Meknes is a city in Morocco. Its name comes from the Amazigh tribe that founded it, Meknassi, and it is called this way because of this. The Meknès-Tafilalet region is the place where the government works. You can reach this city by car or bus. It’s 138 miles from Rabat and 60 miles from Fez. Four towns in Morocco used to be very important. This one is one of them. You can visit this part of Morocco from there. It’s in the north-central part of the country, so it’s an excellent place to start if you want to go there.
Meknes
This city has a lot to do with the Alaoui dynasty’s second ruler, Moulay Ismail. He made it the capital during his time in office, which lasted 55 years. This city came out of nowhere to become a city like Rabat or Marrakech. For more than 40 kilometers, Meknes has imposing walls and many mosques. It’s a city that was once an imperial one. Still, now it has a lot of historical monuments and beautiful nature. So it’s also called the “City of a hundred minarets.” Because it is also near Volubilis, the Roman ruins, it is the best place to stay (Oualili). The prices in Meknes are some of the best in Morocco, and the people are more friendly than in other cities.
Why Visit Meknes ?
One of Morocco’s imperial towns, Meknes, is a hidden gem of history, culture, and beautiful architecture. The city shows how the royal family of Morocco lived in the past. It’s famous for its beautiful mansions, well-kept medina, and massive Bab Mansour Gate. The magnificent Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the lively local souks, and the Heri es-Souani granaries are all open to visitors. Meknes is an excellent place for history buffs to visit because it is close to the Roman sites at Volubilis. Meknes is a unique and enjoyable place to go on vacation because of its laid-back vibe, smaller crowds, and authentic Moroccan charm.
Top Attractions in Meknes
Bab Mansour
Bab Mansour, one of Morocco’s most striking gateways, is a masterwork of Islamic architecture with elaborate calligraphy and tilework. It is an important landmark that acts as the medina’s grand entryway.
Heri es-Souani
Built by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 18th century, these royal stables and granaries exhibit remarkable architecture and engineering. They used to keep thousands of royal horses and store enormous amounts of grain.
Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
Sultan Moulay Ismail’s ultimate resting place, this exquisitely designed mausoleum, has a serene courtyard, marble columns, and ornate zellige tiles. It is among Morocco’s few areas of worship accessible to non-Muslim tourists.
El Hedim Place
Place El Hedim is a bustling area with cafes, stores, and street entertainers in the center of Meknes. It’s a terrific place to have Moroccan tea and enjoy the local vibe.
Dar El Makhzen, the Royal Palace
The magnificent gates and walls of Meknes’ royal palace, which reflect the city’s imperial heritage, make the exterior worth seeing even though it is closed to the public.
Volubilis
Volubilis, an ancient Roman city with magnificent columns, well-preserved mosaics, and historic ruins, is situated just outside Meknes. It provides an intriguing look into Morocco’s Roman past.
The Meknes Medina
Explore traditional souks, old mosques, and genuine Moroccan goods in Meknes’ medina, less congested than those in Marrakech and Fes.
Meknes provides a distinctive and remarkable experience with its blend of imperial history, cultural legacy, and lively marketplaces.
Where to Stay in Meknes
Hôtel Transatlantique Meknes
The Hôtel Transatlantique Meknes is a classy and historic hotel that combines contemporary amenities with traditional Moroccan design. It has two swimming pools, lovely gardens, roomy accommodations with city views, and a restaurant with Moroccan and foreign fare.
Château Roslane Boutique Hôtel & Spa
In the center of the Meknes wine region, Château Roslane Boutique Hôtel & Spa offers a distinctive experience for an opulent stay. This five-star hotel is ideal for a tranquil getaway because it has chic rooms, a fine dining restaurant, a spa, and a swimming pool.
ôtel Swani
Hôtel Swani is a fantastic mid-range choice renowned for its contemporary style, cozy accommodations, and welcoming staff. It offers reasonably priced, high-quality lodging close to the city center, making seeing Meknes’ main attractions easy.
Riad Yacout
Riad Yacout is a quaint traditional guesthouse with exquisitely furnished rooms, a rooftop patio, and a courtyard pool that offers a genuine Moroccan experience. It provides a comfortable and engaging stay in the center of the old medina, close to Bab Mansour.
Exploring the Culture of Meknes
Local Culture: Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial towns, has a rich cultural history, from its royal past to the Berber people who lived there. The city is famous for its old medina, beautiful buildings, and busy souks, where traditional crafts like metalwork, wood cutting, and pottery are sold. People who live in Meknes are proud of how friendly they are and how deeply they know the city’s history.
Food: Rfissa (made with shredded msemen, chicken, and lentils), Kefta tagine, and pastilla are some of the most famous and tasty Moroccan dishes in Meknes. People also know the city for its olive fields and vineyards, which grow some of Morocco’s best olives and wines. You can find many foods at street markets and local restaurants.
Music: The music of Meknes is a mix of Andalusian, Amazigh, and Gnawa styles. The oud (lute), qanun (zither), and bendir (frame drum) are common instruments used in traditional shows. Several events honoring Moroccan music and art are held in the city.
Clothes: Meknes has a lot of current fashion, but traditional Moroccan clothes are still necessary, especially for important events. Traditional garments from the city are worn by both men and women. Men wear djellabas and turbans, and women wear caftans, takchitas, and Amazigh jewelry.
Things to Do in Meknes
Look around Bab Mansour
Come see one of the most amazing gates in Morocco. It is known for its beautiful zellige tilework and grand design. You can take pictures there, and it’s also a way to get to the Medina.
Take a walk in the Medina
Walk through the old streets of Meknes’ Medina, check out the city’s traditional souks, and buy pottery, blankets, and brasswork made in Morocco.
Go to the tomb of Moulay Ismail
This royal monument is the final resting place of Sultan Moulay Ismail, who turned Meknes into an imperial city. Its beautiful architecture is impressive.
Learn about Heri es-Souani
Check out these old royal stables and granaries used to store vast amounts of food and house thousands of horses during Moulay Ismail’s rule.
Have fun at El Hedim Place
Unwind in this busy square, which resembles Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa. Here, you can enjoy Moroccan tea, see street acts, and learn about the area’s culture.
Visit Volubilis for the day
The Roman city of Volubilis, just outside of Meknes, has well-preserved mosaics, temples, and impressive ruins that show some of Morocco’s Roman past.
Look at the gates to the Royal Palace
Although the Royal Palace, or Dar El Makhzen, is not open to the public, you should still see its grand gates and impressive design.
Check out Bou Inania Madrasa
Come inside this beautifully decorated Islamic school from the 1400s. It’s famous for its peaceful garden, intricate tilework, and carved wooden ceilings.
Best Time to Visit Meknes
Spring (March-May): Temperatures are mild (15–25°C), so it’s a great time to explore the city and its beautiful scenery.
Summer (June–August): The weather is warm to hot, and temperatures often go above 30°C. You can still see the sights, but it’s best to do so early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
In the fall (September–November), temperatures are mild, with fewer people. This is a great time for tourists who want to take it easy.
The weather is cooler in the winter, from December to February, with 5 to 15°C. Even though it’s not as busy as other times of the year, winter has its unique charm, thanks to the cool air and fewer tourists.
How to Get to Meknes
Many types of transportation connect Meknes to other cities in Morocco, making it easy to get there from those towns.
By Air
This city does not have its own airport. The closest international airport is Fès–Saïs Airport (FEZ), which is 70 km away. You can take these from the airport:
One or two big taxis to Meknes (one to two hours).
A forty-minute train ride from Fez to Meknes.
By Train
Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) runs trains to Meknes, and the city has two major stations:
The central station for long-distance travel is Meknes Railway Station (Gare Meknès).
Meknes Al Amir Abdelkader Station is a minor stop where most regional trains stop.
A lot of trains leave from big towns like
About three and a half hours to get to Casablanca
Rabat: about two and a half hours
Fez: about 40 minutes
It takes about 6.5 hours to get to Marrakech
By Bus
Several bus companies offer services to Meknes, such as
It’s comfortable and safe to use CTM and supratours.
Other local bus companies offer cheaper choices.
About how long it takes to travel by bus:
It takes about 4 hours to get from Casablanca to Meknes.
It takes about three hours to get from Rabat to Meknes.
It takes about 7 hours to get from Marrakech to Meknes.
By Taxi or Car
Renting a car is a great way to be flexible. The A2 roads between Rabat and Casablanca are in good shape.
You can take a shared or private grand taxi from nearby towns like Fez.
