Meknes Itinerary 14 Days: The Imperial City's Hidden Charms (2026)

Arrive at Meknes-Angads Airport (MEK) and take a taxi to your riad in the heart of the medina. After settling in, take a leisurely stroll through the winding alleyways of the old city to get your first taste of Meknes. As evening approaches, make your way to Place El Hedim, the city's main square. Here, you can watch as the square comes alive with street performers, food stalls, and locals enjoying the cool evening air. Find a rooftop cafe overlooking the square and enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere. For dinner, indulge in a delicious tagine at one of the many restaurants lining the square. This is a great opportunity to try some authentic Moroccan cuisine and people-watch. After dinner, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city walls for a romantic end to your first day in Meknes.

Today, you'll explore the magnificent imperial city of Meknes, starting with the iconic Bab Mansour. This colossal gate, adorned with intricate zellij tilework and Quranic inscriptions, is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Take your time to admire its grandeur and snap some photos. Afterward, visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the few religious sites in Morocco open to non-Muslims. The peaceful courtyards and the sultan's ornate tomb are a sight to behold. In the afternoon, delve into the vast complex of the Royal Stables (Heri es-Souani). These cavernous stables were built to house 12,000 of the sultan's horses and are a testament to his ambition. Next to the stables, you'll find the Agdal Basin, a large reservoir that once supplied water to the palace and its gardens. End your day with a visit to the Dar Jamai Museum, a beautiful 19th-century palace that now houses a collection of Moroccan arts and crafts.

Get lost in the enchanting labyrinth of the Meknes medina. Unlike the crowded souks of Marrakech, the medina here is more relaxed, offering a more authentic shopping experience. Browse the shops selling everything from spices and leather goods to carpets and lanterns. Don't be afraid to haggle for a good price, but always do so with a smile. As you wander through the souks, you'll come across the Bou Inania Madrasa, a stunning 14th-century Islamic school. Admire the intricate stucco work, carved cedar wood, and beautiful zellij tiles. For lunch, find a small, local restaurant in the medina and try some traditional Moroccan street food, such as bissara (fava bean soup) or maakouda (potato fritters). In the afternoon, you can visit the Museum of Moroccan Art (Dar Jamai) to see a collection of traditional Moroccan crafts, including ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. In the evening, consider taking a cooking class to learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine.

Today, you'll take a day trip to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located about 30 kilometers from Meknes, Volubilis was once a thriving Roman outpost and the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. The ruins are remarkably well-preserved, with impressive mosaics, temples, and a triumphal arch. Hire a local guide to get a deeper understanding of the history of the site and the stories behind the mosaics. Spend the morning exploring the ruins at your own pace. Don't miss the House of Orpheus, which features a stunning mosaic of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, and the Decumanus Maximus, the city's main street. After exploring Volubilis, you can have lunch at a nearby restaurant before heading back to Meknes in the afternoon. In the evening, relax at your riad or enjoy a traditional hammam experience.

Today, you'll visit the holy town of Moulay Idriss, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Morocco. The town is named after Moulay Idriss I, the great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the founder of the first Moroccan dynasty. The town is perched on a hilltop overlooking the ruins of Volubilis and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. As you wander through the narrow, whitewashed streets, you'll feel a sense of peace and tranquility. Visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I, which is open to non-Muslims, and admire the beautiful green-tiled roof. You can also climb to the top of the Grand Mosque for panoramic views of the town and the valley below. For lunch, try some of the local specialties, such as kefta (minced meat) tagine or grilled sardines. In the afternoon, you can explore the town's souk and buy some local handicrafts. Return to Meknes in the evening.

After a few days of sightseeing, it's time for a day of relaxation and shopping. Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your riad. Then, head to a traditional hammam for a relaxing spa treatment. A hammam is a traditional Moroccan steam bath that includes a body scrub with black soap and a massage with argan oil. It's a great way to rejuvenate your body and mind. In the afternoon, it's time for some retail therapy. Head back to the medina and browse the shops for souvenirs and gifts. You can find everything from leather bags and babouches (slippers) to spices and ceramics. Don't forget to haggle for a good price! In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant of your choice. You can either try a new restaurant or go back to one of your favorites.

Today, you'll explore the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter of Meknes. The Mellah is a fascinating neighborhood with a rich history. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll see traditional Jewish houses with their distinctive wooden balconies. Visit the Jewish cemetery, which is one of the largest in Morocco, and the Tomb of Rabbi David Benmidan, a revered Jewish saint. You can also visit the Synagogue, which is still in use today. In the afternoon, you can visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism in Casablanca, which is about a two-hour drive from Meknes. The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish community in Morocco and has a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. It's a great way to learn more about the rich Jewish heritage of Morocco. Return to Meknes in the evening.

Today is all about food! Start your day with a visit to the local market to see the fresh produce, spices, and other ingredients that are used in Moroccan cuisine. Then, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla. You'll learn about the different spices and techniques that are used in Moroccan cooking and get to enjoy the delicious meal that you've prepared. In the afternoon, you can go on a food tour of the medina. A local guide will take you to some of the best street food stalls and restaurants in the city, where you can sample a variety of Moroccan specialties. You'll get to try everything from snail soup to sheep's head! It's a great way to experience the local food culture and to try some new and exciting dishes. In the evening, enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a day trip to the beautiful Middle Atlas Mountains. The mountains are home to cedar forests, picturesque lakes, and charming Berber villages. You can go for a hike in the forest, go for a swim in one of the lakes, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. You might even see some Barbary macaques, which are native to the area. For lunch, you can have a picnic in the forest or eat at a traditional Berber restaurant. In the afternoon, you can visit a local Berber village and learn about the traditional way of life. You can also buy some local handicrafts, such as carpets and pottery. Return to Meknes in the evening.

Today, you'll explore the art and culture scene of Meknes. Start your day with a visit to the Musée de Meknès, which is housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace. The museum has a collection of Moroccan art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. You can also visit the Borj Bel Kari, a 17th-century fortress that now houses a museum of traditional Moroccan crafts. In the afternoon, you can visit some of the art galleries in the city. There are a number of galleries that showcase the work of local artists. You can also visit a traditional Moroccan carpet shop and learn about the art of carpet weaving. In the evening, you can attend a traditional Moroccan music and dance performance.

Today is a free day for you to explore Meknes at your own pace. You can revisit some of your favorite spots, or you can discover some new ones. You could spend the day wandering through the medina, shopping for souvenirs, or relaxing at a hammam. You could also take a day trip to a nearby town or village. If you're feeling adventurous, you could take a hot air balloon ride over the city at sunrise. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective and to get some amazing photos. In the evening, you can enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Today, you'll take a day trip to the imperial city of Fes, which is about an hour's drive from Meknes. Fes is the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities and is known for its well-preserved medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The medina is a maze of narrow streets, bustling souks, and beautiful mosques. You can spend the day exploring the medina, visiting the tanneries, and shopping for souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, which is one of the most beautiful Islamic schools in Morocco. You can also visit the University of Al Quaraouiyine, which is the oldest university in the world. In the evening, you can enjoy dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant before heading back to Meknes.

Today, you'll explore the beautiful gardens and palaces of Meknes. Start your day with a visit to the Lahboul Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as a small zoo. You can also visit the Dar El Makhzen, the royal palace of Meknes. The palace is not open to the public, but you can admire the beautiful gates and the impressive walls from the outside. In the afternoon, you can visit the Heri es-Souani, a massive complex of granaries and stables that was built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. The complex is a testament to the sultan's ambition and is a must-see for any visitor to Meknes. In the evening, you can enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant of your choice.

Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast at your riad before heading to the airport for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through the medina. Take with you the memories of the beautiful imperial city of Meknes and the warm hospitality of its people. We hope you had a wonderful time exploring Meknes and its surroundings. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to see you again soon in Morocco!