Bab Mansour
Widely considered the most beautiful monumental gate in Morocco, all green-and-white zellige and carved stone.
Essaouira, MoroccoConcierge · 7 Days · 9–21H GMT+1
Imperial city · Northern Morocco
Meknes, Morocco
The quiet imperial city of Moulay Ismail — monumental gates, vast granaries and Roman Volubilis next door.
Best time
April–May and September–October
Recommended
1 day (or a half-day with Volubilis)
Airport
Fès-Saïs (FEZ) + 1h
Region
Imperial city · Northern Morocco
Why Meknes
Meknes is the most underrated of Morocco's four imperial cities, set deep inland near Fes — a long way from the Atlantic coast and most often reached as part of a northern imperial loop. Built by the seventeenth-century sultan Moulay Ismail to rival Versailles, it has monumental gates, the colossal Heri es-Souani granaries and stables, and a relaxed, lived-in medina with a fraction of the crowds of Fes or Marrakech. It is also the natural base for the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, 30 minutes away.
What to see
Highlights of Meknes.
Heri es-Souani & Agdal basin
The sultan's enormous vaulted granaries and stables, beside a vast reflecting reservoir built to water a city in siege.
Roman Volubilis
A UNESCO archaeological site of mosaics, arches and olive groves — the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, 30 minutes away.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
A sacred whitewashed town tumbling over two hills, the burial place of the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty.
Itineraries
Our Meknes tours.
Every itinerary below is privately operated, fully customisable, and includes a deep stop in Meknes. Click any tour for the day-by-day plan, the map, dates and pricing.
8 days
Coast & imperial cities, privately
Meknes and Volubilis are a highlight day on the eight-night route that pairs the coast with the imperial north.
from $2,450Enquire →
1 day
Volubilis, Meknes & Moulay Idriss
A private day from Fes: Roman mosaics, the imperial gates and the holy hill town.
from $240Enquire →
Before you go
Practical notes.
- Getting there: Under 1h from Fes by car or train; an easy day trip
- Best combined with: Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in a single private day
Concierge
Have your Meknes trip designed by a local
Tell us your dates, group size and pace. We'll send back a written proposal within 24 hours — private guides, transfers, riads, the lot.
Request a proposalFAQ
Meknes — common questions.
Is Meknes worth visiting?+
Yes — it's the quietest and most relaxed of the imperial cities, with monumental gates and granaries and almost none of the medina hustle of Fes. Paired with Volubilis it makes a superb day.
How far is Volubilis from Meknes?+
About 30 km, or 30–40 minutes by car. Most travellers visit Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss together on one private day trip from Fes.
Closest destinations
Pair Meknes with.
These destinations are closest to Meknes — easily combined on a private itinerary.
20 kmNorthern Morocco · Meknès-Tafilalet
Volubilis & Moulay Idriss
Roman mosaics beneath a hilltop holy town — the most layered day on the inland imperial loop, paired with a coastal Essaouira itinerary.
Explore53 kmImperial city · Northern Morocco
Fes
Morocco's oldest imperial city — a car-free medieval medina, and the deep-inland contrast to the coast.
Explore
56 kmMiddle Atlas · Ifrane Province
Ifrane
Trade the Atlantic wind for cedar and snow — the alpine 'Little Switzerland' of the Middle Atlas, the inland counterpoint to coastal Essaouira.
ExploreFrom the journal
Reading for Meknes.
Hand-picked guides from our journal to help you plan your time in Meknes and beyond.