Meknes walking tour & city guide
A grand imperial city of monumental gates.
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Meknes is one of Morocco's four imperial cities, transformed into a grand capital by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 17th century. Less visited than Fes, which is only an hour away, it has massive walls, monumental gates and a relaxed medina, and is the gateway to the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The imperial city
Bab Mansour is one of the most impressive gates in North Africa, decorated with green and white tiles and marble columns taken from Volubilis. It faces El Hedim Square, a large open space that comes alive in the evening with stalls and performers.
Moulay Ismail built kilometers of walls, palaces and huge stables. The Heri es-Souani, the royal granaries, have thick walls and vaulted rooms that kept grain cool, and the stables were built for 12,000 horses. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is one of the few sacred sites in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
Volubilis and Moulay Idriss
About 30 kilometers away, Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautiful mosaics, a triumphal arch and the columns of a basilica rising over the plain.
The nearby holy town of Moulay Idriss, built on two hills, is home to the tomb of the founder of Morocco's first Islamic dynasty and is an important place of pilgrimage.
Visiting tips
Meknes is a short train ride from Fes and about two and a half hours from Rabat. The surrounding region is known for its wine, olives and fruit. The medina is calm and easy to explore on foot.
Top sights in Meknes
- 1
Bab Mansour
A monumental tiled gate.
- 2
El Hedim Square
The lively main square.
- 3
Heri es-Souani
Vast royal granaries and stables.
- 4
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
The tomb of the great sultan.
- 5
Volubilis
Morocco's finest Roman ruins.
- 6
Moulay Idriss
A holy hilltop town.
Food markets & where to eat in Meknes
El Hedim Square
Evening food stalls and cafés.
Covered food market by El Hedim
Olives, sweets and spices.
Medina snack stalls
Sandwiches and grilled meat.
Ville Nouvelle
Modern cafés and pastry shops.
Food to try in Meknes
Kefta
Grilled spiced minced meat.
Olives
The region is famous for its olives.
Meknes wine
From vineyards in the surrounding hills.
Nougat
Sweets sold around El Hedim.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Meknes
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in MeknesCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Meknes.
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