Meknes
The overlooked imperial city — monumental gates, vast granaries, and none of the crowds of its neighbours.
Meknes lives in Fes's shadow, and I think that's exactly its appeal. Sultan Moulay Ismail built it as an imperial capital to rival Versailles, and the scale still shows — the gates are enormous, the old granaries could have fed an army, and the medina is a fraction of the size of Fes's, which makes it far easier to actually enjoy rather than just navigate.
I usually pair it with Volubilis, twenty minutes up the road, so guests get a full day of history — imperial Morocco and Roman Morocco back to back — without the crowds either site would have closer to Fes proper.
Bab Mansour
The most spectacular gate in Morocco, built to announce a sultan's ambitions.
Heri es-Souani granaries
Vast vaulted stores built to survive a five-year siege — cool, cavernous, and nearly empty of visitors.
The old medina souks
A working souk without the scale or hustle of Fes or Marrakech — an easier introduction.
Comfortable, clear days for walking the gates and granaries.
The same mild balance as spring.
Hot at midday but manageable with an early start.
Cold mornings for an inland city — dress in layers.
Meknes on the imperial cities road
Meknes pairs naturally with Fes and Volubilis, an easy loop for anyone touring Morocco's historic imperial capitals.
Mustapha frequently pairs Meknes with Volubilis as an easy, uncrowded history day.
Ready to explore Meknes?
Tell Mustapha your dates and he will build Meknes into a journey that is yours alone.