Top things to do in Meknes today
Meknes might be quieter than Marrakech or Fes, but it’s not short on things to see or do. The city blends imperial grandeur with small-town ease, offering plenty to explore without the stress of big crowds. What I’ve always enjoyed here is the balance you can spend the morning walking through history, grab a simple lunch in the medina, and end the day watching the sun set from a rooftop café. If you’re still building your plan, the Meknes travel guide can help you connect the dots and make the most of your time.
Bab Mansour and Place El Hedim
You can’t come to Meknes without stopping by Bab Mansour, one of the most iconic gates in Morocco. Its size, colors, and patterns are overwhelming in the best way. Right in front of it is Place El Hedim, the city’s central square. It’s like a smaller version of Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech, with fewer performers and more locals. Grab a seat, order mint tea, and watch daily life unfold.
The Royal Stables and Granaries
A short walk from the square brings you to the Heri es-Souani, the royal stables and granaries built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. The scale of the place is impressive—these were designed to hold over 12,000 horses. Inside, the thick walls and vaulted ceilings keep the space cool and quiet. It’s one of the most peaceful and surreal places in the city. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
Moulay Ismail was the powerful sultan who made Meknes the capital. His mausoleum is one of the few religious sites in Morocco open to non-Muslims. The inner courtyards and zellige tilework are striking, but the atmosphere is what stays with you quiet, respectful, and deeply rooted in Moroccan history.
Make sure to dress modestly and walk slowly. It’s not just a site, but a living place of memory.
Medina Walks and Artisan Shops
The medina of Meknes is easier to navigate than those in Fes or Marrakech. That makes it ideal for wandering. You’ll find leather shops, metalworkers, and fabric sellers, but also small everyday stalls selling vegetables, olives, and household goods. It’s part souk, part neighborhood.
Stop by a coppersmith workshop, where the sound of hammering fills the air, and you might see someone shaping a traditional tea tray right in front of you. These aren’t tourist shows they’re just people doing what they’ve always done.
Dar Jamai Museum
Tucked near the main square, Dar Jamai is a 19th-century palace turned museum. It’s not very big, but it’s beautifully preserved and full of Moroccan arts—textiles, wood carvings, instruments. Even if you don’t read every plaque, just walking through the building gives you a sense of the style and care that went into traditional Moroccan homes.
The garden in the center is also a nice break from the stone and tile—green, shady, and full of birds.
Jardin Lahboul
When you want a break from city energy, head to Jardin Lahboul. This public garden is just outside the medina and feels more like a local park than a tourist spot. Kids play soccer, couples walk slowly along the paths, and older men sit on benches talking over tea.
There’s even a small open-air theater and a zoo, though the zoo isn’t much. Still, the space is relaxing, and if you bring snacks, it’s a good place for a slow lunch or quiet reading hour.
Meknes at Sunset
Evenings in Meknes are special. The light hits the old stone buildings just right, and the rooftops take on a warm glow. Head up to a café terrasse like the one above Restaurant Salma for a tea or juice with a view. From up high, the calls to prayer echo across the city, and the streets below slowly fill with evening energy.
It’s a great time to reflect, slow down, and take it all in without needing to rush to the next thing.
Final thoughts
Meknes offers a rich mix of history, daily life, and quiet discovery. You won’t find crowds lining up at each site, and that’s what makes the experience better. The city gives you space to explore at your own rhythm, while still offering plenty to see and learn.
If you’re thinking of exploring the region beyond the city, check out this guide to the best day trips from Meknes, including Roman ruins and holy mountain towns just a short drive away.
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