Bab Mansour
Widely considered the most beautiful monumental gate in Morocco, all green-and-white zellige and carved stone.
Chefchaouen, 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
Often skipped between Fes and the coast, Meknes is the most underrated of Morocco's four imperial cities and a worthwhile pause for travellers heading up toward the blue city. Built by the 17th-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. It is also the natural base for the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, 30 minutes away — a fitting last burst of history before the Rif road climbs north to Chefchaouen.
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
Imperial cities & the blue city
Meknes and Volubilis are a highlight day on the royal route that finishes among the indigo lanes of Chefchaouen.
from $2,450Enquire →
1 day
Volubilis, Meknes & Moulay Idriss
A private day from Fes: Roman mosaics, the imperial gates and the holy hill town — an easy detour before the road north to the Rif.
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 is 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, and it sits conveniently on the way north toward Chefchaouen.
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 and a hilltop holy town on the road north — Volubilis and Moulay Idriss near Meknes, the classic history day before the Rif climb to the blue city.
Explore53 kmImperial city · Northern Morocco
Fes
Morocco's spiritual capital and the southern gateway to the blue city — 200 km of mountain road from Chefchaouen.
Explore
56 kmMiddle Atlas · Ifrane Province
Ifrane
Swap lime-washed Rif walls for red-roofed alpine chalets — Ifrane, the cedar-forested 'Little Switzerland' of snow and Barbary macaques an hour south of Fes on the way down from the blue city.
ExploreRead more
From the journal.
Travel notes and practical guides to plan your time around Meknes.