Ultimate Guide to Discovering Crafts, Culture, Shopping in Fez’s Ancient Medina

Fez is Morocco’s cultural heart, home to the country’s oldest medina and most skilled artisans. The Ancient Medina of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest pedestrian-only urban area in the world. With its labyrinth of souks, historic landmarks, and centuries-old workshops, Fez is the best destination in Morocco for authentic crafts, culture, and shopping.

In this ultimate Fez travel guide, we’ll take you through the best craft markets, hidden artisan workshops, and cultural experiences, ensuring you make the most of your time in Morocco’s most historic city.

Essential Travel Information for Visiting Fez’s Medina

Best Time to Visit Morocco

Before diving into the best places to shop in Fez, it’s important to understand when to visit, how to get there, and what to expect while exploring the medina.

The best seasons to visit Fez’s Ancient Medina are:
Spring (March to May) – Perfect weather for exploring the narrow souks and open courtyards.

Fall (September to November) – Comfortable temperatures make shopping and sightseeing more enjoyable.
Winter (December to February) – Mild but can get chilly at night; fewer crowds make it great for a quiet shopping experience.
Summer (June to August) – Very hot, especially inside the medina, but good for those who want low-season prices on Moroccan crafts.

How to Get to Fez

By Air: Direct international flights to Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

By Train: The ONCF train network connects Fez with Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier.

By Car: Private transfers or rental cars are ideal for visiting nearby destinations like Volubilis and Meknes.

Currency and Shopping Budget Expectations

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD); most shops in the medina accept cash only.

Bargaining: Expected in all markets—start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate up.

Budget:

- - - Leather goods: 200-500 MAD ($20-$50)
    - Carpets & textiles: 1,000-10,000 MAD ($100-$1,000)
    - Ceramics & pottery: 100-500 MAD ($10-$50)

Discovering Traditional Crafts in Fez’s Ancient Medina

Fez is famous for its ancient craftsmanship, and every street in the medina is home to skilled artisans who have preserved their craft for centuries. As you wander through the narrow, winding alleyways, you’ll hear the rhythmic sounds of hammers shaping brass, the hum of looms weaving fine textiles, and the rich scent of leather being tanned in traditional pits. Fez is a place where craftsmanship is not just a profession—it’s a deep-rooted cultural heritage passed down through generations. The city’s bustling souks are lined with artisanal workshops, each specializing in Morocco’s most prized handicrafts, from hand-dyed leather goods to intricate mosaic tiles. Shopping here is more than just purchasing souvenirs—it’s an immersive experience where you can witness artisans at work, learn about their ancient techniques, and take home a piece of Moroccan tradition.

The Chouara Tannery – A Window into Morocco’s Leather-Making Legacy

No visit to Fez is complete without a stop at the Chouara Tannery, one of the most iconic and photographed landmarks in Morocco. This historic tannery, dating back to the 11th century, is a testament to the city’s renowned leather-making tradition. As you step onto one of the panoramic terraces overlooking the tannery, you’ll see a mesmerizing sight—large stone vats filled with natural dyes in shades of saffron yellow, pomegranate red, and indigo blue, where artisans manually treat and dye leather using techniques unchanged for centuries.

The process begins with raw animal hides, which are softened in pigeon droppings and natural ammonia before being dyed with plant-based colors. The result? High-quality leather goods that are among the most sought-after in Morocco. The surrounding souks are filled with shops selling handmade leather bags, slippers (babouches), jackets, and belts, all crafted by skilled Fez artisans. If you’re looking to buy authentic Moroccan leather, Fez is the best place to do it. Just remember—bargaining is part of the experience, so don’t be afraid to negotiate a fair price!

Handwoven Textiles and Moroccan Carpets – A Tradition of Beauty and Skill

Fez is also home to Morocco’s most skilled weavers and textile artisans, who create vibrant Berber rugs, handwoven blankets, and delicately embroidered caftans. The city’s textile industry is a blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian influences, producing some of the most intricate and high-quality fabrics in Morocco. Inside small workshops and cooperatives, you can see artisans at traditional wooden looms, weaving wool and silk into breathtaking patterns.

If you’re in the market for a Moroccan carpet, Fez is one of the best places to shop. Whether you prefer colorful geometric Berber rugs or finely knotted silk carpets, there are plenty of choices. Many cooperatives offer certificates of authenticity and shipping options for international travelers. Apart from rugs, handwoven scarves, wool shawls, and finely embroidered tablecloths make for elegant and meaningful souvenirs.

Fez’s Signature Blue Pottery and Zellige Tilework – Morocco’s Finest Ceramics

One of Fez’s most distinctive crafts is its signature blue pottery, instantly recognizable by its deep cobalt hues and intricate hand-painted designs. Fez has long been known as Morocco’s ceramic capital, and the city’s pottery workshops are filled with skilled artisans who mold, paint, and fire beautiful bowls, plates, and tagine pots. Each piece is decorated with delicate Arabic calligraphy, floral motifs, or geometric patterns, reflecting the city’s Andalusian and Moorish artistic heritage.

Metalwork and Engraved Brass – The Sounds of Seffarine Square

The Seffarine Square in Fez’s medina is where Morocco’s most skilled metalworkers shape and engrave copper, brass, and silver into breathtaking designs. As you walk through the square, you’ll hear the constant clanging of hammers, a rhythmic sound that has echoed here for centuries. The artisans of Seffarine specialize in hand-hammered trays, lanterns, tea sets, and engraved doors, each piece a testament to Moroccan metalwork artistry.

One of the most popular items to buy here is a traditional Moroccan tea set, which includes a beautifully engraved brass or silver teapot, a serving tray, and hand-painted tea glasses. These sets are not only practical but also an essential part of Moroccan hospitality, perfect for serving authentic Moroccan mint tea at home.

Navigating the Best Souks for Shopping in Fez

Fez’s medina is a labyrinth of vibrant souks, each specializing in a different type of handicraft or local product. Here are some of the best markets to explore:

Souk el Henna – The best place for Moroccan beauty products, including henna, argan oil, and rosewater.
Souk Attarine – The spice and perfume market, selling Moroccan saffron, amber, and musk perfumes.

Nejjarine Fondouk – A historic woodworking market and museum, perfect for hand-carved wooden chests and furniture.

Cultural Experiences to Enhance Your Visit

Shopping in Fez is just one part of the experience—the city also offers deep cultural and historical immersion. Taking a guided walking tour through the medina allows you to discover hidden artisan workshops, historic sites, and the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, founded in 859 AD. After a long day of exploring, unwind at a traditional Moroccan hammam, where you can enjoy an exfoliating black soap treatment and a relaxing steam bath.

Visiting Morocco for the first time? While this 12-day Morocco itinerary will guide you through the best destinations, it’s important to know some essential travel tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. From understanding cultural norms to knowing what to pack, these tips will help you feel prepared and confident.

Packing the right items will make your trip more comfortable. Since Morocco has diverse climates, layered clothing is best—light clothes for hot days and a warm jacket for cool desert nights. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring medinas and hiking in the Atlas Mountains. A scarf or shawl is useful for sun protection and cultural sensitivity. Bring a universal adapter, as Morocco uses European-style plugs. For the desert, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are must-haves.

While credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants, cash is king in local markets and small towns. ATMs are widely available, but it’s good to withdraw money in bigger cities before heading to rural areas. Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) are a closed currency, meaning you can only exchange them within Morocco. Tipping is customary—round up for taxis and leave 10% in restaurants.

Final Thoughts – Why Fez is Morocco’s Ultimate Shopping Destination

Fez is more than just a city—it’s a living museum of Moroccan craftsmanship. Whether you’re shopping for handmade leather, fine ceramics, intricate carpets, or luxurious brassware, every purchase supports local artisans and preserves Morocco’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring the medina’s souks and workshops is an adventure in itself, where each alleyway reveals new treasures and each artisan has a story to tell.

If you’re looking for a truly authentic shopping and cultural experience in Morocco, Fez is the place to be. From its ancient tanneries and zellige workshops to its bustling spice markets and hidden riads, Fez offers a glimpse into a world where tradition and artistry come together in perfect harmony.

Planning your trip? Let Original Travels create a custom Fez shopping experience, ensuring you visit the best artisan workshops, avoid tourist traps, and uncover the hidden gems of Morocco’s most enchanting city.