Meknes
Moulay Ismail's imperial city, next to Volubilis
© Fabio Santaniello Bruun / Unsplash
Capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century, Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its monumental gates, royal granaries and medina are calmer to explore than those of Fes, less than an hour away by train. Around thirty kilometres away, the Roman site of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun round off a full day.
- 1 to 2 days
- Mar – May, Oct – Nov
- from 300 MAD
- Culture, Food, Family
- Imperial city travellers, history and archaeology lovers
Why go
- A complete imperial city, less visited than Fes
- Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman site
- A farming and wine-growing region at the foot of the Middle Atlas
Culture & heritage
Bab Mansour and el-Hedim square
Morocco's most monumental gate, facing the medina's main square.
Heri es-Souani
Royal granaries and stables with remarkable vaults.
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Partly open to non-Muslim visitors.
Bou Inania Madrasa
A 14th-century Quranic school with a rooftop over the medina.
On the map
Experiences
Food
Olives and oils from the region and home cooking from the Saïs plain. The cafés on el-Hedim square are handy for a break.
Where to stay
Medina
A few riads near el-Hedim square.
New town
Hotels near the station.
Day trips
Volubilis
Roman mosaics in their original setting. Bring a hat and water.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
A holy town on two hills, with a fine viewpoint.
Getting around
A station linked to Fes, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier. Taxis to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss.
Budget
- 300 MAD
- 750 MAD
- 1,800 MAD
When to go
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar ✓
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct ✓
- Nov ✓
- Dec
Spring and autumn; summer is hot at Volubilis.
Combine with
Plans that stop here
Tips
- Visit Volubilis early or late in the day.
- Meknes works well as a day trip from Fes.
Where next?