Funky Walking Tour

Fez hits you fast, and this walk helps you make sense of it. This Funky Walking Tour is a smart first look at the Medina of Fez, lining up the big sights and the stories behind them in a route you can actually follow afterward. I like that it is led by official guide Abdelali, and that you see the “must-see” places without turning the morning into a checklist.

Two things I like a lot: the Chouara tannery rooftop stop, where you get a clear explanation of the tanning process before the smells and colors start to blur, and the fact that Abdelali gives practical tips for navigating the medina afterward. The tour also includes coffee and/or tea, so you are not scrambling for a drink mid-walk.

One consideration: several major landmarks are viewed from the outside only (including the Andalusian Mosque, Al-Qarawiyyin University, and Moulay Idriss II), so if you are hoping for lots of interior time, you may want to add an extra attraction on your own.

Quick highlights

• Small group, big payoff: max 20 people, paced for a first-time visit to the maze
• Chouara tannery rooftop viewing: explanation plus photo-friendly perspective
• Attarine madrasa with ticket included: one inside stop that is genuinely worth it
• Food market time at Achabine: you get to taste local flavors with guidance
• Seffarine copper square: watch the crafts at the center of daily hammer sounds

Your “get your bearings” morning in the Fez Medina

If you only have a short window in Fez, this is the kind of tour that earns its keep fast. The route is built to help you understand how the medina flows, which alleys connect to bigger landmarks, and what you are looking at when everything starts to look the same at street level.

The best part is the balance. You get famous stops like Chouara and the Attarine madrasa, but you also get context about everyday life in Fez, not just dates and names. Abdelali comes across as a real ambassador for the city, and in past groups he has been patient with questions, even when people ask about politics or how things work day to day.

The group size matters here too. With a maximum of 20 people, you are not swallowed up by a crowd. You can actually hear the guide and keep up, which is a big deal when you are walking in tight streets where turning the wrong way can cost you serious time.

Price and what feels like “value” here

At $52.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Fez. But it is also not one of those tours that feels like you are paying mostly for movement.

What you are really paying for:

• a guided route through major medina highlights in about 2 to 3 hours (many groups run closer to 3 or 4)
• cultural explanations at each stop, including simplified history where appropriate
• coffee and/or tea included
• one ticketed interior visit at Al-Attarine Madrasa
• a local guide who can give navigation tips so you can keep exploring after the walk

What you might find yourself paying for:

• bottled water is not included, so bring your own or plan to buy it nearby
• most other sights on the route are described as outside visits, so there are fewer entrance fees built in beyond the included stop

In practical terms, the money makes sense if you want fewer wrong turns, fewer dead ends, and more understanding of what you are looking at right in front of you.

Meet-up, timing, and how to plan your day

The tour starts at 10:00 am at Funky Fes60 (Arset Lamdelssi, Fès). You end at the main door of Rcif Gate, near La Porte Du Marché.

That start time is handy. It gives you cooler morning walking, and it also helps you see the key viewpoints before the day heats up and the medina gets even louder and busier. Plan for a relaxed pace, not a speed-run.

You are also going to walk in a way that suits most visitors. The tour notes that most travelers can participate and that service animals are allowed. It is also listed as near public transportation, which is useful if you are coming from a riad that is not right at the medina entrance.

One small practical note: because the tour ends at Rcif Gate, you are in a good position to continue your day in that direction without retracing your steps for hours.

Panoramic view first: seeing the medina before you get lost

The walk begins with a short departure from your hotel area to a spot where you can look down at the old city. The goal is simple, but it works: you get a sense of the layout before you plunge into the “big maze” feeling.

I like this approach because it turns random alley walking into orientation. Even if you never memorize streets, you start to recognize how areas relate to each other. It is also a nice moment to reset your brain before you hit the denser parts of the medina.

This stop is described as a panoramic view, with no ticket needed. It is quick, about 10 minutes, so you are not spending your whole morning waiting around.

Andalusian-Moroccan style, viewed from the outside

Next up is the Andalusian Mosque. You view it from outside, so you are not stuck in line or trying to manage an interior visit on day one. The explanation focuses on the architecture, specifically the Andalusian-Moroccan style.

Why this works: it gives you a visual anchor. You will recognize the look of it when you move through the area later, and you will understand why it matters in the broader story of Fez’s religious architecture.

This stop is short, about 5 minutes, and again admission is noted as not included. It is more about context and placement than a long sit-down.

Chouara tannery rooftop photos and tanning stages

Then comes the big one: Chouara Tannery. You visit from the rooftop, which is the best way to take photos and see the layout clearly.

The guide’s explanation here is the difference between seeing a dramatic postcard and actually understanding what you are looking at. The tour describes the tannery as one of the three most famous in Fez, and it walks you through the stages of tanning.

You should expect this to be the most sensory part of the route. Even with rooftop viewing, the tannery is still a working place, and your brain will notice color, smell, and activity all at once. Going with a guide helps, because you are not trying to guess what each step is.

This stop is about 20 minutes, and admission tickets are not included for this segment.

Al-Qarawiyyin University and Moulay Idriss II, outside only but meaningful

After the tannery, the pace shifts toward major historic pillars of Fez.

You visit the Mosque and University of al-Qarawiyyin from the outside. The tour frames Al-Qarawiyyin as the oldest university in the world and gives a simplified history. You also get the feel of the complex without needing to commit time to an interior visit.

Next is the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss II, again from the outside. Moulay Idriss II is presented as the founder of the city, and the guide explains the history of the mausoleum in a simplified way.

Why I think this pairing is smart: it links Fez’s big intellectual and spiritual roots right into the walk. You are not only seeing buildings, you are understanding why Fez developed the way it did, at least at the street level.

Both of these stops are brief, so they keep the tour moving while still giving you real context.

Attarine madrasa: the one inside stop worth planning for

The Al-Attarine Madrasa stop is where the tour steps inside (ticket included on this segment). The madrasa is described as an Islamic school, and it is also called one of the most beautiful old schools in Fez.

This is the kind of place where your guide’s explanation matters. Details inside a school like this can be hard to read on your own, especially if you do not know what you are looking for. With guidance, you get the history of its construction and what took place there.

You also get a clear payoff: one interior experience that is not rushed and is supported by an included admission ticket.

Expect this stop to last about 15 minutes.

Achabine market and Mosque: your chance to eat like locals

One of the best parts of the tour is the food stop at Mosque Achabine, which is described as a famous local food market in Fez. This is not just a pass-by. You get about 15 minutes here with the included food-market segment and taste some local food.

The vibe tends to be practical and guided. Instead of standing there wondering what is safe or what to order, you are with someone who knows how things work in that space.

This stop is listed with admission ticket included, so you are not constantly juggling extra costs or paperwork while you eat.

Place Seffarine: copper crafts, hammer sounds, and a street-level lesson

The final highlight is Place Seffarine, known as a district of boilermakers and also a square that shares its name with a mosque and a hammam nearby. If you like your travel experiences grounded in real daily work, this is your moment.

The tour describes the square as producing a constant concert of sounds as coppersmiths work from morning to evening. You are also told what they make, including cauldrons, teapots, trays, couscous makers, and other objects.

This is one of those stops that you can appreciate even if you do not buy anything. You see how craft shapes the soundscape of the neighborhood, and you get a sense of why certain products are made here rather than shipped in.

This stop is about 15 minutes, with admission tickets not included.

What the guide style actually gives you (beyond facts)

A lot of walking tours throw facts at you and then point you at shops. This one, led by Abdelali in the groups reflected in the guide reviews, tends to work differently.

The stand-out pattern is helpful, calm guidance:

• He communicates well in English and is able to answer a wide range of questions.
• He is patient and keeps the group moving without pressuring people to buy.
• He also shares practical tips for navigating Fez Medina on your own after the tour.

That last part is huge. If you leave with a better mental map, you will get more out of the rest of your days in Fez. The tour becomes a foundation, not just an event.

Some groups also mention ending with extra restaurant recommendations, including a local BBQ option. Even if you do not follow that exact suggestion, it is a sign the guide is thinking about what you need next, not just what he needs to check off.

Who should book this tour

This tour is a great fit if:

• it is your first time in Fez and you want a structured orientation
• you want major sights like Chouara, al-Qarawiyyin, and Attarine madrasa without heavy planning
• you prefer a small-group experience with room for questions
• you like learning cultural context, not just snapping photos and moving on

It may be less ideal if:

• you expect lots of interior time at major religious sites, since several stops are outside only
• you want a long food experience as the main event, since the tasting at Achabine is brief

Should you book this Funky Walking Tour?

Yes, if you want the simplest, most guided path to Fez highlights with enough context to keep exploring afterward. At $52.27, the value comes from the combination of a strong route, coffee or tea included, and at least one meaningful inside visit at the Attarine madrasa.

If you already know Fez well, you might feel like some stops are too short and mostly outside. But for most first-timers, this is a smart “first morning” move that saves time and frustration.

If you book, come ready for walking in tight streets, and keep water in your bag. After that, let Abdelali do what he is best at, turning the chaos of the medina into something you can navigate with confidence.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and where does the tour end?

The tour starts at Funky Fes60, Arset Lamdelssi, Fès, Morocco. It ends at the main door of Rcif Gate, near La Porte Du Marché on Boulevard Ben Mohammed El Alaoui.

What time does the tour start, and how long should I plan?

The start time is 10:00 am. The duration is listed as approximately 2 to 3 hours, and some groups may run closer to 3 or 4 hours.

What is included in the price?

Coffee and/or tea are included, and the Al-Attarine Madrasa stop includes an admission ticket. The Achabine food market stop is also listed with admission ticket included.

Is bottled water provided?

No. Bottled water is not included, so it is a good idea to bring some or plan to buy it during the walk.

Do I need admission tickets for the stops?

Most stops are outside viewing, and admission ticket is noted as not included for those segments. The Attarine madrasa has an included ticket as part of the tour.

How many people are in the group, and is there a cancellation window?

The group size has a maximum of 20 travelers. There is free cancellation, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.