Meknes Guide

One of the four imperial cities, Meknes seduces not only by its impressive walls but also by its calm and the kindness of its inhabitants, far from the tumult of its neighbor, Fez.

Presentation

Neighboring Rabat , Meknes is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco . It enjoys the status of an imperial city, thanks to its fabulous historical and cultural heritage . Meknes is located in the northern part of Morocco , near other imperial cities such as Marrakech and Fez . It is nicknamed ” Little Paris ” or ” the Versailles of Morocco “, because the city is of undeniable beauty and is home to exceptional monuments.

Before becoming a regional power, Meknes was once the capital of a very powerful sultan named Moulay Ismail. He had a loyal and strong army that helped him protect his kingdom from the Portuguese , the Ottomans , and local tribes . His ultimate goal was to strengthen his royal power by amassing treasure. To stand out, Sultan Moulay Ismail focused solely on Meknes and decided to rule far from Fez and Marrakech . By building great works of architecture and numerous monuments, Moulay Ismail made Meknes an iconic destination steeped in history.

A stay in Meknes will surely please those looking for a real change of scenery. Not only is the place rich in historical and cultural treasures, but it is also surrounded by exceptional natural wonders. During a tour of Morocco , travelers will certainly make a short stop in Meknes to contemplate its beautiful remains. Adventurers will not miss exploring the plain of Saïss or exploring the mountain ranges of the Middle Atlas and the Rif. As for those who love relaxation, they will experience a moment of sweetness and happiness in the gardens , riads or hammams of Meknes .

Why visit Meknes?

Meknes is a destination suitable for all types of travel.

Travel through time through its historical remains

Initially, Meknes was one of the four imperial cities during the Cherifian Empire in Morocco . During the last half of the 17th and the 18th century, one of the dynasties that succeeded one another in the country designated this city as the capital of the Alaouite dynasty. It goes without saying that many historical sites were built in Meknes during this period. Most of them are still present in this territory today, enough to encourage backpackers to take a trip back in time. This is, for example, the case of the Medina of Meknes which, like other Moroccan medinas, has an impressive labyrinth of narrow streets. However, this place of interest is less frequented by travelers. Despite this, it is perfect for a tourist hike with no other goal than to enjoy a cultural immersion in Morocco .

Pass through Bab Mansour, one of the city’s gateways

Also known as Bab Mansour el-Aleuj, Bab Mansour is an imposing monument not to be missed in Meknes . To access the city, travelers can pass through this site which previously represented the entrance to the imperial palace.

Bab Mansour is also the largest gate in the country, which is why it welcomes a crowd of visitors every year. Easy to find, this historic passage faces Place Lahdim , the most popular public space in Meknes . In addition, it is located near the Medina and the Dar Jamaï Museum , which will allow walkers to enhance their tour with interesting tourist discoveries.

Stay in a riad during your stay in Morocco

Meknes is an excellent place to combine tourism and a change of scenery during a getaway to Morocco . In addition to its fascinating ruins and historical sites, exceptional accommodations are also to be discovered in this city. Vacationers who dream of a personalized stay can therefore stay for a while in one of the most beautiful riads of the place. These are comfortable residences in both modern and traditional styles. They are generally located near the medinas and are embellished with gardens or oases. Enjoying real moments of well-being in one of these riads will allow travelers to succeed in their stay in Meknes . These accommodations are suitable for small and large budgets. What’s more, some are located near the best attractions of the city, namely Lalla Aouda Square and the mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl.

Enjoy the various local specialties

Going to Meknes also means experiencing culinary adventures. This destination is, in fact, renowned for its tasty and varied gastronomy. For gourmet travelers, it is impossible to visit this city without tasting delicious dishes such as M’derbel d’aubergines (veal stew made with eggplant) or the typical skewers of Meknes . These are barbecue-based and consist of mutton, merguez sausage, peppers and mushrooms. During a tour to this address, lovers of good food will also have the opportunity to try recipes such as the Meknes orange salad . All these delicacies are wonderfully enjoyed with mint tea, the favorite drink of the locals.

The different districts of Meknes

The wonderful city of Meknes is home to three large districts that have some nice surprises in store for you during your tourist strolls.

The medina and its souks

Built on a plain, on the banks of the Oued Boufekrane , the medina of Meknes is a fascinating place, and its souks guarantee a complete change of scenery. There is the souk of carpet merchants and Moroccan works of art. There is also the Great Mosque which stands out with its magnificent minaret. Finally, the fabric souk or the kissariat market is the last element which completes the souks of the medina.

The Imperial City

South of Meknes , a beautiful district with enchanting landscapes is dedicated to visitors. This is the imperial city, a tourist destination made up of palaces, gardens and parade grounds. This part of the town promises an unforgettable, relaxing stay . It is also ideal for a weekend outing with family or friends in Meknes .

The new town

Along the eastern bank of the Oued , tourists will find the new town, a modern and rapidly developing district in Meknes . This place will appeal to holidaymakers who love shopping or nightlife. Indeed, it lists a large number of hotels, administrative buildings, banks and other imposing buildings.

What to see in Meknes?

A variety of picturesque sites adorn the city of Meknes in Morocco. To discover them, travelers can start with the following must-see sites:

The Roman ruins of Volubilis

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the incredible Roman ruins of Volubilis are historical gems well worth a visit. They are located about 35 km north of Meknes . To reach this ancient tourist attraction, globetrotters will surely not miss the Zerhoun mountain , an authentic site that is home to vegetable gardens and olive groves. Discovering Volubilis will therefore delight visitors who love adventure and excursions.

The impressive Roman ruins of Volubilis are an open-air museum with numerous sculptures. These ruins also house old oil mills located in the southern part of the site. In addition, there are the Baths of Gallienus and the House of Orpheus, structures that allow you to wander through timeless places. Before leaving this immense historical site, a detour to the market square and the Capitol is a must. These were once very lively places, and the rest of the Capitol is a small classical temple with several columns and Corinthian capitals.

Habs Kara, a vestige located under the city streets

Meknes boasts fascinating sites and monuments, but Habs Kara will undoubtedly surprise foreign travelers as well. This labyrinth is nestled within the Ismaili Kasbah. It served as a prison during the time of Sultan Moulay Ismail , which is one of the reasons why the place is so dark and gloomy. Although protected from mass tourism, Habs Kara is located very close to the mausoleum of King Moulay Ismail. Backpackers venturing to this part of Meknes can then make a short stop at this former prison to discover its unique architecture.

Also known as the ” Christian Prison ,” Habs Kara was actually the work of a Portuguese prisoner named Kara. He built it in exchange for his freedom. The prison could hold over 40,000 people and is a veritable labyrinth.

A visit to Habs Kara is best reserved for seasoned travelers with a thirst for adventure. To access the complex, visitors must descend a small staircase right next to a tiny pavilion. Once inside, they are forced to follow a dark path that leads to a labyrinth in which it’s very easy to get lost.

How to visit Meknes?

Meknes is a very easy city to access. To reach this destination quickly and easily, travelers can take the train. This mode of transport is also a perfect way to explore the largest tourist cities in Morocco . From Fez , Rabat , Tangier or Casablanca , it is therefore convenient to travel by train.

Travel times vary depending on the departure point. Tourists are free to choose what suits them best. For example, it takes about 40 minutes to travel from Fez to Meknes for a price of 22 Dh. However, the journey takes between 2 and 2.5 hours if traveling from Rabat to Meknes for a price of 69 Dh.

There are two separate train stations in this Moroccan tourist destination . First, there is the Meknes Al Amir Abdelkader train station , which is located in the heart of the city. This station is also close to the Medina . Then comes the Meknes train station , which is located not far from the first station. From the Meknes train station , vacationers can take a taxi, and they will arrive in the city center in no time.

Transportation options in the city of Meknes are also diverse. Passengers can choose between a grand taxi and a private taxi, depending on their preferences. It’s worth noting that shared taxis in Meknes are designed for a maximum of six people. Families may prefer this mode of transportation.

Moreover, hikers can also travel by horse-drawn carriage in Meknes . This type of transport is the ideal solution for exploring the city and visiting the popular attractions in one day.

When to travel to Meknes?

Whether for a short or long stay, Meknes is a destination that can be visited at any time. In reality, it all depends on the travelers’ choices, but in general, there is no month or period to avoid for a great vacation in this haven of Moroccan culture. If foreign tourists plan to visit Meknes based on weather conditions, the best time would be to go during the months of April-May and September-October. This way, they will enjoy favorable weather and be able to organize their activities according to their desires.

Summer in Meknes is particularly dry , hot and sunny, while winter is mild , but slightly rainy . Almost all year round, the area is ideal for nature outings, hiking and outdoor recreation. During these seasons, temperatures range between 10 and 15 °C during the day. However, despite the summer heat, which sometimes rises to 40 °C, this Moroccan city always offers its visitors pleasant and ideally fulfilling stays.

For your information, it’s possible to visit the main attractions of Meknes in one day. Tourists can also explore this historic city in the evening. This way, they’ll have the chance to go to Lahdim Square and enjoy the entertainment that begins in the afternoon. For much of the night, backpackers will be delighted to immerse themselves in a festive and incredibly exotic atmosphere.