Meknes offers an authentic taste of Morocco, filled with magnificent Arabian architecture. You can get lost in the winding streets of the medina, visit royal tombs and discover the lavish past of the Alaouite dynasty.
Things to do in Meknes
Don't miss Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the final resting place of one of Morocco’s greatest rulers. The "Warrior King" made Meknes his capital in the 17th century, ruling the country with an army of over 150,000 men. You enter the tomb via a series of serene courtyards leading to the main hall where you'll find stunning mosaics, marble pillars and intricate stone carvings.
Located just outside the city, Heri es-Souani is a feat of 18th-century architecture. The cavernous stable complex was designed by Moulay Ismail and is big enough to house 12,000 horses. Tiny skylights, soaring ceilings and a network of underfloor water channels act as medieval air conditioning.
Bab el-Mansour is a magnificent Moroccan gateway anchoring the medina. It's set on Pl el-Hedim square and is adorned with elaborate carvings and Arabic inscriptions. Snag a table at one of the open-air cafes and restaurants lining the square for great views of Bab el-Mansour.
The Dar Jamai Museum is housed in a 19th-century palace and is filled with hand-painted ceramics, gleaming jewellery, luxe textiles and beautiful cedar carvings. You can also stroll around an Andalusian garden shaded by orange trees.
Getting around Meknes
Meknes is best explored on foot, especially around the medina, while many people also get around by "caliche" horse-drawn carriages. The city is also serviced by taxis and local buses. Fes–Sais is the closest airport, a one-hour drive from Meknes.