Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, but it has a slower, more relaxed atmosphere than some of the country’s better-known destinations. Its historic heart combines monumental gates, royal architecture, traditional souks, gardens, and everyday local life. The historic city is UNESCO-listed, and nearby Volubilis makes an excellent day trip.

Start at Bab El Mansour Laalej, the monumental gateway facing Place El Hedim. Its zellij decoration, carved details, and imposing scale make it one of Meknes’s defining landmarks.

Local tip: Come in the late afternoon when the square becomes livelier.

Al-Hadeem Square is the natural meeting point between the medina and the imperial city. Sit at a café, have Moroccan tea, and watch everyday Meknes life unfold.

Get lost in the narrow streets of the old medina and explore traditional shops, food stalls, crafts, spices, and local bakeries. https://visit-meknes.com/

Meknes’s medina is part of its UNESCO-listed historic heritage. https://visitmorocco.com

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is one of the city’s most important historic monuments. The mausoleum is associated with Sultan Moulay Ismail, who made Meknes his capital

Discover the enormous Heri es-Souani, part of Moulay Ismail’s imperial complex. Its huge vaulted halls and thick walls give you a sense of the scale of the old royal city.

Near Heri es-Souani, the Agdal Basin is a large historic reservoir that helped supply the imperial complex and its gardens.

It’s an interesting stop to combine with Heri es-Souani.

Dar Jamai Museum occupies a historic palace near Place El Hedim and offers a chance to discover Moroccan traditional arts and craftsmanship.

The Bou Inania Medersa is a beautiful example of traditional Moroccan architecture, with detailed zellij, carved wood, and plaster decoration. It is one of the key historic sites recommended for visitors to Meknes.

Bab el-Khemis is another impressive historic gate of Meknes. Add it to a walk around the city’s old walls and imperial quarter.

One of my favorite ways to understand Meknes is to follow the old city walls. The route offers different perspectives of the medina and imperial city, with several historic gates along the way.

Don’t leave without trying local Moroccan dishes such as:

• Couscous
• Tagine
• Harira
• Pastilla
• Msemen
• Fresh Moroccan bread
• Olives and local olive oil
• Mint tea

Meknes is also surrounded by an important agricultural region, making local olive products particularly worth discovering.

Look for traditional pottery, textiles, metalwork, leather goods, spices, olives, and Moroccan household products.

The best experience is to walk slowly rather than rushing from one shop to another.

Just outside Meknes, Volubilis is one of Morocco’s most important Roman archaeological sites. Explore its ancient streets, mosaics, triumphal arch, and monumental remains.

Combine Volubilis with Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, a historic hillside town surrounded by beautiful countryside.

It’s a great way to experience the landscapes and villages around Meknes.

Finish your sightseeing at a local café. Order mint tea or coffee, sit outside, and enjoy the slower rhythm of Meknes.