Fes or Marrakech: Which Imperial City Should You Visit?

For many first-time visitors to Morocco, there’s a big decision to make – should you visit Fes or Marrakech? As someone who has visited both multiple times, I know these two former Imperial cities share a lot in common and it can be difficult to set them apart.

Both centre around UNESCO World Heritage-listed medinas and ooze old-world charm. They both have amazing souks (the shopping is great), gorgeous riads and welcoming locals who deliver exceptional Moroccan hospitality.

That said, there are several differences between Fes and Marrakech. And if you don’t have time to visit both, there is one city that may be more appealing to you.

I’ve been lucky enough to spend lots of time exploring both Fes and Marrakech, and have a lot of personal experience to share in what makes them unique.

In this article, I’ll help you figure out which city is right for you – Fes or Marrakech. I’ll share my insights on what you can expect in each destination, from accommodation to weather and things to do.

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Fes vs Marrakech: Reasons to visit Fes

Located in the northeast of Morocco (inland from Rabat and south of Tangier), Fes is the older and more traditional of the two cities. It lies along the banks of the Oued Fes near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Founded in the 8th century, Fes has long been considered the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco.

Its sprawling medina, Fes El Bali, has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once you step inside, you’ll understand why. Set within ancient walls, it was historically an important centre of religious learning and is home to the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine.

Its labyrinth of narrow alleyways is dotted with ancient mosques, madrasas and souks selling everything from colourful textiles to fragrant spices.

Fes boasts an abundance of fascinating historical sites, including several beautiful madrasas (Islamic schools). Be sure not to miss Al Attarine Madrasa or Bou Inania Madrasa.

It overflows with cultural treasures. In fact, two of my favourite museums in Morocco (Dar Batha and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts) are located in Fes.

It’s also home to one of the oldest leather tanneries in the world, the Chouara Tannery. Here, you can watch hides being dyed as they have been for hundreds of years. 

In fact, the history of artisan crafts is incredible in Fes. You’ll find hidden workshops where centuries-old traditions are upheld, as well as entire souks dedicated to particular products.

Fes is also the culinary capital of Morocco, with lots of local specialties based on Fassi traditions. In my opinion, Fes is one of the best places to do a cooking class in Morocco! You can check out some of the best Fes food tours and experiences here.

If you’re using Fes as a base, there are some wonderful day trips on offer. These include the Imperial city of Meknes, the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Fes can also be used as a gateway for visiting the blue-hued city of Chefchaouen, which lies in the Rif Mountains around 3.5 hours’ drive to the north. 

Fes vs Marrakech: Reasons to visit Marrakech

Perhaps more famous than Fes is Marrakech. It lies in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains around six hours drive southwest of Fes.

Marrakech has been nicknamed the “Red City” due to its ochre-hued architecture and has captured the imagination of everyone from Winston Churchill to Yves Saint Laurent. 

Surrounded by walls, Marrakech’s medina dates from the 11th century when it was founded as the capital of the Amoravid dynasty. Today, it’s packed with architectural gems, including some gorgeous palaces and tombs dating from the Saadian era.

Another major point of reference is Djemaa el-Fnaa, a huge square that serves as a meeting point. After dark, it transforms into a dining and entertainment hub, with food stalls, markets and street performers.

While I think Djemaa el-Fnaa is worth experiencing if you’re in Marrakech, it can feel like a bit of a tourist-trap. If the monkeys on chains are all too much, you can observe all the action from a distance at a rooftop terrace overlooking the square.

Of the two cities, Marrakech offers more “luxury” experiences, from its five-star riads to its high-end hammams and fine-dining restaurants. Fes has a growing number of these, but definitely not as many as Marrakech.

At the “Red City’s” rooftop restaurants, you can dine on food from around the globe, in addition to all the Moroccan favourites (often with a gourmet twist).

At the other end of the spectrum, some travellers love Marrakech for its easily-accessible street food experiences. In Djemaa el-Fnaa and along the main arteries leading to the square, you can try everything from snail soup to harira and flaky b’stilla pastries. 

Generally speaking, Marrakech has more points of interest – you could probably spend longer here than in Fes. There’s also a greater diversity of attractions, from historic madrasas to niche museums and design-led gardens.

I particularly love the Moroccan Museum of Culinary Art with its gastronomic exhibits, gorgeous courtyards and mural-adorned tea room.

As with Fes, Marrakech can be used as a base for some incredible day trips. Many of these focus on the valleys of the Atlas Mountains or the desert region beyond. I’d highly recommend visiting the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the Ourika Valley. Or you could hit the hiking trails around Imlil.

Marrakech is also a popular departure point for multi-day trips to the Sahara, including a night spent at a traditional desert camp. Many also include an exploration of the stunning Dades and Todra gorges along the way. This is one of my favourite areas of Morocco!

If you don’t have time to go all the way to the Sahara, you can get a taste of desert life in Agafay. This rocky desert region is less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech. It’s renowned for its luxury camps – trust me, there’s no roughing it here!

If you do have time to visit both Marrakech and Fes, it’s possible to travel between the two cities on a multi-day Sahara adventure. This allows you to experience a lot of Morocco and is something I would highly recommend doing.

Accommodation in Marrakech vs Fes

Whether you’re visiting Marrakech or Fes, you have some incredible accommodation options at your disposal. Both cities are renowned for their riads (historic homes that have been transformed into hotels). Staying in these stunning abodes really is a not-to-miss Morocco experience.

Hidden behind the modest entrances of riads are exquisite architectural features – colourful tilework, elegant arches and decorative plasterwork. Most also feature central courtyards that serve as a social heart. Not only do riads have a really enchanting atmosphere but a boutique feel.

Compared to Marrakech, the riads in Fes tend to be more traditional. Most have been lovingly restored while highlighting original features. You can find everything from budget riads to luxurious properties, complete with opulent spas and rooftop restaurants.

The views from the city’s riad terraces are sensational, with the medina sprawling all around you!

In contrast, Marrakech has a greater diversity of riads. You can find traditional residences as well as more contemporary properties designed by acclaimed international creatives. The blending of historic features and modern design elements is inspiring.

Personally, I love discovering a new Marrakech riad every time I stay. 

While some have a bohemian feel to them, others are filled with original artworks and several have plunge pools (perfect for summertime visits!) The views from the rooftops are also wonderful, offering panoramas of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Some of my best memories in Marrakech are sitting on a riad terrace at sunset listening to the call to prayer ring out across the city.

When it comes to the question: “Which is better, Fes or Marrakech?” it’s a bit of a stalemate on the accommodation front.

My only advice would be to steer clear of the international chain hotels located outside the medinas. Instead, take the plunge on a riad stay. It really is a quintessentially Moroccan experience and Fes and Marrakech deliver some of the country’s best!

Getting around Marrakech vs Fes

Travelling to both Fes and Marrakech is relatively straightforward. Both cities are served by their own international airports – Fes–Saïss Airport and Marrakech Menara Airport.

That said, most of the flights to Fes are from domestic or European destinations. So if you’re coming from further afield, you’ll need to fly into Casablanca or Marrakech first.

Marrakech Menara Airport handles a far greater number of flights, including to/from major transit hubs like Doha (for those coming from Asia and Oceania) and North American destinations. 

Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport serves as the country’s main international hub. It receives the greatest number of global flights. It has direct connections from several destinations in the Middle East (Dubai and Abu Dhabi included), as well as major African cities.

Whether you travel by road or train, Casablanca is around three hours from both Fes and Marrakech. Depending on where you are arriving from, it may be logistically easier to fly to Casablanca, then travel overland. 

Once in Morocco, both Fes and Marrakech are well-connected to other major cities via an extensive network of trains and buses. If you’re travelling between the two cities, it’s 530 kilometres (329 miles). The journey takes around six or seven hours.

Travelling by train is usually the most comfortable option for getting from Fes to Marrakech. However, there are also multiple buses a day between the two cities with CTM.

It’s also possible to fly directly from Fes to Marrakech with RyanAir. It has a flight time of 1 hour and 10 minutes. 

Weather in Fes vs Marrakech

When it comes to weather, the inland cities of Fes and Marrakech share many similarities. But also a few notable differences. Both cities experience an extreme climate characterised by hot, dry summers and cool winters.

However, as Fes is located slightly further north, it is usually a couple of degrees cooler. This makes it a good choice if you’re visiting in July or August. 

At the peak of summer, daytime temperatures in Marrakech often soar above 38°C (100°F), making sightseeing uncomfortable for some. During this period, finding a riad with air conditioning is an absolute necessity.

The intensity of the heat in Marrakech and Fes is amplified by the cities’ locations away from the moderating influence of the coast. 

In contrast, winters can get quite chilly, especially at night. Temperatures sometimes dip to as low as 5°C (40°F) in Fes and one or two degrees warmer in Marrakech. While neither city experiences a lot of rain, Fes tends to be wetter than Marrakech. 

The best time to visit either Fes or Marrakech is during the spring or autumn, particularly during the months of April, May, September and October. At these times, temperatures are warm but not scorching and the weather is dry and sunny.

If you’re sensitive to extreme heat and need to travel during the summertime, I’d suggest opting for Fes over Marrakech. 

Should I visit Fes or Marrakech? Which is better for travel in 2025?

Both Fes and Marrakech are captivating destinations for travellers seeking to discover Morocco for the first time. The one that’s right for you depends on your interests, the experience you want to have and the season you plan on travelling. 

In my opinion, Fes offers a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage, with stunning architecture and fantastic museums.

Wandering the winding alleyways, you’ll encounter ancient mosques, historic madrasas and traditional craftsmen. Many are practicing time-honoured trades, from weaving textiles to dyeing leather in centuries-old tanneries.

In Fes, you can stay in authentic riads that have been beautifully preserved while preserving their original architectural features. By opting to visit this northern Imperial city, you’ll also benefit from slightly cooler temps at the height of summer. 

In contrast, Marrakech pulses with a more cosmopolitan energy, seamlessly blending its storied past with modern sensibilities. In the bustling souks, you can haggle for everything from hand-woven rugs to glittering lanterns.

Additionally, the city has plenty of trendy restaurants serving up global cuisine with a Moroccan twist.

Marrakech offers more for luxury travellers, with design-led riads and stunning hotels with palatial suites. As night falls, you can socialise at rooftop bars with sweeping views of Djemaa el-Fnaa or pulsing nightclubs that attract an international crowd.

Ultimately, the choice between Fes and Marrakech in 2025 depends on your travel style and preferences. If you crave a deeply authentic and immersive cultural experience, Fes is the perfect choice. But if you desire a more cosmopolitan and worldly adventure with a wider range of attractions, Marrakech is calling!

FAQs about visiting Marrakech vs Fes

Which is better Fes or Marrakech?

Both Fes and Marrakech are lively Moroccan cities with atmospheric medinas, colourful souks and wonderful architecture. While Fes is considered the cultural capital of Morocco and perhaps the more “authentic” of the two cities, Marrakech feels more tourist-oriented and “worldly”. 

In the “Red City”, you’ll find a huge choice of luxury accommodation and globally-inspired restaurants, as well as a bigger nightlife scene. Fes tends to be more reserved, with beautifully preserved old riads, fascinating museums and historic madrasas dating from its time as a centre of Islamic learning. 

Is Fes worth visiting? 

Yes, not only is Fes one of Morocco’s oldest cities but its medina has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This huge pedestrianised zone is filled with souks, tanneries and architectural treasures, including some beautifully restored riad hotels. Fes is also considered the culinary capital of Morocco and home to unique Fassi cuisine. 

How many days in Fes and Marrakech?

After deciding which city is better, Fes or Marrakech, I’d recommend you plan at least two nights (ideally three) in either. That will give you time to discover the highlights at a leisurely pace and enjoy some “downtime” at your riad. 

If you want to make a day trip from either Fes or Marrakech, add extra nights onto your itinerary accordingly. I’d also suggest giving yourself at least an extra half day if you plan on doing some serious shopping in the souks. This is particularly important if it involves big purchases like rugs, leather goods or hanging lamps.

If you’re rushed into making purchases, you’re likely to spend more and end up with something that’s not exactly what you wanted. 

How far is Fes from Marrakech?

Fes and Marrakech are approximately 530 kilometres (329 miles) away from each other. You can travel between these two Moroccan cities by car, train or bus. The journey takes between six and seven hours. Whether you choose public transport or drive, you’ll likely pass through Casablanca and Rabat along the way.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.