Looking for the best things to do in Meknes? Often skipped for Fes, Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities and a relaxed, fascinating stop. Its monumental gates and royal granaries tell the story of Sultan Moulay Ismail, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis are just outside town.
In short: see Bab Mansour and El Hedim square, the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the royal granaries, then visit Volubilis and Moulay Idriss. One day from Fes is enough.
Top things to do in Meknes
- Bab Mansour: one of the most beautiful gates in Morocco, facing El Hedim square.
- El Hedim square: the lively heart of the old town.
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: the resting place of the sultan who made Meknes his capital.
- Heri es-Souani: huge royal granaries and stables.
- The medina: calmer than Fes, and listed by UNESCO.
Volubilis and Moulay Idriss
About 30 km away, Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, with mosaics and a triumphal arch. Nearby, the holy town of Moulay Idriss sits on two hills. Together with Meknes, they make a perfect day.
How to visit Meknes
- From Fes: about 1 hour by road. Join our Fes to Meknes day trip.
- On a longer route: our imperial cities tours include Meknes with Fes, Rabat and Marrakech.
- From Marrakech: the 7 days Morocco tour from Marrakech stops in Meknes and Volubilis.
Love history and crafts? See our cultural tours in Morocco.
Things to do in Meknes: FAQ
Is Meknes worth visiting?
Yes. It is calmer than Fes, with impressive monuments and Volubilis nearby.
How many days do I need in Meknes?
One day is enough to see Meknes and Volubilis.
How far is Meknes from Fes?
About 60 km, or 1 hour by road.
Is Volubilis a UNESCO site?
Yes, it is listed by UNESCO as an archaeological site.
Can I visit the imperial cities in one trip?
Yes, see our imperial cities tours.
Visit Meknes with us
We include Meknes and Volubilis in private routes from Fes or Marrakech, with your own driver and a local guide. More information on Visit Morocco.
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Main photo: Chris Martin from Decatur, Georgia, USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.