Is Fes or Marrakech the Best Base for Your Morocco Trip?

Morocco is a land of contrasts - ancient and modern, calm and chaotic, timeless and ever-changing. And nowhere is that more beautifully clear than in its two most iconic cities: Fes and Marrakech. Both include winding medinas, rooftop sunsets, and mint tea in tiled courtyards - but they offer entirely different experiences of Morocco’s soul. If you’re wondering which to choose for your stay (or why you might want to do both!), here’s what makes each city special.

Fes: The Soul of Morocco

Fes is Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual center, home to the world’s oldest university and medina (Fes el-Bali) that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The air hums with history: narrow alleys twisting between blue-tiled doorways, the scent of cedar and spice, the clang of metalworkers crafting lanterns by hand. Life here still unfolds much as it did a thousand years ago. You’ll find some of Morocco’s most beautiful craftsmanship through handwoven textiles, intricate pottery, leather tanneries, and brasswork passed down through generations. Fes feels intimate and personal, perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture rather than just observe it.

There is so much to do here. If you enjoy shopping, head to Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest leather making shops in the world that still uses ancient techniques today; or shop for ceramics at the artisan quarter near Ain Nokbi. If you love history, head to Medersa Bou Inania for this centuries-old preserved Islamic architecture.

Of course, the medina of Fes is famously complex, and a must-visit - a living labyrinth of over 9,000 alleyways where Google Maps simply gives up. But that’s part of the charm. The best approach? Hire a local guide your first day. They’ll show you shortcuts, hidden viewpoints, and artisan workshops you’d never find alone. Best yet, enjoy the sunset from a rooftop cafe overlooking the medina after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

Great day trips from Fes as your home base include Volubilis, Meknes, and Chefchaouen. For history lovers, enjoy a trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, walking around ancient temples and pillars surrounded by olive groves. If you enjoy shopping and a more modern city vibe, head to Meknes, which is known for its grand gates and royal stables. Or if you are looking for perfect scenery, head to Chefchaouen, The Blue City. While it is more than a few hours away, it is worth the scenes of the Rif Mountains, blue washed buildings, and incredible history as you step onto its cobblestone streets.

Marrakech: The Pulse of Morocco

If Fes whispers, Marrakech sings. This red-walled city is bold, sensory, and full of life - a place where the ancient and modern coexist effortlessly. Founded nearly a thousand years ago, Marrakech has evolved into a lively blend of tradition and trend with bustling souks (marketplace), stylish riads (traditional Morrocan home), rooftop lounges, and serene gardens all within reach. Marrakech is all about energy. It’s where you’ll find the Morocco of postcards and daydreams - snake charmers, sizzling food stalls, and endless markets overflowing with color. Yet beyond the chaos lies calm in hammams (traditional spas), garden cafés, and quiet, hidden courtyards.

The main square, Jemaa el-Fna, is like a compass - nearly everything radiates from there. This square is an excellent place to spend the evenings as it transforms into a festival of fresh foods, live music, and storytelling from locals. For history buffs, a visit to Bahia Palace, a living museum as one of the best preserved historical sites in Morocco; or to Saadian Tombs is a must for the stunning Islamic architecture and preservation of an important dynasty in Moroccan history. For nature lovers, visit Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent's iconic blue garden oasis, or walk the groves surrounding the reflective pool at Menara Garden to escape the hustle and bustle. Of course, you could do that by indulging in a traditional hammam, or spa!

If you're in Marrakech as a home base, there are so many day trips that take you from the mountains to desert to a breezy coast, all within a drive. About 90 minutes away are the Atlas Mountains. Here you can go for a hike if you're an active traveler, or spend an afternoon touring and eating lunch in a Berber village, home to the Amazigh, welcoming indigenous communities that line the mountains. A short drive away from Marrakech is the Agafay Desert where you can ride camels or take a quad bike through the golden dunes, letting the dry air hit your face like a true Moroccan. Or if you prefer the coast, visit Essaouira for a more relaxed vibe of beach walks, window shopping, and fresh seafood - plus, if you are a Game of Thrones fan you'll recognize the city ramparts and old port!

Final Thoughts

There is no wrong answer as to which is the best city for you to stay in. It may just be a matter of what pace you prefer or which day trips you want to venture out for. Of course, our favorite option is to do both - and why wouldn't you? Between the two, you’ll experience the country’s full spectrum - from silent ruins and scholarly lanes to the beating heart of the red city.

We're here to help start planning your next trip! Schedule a consultation below:

Schedule a Consultation

Looking for more travel inspiration or insider information? Sign up for our monthly newsletter: