Location: Meknes
Top Things to do in Meknes
Top 7 Free Things to do in Meknes, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
Overlooked by many tourists, Meknes is a bustling modern city of nearly a million in northern Morocco, about 80 miles inland from the capital of Rabat. Local hero Moulay Ismail made Meknes Morocco's hub at the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th centuries, and his mausoleum is one of the city's main attractions. The Museum of Moroccan Art (housing fascinating jewels and artifacts) and Bab Mansour (the largest and most stunning of the city's gates) are other Meknes sights not to be missed.
Restaurants in Meknes
1. Meknes Medina
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 956 reviews
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Meknes Medina is the old town of the imperial city of Meknes, 1 hour far from Fez, the most important city in the region. The Medina is very beautiful, so, walking on the old streets, seeing the buildings, visit the most important places and buying in the shops is an incredible experience. We did a guided tour with a local guide and really it was very interesting. We visited Bou Inania Madrassa (a Muslim school), where you can go up to the top and see wonderful views of the city and the Big Mosque or you can see the central courtyard, a fantastic example of Arabic Art. Also we visited a public oven, the blacksmiths neighborhood, the carpenters neihhborhood, zocos, the main market, where you can buy a lot of different sweets. And obviously El Hedim Square and Bab Mansour Gate, the main square of the city and the center, where all local people come at evening. Really fantastic places! (see also Bab Mansour Gate, Bou Inania Medersa and El Hedim Square)
2. El Hedim Square
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 400 reviews
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
El Hedim Square is the main square of Meknes, one of the imperial cities in Morocco. It is really a wonderful place and it is the center of the town with shops, markets, the Medina and a lot of activities at the evening in the square. Here there are the most important sightseeing points of the city like Bab Mansour, the main gate, the Medina (old town), the main market and a lot of shops. Also, at evening it is possible to come here with the family and see some street shows and drive a little car. My daughter enjoy a lot here. In the square, there are some bars and restaurants, where you can eat good local food. Fantastic place. (see also Meknes Medina, Bab Mansour Gate, Bu Hbibi Snack Bar)
3. Bab Mansour Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 662 reviews
Reviewed By HINAWASEEM - Islamabad, Pakistan
This is the most imposing, impressive and majestic gate of the Imperial City of Meknes. It was built out of the marble columns removed from the ruins of the Roman city called Volubilis. You can see ornate calligraphy and Islamic patterns spread all over this horseshoe shaped gate. It was designed in 1732 by Mansour Laalej (meaning victorious renegade) who was a Christian convert. It is said that the ruler Moullay Ismail wished to eradicate the glory of all his enemies so he brought columns and material from Roman and Saadian sites to be used in his Imperial City. This was also done to glorify himself and his dynasty.
4. Mausoleum of Mouley Ismail
5. Sahrij Swani
6. Bab El-Khemis Gate
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 99 reviews
Reviewed By Marf13669 - Ogdensburg, United States
Bab el-Khemis (Thursday Gate) is one of the 12 gates that encircles the Medina of Meknes. This 17th century gate is one of the main entrances to the Flea Market area of the Medina. Two towers with small windows flank the gate and it's large enough that cars and pedestrians can pass through the arch. The gate features traditional craftsmanship and uses blue, green, and brown tiles as well as beautifully carved woodwork and plaster. he gate is beautifully presented, decorated with a beautiful ceramic mosaics.
7. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun is a sacred Muslim town located near Volubilis, Roman ruins, and about 50km far from Meknes, an imperial city in Morocco. This town is known for the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I, the first major Islamic ruler in Morocco and descendant of Prophet Muhammad. We came here with a guide (Morice, Thank you for the visit!), who explained us the history of the town and we saw the most important points of this town like: the Mausoleum (only from outside, because the entrance is forbidden to no Muslims), the Medina (very beautiful green city due tot the color of the houses), the Sidi Abdellah Mausoleum and Mosque, the Sentissi Mosque (the only one in Morocco with a cylindrical minaret) and incredible beautiful views of the town from the upper site of the Medina. Great place! Also, when we returned to go down, my daughter could ride a donkey and she was very happy. Really a great visit for all family! (see also Volubilis, Meknes Volubilis Moulay Idriss Day Trip)
