Fes activities price
How Much Does a Fes Tannery Visit Cost? (2026 Prices)
Visiting the Chouara Tanneries in Fes is officially free, though a 10–30 MAD tip per person to the shop owner for terrace access is customary.
The Chouara Tanneries (also spelled Chaouwara) are Fes's most iconic sight — centuries-old honeycombed stone dye vats viewed from the terraces of surrounding leather shops.
There is no official ticket counter. Shop owners grant terrace access overlooking the vats in exchange for a small tip or the opportunity to show you their leather goods.
What to budget
... per person, customary
Access to elevated balcony overlooking the dye vats. Includes a fresh mint sprig to neutralize the smell.
Available options & tours
Compare basic terrace access against guided experiences.
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Shop Terrace Viewing (Customary Tip) | ... | Access to elevated balcony overlooking the dye vats. Includes a fresh mint sprig to neutralize the smell. |
| Guided Artisan Leather Workshop | ... | Pre-booked cultural workshop explaining the full natural tanning, dyeing, and leather crafting process with a master artisan. |
Per person, in MAD.
Usually included
- Terrace access overlooking the Chouara dye vats
- Sprig of fresh mint to hold under your nose against the organic tannery odor
Usually extra
- Obligation to purchase leather products
- Access down to the actual vat floor (restricted to workers)
- Guided explanation (unless accompanied by a hired official medina guide)
- Tip for the terrace shop attendant (10–30 MAD)
What actually changes the price
No Purchase Obligation
You are never required to buy leather goods. Handing over a polite 10–20 MAD tip per person when leaving the terrace satisfies the owner.
Vat-Floor Tout Warning
Tout near the entrance may offer to take you down directly among the dye vats. These walks are unofficial, dirty, and usually end with aggressive demands for 100–200 MAD.
Leather Goods Bargaining
If you do choose to shop, initial asking prices on leather jackets, bags, and poufs are inflated by 50–100%. Polite negotiation is expected.
Good to know before you go
- The tanning process utilizes pigeon poop and natural limestone; the ammonia smell can be intense on hot afternoons. Morning visits are much cooler and less pungent.
- Watch your step on shop stairs — staircases leading to upper viewing terraces are often narrow, steep, and uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to see the Fes tanneries?
There is no official admission ticket. Giving a 10 to 30 MAD tip per person to a leather shop owner for balcony terrace access is standard.
When is the best time of day to visit Chouara Tannery?
Visit between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. This is when the workers are actively washing, scraping, and dyeing hides in the colored vats, and the smell is less intense than in the afternoon heat.
Can you walk down into the dye vats at Chouara Tannery?
It is not recommended. The vat floor is active, slippery, and hazardous with chemicals and animal hides. Viewing from elevated shop terraces offers superior photos and avoids aggressive touts.