Meknès.
Meknès sits forty minutes west of Fès by train and two hours east of Rabat. It is known for Sultan Moulay Ismail’s colossal seventeenth-century imperial walls, quiet medina alleys, and the vast granaries at Heri es-Souani. The city moves at a distinctly manageable pace compared to its neighbours, with unhurried souks and easy walking. Meknès is worth visiting if you want monumental imperial architecture and Roman ruins without negotiating the relentless hustle of larger Moroccan cities. Look elsewhere if you want lively nightlife, fine dining, luxury riads, or the vast artisan workshops of Fès and Marrakech.
Last updated 11 Sept 2026
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What to do in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Meknès revolves around Place el-Hedim and the monumental ramparts left by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Days here flow between the quiet, walkable alleys of the medina, the grand royal granaries at Heri es-Souani, and lazy afternoons in shaded teahouses. It is a grounded, unhurried city that suits independent travellers who prefer historic architecture, unvarnished market cooking, and peaceful wandering over frantic sightseeing itineraries.
24 hours in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Spend the morning studying the zellij tilework at Medersa Bou Inania and the towering Bab Mansour. After lunch of grilled spiced kefta in Place el-Hedim, wander the colossal stone granaries of Heri es-Souani. Finish with mint tea on a rooftop above the square as the evening calls to prayer ring across the ramparts. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
On day two, hire a grand taxi north to the Roman mosaics of Volubilis, then head into the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun for lunch of charcoal-cooked kefta on round bread. Return to Meknès to browse the silversmiths at Bab Jdid and dine on slow-cooked lamb tagine with prunes. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
A third day gives you room to sample the regional Guerrouane vintages in the Saïss valley, followed by a relaxed exploration of the Marché Central for cured Zerhoun olives. Alternatively, take a side trip south into the cool Middle Atlas cedar forests around Azrou.
Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco itineraries by interest
Imperial Architecture in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Inspect the green-tiled Bab Mansour, the sunken courtyards of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, and the massive vaulted grain stores at Heri es-Souani.
Street Food in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Pull up a plastic stool in Place el-Hedim for charcoal-grilled merguez, spiced kefta flatbreads, and steaming bowls of cumin-dusted chickpeas.
Ancient Ruins in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Catch a grand taxi north to Volubilis to wander second-century Roman decumanus roads, triumphal arches, and remarkably intact mosaic floors.
Sacred Sites in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Climb the whitewashed lanes of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun to see Morocco’s revered pilgrimage town and the unique cylindrical green minaret.
Markets & Produce in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Walk the covered Marché Central for barrels of cured Zerhoun olives, wild mint, preserved lemons, and fresh goat cheese wrapped in palmetto leaves.
Wine & Vineyards in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Taste Guerrouane reds and dry Gris de Boulaouane from the sun-baked hills of the Saïss basin, Morocco’s premier wine-growing territory.
Traditional Craft in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Seek out the damascene metalworkers near Bab Jdid hammering silver wire into blackened steel plates to produce geometric patterns.
Historic Medina in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Navigate the relaxed, shaded alleys of the medieval old town around Rue Souk es-Sebbat without the aggressive sales pitches of larger cities.
Local Cuisine in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Sit down to slow-braised camel meat tagine with prunes, or flaky pigeon pastilla dusted with cinnamon and ground toasted almonds.
Monumental Gardens in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Walk the vast stone perimeter of the Agdal Basin, an enormous twelfth-century royal reservoir built to irrigate the sultan's vast orchards.
Day Trips in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Head south into the Middle Atlas foothills toward Azrou for cedar forests, cool mountain air, and Berber carpet auctions in rural markets.
Religious Schools in Meknès Fès & Meknès Morocco
Step inside the fourteenth-century Medersa Bou Inania to admire carved cedar ceilings, intricate stuccowork, and classic zellij tile mosaics.