Frequently Asked Questions About Meknes

Meknes is a city in Morocco that offers visitors the chance to explore a range of cultural attractions and unique experiences. From the hustle and bustle of El Hedim Square to the winding alleyways of the medina, Meknes is full of life and adventure. Shopping opportunities abound with El Hedim Square offering traditional wares like carpets, leather goods, pottery, and more. The city also has plenty of nightlife options from lively bars to trendy cafes. Day trips can be taken to nearby destinations such as Volubilis, Fes, Chefchaouen, or Moulay Idriss Zerhoun for further exploration.

What is the best time to visit Meknes?

The best time to visit Meknes is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). These months are generally mild, sunny, and dry - perfect for getting out and exploring all that Meknes has to offer. During these times of year you can enjoy comfortable temperatures with highs in the low 70s Fahrenheit (low 20s Celsius) during the day, dropping to the mid 50s Fahrenheit (mid 10s Celsius) at night. Rainfall is also minimal between March and November - making it a great time of year for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring the city.

Which is the best area to stay in Meknes?

The best area to stay in Meknes is the medina - a walled city within the city. This area offers visitors easy access to some of the city's most iconic sights, including Bab Mansour Square and El Hedim Square. The winding streets are also full of restaurants, cafes, and shops - making it an ideal place to explore by day or night. If you're looking for more modern accommodations, there are plenty of hotels located around Avenue Mohammed V - only a short walk away from all of the action in the medina.

Popular attractions in Meknes include:


1. Bab Mansour Square: a grand square surrounded by the golden gates of Bab Mansour and capped off with a minaret on one side.


2. El Hedim Square: another lively square filled with cafes, shops, and craftspeople.


3. Imperial City Wall: an impressive 10km long wall encircling the old city that is lit up at night for visitors.


4. Dar Jamai Museum: an old palace turned museum featuring regional art, handicrafts, and furniture from across Morocco.


5. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail: an imposing structure dedicated to the former sultan of Morocco, now open as a museum.


6. Royal Stables: a complex of 400 stables that once housed 12,000 horses from the sultan's court.


7. Heri es Souani: a former granary with an impressive network of underground passages and water basins.


8. Borj Nord Fortress: a large fortress built in the 1800s featuring turrets, walls, and beautiful gardens.


9. Volubilis Archaeological Site: an ancient Roman city located just outside Meknes - now one of Morocco's most popular archaeological sites.

What are the best places to eat food in Meknes?

The best places to eat in Meknes include:


1. Chez Abdelwahab: a traditional Moroccan restaurant located inside the medina serving popular dishes like couscous, tagine, and pastilla.


2. La Kasbah: an upscale restaurant near Bab Mansour Square offering international cuisine with a modern twist.


3. Cafe de la Poste: a cozy cafe with outdoor seating near El Hedim Square serving coffees, teas, and light bites.


4. Cafe Timoza: an open air cafe set within the old city walls that serves up delicious pancakes and sandwiches.


5. La Mecque Restaurant Glaoui: an elegant eatery located inside the Tower of Hercules with a menu of traditional Moroccan dishes.


6. Dar El Kebdani: a hidden gem serving up delicious couscous and tagine in the medina.


7. La Rose du Sable: an eclectic, contemporary restaurant near Avenue Mohammed V offering Mediterranean cuisine with a creative twist.

Where to do shopping in Meknes?

The best places to shop in Meknes include:


1. El Hedim Square: a lively square filled with various shops, artisans, and craftspeople selling traditional wares like carpets, leather goods, jewelry, pottery and more.


2. Avenue Mohammed V: the main shopping street in the city with plenty of independent stores offering a variety of items from clothing to souvenirs.


3. Dar Jamai Museum Souk: an indoor marketplace located inside the museum featuring North African crafts and artwork.


4. Medina souks: explore the winding alleyways of the medina for even more stalls full of handmade pottery, jewelry, carpets, textiles, spices and more.

What are some good nightlife options in Meknes?

Good nightlife options in Meknes include:


1. El Hedim Square: grab a beer or cocktail at one of the many bars and pubs located around square.


2. Avenue Mohammed V: enjoy a night out in the city's main thoroughfare, where you'll find plenty of cafes and bars to choose from.


3. Le Terrace des Oudayas: a popular outdoor cafe with an extensive drinks menu located on Avenue Mohammed V.


4. Cafe Central Cine Star: located near Bab Mansour, this bar has a pleasant terrace for cooling off with an ice cold beer after exploring the nearby sights.


5. Pub Saharien: this lively pub offers guests great cocktails, fun tunes, and excellent atmosphere.


6. La Kasbah: a trendy bar with great cocktails and plenty of seating located near the old city gates.


7. La Maison des Arts: an art gallery, cafe, and live music venue all rolled into one. Enjoy cocktails while listening to jazz or blues music.


8. Le Bar A Vins: a wine bar located near El Hedim Square offering an extensive selection of local Moroccan wines.


9. Pacha Club: a popular dance club in Meknes where you'll find DJs spinning all night long.

What are the best day trips to take from Meknes?

The best day trips near Meknes include:


1. Volubilis: an ancient Roman city located just 30 minutes away from Meknes. Explore the archaeological ruins and wander around the picturesque town centre.


2. Moulay Idriss Zerhoun: a holy town located 15 km from Meknes, home to the tomb of Moulay Idris II and one of the holiest sites in Morocco.


3. Fes: explore this vibrant imperial city about 70 km north of Meknes for a full day of sightseeing, shopping and sampling local delights.


4. Chefchaouen: take a drive to this hilltop town known for its blue-washed buildings and cobblestone streets.


5. Ifrane: a charming ski resort town located in the mountains near Meknes. Visit during winter to experience the snow or in summer to explore its picturesque scenery.


6. Dar Batha Museum: discover this museum's collection of traditional Moroccan crafts and artifacts, located in Fes.


7. Roman ruins at Beb Maârour: explore the remains of an old Roman settlement surrounded by olive groves and rolling hills.


8. The Seven Sleepers Caves: visit this ancient site that is believed to have been used as refuge by seven Christian youths who fell asleep there centuries ago.