Okay, So Why Should You Care About Meknes Morocco?
Look, I get it. When you’re planning a Morocco trip, everyone’s shouting about Marrakech’s souks or Fez’s leather tanneries. But here’s the thing—Meknes Morocco is like that incredible restaurant only locals know about. It’s got all the imperial city vibes without the aggressive salespeople following you down every alley.
People call it the “Versailles of Morocco,” and honestly? That’s not too far off. Sultan Moulay Ismail went absolutely wild here in the 17th century, building palaces and gates like he was trying to one-up Louis XIV. Meknes Morocco has all the imperial city vibes without the aggressive salespeople following you down every alley.
Quick intro about me: I’ve lived and worked in Morocco for over three years as a cultural tourism consultant. Translation? I’ve spent way too much time wandering medinas, getting lost in souks, and figuring out which attractions in Meknes Morocco are actually worth your cash. I’ve guided hundreds of travelers through these imperial cities, and Meknes Morocco always surprises people in the best way.
The question everyone asks: Should you just do a day trip from Fez, or actually stay overnight?
My answer: Give yourself 2 full days in Meknes Morocco. One for exploring the city itself, and one for the absolutely spectacular Roman ruins at Volubilis. Trust me on this—rushing through in a few hours is like speed-dating your soulmate. You’ll regret not spending more time.
Let’s Talk About What’s Actually Worth Seeing in Meknes Morocco (And What’s Not)
Here’s where I’m gonna save you some serious disappointment and money visiting Meknes Morocco.
What’s Currently Closed or Under Construction?
Real talk as of July 2025:
- Bab Mansour (the famous gate): Covered in scaffolding. Yeah, it sucks. But you can still see it from the square and appreciate how massive and intricately decorated it is. The green and white tile work (zellige) is still visible, and the scale is mind-blowing. This thing was built to intimidate visitors and show off the sultan’s power—mission accomplished, even with the scaffolding.
- Heri es-Souani (Royal Stables): Under renovation with limited access. The big water basin next to it? Completely drained. So those gorgeous reflection photos you saw on Instagram? Not happening right now.
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: Good news! This one’s OPEN Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 6:30 PM. It’s free to enter the courtyard areas even if you’re not Muslim, which is pretty rare in Morocco. Don’t skip this one.
Should You Pay 60 Dirhams to See a Prison?
Short answer: Hell no.
Habs Qara (the underground prison) is basically empty stone rooms with zero signs explaining anything. You’re paying about $6 USD to stare at walls and imagine what might’ve happened there. The whole “Christian slaves were imprisoned here” story is questionable at best, and without any context or displays, it’s just… rooms.
What to do instead: Take that money and hire a local guide for an hour in the medina. They’ll actually tell you stories and show you hidden spots. Way better investment.
The Royal Stables: Pretty But Pointless
When it’s open, Heri es-Souani costs 60-70 MAD, and look—the vaulted ceilings are impressive. The place is huge. But there’s literally nothing there to explain what you’re looking at. No signs, no exhibits, just empty space. For the same price, you could visit Volubilis (more on that later) which has actual information boards and a museum. Easy choice.
The Best Free Stuff in Meknes Morocco (Because Who Doesn’t Love Free?)
Here’s where Meknes Morocco really shines. The best experiences won’t cost you a dirham.
Bab Mansour: Still Gorgeous, Even Under Wraps
Even with the scaffolding, this gate is stunning. The carved cedar details, the massive horseshoe arch, the intricate tile patterns—it’s one of North Africa’s most beautiful gates for a reason. Go at sunset when the light hits it just right. You’ll see why the sultan wanted this to be the first thing visitors saw.
Place Lahdim: Where the Magic Happens at Night
During the day, this square is pretty quiet. But come back after 6 PM and it transforms completely. Families strolling, storytellers gathering crowds, acrobats performing, street food sizzling on grills. This isn’t staged for tourists—this is just where people hang out. Grab some fresh orange juice (like 5 MAD), find a spot to sit, and people-watch for an hour. It’s the best show in town.
The Souk: Where You’ll Actually Want to Shop
Unlike Marrakech where vendors can be pretty aggressive, the Meknes Morocco souk feels more chill. You can browse without someone grabbing your arm every ten seconds. And here’s the cool part—this is where damasquinerie happens.
What’s damasquinerie? It’s this insanely intricate art where craftsmen inlay silver or copper wire into iron or steel to create patterns. Meknes Morocco is basically the only place in Morocco where this is still done properly. You can watch guys who’ve been doing this for 40 years create trays and vases using techniques that haven’t changed in centuries. It’s mesmerizing, and honestly? A genuine damasquinerie piece makes for a way cooler souvenir than your 47th ceramic tagine.
You’ll also find spice merchants with those Instagram-worthy pyramid displays, olive vendors with samples you can try, and all the usual medina chaos—but in a friendlier package.
Bou Inania Madrasa: Do Your Homework First
This 14th-century Islamic school is absolutely beautiful—carved cedar ceilings, detailed stucco work, peaceful courtyards. But here’s the problem: there’s basically zero information on-site. You’ll walk around thinking “wow, pretty” without understanding what you’re looking at.
Pro tip: Spend 10 minutes reading about it online before you visit. Learn that the prayer hall faces Mecca, understand what the water clock was for (it doesn’t work anymore), and you’ll actually appreciate what you’re seeing instead of just taking photos and moving on.
The Volubilis Day Trip from Meknes Morocco: Where Your Money Actually Goes Far
Okay, this is the part where I get genuinely excited. If you do nothing else from this Meknes Morocco guide, DO THIS DAY TRIP.
Why Volubilis Is Actually Worth 70 Dirhams
After all my complaining about overpriced sites in Meknes Morocco, Volubilis is the complete opposite. That 70 MAD entrance fee gets you:
- Information boards that actually explain what you’re looking at (shocking concept, right?)
- A small museum with mosaics and artifacts
- Incredible mosaic floors that are still intact after 2,000 years
- Stunning views across the countryside
This place was a major Roman city from the 3rd century BCE to the 3rd century CE. We’re talking the edge of the Roman Empire here. You can walk down the main street (Decumanus Maximus—yes, that’s really what it’s called), see columns still standing, check out the basilica and triumphal arches, and actually understand what life was like.
The House of Orpheus mosaic? The House of Venus? They’ll make you wonder how people 2,000 years ago created something so detailed without modern tools.
Give yourself at least 2-3 hours here. More if you’re into history or photography.
How to Actually Get There Without Getting Ripped Off
Budget option: Bus #15
- Leaves from Meknes Morocco bus station to Moulay Idriss
- Costs 7 MAD (less than a dollar)
- Runs every 45-60 minutes
- From Moulay Idriss, it’s a 3km walk to Volubilis, or grab a local taxi for 20-30 MAD
Middle ground: Shared taxi
- Grand taxis leave from near the bus station
- 10 MAD per seat, or charter the whole thing for 60 MAD
- Faster than the bus and leaves when it’s full (6 people)
- Your driver might offer to wait at the sites for an extra fee—negotiate before you go
Easy mode: Private taxi or tour
- Expect 300-500 MAD for a half-day
- You control the schedule
- No waiting for other passengers or buses
Strategy tip: Hit Volubilis first thing in the morning (opens at 8:30 AM) before it gets blazing hot and before the tour groups arrive. Then head to Moulay Idriss for lunch.
Moulay Idriss: The Sacred Hilltop Town
This whitewashed village perched on a hill is gorgeous. It’s named after Moulay Idriss I, who brought Islam to Morocco, so it’s a big pilgrimage site. Non-Muslims couldn’t even visit until 1912.
You can’t enter the main shrine (zawiya), but wandering the steep alleys and checking out the views from the terraces is totally worth it. Plus, there are some excellent rooftop restaurants where you can eat tajine while looking out over the valley. It’s pretty magical.
Where to Sleep and Eat in Meknes Morocco (Without Breaking the Bank)
Stay in a Riad, Not a Hotel
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses built around interior courtyards, and they’re your best bet in Meknes Morocco. Why?
- Way cheaper than hotels (200-400 MAD per night for decent places)
- You get that authentic Moroccan architecture experience
- Home-cooked breakfasts included
- The owners usually give great local recommendations
Heads up: Some are deep in the medina where you’ll need to walk through narrow alleys. If you’re dragging a suitcase, maybe ask about access before booking. And definitely request rooftop terrace access—the views are incredible.
Want that authentic Moroccan vibe without overspending? [Check Meknes riad deals here →]
Where to Actually Eat
Aisha Restaurant: Traditional Moroccan food in a beautiful riad. Try the pastilla—it’s this sweet and savory pie that sounds weird (cinnamon and chicken?) but tastes amazing.
Restaurant Baraka: Local spot near Place Lahdim. Big portions, fair prices, and the food is legit. Don’t expect an English menu—just point at what looks good on other people’s tables and go for it.
Chez Kenza: When you need a break from tajine (it happens), this place does a nice French-Moroccan fusion thing.
Yes, There Are Bars
Meknes Morocco has some nightlife, mostly in the Ville Nouvelle (New Town):
- Le Churchill Bar: Fancier cocktail spot
- Novelty Bar: Chill neighborhood bar
- Bar Pegale: Cheap beer, friendly vibe
Remember, Morocco allows drinking in licensed places, but getting drunk and rowdy in public is a bad look. Keep it respectful.
When Should You Actually Visit Meknes Morocco?
Best times: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November)
Temperatures are perfect (18-25°C), there’s minimal rain, and you can actually walk around without melting.
Spring bonuses:
- Wildflowers everywhere around Volubilis
- Fewer crowds before summer hits
- Cheaper hotel rates
- Cherry and almond blossoms if you’re into that
Fall perks:
- Harvest festivals in nearby villages
- Still warm enough for shorts
- Olive harvest season—you can sometimes visit presses
Avoid like the plague: July and August get stupid hot. We’re talking 40°C+ (over 104°F). You’ll spend the whole time looking for shade and drinking water.
Winter (December-February): Can be surprisingly cold and rainy. Pack layers.
Alright, Ready to Experience Meknes Morocco?
Look, Meknes Morocco isn’t going to blow your mind with Instagram-famous landmarks or crazy nightlife. But that’s exactly why it’s special. While everyone else is fighting crowds in Marrakech, you’ll be sipping mint tea in a quiet corner of the medina, watching a craftsman who learned his trade from his grandfather.
Yeah, some of the main monuments are under renovation right now, and that’s annoying. But it also means fewer tourists, which means you get a more authentic experience. You can actually talk to people, explore without rushing, and discover things on your own.
The two-day recommendation stands for visiting Meknes Morocco. One day for the city itself, one for Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. Don’t try to cram it into a rushed day trip from Fez. You’ll just end up stressed and missing the good stuff.
Want help planning? Book a local guide who can navigate the language barrier and show you spots that aren’t in guidebooks. Or grab our free Morocco packing guide designed specifically for the imperial cities—it covers everything from what shoes to bring to how to handle hammam etiquette.
Questions Everyone Asks (So You Don’t Have To)
How Do I Get from Fez to Meknes Morocco Without Spending a Fortune?
CTM or Supratours buses are your friends. About 25-30 MAD, leaving every 30-60 minutes during the day. Takes 45-60 minutes. Trains cost about the same, maybe slightly faster and more comfortable—go with this if you’ve got luggage.
Skip the shared grand taxis for this route. They drive like maniacs and you’ll wait forever for them to fill up.
Is Meknes Morocco Safe for Women Traveling Alone?
Yeah, Meknes Morocco is actually one of the safer Moroccan cities for solo female travelers. Way less harassment than Marrakech or even Fez. The vibe is just more relaxed.
Standard rules apply though:
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Don’t wander empty medina areas after dark
- Firmly but politely shut down unwanted attention
- Trust your gut
Most women I’ve guided say they felt more comfortable in Meknes Morocco than anywhere else in Morocco.
What’s the Best Way to Travel from Meknes Morocco to Marrakech?
Train is your best bet—about 7-8 hours, costs 200-250 MAD for second class. If you’re traveling in summer, spring for first class tickets. The AC is worth it.
Overnight buses (CTM or Supratours) are cheaper but not particularly comfortable. You’ll save on a night’s accommodation though.
Flying? Not really worth it. You’d have to connect through Casablanca anyway, which adds time and money.
What’s This Damasquinerie Thing You Keep Mentioning?
It’s this crazy intricate metalwork art where craftsmen hammer thin silver or copper wire into carved grooves on iron or steel. The patterns—usually geometric or floral—create this gorgeous contrast against the dark metal.
Meknes Morocco is basically the only place in Morocco where this is still done properly. The technique came from Syrian artisans who settled here centuries ago. Good pieces take forever to make and require insane skill.
If you’re gonna buy one souvenir in Meknes Morocco, make it a real damasquinerie piece. You’re supporting traditional craftspeople and getting something actually unique.
How Much Time Do I Really Need in Meknes Morocco?
Bare minimum: 1.5 days
- Day 1: Meknes Morocco city (4-6 hours for medina, square, monuments)
- Day 2: Volubilis and Moulay Idriss (full day)
Better: 2 full days This lets you actually relax, enjoy Place Lahdim at night, wander the souk without rushing, and maybe take an afternoon nap (very Moroccan).
Day trip from Fez? Technically possible but you’re gonna be rushed and probably skip either Volubilis or really exploring Meknes Morocco properly. Not recommended.
Everything here is current as of July 2025. Renovation schedules and opening hours can change, so double-check the important stuff with your hotel or locally before making plans.
