Our inspiring guide to Fes Instagrammable Places

Fes is pretty, even though gritty. That’s why we had to create a unique and inspiring guide to Fes instagram spots. The best of Fes is there in the middle, between the shadows of the medina and hidden corner that we found the perfect balance for our photo gallery. Definitely, we found the most interesting insagrammable spots in Fes.

Besides the tourists trails, Chouara Tannery, the Bou Inania Madrasa and the Royal Palace, there many spots you’ll never know without reading this guide.

We’ve got lost so many times through the medina maze. Fes souk is insanely wide but beautiful. The most raw we visited in our long Morocco Itinerary.

Here’s our honest guide to the most unique photo spots in Fez—places that left us wide-eyed, snapping away, and sometimes just standing back to soak in the scene.

16 Most Instagrammable Places in Fes

Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate)

You might get inside the Fes Medina from the iconic Blue Gate. This is Bab Boujloud, one of the most significant gates in Morocco. We passed through early in the morning and at sunset, and the feeling is always the same.

The tilework is on the next level, and makes the best background for the usual photos from Fes as souvenirs. The blues here aren’t just vibrant—they’re electric, with intricate patterns that make framing shots a joy.

This gate is Fes visual signature and an emblematic jumping-off point for the maze that follows. It’s also a stark contrast to the frenetic vibe inside the medina, where narrow alleyways squeeze every inch of your senses. Buy a mint tea nearby, snap a few shots, and let the gate’s grandeur soak in. There is Cafe O’Clock nearby, which is one of the most iconic in town.

📸 How to shoot it

• The “Secret” Sides: Remember this gate has two faces. The Blue side faces outside (best lit in the afternoon/sunset), while the Green side faces inside the medina (best lit in the morning).
• Best Time: Arrive at 8:00 AM to shoot the Green side with zero crowds. For the iconic Blue side, go just before sunset when the golden light hits the mosaics, or wait for “Blue Hour” (20 mins after sunset) when the gate lights up dramatically.
• Lens Choice: A wide angle (16–24mm) is essential to fit the massive arch in frame from the busy street.
• Composition: Stand further back and use the central arch to frame the minaret of the Bou Inania Madrasa visible in the distance—it’s the classic pro shot.

Royal Palace Gates (Golden Doors)

A short distance from the downhill entrance of Medina, there is the Royal Palace. While this isn’t as flashy as other Royal Palaces, or venues in other parts of Morocco (You have to make it to Rabat to understand what we mean), it’s gorgeous to visit the huge square and tall doors.

We can’t stress enough how striking these doors are in person. Polished to a luminous gleam and framed by intricate tile and stucco work, they glow warmly in the afternoon sunlight. It was hot when we visited, so be sure to carry water and plan a few stops along the way.

Unlike the chaotic medina, this area has a calm dignity. Though you can’t visit the palace inside, it’s just a quick photo stop.

📸 How to shoot it

• Golden Hour is King: The doors face roughly west, meaning they look flat and dull in the morning shadow. You must go in the late afternoon (approx. 1 hour before sunset) when the sun hits the brass directly, making the gold blaze.
• Lens Choice: A standard zoom (24–70mm) works best here. Use the wider end for the row of 7 gates, then zoom in to 70mm to capture the intricate brass knockers and zellij tile details.
• Crucial Warning: Do not photograph the guards. Even pointing your camera in their general direction can get your SD card formatted. Stick to the doors.

Rue Boulkhsissat: Quiet Corners with a Slow Vibe

Within the Fes Royal Palace area, we discovered another great alley that others seem to have forgotten. Rue Boulkhsissat (Fes Jewish Quarter) is quiet and diverse in terms of architecture and atmosphere compared to the rest of the city.

Spice shops lined up, two-story buildings with subtle architecture, and a sudden change of pace compared to the nearby entrance to Fes Medina. This road reminded us of similar alleys in Singapore (Peranakan shophouses), lined with small businesses and quiet shade.

Fes Tanneries (Chouara Tanneries)

The tanneries are on everyone’s Fes bucket list. It was the same for me, and I feel it’s one of those places you have to visit, despite the infamous smell. We have an entire guide to the Tanneries, and a better one with a walking map on how to get to the n.10 balcony, the one we visited.

We loved watching the men work their craft down in the pit; the small area wasn’t so gross that we had to run away. Instead, we spent more than an hour learning about leather products and the way of life of the Fes workers. It’s one of the most suggestive photospots in Fes; definitely the one you don’t want to miss on your Instagram feed.

The colours—bright reds, blues, ochers—are surreal against the earthen walls, and the workers add an authentic human element to your shots.

📸 How to shoot it

• Focal Length Matters: This is the one spot where you need a telephoto lens (70mm+). The pits are far below you; a wide angle flattens everything into a mess. Zooming in allows you to isolate a single stone vat and a worker to capture the texture and action.
• Lighting: Morning (9:00–11:00 AM) is superior. The sun lights up the dyes making the reds and yellows pop. At noon, the harsh overhead sun creates deep black shadows in the pits, ruining the contrast.
• The “No. 10” Angle: From this terrace, shoot straight down for a geometric “honeycomb” composition, filling the entire frame with just the round vats and no surrounding buildings.

Funduq Staouniyyin: Hidden Riad Charm with Stunning Craftsmanship

Another hidden gem in Fes is the Staouniyyin Fonduq. This location is a short walking distance from the Tanneries, navigating through the chaotic souk of Fes. After the tanneries, we drifted into the Funduq Staouniyyin, a beautifully restored traditional inn. It exceeds expectations—rich in handcrafted wooden balconies and railings, detailed carvings, and a scale that feels intimate yet grand.

It reminded us of the riads in Marrakech, but the atmosphere here is rawer and more authentic. The craftsmanship is meticulous, making it a stunning backdrop for photos that seamlessly blend history and design. You don’t need much time, and it’s free to visit, despite shopkeepers trying to persuade you to buy rugs and fabrics.

Rainbow Alley (Rue Tala’a Kebira)

There is a colourful road in the heart of Fes Medina that ditches the monochrome and goes wild with colours. The famed Rainbow Alley stands out for its artisan shops, paintings on the walls, and the floor in a thousand colours. Yeah, like a rainbow.

It’s a very narrow alley, not more than 100 metres, in between the two main roads up and down the souk. We found it difficult to cross when it was busy during peak hours. Everyone wants to get a shot here, but the best is early in the morning.

The alley showcases a diverse range of items, from leather crafts to paintings and handmade souvenirs. It’s a tight space, so please respect the shop owners’ photography rules. The interplay of light, shadow, and texture here will keep your lens busy for at least 20 minutes.

READ MORE: We stayed in Fes longer then expected, but not everything went to plan. This is our answer to the common question: Is Fes Safe?

Bou Inania Madrasa: Fes Architectural Gem

We’ve visited madrasas before—our Marrakech experience set high expectations. But Bou Inania Madrasa in Fes brought a fresh wave of awe. Unlike the larger, more touristed Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, Bou Inania offers an intimate experience.

The courtyard is detailed with angling light bouncing off intricate zellij tiles, carved cedar wood, and carved plaster, a rich tapestry that begs for photos.

The entry felt less crowded, and wandering its quiet corridors gave us space to breathe and take photos. It’s easy to see why this madrasa stands as a jewel in Fes’s rich religious and artistic history.

📸 How to shoot it

• The Wide Challenge: The courtyard is tighter than it looks. You need an ultra-wide lens (14–18mm) to capture the floor-to-sky symmetry in one shot. If you only have a phone, use 0.5x mode and shoot from a low angle near the floor.
• Lighting: Mid-morning is lovely here as the sun sits high enough to illuminate the courtyard floor but hasn’t yet created harsh split-shadows on the walls.
• Details: Don’t forget to look up. Use a zoom to capture the cedar wood carvings (mashrabiya). We used a 300mm and works perfectly!

Mnebhi Palace

We had a spontaneous peek inside Mnebhi Palace when the door was slightly open. Climbing up just four steps, we glimpsed an unexpected splendour—far richer than the plain exterior suggested. Inside, a vast patio now serves as a lively Moroccan restaurant, complete with music and events. This former residence of General Lyautey hints at the rich history of the French Protectorate.

Viewpoint Medina: The Panoramic Scene

To grasp Fez’s sprawling character, head to the Viewpoint Medina. This spot offers sweeping views over the medina rooftops and minarets that punctuate the cityscape. We arrived at golden hour, the view bathed in warm light, lending a timeless quality to our shots.

Beware of the locals who will try to charge for parking or small souvenirs, but a small tip is worth the unique canvas you get to paint with your camera here.

From this terrace on the side of the road, you can also have a nice view of the Borj Nord Museum and the Marinid Tombs. After visiting all the other viewpoints in Fes (including Shpigel Lookout), this is our favourite and safest.

📸 How to shoot it

• Sunset vs. Blue Hour: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to catch the city turning golden. But don’t leave when the sun drops! Wait another 20 minutes for “Blue Hour.” This is when the sky turns deep navy and the green lights of the mosque minarets switch on, creating a magical contrast.
• Stability: This is a low-light landscape shot. If you don’t have a tripod or a friend, place your camera/phone on the stone wall of the terrace. It will keep it steady for a crisp image.
• Subject: Use a telephoto lens to pick out the green pyramid roof of the Kairaouine Mosque from the sea of beige houses—it gives the eye a place to land in the chaotic view.

Sagha Square

We stumbled into Sagha Square, where traditional copper smiths hammer away their craft in a rhythmic clang. We made it as a recharging point while exploring Fes Medina, and it was a sensory overload—the mix of sound, craft, and eye-catching metallic glints makes it vibrant.

Nearby Place Saffarine offers a similar vibe, an authentic slice of Fes where artisans work on pots, teapots, buckets, and more. These spots are lively and real, perfect for those who want photos with a pulse rather than posed stillness.

Place Saffarine

Place Safferine is a very popular square in Fes, primarily due to its location. We almost arrived here, getting lost. It was hard for Ale not to be tempted by the beautiful shops. There is everything you want in this square, with most of the shops selling pottery, tiles, copper, and antiques.

It’s a crossroad between the narrow alleys of the souk. We suggest not spending much time here, as the hassle from vendors is real. However, also be aware that not everyone is happy to be photographed.

Souk Attarine

Souk Attarine is where we really felt the heartbeat of Fes. This spice market, stretching about 600 meters and framed by old wooden gates, has been the city’s aromatic soul since the 16th century.

While we noticed just a few spice sellers, it’s more a multitude of shops, with more daily groceries than souvenirs. Which is good, as it attracts more locals, and makes it better for some authentic photos from Fes.

Berber Coffee in the Souk: Taste and Snap

You can’t talk about photogenic spots in Fes without mentioning its street food and drink culture. We sampled Berber coffee at a small souk café, Al Oud, where the blend of spices made the experience unique and the setting intimate.

The café itself is a fantastic frame—locals in mid-conversation, colours swirling, teapots steaming. Grab a cup, and let your camera capture the warmth both literally and figuratively. Spoiler alert, this is right in front of the shop where we ate Nutella crepes every night, and met the sweetest cat – Kiki.

Tizwa Riad: Our Serene Home Base

Our stay at the Tizwa Riad Fes was a treat—right beside the medina, with quiet, lush courtyards perfect for capturing that classic Moroccan riad shot. The mosaics, fountains, and shade cast by vines made it a peaceful haven after the bustling streets. Staying in a traditional riad offers additional options for getting the most instagrammable photos in Fes.

We compared it with other stays, and its authenticity and calm made the photos taken here feel less like a staged postcard and more like a lived-in dream. Note that we confirmed our love for Tizwa, which we also stayed at towards the end of our trip in Marrakech. Read our review.

The Market Stalls in Fes Medina

Walking through the souks, you realise Fez’s best photo spots aren’t just in the grand architecture but in the details. The vibrant spices, the woven rugs, the handcrafted lanterns—all bursting with colour.

We kept our cameras ready. Sometimes you’ll find unique places you didn’t know existed, like the henna and pottery square. Market shots are all about spontaneity—candid, lively, and full of life. The chaos is your backdrop, and the colours will make your feed pop. Just remember to respect the stall owners if you’re taking photos of their goods up close.

Where to eat in Fes with an Instagram touch

We eat at several places in Fes, but two of them steal our hearts and look like they are straight out of your Pinterest feed.

Culture Box it’s popular among tourists, and offers incredible vegetarian options too. The restaurant features walls full of ceramics, books, and live music that keep you entertained for hours. Their plates are perfect for foodies looking for instagrammable restaurants in Fes.

The second option we suggest is Mom’s Touch. We left it as the last restaurant before our departure. It delivered in all and for all. The food is excellent, the service is exceptional, and the sunset view is truly one-of-a-kind. We suggest sitting on the rooftop, sipping their signature mocktails and waiting for the blue hour.

Our feedback: Fes is pretty!

Fes isn’t about staging perfect shots; it’s about embracing the imperfect, the gritty, and the lively. It’s one of the oldest royal cities in Morocco, with many faces, some not that pretty. The true of every photo is in the contrast.