![\"Discover](\"https:\/\/maroclovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/best-things-to-do-meknes-visit.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n Yes, we think Meknes is well worth a visit. Less well known to travelers than Fez, this imperial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, promises a different kind of immersion in the history of Morocco. Its more compact medina seduced us with its peaceful atmosphere and authenticity. We enjoyed the contrast between its monumental ramparts, the Bab Mansour gate and the Dar Jama\u00ef Museum, a veritable national treasure dedicated to music. Meknes can be discovered in one or two days, giving you time to feel the city’s tranquil rhythm. <\/p>\n\n For us, it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Maroc.<\/p>\n\n If you don’t have a car, you can discover Meknes on an organized tour from Fez<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n Pushing open the doors of this 19th-century palace, we plunged into a veritable treasure trove of Moroccan heritage. What a marvel! In our opinion, it’s one of the finest museums in Maroc. Built in 1882 for Mohamed Ben Larbi Jama\u00ef, grand vizier to Sultan Moulay Hassan I\u1d49\u02b3, this palatial residence is a model of traditional Moroccan architecture: colorful zelliges, finely carved cedar wood ceilings, ironwork, stucco and fountains adorn the various rooms opening onto a lush patio. Palm trees, roses, camellias, banana trees and succulents make up a veritable Andalusian garden, pleasant in all seasons. Also known as the National Music Museum, Dar Jama\u00ef houses an exceptional collection of wind, string and percussion instruments, from the XIX\u1d49 century to the present day. The museography is both rich and interactive, with explanatory panels in three languages (French, English, Arabic), booklets on Berber dance and music, ancient manuscripts and handicrafts. Our favorite? The room devoted to the manufacture of wooden instruments: several pieces are presented here, with remarkable documentation and memory work. In the center, we are comfortably seated on footstools in the projection area, which shows archive images and explanatory videos. You’ll travel through the eras and history of Moroccan music, from rural traditions to urban styles inspired by the Andalusian heritage, including Reggada, Gnaouas and A\u00efta. Not to mention the ancient techniques used to make the instruments: lutherie, woodworking, metalworking, distillation of orange blossom water… Rare know-how, sometimes on the verge of extinction. This sensitive, well-documented approach, combined with the exemplary preservation of the building, makes Dar Jama\u00ef a cultural, artistic and emotional place, accessible to all. A must-see if you’re visiting Meknes! <\/p>\n\n All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coming soon!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n To stand before this monumental gateway is to feel the full symbolic power of Meknes, the imperial city of Sultan Moulay Isma\u00efl. Completed in 1732 by his son Moulay Abdellah, Bab Mansour is one of the most beautiful gates in Maroc. Its name, “Mansour”, is said to refer to the craftsman who designed its decoration, an architect who converted to Islam according to oral tradition. We were impressed by its massive white marble columns, copper lamps and rich ornamentation. The eight-metre-high central pointed arch is surrounded by green and blue ceramic scrolls and a trellis in relief on a polychrome mosaic background, typical of Alawite art. Come closer to admire the finesse of the work: meticulous zelliges, Koranic inscriptions, capitals inspired by Antiquity… Every detail bears witness to the expertise of Moroccan craftsmen and the meeting of different artistic heritages. Opposite Place El Hedim, you won’t want to miss it! The Bab Mansour Gate remains one of the most majestic faces of Meknes. <\/p>\n\n Another must-see is Place el Hedim. This large main square overlooks the covered market and two entrances to the medina. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere here, especially in the evenings when musicians and vendors liven up the space from time to time. Opposite Bab Mansour, Place Lahdim will surprise you with its vast proportions. It is the meeting point between the medina and the imperial city. In the narrow streets around the square, you’ll find all kinds of wares. From colorful pottery to tea sets and Berber-patterned carpets, it’s the epitome of local craftsmanship. You’ll also find a wide selection of children’s toys and novelty items. It’s the ideal place to take home a souvenir of local craftsmanship, or simply to observe local life. Around the edges of the square, several vendors offer food and juice. Wander into the covered market and browse its stalls of traditional Moroccan cakes, sun-drenched fruit and vegetables. Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere! <\/p>\n\n Read our tips (coming soon)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n Do you know the Mausoleum of Moulay Isma\u00efl in the imperial city of Meknes? To visit this masterpiece of marble, wood and stucco is to connect with the history of the sultan who left his mark on the city. This place of meditation, accessible to all, is located opposite the royal stables, within the ramparts of Dar al Makhzen (formerly the ruling quarter). Built in 1703 and restored in 1960, the mausoleum impressed us from the moment we entered, with its magnificent fountain surrounded by mosaics. A succession of patios lined with blind walls led us to the ablutions courtyard, surrounded by a beautiful colonnade. We admired the stained glass windows, copper chandeliers and carved cedarwood ceiling dating back to the 17th century. A real feast for the eyes, whether you’re a fan of Moroccan craftsmanship or simply curious! The mausoleum room is divided into two parts: on the right are the royal tombs where Moulay Isma\u00efl is laid to rest surrounded by members of his family. At the corners of the room stand four Comtoises clocks given to the sultan by Louis XIV. To the left, an ornate room serves as an antechamber, with a delicate marble fountain. Remember to both look up and down to admire the carpets, sculptures, stained-glass windows and marble columns. There’s so much to admire, you won’t know where to look! <\/p>\n\n Imagine thousands of horses and colossal stocks in these monumental buildings, and you’ll know just how ambitious the sovereign was. These granaries and royal stables (Hri Souani and Roua) were built in the kasbah in the 17th century. The granaries held more than 10 years’ worth of reserves in case of siege. The sheer size of the site reflects the ambitions of Sultan Moulay Isma\u00efl, the great builder of the imperial city. Adjacent to the granaries, the royal stables could hold 12,000 horses, four per pillar. We were impressed by the striking perspective offered by the pillars lined up in such a way that a supervisor could see several corridors. The succession of columns provides remarkable views, with vaults following one another with careful geometric regularity. It is said that up to 12,000 horses were housed here and cared for by thousands of grooms. Even today, the singular atmosphere of the place captivates visitors. Did you know that several films have been shot here? The most famous are “The Diamond of the Nile” and “The Last Temptation of Christ”, due to the very high walls, almost 4 meters thick. <\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n In F\u00e8s El-Bali (old medina)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel Riad Dar Lys – See prices, photos and availability<\/a> F\u00e8s El-Jdid (near the Royal Palace)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Palais Faraj Suites & Spa Hotel – See prices, photos and availability<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n See our complete selection of the best hotels in Fez<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To immerse yourself in local craftsmanship by wandering among colorful pottery, traditional fabrics and spice stalls in Meknes is to discover a more intimate atmosphere than in the neighboring medinas. The medina of the imperial city is aUNESCO<\/a> World Heritage Site. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids as a military settlement, Meknes became the capital under the reign of Moulay Isma\u00efl, founder of the Alaouite dynasty. We enjoyed this Hispano-Moorish-style city surrounded by high walls pierced by more than twenty gates, including 9 monumental ones. Here, we saw the meeting of Arabo-Andalusian and European styles in 17th-century Maghreb. Sheltered by high defensive walls pierced by nine monumental gates, you’ll discover twenty-five mosques, ten hammams, palaces, vast granaries, the remains of fondouks and private dwellings. Indeed, Meknes stands out for the gigantic appearance of its ramparts, which reach 15 meters in height. It’s a medina on a human scale, where we enjoyed getting lost, stopping, observing and listening to the heartbeat of the city. <\/p>\n\n To walk along the 40 kilometers of city walls and pass through the fortified gates is to understand the past power of the imperial capital. The presence of this historic city, with its rare remains and important monuments, in the midst of a rapidly changing urban space, gives this urban heritage its universal value. The two ensembles (medina and kasbah) are surrounded by a series of ramparts that separate them from each other. We were impressed by the gigantic, voluminous appearance of these ramparts, which reach a height of 15 meters. Meknes is considered an edifying example of the fortified cities of the Maghreb. These fortifications bear witness to the urban and architectural structure of a 17th-century North African capital, combining elements of Arab-Andalusian and European design and planning. Along the way, you’ll pass through various gates punctuating these walls, each with its own style and architectural particularities, from Bab Khemis to Bab Mansour, via the Porte Moulay Isma\u00efl pictured above. This two-arched gateway, decorated with zellige mosaics, leads to the mausoleum of the sovereign whose name it bears. <\/p>\n\n Strolling through this vast white cemetery, located near the Mellah (the old Jewish quarter of every Moroccan medina), promises a moment of calm and charged with memory. Renovated as part of a heritage preservation program, the city’s Jewish cemetery underwent a facelift in 2024, saving 170 tombs. We found this place full of emotion and memory. Initiated by King Mohamed VI, the restoration is a recognition of the community’s strength and a testament to the city’s cosmopolitan character. You’ll also find a small museum retracing the history of the Jewish presence in Meknes. Nearby is the monumental Bab Khemis gateway to the mellah district, with the cemetery just beyond. This visit is an important testimony to the cultural and religious diversity that has shaped the identity of Meknes over the centuries. <\/p>\n\n In the center of the Meknes medina, the M\u00e9dersa Bou Inania is a Koranic school built by the Merinid Sultan Abou El Hassan and completed by his son Abou Inan in the 14th century, who gave his name to the building. A stop in this building will allow you to admire Merinid refinement in all its finesse, between carved wood, stucco and zelliges. Unfortunately, it was under renovation at the time of our visit. Its decoration, with calligraphy in stucco and wood, is one of the most refined in Maroc. On the 1st floor, you can visit the school’s former student bedrooms. Contemporary with the Fez medersa, completed around 1345, this Hispano-Moorish-style medersa is built according to classic Koranic school plans: rectangular floor plan, central courtyard with basin, surrounded by a gallery and prayer room, and upstairs tiny cells for students. Get up close to observe the meticulous workmanship of the courtyard walls, lined with zellij, inscriptions, chiselled plasterwork and magnificent cedar wood carvings. A fine example of Moorish decoration! <\/p>\n\nIs Meknes worth a visit?<\/h2>\n\n
1. Discover the Dar Jama\u00ef Museum, a treasure trove of art and musical instruments<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Dar](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Dar-Jamaii-Museum-National-Museum-of-Music\/i-9PxcPdZ\/0\/L2JFdjGs4NsZvv3KJ3Xgfn8qMVJWp2RBbgp3Xw8pD\/L\/dar-jamai-museum-national-museum-of-music-meknes-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Musée](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Dar-Jamaii-Museum-National-Museum-of-Music\/i-8275R67\/0\/Ldc2nf8VRjrKmvCxmcWVXn7KTT6GNVNPHXnRVc7TT\/L\/dar-jamai-museum-national-museum-of-music-meknes-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"Box](\"https:\/\/loirelovers.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/ebooks_CorseNormandie_FR.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n2. Admire Bab Mansour, the triumphal gateway<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Bab](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Bab-al-Mansour-Door\/i-gP9pFk4\/0\/LcZCF3b83sr86MPMW83mvJ5977xPX5sr8VnL8Lf6C\/L\/bab-al-mansour-door-meknes-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"side](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Bab-al-Mansour-Door\/i-fg2fxTp\/0\/KpDJnF6Q6Z2qFSxSx3GXFRFpGZqwd2vMHvvxx8Gtn\/L\/bab-al-mansour-door-meknes-2-L.jpg\")
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3. Stroll through Place El Hedim, the lively heart of the medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Place](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/El-Hedim-Square\/i-FPt9dRw\/0\/NZnqdw6WxcFhC73JK6gdwJkPQGLmWjMj4r7Ztfksm\/L\/el-hedim-square-meknes-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Place](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/El-Hedim-Square\/i-5bSs6FT\/0\/Nf55ktbK5tbhBDP7qj9PcXHCZbBPC5Zjz6pz7nwWc\/L\/el-hedim-square-market-meknes-2-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"lead](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Morocco-all\/Morocco\/i-KDMQCZb\/4\/NXBrCVn8rWSm5NQQ9T5SCqjxhchbDNJ26tPBjGcZS\/S\/P1000664-S.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n4. Entering the Mausoleum of Moulay Isma\u00efl<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Mausoleum](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Moulay-Ismail-Tomb\/i-3H5RtwN\/0\/KRVmtnX5TBvwGxM66Kb3Vk8GcCLrhNPRvcmFTJgr5\/L\/moulay-ismail-tomb-meknes-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Mausoleum](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Moulay-Ismail-Tomb\/i-Tx3zrGz\/0\/Ld2vQRwwqBpfJzzFCCZj5Z2hNcx8hbhk7FrMWW8xS\/L\/moulay-ismail-tomb-meknes-3-L.jpg\")
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5. Explore the Royal Stables and the Moulay Isma\u00efl Granary<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Royal](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Attics-and-Royal-Stables\/i-P9JTwt9\/0\/NNj7wQXp5Pkj33Fv3vP2hrpLSQNkMTHsn5F3JWFR5\/L\/attics-meknes-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nPractical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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WHERE TO STAY IN FES<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n![\"Hotel](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Fez\/Hotels\/Hotel-Riad-Dar-Lys\/i-JSgLkNB\/0\/NDcpPqmz9wfSfpjZ4bZWZtxKqwLrFH6FprMvMC4Ck\/L\/riad-dar-lys-hotel-fez-1-L.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n6. Stroll the narrow streets of the medina<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Meknes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Old-city\/i-5hQwG2n\/0\/KdPXx9dtLwV2LKQGxcqJWHZhQTBVWZqJCz2vK9Rvq\/L\/meknes-old-city-3-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n![\"Meknes](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Old-city\/i-FkWFTPQ\/0\/MFtFJhcjqBnfM82FdrQ2zmRqmmK5pWMZvFxCZvmFn\/L\/meknes-old-city-2-L.jpg\")
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7. Tour the ramparts and monumental gates<\/h2>\n\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/City\/i-wVBKHVB\/0\/KjkX7wts8mpRMdrbnCbB3rShhhhQ3zsHK48SNPTHx\/L\/city-meknes-3-2-L.jpg\")
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8. Discover the Jewish cemetery and the community’s heritage<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Jewish](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Old-city\/i-gDfdZqk\/0\/LTqmkzr2LS6j5wJc2wstCgWLpJxDP93dBQFSZrVhH\/L\/bab-khemis-door-city-meknes-2-L.jpg\")
Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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9. Visit the Bou Inania Medersa<\/h2>\n\n
![\"Medersa](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Maroc-Lovers\/Meknes\/Old-city\/i-CqS37Xh\/0\/LvWrRb3B5FGVVQDtjVWDVnCjF969F9XwHQbn88zf6\/L\/meknes-old-city-1-L.jpg\")
Practical advice<\/h3>\n\n
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Subscribe to our Newsletter<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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