Meknes

Meknes offers a compelling alternative to the tourist chaos of Fez and Marrakech. The city is an imperial capital created in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismaïl, featuring dramatic gates, palaces, and mosques. Unlike the medinas of Morocco's other imperial cities, Meknes remains relatively free of aggressive touts and 'faux guides.' Prices here are among the most reasonable in Morocco.

Meknes sits in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. The city divides into two distinct areas: Hamrya (the new town) with modern entertainment facilities, and the Medina (old city) containing all the historical monuments. The imperial city of Meknes was built by Moulay Ismaïl to rival the grandeur of Versailles, though much remains in various states of restoration.

Meknes has two train stations: Gare de Meknès-Amir Abdelkader and Gare Meknès-Ville, with regular connections to Casablanca and Fez. CTM buses operate from a brand new station near the train station in the east of the new town. Grand taxis depart from Sidi Saïd (Gare Routière west of the Medina) for destinations including Volubilis via Moulay Idriss. The city lacks a nearby airport, with Fez or Rabat serving as nearest air hubs.

The Medina and Ville Nouvelle are within walking distance of each other. Petit taxis serve the city for short hops. The HI-affiliated youth hostel is about 1.5 km from the closest medina gate, and travelers should budget 8 dirham for taxi rides if staying in that area. Most sights are walkable within the compact medina.

Meknes experiences hot summers (July-August highs around 34°C) and mild winters (January lows around 5°C). The best time for sightseeing is spring (March-May) or fall (September-October) when temperatures are pleasant. Summer can be uncomfortably hot for walking between monuments. Winter is rainy (December-February) but manageable.

Accommodation options range from budget hostels (dorms from 70 dirham) to mid-range riads (200-600 dirham) and luxury hotels. The Medina offers charming guesthouses like Riad Atika (330-825 dirham including breakfast) and Riad Hiba (385-649 dirham). For budget travelers, the HI hostel near Hotel Transatlantique offers dorms from 70 dirham for members. Ville Nouvelle has more standard hotel options including Ibis (320 dirham).

The market near Bab El-Mansur in the Medina offers incredible fresh produce, olives, sweets, and pickles. Ville Nouvelle's Rue Antsirape is lined with restaurants and snack bars serving Moroccan staples: harira soup, tagine, and couscous, with set menus around 40 dirham. Restaurant Marhaba on Ave Mohammed V offers popular Meknassi cuisine with tagines averaging 30 dirham. For alcohol, Le Pub on Avenue Allal Ben Abdellah and Novelness are the main options, with beer around 15-45 dirham.

Meknes' highlights include Bab Mansour (largest gate, currently under restoration), the Heri es-Souani granaries and stables (70 dirham), and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail (free admission, closed Fridays for prayers). The Dar Jamai Museum (10 dirham) houses Moroccan arts but is closed for renovation. The Royal Golf Course in former palace gardens is open to the public with a café. Medersa Bou Inania (60 dirham) is a beautiful Qur'anic school worth visiting.

Meknes is cheaper than Fez for shopping. The Medina specializes in traditional Moroccan clothing, rugs, and bilgha shoes. The metallic artisanal work is particularly notable. Enter the Medina at the back of Place Hedim near Dar Jamai for tourist-oriented shops, or venture deeper for unique jewelry, household goods, and antiques. Bargaining is essential: start at 50% of the asking price for normal items, 75% for expensive ones. Walking away often drops the price significantly.

Volubilis (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is the essential day trip, featuring Roman ruins about 4 km from the village of Moulay Idriss. Grand taxis depart from the stand near the medina for the journey via Moulay Idriss. Chefchaouen (blue and white mountain city in northeastern Morocco) makes a good multi-day trip. Fes and Rabat are also accessible for overnight excursions.

Morocco uses standard European two-pin plugs (Type C/E, 220V). Most riads and cafes offer free WiFi. SIM cards from Moroccan carriers (Maroc Telecom, Orange, Inwi) are available in Ville Nouvelle.

Meknes is notably free of the tourist harassment common in Fez and Marrakech. However, Hotel Majestic has reports of theft, so choose accommodations carefully. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail is closed to non-Muslims on Fridays. Some areas of the medina can feel unsafe after dark.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Bargaining is expected and part of Moroccan culture, not rudeness. Never accept the first price offered. The Mausoleum of Sidi ben Aïssa is closed to non-Muslims entirely. Some mosques are not open to non-Muslims.

Volubilis (30 km) is the closest UNESCO site, reachable by grand taxi via Moulay Idriss. Fes (60 km) offers the famous Fes el-Bali medina. Chefchaouen (200 km) provides a complete change of scenery in the Rif Mountains. Rabat (160 km) is the capital with the Hassan Tower and Chellah.