Is Meknes Worth Visiting?
Quick answer
Yes, especially as a relaxed half- or full-day or alongside Volubilis. Meknes is the least-touristy of Morocco’s imperial cities, with the monumental Bab Mansour gate, the vast royal granaries and stables, and a laid-back, low-hassle medina — great value for history lovers who want fewer crowds.
Meknes sits in the shadow of nearby Fes and is often skipped, which is exactly why some travellers love it — imperial grandeur with a fraction of the tourists. Whether it’s “worth it” depends on whether you value calm authenticity over big-name buzz.
Here’s the honest picture.
Why it’s worth it
Meknes was the 17th-century capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail, and his legacy is monumental: the spectacular Bab Mansour gate (one of Morocco’s finest), the enormous Heri es-Souani granaries and stables, the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, and the Agdal Basin. The medina is UNESCO-listed, walkable and far gentler than Fes or Marrakech, with good souks and a relaxed Place el-Hedim.
It’s excellent value and a refreshing break from the tourist crush — you can actually wander without constant hassle.
The honest take
Meknes has fewer “wow” sights than Fes and a smaller medina, so it’s usually a half-day to a day rather than a multi-day stay. Some monuments are partly ruined or under restoration. It works best combined with the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
If your time is very tight, Fes (an hour away) is the priority; if you have a spare half-day, Meknes rewards it.
How to fit it in
Meknes is an easy stop on the train line between Fes and Rabat/Casablanca (about 30–40 minutes from Fes), so it slots in neatly. A classic plan is a day trip combining Meknes with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss, or a half-day en route between cities.
See Bab Mansour and Place el-Hedim, the granaries, the mausoleum and the medina, then continue on — a satisfying, crowd-free dose of imperial history.
Key takeaways
- Yes — the quietest imperial city, great value with fewer crowds.
- Highlights: Bab Mansour, the granaries/stables, the mausoleum, the medina.
- Half-day to a day; pairs perfectly with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss.
- Easy train stop (~30–40 min from Fes).
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Meknes?
A half-day to a full day covers the highlights — Bab Mansour, the granaries and stables, the mausoleum and the medina. It pairs well with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss.
Is Meknes better than Fes?
Fes has the larger, more dramatic medina and more sights; Meknes is quieter, gentler and less touristy. Many visit both, with Fes the priority and Meknes a relaxed add-on.
Can you visit Meknes and Volubilis together?
Yes — they’re close, and a day trip combining Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss is a popular, rewarding outing (often from Fes).
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