Meknes Travel Guide: Imperial City & Gateway to Volubilis
Meknes is one of Morocco's four imperial cities, built mainly by the ambitious Sultan Moulay Ismail, who ruled from 1672 to 1727. Often compared to Versailles, it is quieter and more relaxed than Fes or Marrakech. The medina, ramparts and monumental gates are UNESCO World Heritage, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis lie nearby.
At a glance
- Imperial capital under
- Moulay Ismail (1672 to 1727)
- UNESCO
- Historic City listed in 1996
- Highlights
- Bab Mansour, Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Volubilis
- Allow
- 1 to 2 days
- From Fes
- About 30 to 50 minutes by train
In this guide
Why Meknes is called the Versailles of Morocco
Moulay Ismail was a contemporary of Louis XIV of France and exchanged diplomatic missions with him. He built a vast walled imperial city of palaces, gardens, granaries and stables, using a huge workforce. Much of it is in ruins, but the scale remains impressive.
What to see in Meknes
- Bab Mansour: the monumental gate, completed in 1732, often called the most beautiful gate in Morocco, with green and white tilework and marble columns.
- Place el-Hedim: the lively square in front of the gate, with storytellers, food stalls and cafes.
- Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: one of the few religious sites in Morocco open to non-Muslims, with decorated courtyards.
- Heri es-Souani: the huge vaulted granaries and stables, said to have housed thousands of horses.
- The medina and Dar Jamai Museum: a 19th-century palace with Moroccan arts and crafts.
- Bou Inania Madrasa: a Marinid madrasa with a fine courtyard.
Volubilis and Moulay Idriss
About 30 km north, Volubilis was a Roman provincial city with well-preserved mosaics, a triumphal arch and columns, now a UNESCO site. Nearby, the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun holds the tomb of the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty, and it makes a good half-day. See our history of Morocco for the Roman and Idrisid story.
Local wine and food
The Meknes area is Morocco's main wine region, with vineyards dating back to Roman times. Try local olives, dried fruit and dishes from the Middle Atlas in the medina restaurants. See our food guide.
Getting to Meknes
Meknes is on the main train line: Fes is about 30 to 50 minutes away and Rabat around 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis run to Volubilis, or you can book a tour. See getting around Morocco.
Is Meknes worth visiting?
Yes, especially as a stopover between Fes and Rabat. It is less crowded, cheaper and easier to navigate than other imperial cities, and the Volubilis trip adds depth.
A one-day plan for Meknes
Begin at Bab Mansour and Place el-Hedim, then visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. In the afternoon, explore the Heri es-Souani granaries and the medina. If you have a second day, visit Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in the morning and return in time for dinner in Meknes or Fes.
Where to stay
Meknes has riads in the medina, hotels in the new town (Hamria) and good-value guesthouses. It is often cheaper than Fes or Marrakech, which makes it a good place for a slower stop.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Meknes?
One full day for the city and a second half-day for Volubilis and Moulay Idriss is ideal.
Is Meknes better than Fes?
Meknes is smaller and calmer, while Fes has far more sights. Many travellers visit both, using Meknes as a base for Volubilis.
Can you visit Volubilis from Meknes?
Yes. It is about 30 km away and easy to reach by taxi or tour.