5 Best Things To Do in Meknes Morocco
Meknes is a must-visit on your trip to Morocco. As one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities, along with Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat, Meknes has its unique charm.
There are many things to do on a visit to Meknes, Morocco.
Built as a military settlement in the 11th Century by the Almoravids, Meknes became the capital of Morocco under Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif in 1673.
Moulay Ismail built massive fortifications with monumental gates like Bab El-Khemis to access the city.
The fortifications surrounding the old city were built of packed red clay measuring 7 meters wide and 25 meters tall.
The gates and towers scattered along the walls reminded us of the great Arab fortresses we see in old movies.
Inside the fortified city lies a beautiful Medina, filled with stunning architecture and so many things to do.
However, Meknes is mostly known for its extensive palace complex and gardens.
The palace and gardens were so extensive and beautiful that Meknes became known as the Versailles of Morocco.
If you’re visiting Meknes during your trip to Morocco, here are five must-see attractions—and a bonus!
1. Bab Mansour
The main entrance to the imperial city is a majestic structure.
Built into the walls of the city complex, the intricate mosaics look like delicate embroidery.
With its colorful mosaic tilework and inscriptions along the top gate, Bab Mansour is considered a masterpiece of Hispano-Moorish art.
But you don’t need to know anything about art to appreciate the extraordinary beauty of this massive gate.
It may be a little dingy and showing the passage of time but this stunning structure is worth a visit.
This gate is the perfect welcome into the imperial city of Meknes.
2. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
The second must-see attraction in Meknes is the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
The remains of Sultan Moulay Ismail and his son are buried in a room inside the former Kasbah.
The Mausoleum is housed in one of three former palaces in the complex.
Although much of the palace complex has been destroyed, the Mausoleum has survived in good shape.
When you visit take the time to appreciate the tile mosaics of the floors and walls.
The marble pillars are intricately carved in scrolling arab design.
Even the ceilings are painted or sculpted in wood.
You can stroll through inner courtyards with their charming fountains and more mosaics.
This Meknes Morocco attraction lets you appreciate the grandeur that was in the past the Imperial city.
3. Royal Stables
The next recommended attraction in Meknes is the Royal Stables.
Moulay Ismail loved horses and had the stables and a granary built inside the city close to the palace.
Today, you can visit the remains of this vast complex where they once stabled up to 12,000 horses at a time.
As you explore the stables appreciate the distinctive carvings of the wooden doors.
Also, be sure to check out the intricate ironwork on the door hinges, closures, and lamps throughout.
This labyrinth of spaces was used for storing food and for housing and training horses.
Meknes’s equestrian heritage can be experienced at the annual Fantasia Festival held every July.
This lively event features traditional horse shows, where riders display their skills in historical reenactments and thrilling performances.
Another way to experience Meknes’ equestrian heritage is through a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city.
You can find a line of unique horse-drawn carriages just outside the Royal Stables waiting to take you away.
4. Dar Jamai Museum
Our fourth recommended activity to do in Meknes is to visit the Dar Jamai Museum.
Close to the Medina, you will find this well-curated museum housed in a 19th-century palace.
With an eclectic mixture of musical instruments, art, textiles and more a visit to this museum is a must.
The exhibits are well presented, with engaging displays that are both interesting and informative.
There’s also seating available in some of the inner patios, where you can relax and take a break during your exploration.
This palace, built in the Spanish-Moorish style, is as captivating as its exhibits. The building itself is a key part of the visit.
The floors, walls, and ceiling showcase the Arab mastery of painting, mosaics, and carving.
Take your time to look at the ceilings, some of them carved intricately in marble.
While you read about traditional Moroccan instruments don’t forget to enjoy the colors and patterns of the mosaics on the walls and floors.
5. Medina
What is a visit to a city in Morocco without visiting the Medina or city center?
The Medina is one of Meknes most visited attractions.
This city center has beautiful green spaces and cafés, perfect for relaxing and enjoying some people-watching.
Many of the walls are a great source of more Moorish-style decorations.
Of course, no Medina would be complete without colorful shops selling Moroccan goods.
You can find ceramics, leather goods, and spices.
However, this area of Morocco is known for its delicious olive oil.
Take advantage and stock up for yourself or as a souvenir!
Another great thing about visiting the Medina in Meknes is that it is less crowded than those in Fez and Marrakech.
Fewer crowds make the shops in Meknes less overwhelming and more enjoyable for shopping.
This makes the Medina an activity you don’t want to miss!
Bonus!
Volubilis
Just 20 miles from Meknes, Volubilis makes for an easy stop on your way from Meknes to Fez.
Established by the Berber as the capital of Mauritania, this town later became an important outpost of the Roman Empire.
Volubilis is the largest Roman archeological site in Morocco.
This town-turned-city showcases Roman architecture beautifully, highlighting how the Romans left their mark on other places.
One of the most interesting findings at Volubilis was the clear separation between the public and residential areas.
The public area ruins speak to the grandeur of the city.
The towering arches, columns, and other remaining public structures reveal the scale of the massive construction.
In the residential area, you’ll be able to appreciate some of the best-preserved and most elaborate mosaics we have seen outside of Italy.
If you love nature, you can’t miss the views of the open fields and the breathtaking views of the Atlas mountains.
The scenery alone is worth a stop at this archeological site.
Meknes: A Must-Add to your Morocco Itinerary
Thanks to its northern location, Meknes enjoys milder temperatures, making it a great place to visit year-round.
Many people visit Meknes and Volubilis on the same day as we did.
Both cities are stops on the road to Fez for many tours.
Nevertheless, there are enough things to do in Meknes that you could spend a couple of days.
The activities include a variety of wellness, shopping, and nature options.
For more information on things to do in Meknes and a list of places to stay go to Visit Morocco website.
We hope this list of best things to do in Meknes, Morocco inspires you to add this imperial city to your itinerary.
Have fun in Morocco!
