Fes el Bali

Fes competes with Marrakesh for the title of most visited city-break destination in Morocco. This is the country's spiritual capital and one of the greatest sites to visit if you want to immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere of Morocco's Imperial Cities. The main tourist attraction here is simply meandering about the high-walled medina and admiring the crumbling architecture, while the most popular thing to do in town is to stay in one of the medina's riad hotels.

This is Morocco's best medieval city, with old monuments around every turn of the tortuous, tiny streets and a skyline punctuated by domes and minarets. With this list of the top attractions and activities to do in Fes, you can start organizing your vacation right now.

The largest of Fes' two medinas, Fes-el-Bali, is a substantially preserved medieval city. It is the world's largest car-free metropolitan region by population, with a population of around 150,000 people. Donkeys, carriages, and motorcycles are used to transport products. The entire medina is encircled by high walls, which are punctuated by a number of old city gates. A rooftop patio is available at a number of shops and restaurants, and it's a terrific place to get away from the busy streets. The views are especially beautiful around sunset and after dark.

Location: Fes, Morocco

Highlights: the Alley of Fes el Bali, the Medersa Bou Inania, the Medina Souqs, climbing Up to the Rooftop of the Medersa el-Attarine, the Famed Fes Tanneries, the Mellah District, the Qaraouiyine Mosque's Exterior, ...

Best time to visit: April 9th to July 1st or August 27th to November 18th