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Weekend Itinerary
2 Days in Meknes
Imperial gates, underground granaries, Roman ruins at Volubilis — the perfect weekend in Morocco's most underrated city. Calm medina, zero hassle, authentic atmosphere.
Quick Info
Budget: 500–800 MAD/day
Walking: 6–8 km/day
Day 2: Volubilis + Moulay Idriss
Day 1 — Imperial Meknes
Bab Mansour, royal granaries, medina souks
08:30
Breakfast at Place el-Hedim
45 min 30–50 MAD
Start at Meknes' grand central square. The cafés on the south side serve msemen, baghrir, fresh orange juice, and mint tea with views of Bab Mansour. Arrive early before the square fills with vendors.
💡 South-facing cafés have the best Bab Mansour views💡 Fresh orange juice is 5–8 MAD everywhere
09:15
Bab Mansour & the Imperial Gates
30 min Free
Cross Place el-Hedim to stand before Bab Mansour — widely considered the finest gate in North Africa. Its mosaic-tiled façade and marble columns (repurposed from Volubilis) are extraordinary. Walk through to explore the Bab el-Khemis area on the other side.
💡 Morning light is best for photography💡 The marble columns were taken from Volubilis by Moulay Ismail
09:45
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
45 min Free
One of the few Moroccan shrines open to non-Muslims. The mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail (who made Meknes his capital) features stunning zellige tilework, carved plaster, and a serene courtyard. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered.
💡 Remove shoes before entering💡 Photography allowed in courtyards but not the tomb chamber💡 Free entry but donation box near exit
10:30
Royal Stables & Heri es-Souani
1 hour 10 MAD
The highlight of Meknes. These massive imperial granaries and stables once held 12,000 horses. The scale is staggering — rows of arched chambers stretch into the distance, with ingenious ventilation and water channels. The rooftop terrace overlooks the Agdal Basin, Moulay Ismail's vast water reservoir.
💡 The rooftop view is the best panorama in Meknes💡 Agdal Basin at the back is where locals swim in summer💡 Cool inside even in summer — natural ventilation still works
11:30
Imperial City Walls Walk
45 min Free
Walk along the massive ramparts that surround the imperial city. Moulay Ismail's walls stretch 25 km — some of the longest in Morocco. Walk south from Heri es-Souani along the outer walls, passing gardens and gates, back toward the medina.
💡 Wear comfortable shoes — the paths are uneven💡 The scale of the walls is best appreciated on foot
12:15
Lunch in the Medina
1 hour 50–80 MAD
Duck into the medina for lunch. Restaurant Zitouna near the Grand Mosque serves excellent tagines and couscous at local prices. Alternatively, the food stalls around Place el-Hedim offer bocadillos, brochettes, and harira — all under 30 MAD.
💡 Friday couscous is a Meknes tradition💡 Ask for méchoui (slow-roasted lamb) if available — Meknes is famous for it
13:30
Medina & Souks Exploration
2 hours 20–100 MAD (shopping)
Meknes' medina is blissfully uncrowded compared to Fes or Marrakech. Wander the souks near the Grand Mosque — excellent for damascene metalwork (Meknes specialty), embroidered fabrics, and spices. The carpet souk is small but high-quality. Explore the Berima quarter for local artisan workshops.
💡 Damascene (inlaid metalwork) is Meknes' signature craft💡 Prices are 30–50% lower than Fes for similar quality💡 The Berima quarter has active workshops — you can watch craftsmen
15:30
Musée Dar Jamai
45 min 20 MAD
This 19th-century palace-turned-museum houses an excellent collection of Moroccan arts: carved wood, embroidery, ceramics, and jewelry. The building itself — with its painted ceilings and Andalusian garden — is as impressive as the collection.
💡 The Andalusian garden is perfect for a break💡 Look for the Meknes embroidery — distinct from Fes style
16:30
Rooftop Café & Sunset
1.5 hours 20–40 MAD
Find a rooftop café overlooking Place el-Hedim for mint tea and pastries as the light turns golden. The square comes alive in the late afternoon with storytellers, musicians, and food vendors. Watch the sunset paint Bab Mansour pink and gold.
💡 Café en Face on Place el-Hedim has the best sunset angle💡 The square's entertainment peaks 5–7 PM
Day 2 — Volubilis & Moulay Idriss
Roman ruins, Morocco's holiest town, quiet gardens
08:00
Early Start to Volubilis
40 min drive 250–350 MAD (grand taxi round trip)
Arrange a grand taxi the evening before (your riad can help). Leave early to reach Volubilis before the heat and tour groups. The drive through olive groves and rolling farmland is beautiful. Grand taxis wait while you explore.
💡 Negotiate the round-trip price before leaving💡 The taxi includes waiting time at Volubilis + Moulay Idriss
08:40
Volubilis Roman Ruins
2 hours 70 MAD
Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the Decumanus Maximus (main road), see the stunning floor mosaics in the House of Orpheus and House of Venus, the Triumphal Arch of Caracalla, the Capitol, and the Basilica. The site sprawls across a hillside with panoramic views.
💡 Bring water and sun protection — no shade on site💡 The mosaics in the House of Venus are the finest💡 An official guide at the entrance is 150 MAD — worth it for historical context💡 Morning light is best for photographing the mosaics
11:00
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
1.5 hours 10–30 MAD (café + snacks)
From Volubilis, drive 5 minutes to Morocco's holiest town. The whitewashed hilltop settlement contains the tomb of Moulay Idriss I, founder of Morocco's first dynasty. Non-Muslims can't enter the sanctuary, but the town itself is beautiful — wander the steep lanes, visit the round minaret (unique in Morocco), and enjoy tea with views.
💡 The round minaret is covered in zellige — unique in Morocco💡 Saturday market is lively if you time it right💡 The town was closed to non-Muslims until the 1900s
12:30
Lunch in Moulay Idriss
45 min 40–70 MAD
Eat in one of the small restaurants with terrace views over the valley. Traditional dishes include rfissa, tagine, and fresh flatbread. The pace here is slow and unhurried — enjoy it before heading back to Meknes.
💡 Scorpion House café has the best terrace view💡 Try the local olive oil — Zerhoun is olive country
13:30
Return to Meknes
40 min Included in taxi
Head back to Meknes. If you have energy, ask the taxi to drop you at Bab el-Khemis — the flea market sprawls outside this gate on Tuesdays and Fridays.
💡 Bab el-Khemis flea market is best on Friday mornings
14:30
Jewish Quarter & Mellah
45 min Free
Explore the old Jewish quarter south of the medina. The architecture differs from the Muslim quarters — wider streets, balconied houses, Star of David motifs. The small synagogue (if open) and the Jewish cemetery are poignant remnants of a community that once numbered in the thousands.
💡 The cemetery guardian may ask for a small donation💡 The architecture here reflects the different cultural history
15:30
Agdal Basin & Gardens
1 hour Free
Walk to the vast Agdal Basin — Moulay Ismail's 4-hectare reservoir — surrounded by gardens and olive groves. It's where Meknassi families relax on weekends. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts with the imperial grandeur of the morning.
💡 Locals swim here in summer — it's safe but unofficial💡 Great spot for a quiet walk among olive trees
16:30
Farewell Tea & Place el-Hedim
1 hour 20–40 MAD
End your Meknes weekend where you started — at a café on Place el-Hedim. Watch the evening parade of families, street performers, and food vendors. Meknes may be Morocco's most overlooked imperial city, but you'll leave knowing its secret.
💡 Pick up Meknes olive oil and damascene metalwork as souvenirs💡 The train to Fes takes 50 minutes if you're continuing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 2 days enough for Meknes?
Yes — 2 days is perfect for Meknes. Day 1 covers the imperial city sights (Bab Mansour, Heri es-Souani, Moulay Ismail mausoleum, medina), and Day 2 is best used for a half-day trip to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. Unlike Fes or Marrakech, Meknes is compact enough that you won't feel rushed.
How do I get from Meknes to Volubilis?
Volubilis is 33 km (40 minutes) from Meknes. Options: hire a grand taxi for the day (250–350 MAD round trip including waiting time), join a shared tour (150–200 MAD per person), or rent a car. Most tours combine Volubilis with Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. There is no regular public bus, but shared grand taxis to Moulay Idriss leave from the main taxi stand.
Is Meknes worth visiting compared to Fes?
Absolutely. Meknes is smaller, calmer, and much less touristy than Fes — you'll experience a more authentic Moroccan city. The imperial architecture rivals anything in Fes, and the proximity to Volubilis (Morocco's best Roman ruins) is a unique advantage. Many travellers visit both, since they're only 1 hour apart by train.
What is the budget for 2 days in Meknes?
Budget: 400–600 MAD per person per day, including meals (80–150 MAD), entry fees (10–70 MAD per site), transport (grand taxis 20–50 MAD within city), and a Volubilis day trip (150–350 MAD). Meknes is one of Morocco's most affordable imperial cities — hotel rooms start from 250 MAD and street food is excellent.