15 Best Things To Do In Meknes & Morocco Tour Guide

Introduction

Are you searching for the best things to do in Meknes? Then you’ve come to the right place. Meknes is one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Moreover, it sits quietly between Fez and Rabat. Many travelers skip it. However, that’s a big mistake.

This underrated city offers grand gates, calm souks, and ancient ruins nearby. Furthermore, it feels authentic and relaxed. In this Morocco travel guide, you’ll discover the top things to do in Meknes. We cover famous landmarks, hidden gems, day trips, and local food. So, let’s dive in.

Why Meknes Belongs on Your Morocco Itinerary

Meknes was once the capital of Morocco. Sultan Moulay Ismail ruled from here in the 17th century. As a result, he built massive walls, palaces, and gates. His vision turned Meknes into an imperial jewel.

Today, the city is calmer than Fez or Marrakech. The crowds are smaller. In addition, the prices are lower. Yet you’ll still find plenty of things to do in Meknes. The medina is one of the top UNESCO sites in Morocco. Above all, the locals are warm and welcoming. Therefore, Meknes offers real Morocco without the stress.

Many Morocco imperial cities tours include Meknes on their route. Indeed, the city pairs perfectly with Fez, Rabat, and Casablanca. Consequently, it’s an easy stop on any Morocco cultural heritage tour.

Top Things to Do in Meknes City

The historic center holds most of the top attractions. Moreover, everything sits close together. As a result, you can see the highlights on foot in one day. Here are the best things to do in Meknes city itself.

1. Admire Bab Mansour

First of all, visit Bab Mansour. This gate is the icon of Meknes. In fact, many call it the most beautiful gate in Morocco. Sultan Moulay Ismail ordered its construction. Workers finished it in 1732, shortly after his death.

The gate rises 16 meters above the square. Its green and blue zellij tiles glow in the sun. Moreover, look closely at the marble columns. Builders took them from the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Therefore, come at sunset. The light makes the tiles shimmer. As a result, your photos will shine.

2. Explore the Meknes Medina

The medina is another of the great UNESCO sites in Morocco. It’s smaller than the famous medina of Fez. Consequently, it’s easy to navigate. You won’t get hopelessly lost here.

Wandering these lanes is one of the essential things to do in Meknes. For example, you can browse stalls selling spices, lanterns, and rugs. Meanwhile, artisans work in their tiny shops. In addition, locals shop here too. Therefore, the atmosphere feels genuine. Bargaining is expected, so offer about half the first price and smile.

3. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

This mausoleum ranks among the top things to do in Meknes. It holds the tomb of the sultan who built the city. Notably, non-Muslims may enter. That’s rare in Morocco. As a result, this site is truly special.

Inside, you’ll find peaceful courtyards and carved cedar ceilings. Moreover, colorful mosaics decorate every wall. The tomb room glows with soft yellow light. However, remember to dress modestly. Also, keep your voice low. Entry is free, but a small tip for the guardian is kind.

4. Walk Through Heri es-Souani

Heri es-Souani is a vast complex of granaries and stables. Moulay Ismail built it in the early 18th century. It stored grain for the whole city. In addition, it housed up to 12,000 royal horses.

The vaulted halls stretch on and on. The thick walls kept the rooms cool through summer. Today, however, parts of the roof are gone. Sunlight streams into the stone corridors. Consequently, it feels like a cathedral built for horses. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most unique things to do in Meknes.

5. Relax at Place El Hedim

Place El Hedim is the beating heart of Meknes. The wide square sits right in front of Bab Mansour. Every evening, locals gather here. You’ll see storytellers, musicians, and street vendors.

For instance, you can grab a fresh orange juice from a stall. Or, if you’re brave, try the local snail soup. Then, find a bench and watch the world go by. Best of all, the square costs nothing. Yet it delivers everything.

6. Descend into Habs Qara

Habs Qara is an underground prison from Moulay Ismail’s era. Legend says thousands of Christian captives were held here. However, the truth is probably less dramatic. Most historians believe it stored grain and supplies.

Even so, the dark stone chambers feel eerie. The vast pillars and arches stretch into shadow. It’s a quick stop, yet a memorable one. Also, bring a light jacket, because it stays cool underground.

7. Discover Dar Jamai Museum

Dar Jamai is a graceful 19th-century palace. Today, it serves as a museum of Moroccan arts. The building itself is the real star. For example, expect carved wood, painted ceilings, and a tiled courtyard.

The collection includes ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and old instruments. Moreover, each room shows a different craft tradition. Outside, the Andalusian garden is perfect for a short rest. Overall, plan about 45 minutes for your visit.

8. Admire Bou Inania Madrasa

Surprisingly, Meknes has its own Bou Inania Madrasa. It’s smaller than the famous one in Fez. Nevertheless, the craftsmanship is just as fine. Students studied the Quran here from the 14th century.

The courtyard glows with stucco, zellij, and carved cedar. Indeed, every surface carries intricate detail. Afterward, climb to the rooftop. The view over the medina rooftops is worth the stairs.

9. Shop for Damascene Metalwork in the Souks

Meknes is famous for damascene craft. Artisans inlay silver and gold into dark steel. As a result, they create stunning jewelry, trays, and decorative daggers. You’ll find these workshops deep inside the souks.

Shopping here is a joy, not a battle. For one thing, vendors pressure you far less than in Marrakech. Therefore, take your time and compare prices. Handmade pieces make meaningful souvenirs. What’s more, your money supports real local craftsmen.

10. Stroll the Agdal Basin and Lahboul Gardens

Need a break from the medina? Then head to the Agdal Basin. Moulay Ismail built this huge reservoir to water his gardens. Today, it’s a calm spot for walks and picnics.

Nearby, Lahboul Gardens offers shade and green space. On weekends, local families gather here. Both spots show you daily life in Meknes. Moreover, they’re free, quiet, and perfect for a slow afternoon.

Best Day Trips from Meknes

Some of the best things to do in Meknes lie just outside the city. In fact, two world-class sites sit within an hour’s drive. Both make easy half-day trips.

11. Explore the Roman Ruins of Volubilis

No list of things to do in Meknes is complete without Volubilis. The ruins sit about 30 minutes north of the city. Volubilis was once a Roman city of 20,000 people. Today, it’s another of the UNESCO sites in Morocco.

You’ll walk past a triumphal arch, a basilica, and ancient homes. However, the floor mosaics are the true highlight. Many still lie in their original spots after 2,000 years. Therefore, go early in the morning. That way, you’ll beat both the heat and the tour buses.

12. Visit the Holy Town of Moulay Idriss

Moulay Idriss sits on a green hill near Volubilis. It’s one of the holiest towns in Morocco. Idris I, founder of the first Moroccan dynasty, is buried here. However, non-Muslims cannot enter the shrine itself.

Even so, the town is worth your time. First, wander the steep white lanes. Then, hike up to the terrace viewpoint above town. The view over the valley is stunning. Moreover, you can pair it with Volubilis for an easy and rewarding day.

Food and Experiences: More Things to Do in Meknes

The sights are only half the story. In fact, some of the best things to do in Meknes involve your senses. So, slow down and enjoy these simple pleasures.

13. Taste the Local Cuisine

Eating well is one of the tastiest things to do in Meknes. The region grows some of Morocco’s finest olives. Furthermore, local markets overflow with fresh dates, honey, and cheese. Street stalls serve hot meals for just a few dirhams.

Don’t miss tagine with olives and preserved lemon. In addition, try rfissa, a rich dish of shredded flatbread, chicken, and lentils. For the cheapest eats, follow the locals near Place El Hedim. Without a doubt, your taste buds will thank you.

14. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Café

Several cafés around the medina offer rooftop terraces. Order a glass of sweet mint tea. Then, watch the city turn gold as the sun drops. Bab Mansour glows beautifully in the evening light.

This is the perfect end to a busy sightseeing day. The medina’s sounds drift up from below. Meanwhile, the air cools down. All in all, it’s simple, cheap, and unforgettable.

15. Experience a Traditional Hammam

A hammam is a traditional Moroccan steam bath. Locals visit one every week. It’s part bathhouse, part social club. Fortunately, visitors are welcome in most public hammams.

You’ll steam, scrub, and rinse away the travel dust. Just bring a towel, flip-flops, and an open mind. Afterward, you’ll feel brand new. Truly, it’s an authentic local experience.

Practical Tips for Your Meknes Visit

A little planning makes your trip smoother. Meknes sits on the main train line between Fez and Rabat. The train from Fez takes about 40 minutes. Moreover, trains run often and cost little.

Wondering about the best time to visit Morocco? Generally, spring and autumn bring mild weather. Therefore, plan your Meknes trip between March and May or September and November. The medina is compact and walkable. For longer trips, use blue petit taxis. One day covers the main sights. However, two days let you add Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. Finally, carry cash, because many souk stalls don’t take cards.

Combine Meknes with Other Morocco Tours

Meknes works well as part of a bigger trip. For instance, many Morocco tours from Marrakech include the imperial cities. A typical Morocco imperial cities tour covers Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakech. Consequently, Meknes fits naturally into that route.

If you love history, consider a Morocco historical tour or a Morocco cultural tour. These trips often highlight Meknes alongside other imperial cities of Morocco. In addition, the best Morocco tours pair Meknes with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. You can also book Morocco tour packages that start in Fez or Casablanca. Either way, Meknes deserves at least one full day.

While you’re planning, check our guides to things to do in Fez, things to do in Rabat, and things to do in Casablanca. Together, these cities complete the imperial circuit.

FAQs About Things to Do in Meknes

Is Meknes worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. Meknes offers imperial history, grand architecture, and far fewer tourists. Therefore, it ranks among Morocco’s most underrated cities.

How many days do you need in Meknes?

One full day covers the highlights. However, two days let you slow down. In addition, you can add day trips to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss.

What is Meknes famous for?

Meknes is famous for Bab Mansour, its UNESCO-listed medina, and Sultan Moulay Ismail. Moreover, the region produces Morocco’s best olives.

Is Meknes safe for tourists?

Meknes is generally safe and relaxed. Just take normal precautions with valuables in crowded areas. Notably, petty hassle is far less common here than in bigger cities.

Conclusion: Plan Your Things to Do in Meknes

To sum up, Meknes rewards curious travelers at every turn. The things to do in Meknes blend history, food, and everyday Moroccan life. From Bab Mansour’s tiles to Volubilis’s mosaics, each stop tells a story.

So, don’t just pass through on the train. Instead, add Meknes to your Morocco itinerary. Stay a day or two. Ultimately, you’ll leave wondering why more people don’t talk about this imperial gem.