MEKNES
aBOUT THE CITY
Of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, Meknes is possibly the least well-known – not as large as Rabat, as fashionable as Marrakech, or as famous as Fez – and you might say that this is to its advantage as you’ll find this historic place quieter and more laid back than its sister cities. It’s an enchanting place to visit, with winding narrow streets, a classic medina and grand buildings that hail back to its time as the capital of Morocco. Nearby are the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the tomb of Moulay Idriss – two of the most important historical sites in the kingdom. But Meknes is also a modern, lively city with a vibrant nightlife, plenty of bars and a welcoming attitude towards visitors.
selected experiences
Meknes plays host to two renowned cultural festivals. The Festival of Volubilis takes place every September. It’s an event to celebrate the history of the nearby ruined city of Volubilis, which was once Roman, then occupied by the Amazigh and the Arabs and then the seat of power for many major Moroccan dynasties. The festival was once held at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but to preserve the ruins it was moved to Meknes where you can enjoy free musical performances from Moroccan and international performers.
Meknes is also famous for its Fantasia, a mock horse battle where hundreds of horsemen and women gallop in a line firing synchronised shots in the air. It’s a traditional and stunning spectacle that will be one of the highlights of your stay.
Meknes is an Moroccan gem that is a more popular destination with Moroccans than people from overseas. This means it’s a great place for tourists who want to immerse themselves in the real Morocco, and allows you to really enjoy the culture of Meknes that is relatively untouched by modern trends.
As ever, the heart of the city is the medina. Ornately decorated gates punctuate the 40 kms of ramparts that surround the city; each is a work of art in its own right. Once inside you’ll find beautiful blue and green murals lining the walls, traditional souks and, in the evenings, an army of acrobats, street-artists, storytellers and fire-eaters who recreate the folk culture that has existed in this part of the world for centuries.
Another important feature of Meknes culture are the craftspeople of the city. Over 50,000 work every day to create woodcarvings, weaving, leather and damascening.
Enter the old imperial city of Meknes through the stunning Bab Monsour gate and you’ll be in a place with plenty to see and do, but without the frantic hustle and bustle you’ll find in Fez, the city’s larger neighbour. Meknes is a mix of old and new, and a bicycle is one of the best ways to negotiate the narrow streets and alleys that characterise this historic place.
Pedal outside the city limits and you’ll soon be riding through a varied landscape. This is Morocco’s agricultural heartland and fields of olive trees and vineyards spread out in a patchwork before giving way to forests of cedar and oak. A good destination for cyclists to aim for is the holy town of Moulay Idriss and the nearby Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find the extensive ruins of a Roman settlement.
Once the capital of Morocco, the imperial city of Meknes is surprisingly untouched by tourism, certainly compared with neighbouring Fez or Casablanca. This gives you an authentic and exciting choice when it comes to eating out.
The first place to go in any Moroccan city is the medina, where you’ll find the traditional markets. These are the places to buy street food and Moroccan specialities: fresh meat, fruit, spices and nuts are laid before you in delightful profusion.
If you want a meal in a restaurant then head to the new town and Rue Antsirape – places to eat out line both sides of the main street, whether you want the more traditional harira and couscous, or Mediterranean influenced dishes.
Meknes is home to one of Morocco’s older courses: the Royal Golf Meknes. It is built in the gardens of the royal palace and as you play your way around the course you can enjoy the traditional Moroccan architecture, from the green-tiled roofs and minarets of the medina, to the enormous imperial walls that surround the course. You’re not limited to playing during the daytime; powerful floodlights illuminate the course during the night, changing the look completely.
Royal Golf Meknes
Holes: 9
Par: 36 (2,610m)
· Clubhouse with restaurant, bar and terrace
· Locker rooms
· Buggy, trolley and club hire
Getting There: Set in the heart of Meknes
WOW FACTOR: A golf course full of history.
There has been a settlement at Meknes since the ninth century. Originally an Amazigh tribe called the Miknasa lived here, before the Almoravids drove them out and founded a military settlement here in the eleventh century. Six hundred years later Meknes was the capital of Morocco, before it was moved to Rabat.
Architecturally a mix of European and Islamic design, this city has a rich heritage that is quickly evident. Nicknamed the City of a Hundred Minarets, Meknes has many mosques to see, plus the Dar El Makhzen palace, the Labhoul gardens and the Agdal Reservoir. Meknes is particularly famous for its gates, especially the Bab Mansour with its Almohad patterns and zellij mosaics. The Roman ruins of Volubilis, dating back to the third century BC, are just a short distance from Meknes.
Meknes is a city that has a great deal to offer any biker who visits. Lying on the road between Fez and the coast, Meknes has some great countryside to see as you explore the local area. Mountain roads are commonplace in this part of Morocco, and it’s easy to reach the heights and see some breathtaking views from high up in the Atlas Mountains. Travelling around Meknes also makes more sense on the back of a bike; like many of the older Moroccan towns and cities it’s a place with narrow streets and twisting alleyways, challenging in a car but easy on two wheels.
The history of the Meknes people is a very interesting one. It was in the 10th century that an Amazigh tribe of the Maknassa Zenetes founded the city. The Zenetes were originally from the Orient, though little if anything of this heritage remains today. In the intervening millennium the city grew under the leadership of several different dynasties, and over the years there have been influxes of Andalusian Moors, Spanish, and even Jews. This mixed grouping has not diluted the Moroccan sense of hospitality however, and when you visit this relatively undiscovered Imperial city you’ll benefit from the warmest of welcomes.
top hotels in meknes
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Set in a well-established garden with a swimming pool, Hotel Menzeh Dalia SPA is 5 mi from the Emir Abdelkader Train Station and includes 24-hour reception, on-site entertainment and a piano bar.
The air-conditioned rooms and suites are decorated in a modern style and feature satellite TV, a seating area and a view of the pool, garden or countryside. Some rooms also include a balcony.
The on-site restaurant, Al Andalous, serves a daily breakfast and Moroccan and international cuisine for lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy a drink or watch the music show in the piano bar.
A meeting room, sauna, beauty center also feature at Hotel Menzeh Dalia SPA, and the on-site entertainment includes belly dancers, musicians and DJs.
With Fes Meknes Airport 43 mi away, Hotel Menzeh Dalia SPA is 3.1 mi from the Royal Golf Course and 2.5 mi from the El Hedime Museum. The property is 1,000 feet from the Marjane Taxi Stop.
Location : Google Map
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The Ryad Bahia Maison D’hotes is located in Meknès, between Place Hédim and the Medersa Bouanania. It offers free internet access and a hammam.
Guests can also enjoy the garden and the outside terrace in the annex at Les Jardins de Ryad Bahia with a free shuttle service.
The Ryad Bahia Maison D’hotes has a 24-hour reception. Trips to Volubilis, Ifrane, Fes and the Thermes de Moulay Yacoub can be organized from the ryad.
This is our guests’ favorite part of Meknès, according to independent reviews.
Location : Google Map
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All Dar Meknes Tresor’s chambers accommodate comfortable beds with private bathroom and a shower, airy rooms with windows, while all the chambers respect the theme of Traditional Moroccan vibe, which is relaxing and peaceful. Including the services, Dar Meknes Tresor provides there is Breakfast which is a traditional Moroccan breakfast set, Wifi connection, as well as the parking lot if you have a car, which is only 5min from Dar Meknes Tresor.
Location : Google Map
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Meknes, the imperial city, is considered to be the Moroccan Versailles. The city attracts many Moroccan and foreign tourists.
It is a city of contrast. Between modernity and authenticity, Meknes reveals beautiful remains and monuments.
Enjoy its ramparts flanked by 70 gates (babs) and countless monuments that have earned the UNESCO World Heritage status.
Take a horse-drawn carriage along the 40 kilometers of ramparts, Kara prison, the Moulay Ismail mausoleum, the Hri Swani stables.. to discover the landscapes of the city, or discover the Aguedal Basins, Lahboul gardens, Moulay Driss Zerhoun or Volubilis.
Gastronomy is a major highlight of Meknes, ranging from traditional dishes such as pastilla, couscous and tajines, to international gastronomic haute cuisine.
Location : Google Map
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Set within 1.3 miles from Medersa Bou Inania, the excellent Hotel Belle Vue Et Spa Meknes features WiFi throughout the property as well as free parking onsite. This hotel features a sun deck, a shared lounge and a golf course and rooms with views of the garden.
Location : Google Map
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SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Morocco is one of those types of destinations that can be visited year-round. You have to understand the geography of the country in order to choose the best time to visit Morocco. Taking into account that you have vast desert regions, probably those should not be visited during the peak summer months such as July and August.
Also, knowing that Morocco has most part of its territory with mountains above 10.000 feet and up to 14.000, you will surely encounter snow in highlands above 4200 feet. So, expect snow during the months of November until February. Overall we can say that Morocco is amazing and can be visited from January until December, but the ultimate best times to visit Morocco are during April, May, September, October, and November.
Tourists have been visiting Morocco for years and Moroccans have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Moroccan cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequent. Morocco is very well secured, Police in every location, there is so many checking points, this is what makes Morocco safe and 100% secured to make sure everybody are safe and comfortable in Morocco. Morocco generally has a very low crime rate. Travelers will be safe in Morocco if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.
Travel insurance should be obtained before leaving your country of origin. It is not compulsory to purchase it. Local hospitals have limited diagnostic capability. Private clinics can be expensive, evacuation can cost a lot, luggage can disappear, so insurance is a good idea.
You can relax and wear whatever is familiar, comfortable, and best suited for you during your holidays. Morocco is very tolerant and welcoming to visitors, and you’re not expected to act or look like a Moroccan. Longer shorts and shirts are fine for men. Concerning women, it’s a good idea to bring a scarf to cover bare shoulders and arms in rural areas.
It’s not easy to get Moroccan Dirham outside the country as it is a closed currency. Those who succeeded have paid heavy commissions for banks.
There are ATMs everywhere in the country, exchange points, banks, and many businesses/shops/restaurants nowadays accept cards mostly with a 5% transaction fee. The best place to exchange money with high rate is the touristic areas.
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency of Morocco. Made up of 100 centimes per unit, the currency is issued by the Bank Al-Maghrib (Morocco’s central bank). Historically, the Moroccan Dirham originates from the Byzantine Empire’s Drachm, and was used in Arabia and the Levant in pre-Islamic times. The name “Dirham” stems from the Roman word “denarius” .
Credit cards are widely used in Morocco in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. Most stores in markets accept credit cards. The most common types of credit cards used in Morocco are Visa, Master Card, and American Express.
Visitors to Morocco must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the scheduled return date to enter Morocco and you can obtain a visa from Morocco Consulate before departure. Also, entry visa is available upon arrival Morocco airports against USD 27 per passport for specific nationalities and need to check before.
Some nationalities don’t need a visa to visit Morocco for the purpose of tourism for up to 3 months such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Denmark, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Switzerland. For more info and details on entry visa to Morocco please check with the Moroccan consulate or embassy at your country
It is always recommended for travelers who wish to have their own supply of cigarettes and alcohol with them in Morocco to purchase them upon arrival.
There are duty free shops in the airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, Fez, Tangier and Rabat. Tourists are allowed to purchase up to 3 liters of alcohol and up to 200 cigarettes on arrival.
English and French are studied in school all over Morocco. This is why most Moroccans, who live in the cities, speak or understand at least some English words or phrases, and most of Moroccans are speaking French well. Fewer Moroccans can speak Italian, Spanish, and German; however, professionals in the tourism sector are accustomed to visitors who cannot speak Arabic. They speak enough English and many other languages to fulfill the needs of most travelers. Many travelers enjoy their stay in Morocco without learning a single word of Arabic; however, it is always good to learn a few Arabic words to expressing greetings or thanks. If you are planning to visit some places other than popular tourist destinations, it is advisable to learn some Arabic phrases. Generally, Moroccans are friendly and are happy to help anyone, especially foreigners and tourists, even if there is a language barrier.
Many people in the tourism sector depend on tips, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary in Morocco. It is a customary attitude for expressing ones satisfaction of good services rendered to him by staff on duty with him. We advise if you are willing to offer it, this would be great and if not, you are not obliged to do it.
– The same as many hotels all around the globe, the check-in time in most hotels in Morocco is around midday, 1 or 2 PM. If you arrive in the hotel late at night or in the early morning, you may have to pay for an extra night to get to your room immediately without having to wait until the normal check-in time.
Accommodations for travellers in Morocco fall across a broad range—everything from world class luxury to simple hostel accommodations are available. The nicest hotels compare well with luxury hotels anywhere, coming from international hotel chains like Movenpick, Hilton, Four Seasons, and Sofitel. A step down from these is a variety of local hotels that ranges from luxurious to simple. Moroccan hotels have their own rating system that loosely classifies them on a 5-star scale; however, this scale is different from international standards used elsewhere.
Moroccans are well known all over the world for their tolerance and hospitality; however, it is always polite to ask permission before taking a photograph of people, especially women, and stores or products. Photography is non-permitted around army bases, airports, dams and bridges. In most places where photography is prohibited there will be signs to notify you.
Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit and access Hassan 2 mosques in Casablanca except when they are being used for prayer, on Friday and during the five prayers of the day. Tourists are not allowed to enter any other mosque at any time. Only outside visit is possible.
Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Morocco open from 9 AM until 6 PM. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.
Most of the shops in Morocco open from around 9 AM and stay open until 10 PM; however, many shops, cafes, and restaurants especially in main cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir, and Rabat stay open much later and some facilities and shops are open 24 hours a day in touristic areas. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, opening hours may change significantly with shops closed during the middle of the day and staying open much later. Medina Souk in Fez closes Friday Morning.
There is a public transit system in Morocco that uses a rail to link the main towns and buses for inner-city trips. Small private and group tours will typically use large vans and sedans. Medium to large motor coaches is used for larger group holidays.