The fourth of the imperial cities, perched on a hill on the banks of the Oued Bou Fekrane, is also the least famous. In fact, we could say that two Meknes coexist. On the one hand, it's a classic Moroccan provincial town, quite prosperous thanks to its abundant harvests and lively medina and souks. But it also has another face, with its history linked to that of one man, Moulay Ismaïl, the megalomaniac Alaouite sultan. Indeed, Moulay Ismaïl chose Meknes at the expense of Fez and, between 1672 and 1727, set about making it an impressive site. From this ephemeral glory, the city retains its pharaonic achievements. But these have been damaged by time, looting and the earthquake of 1755, so that today the royal palace looks like a ghost town. However, a visit to the king's granary is a must, as it is said to have housed a cavalry of 12,000 horses. See the 40 km of impressive city walls and discover the mausoleum of Moulay Ismaïl, the only one accessible to non-Muslims along with that of Mohammed V. Today, Meknes is being restored to its former glory by the end of 2024. The size and atmosphere of the medina make it very accessible, and you won't be afraid to get lost. The town is well served, with two railway stations offering several daily connections to Fès and Casa. You'll find a tourist office in the administrative square, where you can hire a guide and get all the information you need.

What to visit Meknès?

When to go to Meknès?

When to go to Meknes? The heat can be stifling in summer and harsh winter, so the high tourist seasons are spring and fall. Hiking in the Middle Atlas is possible from October to about April, while in winter ski resorts, such as Mischliffen, also attract tourists, many of whom are Moroccan. If you are wondering when to go to Meknes without ruining yourself while enjoying a certain tranquility, it may be advantageous to travel in low season, when hotels can offer discounts of up to 50 %. However, it happens that during this period some services and animations are deleted, as during Ramadan. In short, there is no better time to go to Meknes, each season has its own charm!

Use the map to see the lowest prices at a glance:
See prices on map

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Weather all year round

As far as the climate is concerned, the temperature differences are very important depending on the season. In autumn and spring, the weather in Meknes is very pleasant: in spring, the heat is not yet too stifling, while in autumn, the days are shorter, but the sun is still hot. In the summer, Meknes' temperatures can quickly become stifling. In winter, if you're feeling the cold, make sure your hotel is heated, which is not always the case.

Budget

Without being expensive, Meknes is not a paradise for the poor. In Morocco, the government has favored tourism for the wealthy in order to bring in foreign currency, hence the many luxury hotels in the tourist regions. Since Meknes is not overly touristy, there are hotels for small budgets in the medina and in the new town, and you can eat in excellent small canteens that are very economical. The currency is the dirham (DH).

Procedures

For French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian nationals wishing to visit Meknes, a valid passport is required for any individual stay. An identity card may be sufficient for a stay organized by a travel agency, as an exception. However, knowing that the passport will be necessary to make the exchange or to fill a hotel form at the reception, it is strongly advised to leave with it! No visa is required for any stay in Meknes and Morocco of less than three months.

Health

There is no longer any malaria in Morocco, but you should still protect yourself from mosquito bites. Vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A (unless you are immune) are recommended for a trip to Meknes. The more cautious and adventurous should add hepatitis B and typhoid fever. In case of illness, contact the French consulate in Fez. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of French-speaking doctors. In case of a serious problem, the consulate will also inform the family and decide on repatriation. Water is not drinkable in Meknes. Prefer bottled mineral water.

How to go to Meknès? Our advice & tips

Perhaps because of the influence of its older sister Fez, Meknes is not the subject of a specific organized trip, its visit will rather be integrated into the itineraries such as "culture of Morocco" (the Roman site of Volubilis is worth a visit) or "Moroccan cuisine". However, it is still very possible to plan a tailor-made trip to Meknes: honeymoon, family holidays in an all-inclusive package (all-inclusive) and other thematic tours.

Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destination

The average price of a direct flight from France to Meknes (you will land at Fez airport) is around 250 € in high season and 130 € in low season. It should be noted that the price variation depends on the company borrowed but, above all, on the time required to book. Remember to book your tickets in advance!

To discover the medina of Meknes, nothing beats walking! To get around the new city and the surroundings of Meknes (especially Volubilis), you can use the small cabs (urban cabs), which are inexpensive and very practical, but also the bus network. For longer trips, opt for large cabs (intercity) or rent a car.

Organize your trip with our partners Meknès
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Meknès travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Meknès

Poteries tajines. Philippe GUERSAN - Author's Image
Vue générale de Meknès. Sylvie Ligon
Mausolée de Moulay Ismaïl. Sylvie Ligon
Bab Mansour. Sylvie Ligon

Discover Meknès

When to travel?

When to go to Meknes? The heat can be stifling in summer and harsh winter, so the high tourist seasons are spring and...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

As far as the climate is concerned, the temperature differences are very important depending on the season. In autumn...
Read more about it

Budget

Without being expensive, Meknes is not a paradise for the poor. In Morocco, the government has favored tourism for th...
Read more about it

Formalities

For French, Belgian, Swiss and Canadian nationals wishing to visit Meknes, a valid passport is required for any indiv...
Read more about it

Health

There is no longer any malaria in Morocco, but you should still protect yourself from mosquito bites. Vaccinations ag...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

The average price of a direct flight from France to Meknes (you will land at Fez airport) is around 250 € in high s...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Perhaps because of the influence of its older sister Fez, Meknes is not the subject of a specific organized trip, its...
Read more about it

Getting around

To discover the medina of Meknes, nothing beats walking! To get around the new city and the surroundings of Meknes (e...
Read more about it

Send a reply