Free ticket entry to Fes leather tannery

Traveling to Fes offers a chance to step into a city brimming with history, craftsmanship, and vibrant local life. This particular tour, costing $46 per person, promises an engaging walk through the old town with a special highlight—a free entry to the famous leather tannery. While we haven’t personally walked this exact route, based on detailed accounts and reviews, it sounds like a fantastic blend of culture, craftsmanship, and authentic Moroccan charm.

What we love about this experience is the chance to capture stunning photos of the tannery, enjoy a dedicated artisanal shopping day, and explore hidden corners of the medina. It’s particularly appealing for those wanting a hands-on, genuine glimpse into Fes’ famed leather industry. The one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is quite focused on the leather and artisan side, so if you’re looking for a broad overview of Fes, you might want to combine it with other tours. This experience will suit travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, enjoy cultural photography, and want a guided, immersive day in Fes’ old town.

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Key Points

Authentic access to Fes’ renowned leather tannery with free entry
Knowledgeable local guide providing insightful commentary
Opportunity for artisanal shopping and buying quality leather goods
Photogenic views of the tannery and Medina’s alleyways
Flexible booking options with pay-later and free cancellation
Comfortable pickup from within the Medina for convenience

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Fes Medina Walking Tour

This tour is tailored for those eager to explore Fes on foot, with a focus on craftsmanship and authentic sights. Starting from your Riad within the Medina, the guide leads you through narrow alleyways, giving you a glimpse of daily life in one of the world’s most ancient cities. The tour’s real star is the leather tannery, where you can admire the traditional processes that have been part of Fes for centuries.

Looking for more options in Fes? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

The Leather Tannery Experience

The highlight of the tour is the access to the leather tannery, which is often inaccessible to travelers without a guide. You’ll likely see the famous copper vats filled with dyes and natural extracts, used to color the leather in vibrant hues. The guide will explain the intricate process from raw hide to finished product, providing a tangible connection to Fes’ artisanal roots.

One reviewer noted that the photos taken here are some of the best you’ll get in the city, thanks to the vivid colors and unique angles. The tannery is busy, lively, and a photographer’s dream, but it’s also an authentic working space for local artisans. Expect to be offered leather goods as souvenirs or shopping opportunities—your guide will steer you toward reputable shops for high-quality, artisanal products.

Exploring Hidden Gems in the Medina

Beyond the tannery, your guide will lead you through lesser-known alleyways, where you may stumble upon workshops, artisans, and local markets. This is where the tour truly shines—off-the-beaten-path discoveries that don’t often make it into typical guidebooks.

One reviewer praised the local guide’s knowledge and friendliness, mentioning that they shared stories about the history of craft in Fes and provided helpful tips for buying leather and other crafts. The guide’s ability to navigate the labyrinthine medina ensures you see the most authentic and picturesque corners without getting lost.

Artisanal Shopping and Craftsmanship

A big part of this experience is the opportunity to purchase high-quality leather products directly from artisans. The tour is designed to give you time to browse and select items such as bags, belts, wallets, or rugs. The shops visited are reputable, emphasizing traditional craftsmanship and fair prices.

Reviewers have appreciated how their guide helped them find unique pieces, and one even mentioned that “the leather quality here beats anything you’d find in a mall.” Expect to spend some time negotiating prices, but with the guide’s tips, you should get good value for authentic Moroccan leather.

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Practical Details and Logistics

The tour’s price of $46 covers the guide’s services, entry to the tannery, and pickup within the Medina, making it a cost-effective way to explore with a local expert. The pick-up service is especially convenient—if your Riad is inside the Medina, you’ll be collected directly from your door, saving you the hassle of finding a meeting point.

The tour typically lasts a few hours, giving you ample time to absorb the sights and sounds of Fes without feeling rushed. It’s also flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with a cancellation policy allowing full refunds if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

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Why This Tour Works Well

This experience offers a balanced mix of guided exploration and free time for shopping and photography, ideal for travelers wanting an authentic look into Fes’ leather industry. The inclusion of a local guide enriches the visit, with insights into the city’s history and craftsmanship that you wouldn’t get on your own.

The photography opportunities are plentiful—colorful dye vats, the bustling workshop scenes, and the winding medina streets provide perfect backdrops. You’ll also love the chance to support local artisans directly, creating a meaningful souvenir shopping experience.

Potential Drawbacks or Considerations

While the focus on leather and artisanal crafts is a big plus, it might not be a comprehensive tour if you’re interested in broader Fes attractions like palaces or museums. Also, some reviews mention that the tannery can be busy and smells may be strong, which is typical for traditional tanneries worldwide, so a sense of adventure and a good attitude are recommended.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for craft lovers, photographers, and curious travelers eager to see behind the scenes of Fes’ famous leather industry. It’s also ideal if you want a guided, authentic experience that includes shopping with local artisans. If your main goal is a quick overview of the city’s top sights, you might want to supplement this with additional tours.

Travelers who appreciate local culture, enjoy traditional crafts, or want to buy unique, high-quality leather goods will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s suited for those who don’t mind walking through lively, sometimes aromatic, markets and want to learn directly from local artisans.

The Sum Up

This Fes Medina walking tour provides a genuine, hands-on look into one of Morocco’s most iconic industries. With expert guides leading the way, travelers gain access to a historic tannery, explore hidden medina corners, and shop for authentic crafts—all in a relaxed and informative setting. The cost is reasonable considering the access, insights, and photos you’ll take away, making it a good value for those interested in Moroccan craftsmanship.

It’s especially well-suited for visitors wanting an intimate view of Fes’ artisan roots, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photos and meaningful shopping. The flexible booking options and close pickup make it easy to fit into a day of exploring Morocco’s cultural capital.

If you’re after an authentic, artisan-focused experience that combines culture, craftsmanship, and a bit of adventure, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for this tour?
Yes, if your Riad is within the Medina, you’ll be picked up directly from your door, making transportation hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, the tour includes walking, visiting the tannery, and shopping, typically lasting a few hours.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

Is this tour suitable for photography enthusiasts?
Absolutely. The tannery provides colorful, photogenic scenes, and the guide can help you capture great shots.

Are there opportunities for shopping during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes stops at artisan shops where you can purchase high-quality leather goods directly from local craftsmen.

What languages are the guides fluent in?
Guides speak English and Spanish, making communication easy for most travelers.

Does the tour include entry to other sites?
The main focus is on the tannery and exploring the medina; other sites are not included but can be visited separately.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
While not explicitly mentioned, it generally depends on the child’s interest in walking and craftsmanship. The busy tannery may not appeal to very young children.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing are recommended, especially since you’ll be navigating narrow alleyways and a working tannery.

Is the leather quality worth the visit?
Many visitors find the leather products here to be of high quality, often better than what’s available in larger markets, and appreciate the direct artisan interaction.

This tour offers an engaging, authentic peek into Fes’ long-standing leather tradition, perfect for those eager to combine sightseeing with culture and local shopping.