeted us with smiles and provided excellent service throughout our stay.

Beautiful Dar close to everything, the service was exceptional, the lovely dining area and side salons are perfect to relax in after a busy day exploring. The roof top terrace has spectacular views across the city. We could not have enjoyed our stay more.

We discovered this little gem and honestly, we loved it! The welcome was warm, the breakfast was so good, and the service was impeccable. Thank you and see you soon!

My wife, daughter and I happened to stumble upon this quaint little restaurant in the Medina part of Fes after a hectic day of discovery. What a lovely experience we had! The food was excellent, freshly made and piping hot, the service was friendly and the atmosphere bright and cheerful. Amina, the proprietor, greeted us warmly and made sure we were well taken care of. The final touch came with delicious sliced oranges topped with candied shredded carrots, raisins, walnuts and a good sprinkle of cinnamon! Highly recommended!

Lovely little restaurant in the Fes Medina, warm welcome and smiles from the chef behind the counter. Interesting book to look at on display. We only had coffee and pastries, both were lovely. Would definitely visit again!

This is small unassuming restaurant but boy is the food good. The food was virtually cooked in front of us in the little kitchen bar area. The Tabbouleh was incredible, very fresh and beautifully spiced. I also love the tektouka so packed with flavour. The prices are very reasonable and I highly recommend you try this place.

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Fez! I absolutely loved this coffee shop! The atmosphere blends perfectly with the charm of the Fez market — lively, colorful, and full of local character. I tried the spiced Moroccan coffee, and it was rich, aromatic, and truly authentic — one of the best I’ve had in Morocco. The staff were welcoming and friendly, and the setting made it easy to relax and enjoy the moment while watching the market life go by. If you’re visiting Fez and want to experience real Moroccan flavors in a cozy spot, this place is a must-visit!

We really enjoyed our lunch here with a nice aspect over one of the main laneways in the Medina. We started with a refreshing and zingy tabouli then shared a fragrant and tasty chicken pastilla & equally good veggie brioats with a lovely side salad. We also had a banana lassi and orange juice. Good friendly service we highly recommend.

Nice cozy restaurant . Today I went around 8pm, the place was empty. We ordered mostly drinks and two dishes. The chocolate mousse was delicious and the chicken sandwich had a different but good flavour. The service was awesome since the waiter was in a very good mood. The open kitchen added a nice cozy touch to the restaurant, making it nicer. I definitely recommend!

What a magical place! Restaurant Darori in Fez is truly a hidden gem. From the moment you walk in, it feels like stepping into a work of art — the riad is breathtaking, full of authentic Moroccan architecture, intricate details, and a warm, enchanting atmosphere. The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming. You genuinely feel cared for, like coming home to a beautiful and unfamiliar world. The food was absolutely delicious — full of rich flavors, beautifully presented, and clearly made with love and tradition. This evening was unforgettable for me. If you’re in Fez, you must eat here — for the experience, the vibe, the food, and that special feeling of having discovered something truly unique.

One of the best dining experience in Fez and Marroco in general. We had the pigeon pastilla and the pied de veau. The atmosphere and service is top notch. You need to reserve in advance especially if you want to order some of the slow cook meals. Highly recommend

Definitely the best meal so far!!! Best baba ganoush ever, pumpkin with honey, cinnamon and orange blossom water was something else and honestly the best celery I will probably ever eat was in the lamb tagine!!!! All in the most beautiful setting.

Love the ambiance and decoration in this traditional Moroccan restaurant, the host is very friendly and recommended dishes when I had no idea what to eat. Had the set menu chicken Pastilla (I came for seafood but it's sold out🥲) & the Pastilla with milk for the dessert, the chicken pastilla tasted quite exotic to me as it has flavors of almond, curry, coconut? and alittle sweet. For the pastilla with milk I really love it! It's alittle pricy for 2 item but I think it's worth the place and the exquisite Moroccan cuisine.

Delicious food with great presentation. The owners were very kind and friendly. We 100% recommend it.

Excellent traditional Moroccan with regional specialities - pre order 24 hours ahead for the pigeon and seafood pastilla and other speciality dishes which were both worth a plane journey all the way from London! Wonderful service, attentive and charmingly laid back but always on hand to attend to guests Decor is stunning with high vaulted ceilings and the French owner who lives on site deserves all the plaudits for putting together a brilliant, tight knitted team who genuinely care about their guests ! It was memorable to the point that we went back there a second time a few days later, and were truly touched by their warm welcome with the feeling of being part of the family Book ahead and you will be glad you did!

Truly exceptional food with amazing staff and a beautiful traditional riad atmosphere. The lady Hanane explained the menu in great detail when we called in the afternoon prior to our reservation that same evening and made us feel very welcomed. On arrival Hassan went above and beyond for us ensuring we were enjoying the meal, explaining more about the cultural history of the dishes we ordered and even walked us to the part of the medina where we could find out way back to our Riad. Overall a great experience and I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. The best food we have had in Morocco!