Fes or Marrakech: Which One is Better in 2025?

Trying to choose between Fes or Marrakech during your next trip to Morocco? If so then you have come to the right place. 

I am a local who has been to each place many many times. So, I know all about Fes vs. Marrakech and the pros and cons of the two. 

See, both are incredibly ancient cities that have a lot to offer visitors. But, Fes is a bit more removed than Marrakech and feels a bit less touristy. 

In contrast, Marrakech has a lot more street food on offer. It also a city of opulence and is home to a wealth of nightclubs as well as a lot of top-rated tourist attractions. 

But, let’s dig into this article and find out which one is better, Fes or Marrakech. 

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Fes Or Marrakech: Which One is Better?

Honestly, whether you like Marrakech or Fes better really just depends on personal preference. That being said, I liked Marrakech way better and would pick Marrakech every time. 

It’s an unpopular opinion since many people consider Fes to be more “authentic and less touristy” but that’s just my personal preference spending way more than 24 hours in Fes.

Yes, Marrakech is a bit more touristy. But, the Medina is way bigger and I just found that there was a lot more to do. I kind of got bored in Fes and was ready to leave after a hot minute. 

I also traveled alone in both cities and was harassed way more in Fes, to the point where some guy actually grabbed my arm. I also counted and got hit on no less than twenty times a day in fes. 

Thankfully, nothing happened and I just walked away. However, the whole experience left a sour taste in my mouth. 

I have since been back to Fes (with my partner) and was still left rather unimpressed. I also did a day trip to Meknes that was boring since everything was closed and under construction. 

So, IMHO, if you could only visit one city, I would pick Marrakech. 

That being said, if you are dying to see Chefchaouen then definitely visit Fes since it’s only about four hours away by bus. And I LOVED Chefchaouen and highly recommend it to anyone. 

What’s Unique About Fes

Fes is in Northern Morocco

Situated in northern Morocco, Fes (also known as Fez) lists northwest of the Atlas Mountains, while Marrakech is nestled further to the south within the valley of the Tensift River.

The geographical location of these cities contributes to climatic differences. 

Despite the common perception that Morocco is one hot desert, the country has a ton of climates. 

Coastal areas enjoy a Mediterranean climate, the elevated regions have a humid and temperate climate, and the southwestern areas are hot and dry. 

When comparing the climates of Fes and Marrakech, the most notable difference is that Fes tends to be slightly cooler than Marrakech. 

For travelers visiting Morocco during July and August, a trip to Fes may be a slightly more comfortable experience. However, this is definitely not the best time to visit Fes or Morocco and I would plan your trip for another time of year. 

Now, its unique location in the North means that there are significant cultural differences between the two cities. 

I found Fes to be a bit more conservative that Marrakech and was actually asked to dress more conservatively in a village just outside the city. 

I also got much more male attention in Fes and felt slightly uncomfortable walking around alone as a woman. 

My boyfriend also noticed that they don’t really serve Berber omelets at restaurants in Fes as they do in the south and that they serve their tea in large glasses and not teapots in the North. 

So, there are definitely cultural differences between the two cities. 

The Medina in Fes is Easier to Navigate

Everyone has a different opinion about this but I personally found the Medina in Fes way easier to navigate as I was checking out some of the main attractions in Fes and some of the nicest hammams in Fes.

In truth, both cities have a maze-like Medina that can be tricky to walk around since there are no street signs or distinguishable landmarks. 

Every street kind of looks the same and there is no grid-like layout to the Medina. So, it’s super easy to get lost. 

Yes, there are some signs in Marrakech but they aren’t super obvious and weren’t all that helpful IMHO. 

I also found the Medina in Marrakech to be MUCH bigger, making it easier to get lost. 

In contrast, the Medina in Fes feels smaller and actually goes down a giant hill. So, any time I wanted to make my way back to my riad, I would just go up the hill. 

I would do the same if I wanted to get out of the Medina, which is why I found the center of Fes a bit easier to explore. 

Fes is Less Touristy

Don’t get me wrong, Marrakech and Fes are both touristy since they are two of the major cities that travelers visit any time they are in Morocco. 

However, Fes feels a bit less touristy than Marrakech since it isn’t visited by as many tourists and hasn’t been a top tourist destination for nearly as long. 

See, for centuries, Marrakech has captivated travelers from around the globe. In fact, no less than Winston Churchill himself raved about the city in the 1930s. 

Similarly, Yves Saint Laurent loved the city so much that he set up a home there, which is why you have the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech today.

As a result, Marrakech saw a huge influx in tourists and the associated infrastructure for them.

Add in a well-connected international airport that serves many budget airlines and Marrakech is now more accessible than ever.  

In contrast, Fes doesn’t center its identity around tourism in the same way. 

So, the people living in the Medina of Fes don’t cater as much to tourists and the result is that the city, as a whole, feels a bit more authentic. 

That being said, you will find tons of tourists around the tanneries. This is basically THE big attraction in Fes and everyone comes here to get a look at the different colored vats of dye.

You can also enjoy a nice aerial view of the tanneries from surrounding balconies and see how people still use traditional methods to make amazing leather products.

Yes, Marrakech has tanneries as well. But, they are well outside the Medina and are honestly a terrible place to visit. I do NOT recommend going there at any point during your trip.

What’s Unique About Marrakech

Marrakech Has More Street Food 

You are forbidden from visiting Marrakech without sampling some of its amazing street food!

Just kidding. Please do whatever you want,. However, just know that I personally think the street food in Marrakech is to die for. 

Sure, Fes does have street food. So, if you look you will definitely be able to find it.  it’s just scattered throughout the medina and you’ll have to go on a treasure hunt of sorts to find it. 

However, street food is super “in your face” in Marrakech and can easily be found in Jemaa El-Fnaa square. 

The food stands here serve up a wealth of traditional dishes both day and night. 

Here, you can indulge in traditional fare like snail soup, b’stilla (pigeon pie with almonds, eggs, and spices), and fresh squeezed orange juice. 

Personally, I love harira. It is served in a paper cup and sometimes with sweet dates on the side. 

It features a rich broth that is made using tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, spices, and sometimes noodles and meat. 

But, 9 times out of 10 it is a vegetarian dish that is especially revered during Ramadan. Yeah, my boyfriend’s mom makes the best harira and I definitely suggest you give it a try. 

I also love that you can find this traditional Moroccan soup pretty much everywhere. 

Marrakech is a bit More Worldly

If people only visit one city in Morocco, it’s usually Marrakech. As a result, the city is built to cater to tourists and is home to a wealth of international restaurants, night clubs, world-class riads, and more. 

So, the city has a more worldly feel about it and is home to lots of international restaurants serving a wide array of cuisines. 

Therefore, if you want to stay in a slightly more liberal city that has some of the comforts of home then Marrakech will be perfect for you. It’s the reason so many expats live here. 

It is definitely uniquely Moroccan but is a bit more relaxed in terms of attitudes towards women and dress since so many foreigners regularly visit the city. 

I mean, I have seen local women walking around in short skirts. Need I say more? It’s definitely not common but I have seen it. 

Marrakech Has A Lot More Nightlife

There are a lot more things to do in Marrakech at night then there are in Fes. 

So, if you’re looking to party like a rockstar or are just a perpetual night owl then Marrakech is the place for you. 

After all, Marrakech is home to incredible cocktail bars and amazing night clubs that make it easy to party until the sun comes up. 

In particular, El Fenn has a spectacular rooftop bar. It sits inside the Medina and offers up excellent drinks as well as amazing views.. 

The Charleston is another great choice since this old-school, cabaret bar features lots of live music and dancing. 

However, if you’re looking for a quiet place to grab a drink then La Maison Arabe is a great choice. They serve excellent food, killer drinks, and feature live jazz performances too.

In contrast, Fes doesn’t really have a lot going on once the sun sets. You can climb to the top of the hill just outside the Medina and watch the sunset from the Marinid Tombs (ruins). 

You can also grab a drink at Hotel Les Merinides since the bar is open to the public and offers killer views of the city. But, that’s about it. 

Marrakech is More Luxurious

Marrakech is synonymous with opulence and luxury. 

So, anyone who loves 5-star hotels, amazing golf courses, exceptional spas, and world-class restaurants will want to visit Marrakech. 

I mean, they recently opened a Nobu in Marrakech, need I say more? 

So, feel free to book a room at the modern, and well-located, Royal Mansour Marrakech or the Residences d’Orient Luxury Riad, which features more traditional accommodations with a spa. 

For gourmet dining, head to Nouba for authentic Moroccan cuisine and live entertainment, or La Terrasse de La Brillante for exquisite cocktails and stunning views of Marrakech.

Just be sure you know what to wear in Marrakech at these places since many of these more formal places have a dress code.

That being said, Fes does have a modern area that is comparable to Gueliz. It is known as Ville Nouvelle and is filled with modern shopping malls, grocery stores, and iconic chain restaurants.

Personally, I prefer Gueliz in Marrakech to Ville Nouvelle in Fes since it is more developed and has a lot more to offer visitors (i.e. museums and art galleries).

Marrakech Is More Accessible

If you have mobility issues, Marrakech is a much better choice since the Medina is flat and easier to get around, especially if you are a wheelchair user.

In contrast, the Medina in Fes is built on a giant hill. So, even walking up this hill can feel intense and leave your calves begging for mercy.

Additionally, there are generally more sidewalks in Marrakech and the walkways through the Medina tend to be more even since they are not made of cobblestones.

However, the Medina in Fes is totally car-free. So, you won’t have to worry about passing trucks, motorbikes, and tuktuks as you walk through the city. Ultimately, though, I think Marrakech is a better choice if you have limited mobility.

Special Note: While Marrakech is MARGINALLY better when it comes to accessibility, Morocco as a whole is not a very accessible country for anyone with mobility issues.

Please do your research and try to avoid staying in riads since they do not come outfitted with elevators. Instead, book rooms inside modern hotels that sit outside the Medina.

Marrakech is a Gateway Destination

Due to its location, Marrakech is a gateway to many beautiful outdoor destinations. In fact, Imlil and Aroumd are just two hours away and are a great place for hiking. 

You could also drive two hours east and enjoy stunning views from the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, and even take route P1506 to Telouet. 

Following this path you’ll end up in Ait Benhaddou which is an ancient spot that has been used as a filming location for many major Hollywood films. 

I loved my time here and if you do the 3 day Dessert tour from Marrakech to Fes then you’ll stop here. 

Alternatively, you could head west to Essaouira and relax by the sea if the crowds of Marrakech become too much for you.

Because more than any other city in Morocco, Marrakech is crowded, polluted, and filled with aggressive drivers (in and out of the Medina) that can drive you insane. So, give yourself a break and do a relaxing day trip to the Agafay Desert.

If you have extra time, you could also spend the night at a top-notch Agafay Desert camp.

What’s The Same About Fes and Marrakech

Both Have Unique Attractions

Deciding whether you want to go to Fes or Marrakech depends a lot on what you want to see. 

Marrakech is famous for its bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This is a vibrant place filled with food vendors and shops that are filled with people both day and night. 

It’s a vibrant atmosphere that you won’t find in Fes. 

In contrast, Fes is home to the historic Chouara Tannery. It is the oldest in Morocco, at around 900 years old, and gives visitors a look into the traditional leather dyeing process.

Just go to a look shop around the tanneries, pay them to take you to the top, and they will tell you all about the history of this place. 

You’ll also get some mint that you can smell to help you deal with the odor from the tanneries. Honestly, I didn’t think it smelled all that bad. 

Yes, both cities have Medinas, palaces, mosques, markets, and museums aplenty, but Marrakech has a wider array of attractions and is home to 20+ museums. 

On the other hand, Fes has less than 10 museums to explore. So, if you like museums and enjoy a jam-packed itinerary then Marrakech may be the best destination for you. 

You can Easily Fly to Both Cities

Both Marrakech and Fes are accessible via their respective international airports, with Marrakesh Menara Airport serving Marrakech and Fès–Saïss Airport serving Fes. 

While Marrakech has more flights arrive daily since the city is well-connected to Europe, the choice between the two might depend on your starting point and your Morocco itinerary. 

For those traveling from more distant areas, Casablanca stands as Morocco’s primary entry point with the highest number of international flights arriving daily. 

Yet, irrespective of whether you land in Fes or Marrakech, each city is home to beautiful Moroccan cultural experiences and is renowned for its hospitality.

Local Tip: You can also take the train to both cities, as well as the bus. So, both cities are well-connected to Morocco vis many different modes of public transportation. 

Both Cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Believe it or not, Marrakech and Fes are both ancient cities that have the distinction of being premier UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

They each have long, important histories and make up two of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Therefore, they are both historic capitals of the country with maze-like medinas, palaces, madrasas, mosques, souks, and more. 

Although both Marrakech and Fes are historic, Fes is reported to be the oldest city in Morocco, with one of the most extensive and best conserved old towns of the Arab-Muslim world. 

After all, Fes was originally built by the first Muslim Dynasty, the Idrissids, alongside the Fes river, in 789. 

It then developed a true medina (FYI, there are actually two. One is Fes el-Bali and the other is Fes Jdid) that eventually developed its own set of mosques, palaces, and markets.

As a result, Fes has long been considered the heart of religion, learning, and politics in Morocco. Many of the historic buildings here also date back to the 13th century, including the city’s many famous mosques, universities, and palaces.

However, Marrakech also has a rich history of its own. But, it wasn’t actually founded until 1070 and the Marinids eventually moved the capital from Marrakech to Fes in 1269.

The city was then almost completely destroyed and later rebuilt in the 16th century by the Saadian dynasty

Both Are Home To Great Day Trips

Fes and Marrakech are both well-located in Morocco. Therefore, you have a wealth of day trips that you can enjoy if you want to escape the chaos of the city. 

In Fes, you can do a day trip to Volubilis, Moulay Idriss, and Meknes. I found Meknes super boring but loved the ruins at the archeological site of Volubilis. 

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you could do a day trip to Ifrane.

It’s about an hour drive from Fes and is the little Switzerland of Morocco since the houses are cute little chalets and the place gets a ton of snow. 

If you do the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech you’ll stop here along the way. 

Finally, you could also do a day trip to Chefchaouen. Personally, I would not recommend this since it will take you around 4 hours to get to the city from Fes. 

Plus, Chefchaouen has a lot to offer and I don’t think you can relly enjoy this small blue city unless you spend a night or two here. 

However, a day trip is an option and many people choose to do this since they are short on time. 

In contrast, Marrakech has an insane number of day trips for you to enjoy. In fact, a lot more than Fes. 

You could do a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira (again avoid an organized tour since it’s easy to do on your own), the Atlas Mountains,the Ourika Valley, the Agafay Desert, the waterfalls of Ouzoud, and the list goes on and on. 

I am honestly not gonna list all of the day trips you can do from Marrakech since there are SOO many. 

But, if you like to travel with a central home base and do a lot of day trips from there, then Marrakech is the place for you. 

Both Cities are Hospitable and Home to Amazing Culture

Regardless of whether you visit Fes or Marrakech, you’ll definitely have an amazing time. Plus, Fes is safe, as is Marrakech.

Each city is brimming over with authentic Moroccan culture and has an old world charm that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. 

From delicious Moroccan cuisine to striking architecture to incredible art and welcoming locals, these cities have it all. 

In fact, they are two of the most beautiful cities in Morocco and sit at the beating heart of Moroccan culture. 

But, if you can’t decide between the two then visit them both! 

You could do a cool 3 day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech to Fes or just use the train to not-so-quickly travel between the two cities. 

Yeah, I have done the train ride from Marrakech to Fes and it is a solid 6 or 7 hours. But, the trains are comfy and boarding is pretty straightforward. 

How to Get From Marrakech to Fes

If you want to travel from Marrakech to Fes you could take the bus, the train, drive, or fly. 

If you are short on time and don’t mind spending a little extra money then fly since the flight is around an hour. 

However, if you’re have a limited budget the consider taking the train. It’s faster than the bus and cheaper than a plane but the trip will take you between 7 and 8 hours. 

Local Tip: Most people traveling from Marrakech to Fes opt to do the 3-day desert tour. I HIGHLY recommend this and did this myself. 

It only costs around $120.00 per person for 3 days (the last day is mostly driving) and is a great way to see a ton of cool stuff along the way. 

Plus, you’ll get to stop in Merzouga and do a camel ride into the Sahara before spending the night there. 

It’s definitely touristy but perfect if you are short on time and want to see as much of Morcco as possible. 

How Far is Fes from Marrakech?

Fes and Marrakech are pretty far away from each other. They are about 530 kilometers or 329 miles apart. 

So, if you decide to drive through Rabat then it will take you probably around 5.5 hours to get to Fes from Marrakech. 

However, if you take a train directly between the two cities the journey will take between 7 and 8 hours. If you take the bus, the journey will take around 10.5 hours. 

Although, you could shorten the trip by taking a bus/train to Rabat and then continuing to Fes from there. 

By Train

ONCF operates a train between the two cities and you can easily purchase tickets online if need be. I have done this trip many times and it takes between 7 and 8 hours. 

There are tons of daily departures but no high-speed train like the one on the coast. It’s also very comfortable and tickets generally cost between 200  and 340 Dirham ($20 to $34). 

By Bus

CTM operates a bus from Marrakech to Fes. CTM buses are safe, comfortable, and you can easily get tickets online. However, the bus takes forever since you make a lot of stops. 

So, expect to spend like 10.5 hours on the bus if you choose this option. I have ridden CTM buses many times and think they are awesome and super comfy. 

But, even though tickets only cost between 80 and 160 Dirham ($8.00 – $16.00), it’s a long journey and just not worth it IMHO. 

By Transfer

You can also book a private or group transfer to get from Marrakech to Fes. This usually means that you’ll take a private car or van and drive in between the two cities. 

This is a quick and easy way to travel in between the two cities and is a great option if you are traveling as part of a group. 

Prices are generally $315 for three people or less and $375.00 for 8 people or less. 

By Air

A few times each week, Air Arabia Maroc operates direct flights from Saiss, Morocco (Fes) to Menara, Morocco (Marrakech). 

The flight takes around an hour and can cost anywhere between $30 and $300 depending on when you fly and the airline you use. 

Flights for $30 are rare though and expect to spend closer to $300. Just be aware that direct flights between the two cities do NOT operate daily. 

Yes, you can take an indirect fly daily but it takes a while and is just easier/better for the environment if you take a bus or a train. 

Marrakech or Fes FAQs

Which is better Fez or Marrakesh?

Personally, I think Marrakech is better than Fez. I find the city friendlier, easier to navigate, and much more exciting since there is more to do. 

There are also way more day trips to enjoy from Marrakech. 

Is Fez Worth Seeing?

Fes is absolutely worth seeing and how much time you spend in Fes just depends on what you’re into! It’s an ancient city from 789 AD that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Therefore, it’s the oldest city in the country and home to a Medina, palaces, museums,  tanneries, and mosques that are just waiting to be explored. 

Which is better to visit, Rabat or Fes?

I have an unpopular opinion here but I think Rabat is better to visit than Fes. It is the capital, is home to amazing public transportation, and is connected to a high-speed train. 

There are also a ton of things to do in Rabat and I find the people are friendlier, even though I think the Medina in Fes is better. 

Plus, unlike Fes, Rabat sits on the coast and is home to a beach that is a great place to surf and relax. 

How Many Days in Fes and Marrakech?

I got bored in Fes when I spent a week there during my first visit. So, since Medina is small, I think you could easily spend a day there. 

You can then take the train to Marrakech and spend 2 or 3 days exploring the city and doing cool day trips to Essaouira or the High Atlas Mountains. 

That wraps up this detailed guide on Fes vs. Marrakech. I hope it helped you decide whether Fes or Marrakech will be better for you during your trip to Morocco. 

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