Travel Guide Meknès
It is in the north of Morocco, nestled in the hollow of the mountainous massif of the Middle Atlas, that the sleeping imperial and historical city of Meknes thrives. Easily accessible from Fez (60 kilometres separating the two medieval cities), it is a choice destination for those who wish to discover another Morocco, less touristic and certainly more authentic. Born of the will of the megalomaniac sultan Moulay Ismaïl, who made it his capital in the 17th century, Meknes shelters a very well preserved medina where small wonders of Arab and Berber architecture are legion, like the imposing vaulted door and furnished with Bab Mansour mosaic. The Meknes tourist guide will also take you to the impressive array of courtyards and fountains of the Moulay Ismaïl mausoleum, but also to the former royal stables to the south of the city, while to the north, the remains of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, very well preserved, bear witness to a distant past. A warm welcome, cultural strolls, mint tea and Moroccan cuisine (pastillas...), Meknes advances at its own pace and offers visitors a different experience.
What to visit Meknès?
Suggested addresses 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!
Weather at the moment
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.
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).
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.
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.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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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 destinationThe 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.
