Best 18 Activities and Attractions in Meknes, Morocco

Situated in the north of the country, Meknes sees fewer visitors than the iconic cities of Fez and Marrakesh. However, it is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, boasting historic medina walls and beautiful Moorish architecture. Visitors can explore ruins and museums that allude to the city’s 11th-century foundation and its years as the capital of the Moroccan sultanate. Moreover, modern attractions include authentic riads and an excellent culinary scene.

Take a Walk Through the City’s Historic Medina

Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Meknes’ medina dates back to the 11th century when the city was founded as a military settlement by members of the Almoravid dynasty. Today, it features a maze of magnificent architecture in various states of repair, most reflecting the Spanish-Moorish style popular with the sultans of the 17th century. Step inside the medina’s high walls to discover historic mosques, mausoleums, towers, and medersas interspersed with souks selling traditional Moroccan crafts.

Photograph Meknes’ Medina Gates

The medina walls incorporate more than 20 gates, many of which are architectural landmarks in their own right. Of these, the most famous is Bab Mansour, commissioned by Moulay Ismail and completed five years after his death in 1732. The gate stands 16 meters tall and eight meters wide, splendidly decorated with green and white zellij tiles, three graceful arches, and columns looted from Volubilis. The 17th-century Bab el Khemis gate is another photogenic highlight.

Explore the Museum of Moroccan Art

Also known as Dar Jamai, the museum is housed in a 19th-century palace featuring breathtaking Andalusian architecture and a tranquil courtyard garden. Inside, admire exquisite examples of traditional plasterwork, tilework, and carpentry. The museum’s displays also showcase the artisan crafts of Morocco and feature fine objets d’art made from leather, ceramic, copper, silver, and more. Opening hours are from 9:00am – midday and 3:00pm – 6:30pm, every day except Tuesday.

Admire Traditional Arts at Meknes Museum

Continue your appreciation of Moroccan art at Meknes Museum, located just 400 meters away from Dar Jamai in the heart of the medina. This small museum, housed in an unassuming building, features a treasure trove of clothing, jewelry, pottery, and magnificent Moroccan carpets. A particular highlight is a decorative suit of armor studded with turquoise, coral, and old coins. Entrance costs 10 dirham, and the museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday.

Get Your Pottery Fix at Borj Belkari Museum

If you’re particularly interested in ceramics, the museum housed within the Borj Belkari tower is a must-visit. It specializes in pottery from the northern cultural region of the Rif, dating from prehistoric times to the present day. Among the permanent collection are fine examples from the heyday of the Islamic sultans, while a modern workshop features pottery from across Morocco. The building itself was constructed in the 17th century as part of the city’s defensive walls. Admission costs 10 dirham.

Wander Through the Ruins of the Royal Stables

Despotic 17th-century sultan Moulay Ismail commissioned many of Meknes’ architectural landmarks, including the Royal Stables. Built to house 12,000 horses in luxurious comfort, the now-ruined stables include a vast granary for storing equine fodder. Today, the sheer scale of the stables is almost as impressive as the ingenuity of their design. Entry costs 10 dirham, and the site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to midday, and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

Moulay Ismail’s mausoleum is an oasis of calm located in the center of the old town, one of the few Moroccan sacred sites open to non-Muslims. The interior features a collection of elaborately decorated courtyards leading to the sanctuary where the sultan is buried. Although non-Muslims may not enter the tomb itself, it is visible from the anteroom with its beautiful carved plaster and zellij mosaics. Entry is free, although donations are appreciated.

Discover Underground Prison Habs Qara

Moulay Ismail’s landmarks were built by slaves kept in terrible conditions in an underground prison known as Habs Qara, or Cara Prison. The cells take their English name from a Portuguese architect who was a prisoner himself until he earned his freedom by masterminding their construction. More than 60,000 slaves were kept in the subterranean quarters, of which two-thirds were thought to be Christian prisoners of war. Tours cost 10 dirham and are available every day except Monday.

Enjoy Rooftop Views at Bou Inania Medersa

Although Meknes’ Bou Inania Medersa is smaller and less ornate than Fez’s medersa of the same name, it remains a fine example of a traditional school of Islamic worship. Completed in 1358 to house students and teachers affiliated with the Grande Mosquée across the street, it features carved cedar ceilings, stucco arches, and zellij floors. Climb to the roof for spectacular views of the mosque’s minaret and historic Meknes beyond.

Ride Through the City in a Caleche

A scenic tour in a horse-drawn caleche is a fantastic way to explore the city for those who share Moulay Ismail’s love of horses or simply prefer not to walk. The carriages are beautiful artifacts adorned with elaborate canopies and drapes. Routes typically take you through the city gates and past several of Meknes’ most recognizable landmarks. Caleches accommodate up to five passengers and can be hired for about 100 dirham per hour.

Catch a Performance at the Institut Français

At the center of modern culture in Meknes is the Institut Français, located halfway between the ancient medina and the Ville Nouvelle on Rue Ferhat Hachad. This contemporary building hosts an eclectic calendar of plays, films, and exhibitions—though be warned, all of them are in French. If you plan to spend some time in Meknes, the institute offers French classes to help improve your grasp of Morocco’s colonial language.

Join the Crowds in El Hedim Square

El Hedim Square is Meknes’ answer to Djemma el Fna in Marrakesh. Located at the heart of the medina, it serves as a natural gathering place for locals and visitors alike, perfect for soaking up the atmosphere. Street performers, from musicians to snake charmers, delight crowds, while cafes, restaurants, and a covered market line one side. Stop for a cup of mint tea, or sample authentic Moroccan street food as dusk descends.

Sample the Meknes Culinary Scene

Authentic Moroccan cuisine and African interpretations of traditional French fare dominate the culinary scene in Meknes. Visit local favorite Restaurant Ya Hala to enjoy Moroccan staples like tagine, couscous, and pastilla, made fresh to order. Alternatively, rub shoulders with locals over mint tea and pastries at Café Opera. For a more refined dining experience, consider Bistrot Art & Le Wine Bar, where the fusion menu is complemented by an impressive wine list and breathtaking views across Meknes.

Master the Art of Moroccan Cooking

Learn to recreate your favorite Moroccan dishes at home by attending a local cooking class. In Meknes, one of the best places to master the culinary arts is Riad Lahboul, which offers workshops for guests and non-guests. Choose from half or full-day courses, or delve into an extensive week-long experience, complete with trips to communal bread ovens and produce markets. At day’s end, you can savor the fruits of your labor with fellow participants.

Experience the Luxury of a Traditional Riad

The most authentic accommodation option in Meknes is a riad, or traditional Moroccan house, transformed into a boutique hotel. Numerous options are available, with Riad Palais Didi being a standout, linked to the present owners who are direct descendants of Sultan Moulay Sulaiman. Besides five suites and seven sumptuous rooms, the hotel features a rooftop terrace offering views across the medina. Riad Yacout and Ryad Bahia are worthy alternatives.

Plan a Day Trip to the Ruins at Volubilis

To the north of Meknes lie the ruins of Volubilis. This site is one of Morocco’s best-preserved ancient ruins, once the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania and a southern outpost of the Roman Empire. Today, visitors can explore excavated ruins including a triumphal arch, a Roman forum adorned with its original columns, and a series of private houses featuring stunning mosaic floors. The ruins are open daily from sunrise to sunset, with admission costing 20 dirham.

Spend a Night in Nearby Moulay Idriss

For an overnight adventure, consider combining your visit to Volubilis with a stay in Moulay Idriss, a whitewashed mountain town located five kilometers southeast of the ruins. This sacred site for Muslim pilgrims has only been open to non-Muslim overnight visitors since 2005 and retains a sleepy, off-the-beaten-path charm. Expect stunning mountain scenery, authentic cafes, and a selection of inviting guesthouses, including top-rated B&B Dar Zerhoune.

Explore Nearby Fez

After experiencing the laid-back charm of Meknes, you might be ready for the hustle and bustle of nearby Fez. Just one hour by car, Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Top attractions include the bustling ancient medina, traditional leather tanneries, and the Kairaouine Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the country and home to one of the world’s most important libraries.