Meknes

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Meknes

Meknes

5.5
4.3/5
9 reviews
Meknes is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, famous for its historic city center and magnificent city walls, gates, and palace ruins. In the 17th century, Sultan Moulay Ismail designated it as the capital and built a grand imperial city complex, leaving behind an architectural legacy with Hispano-Moresque style. The old town's El Hedim Square connects the traditional market with the historic district, and the Bab Mansour gate on one side of the square showcases exquisite architectural style with colorful mosaics, carved decorations, and tall arches. Entering the market along the gate, you can see goods such as spices, copperware, olives, and traditional handicrafts. The Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail preserves beautifully decorated courtyards, wooden doors, and tile mosaics, showcasing local architectural art. The Heri es-Souani royal granary is characterized by its thick walls, continuous vaulted ceilings, and spacious interior, while the nearby Sahrij Swani basin is part of the imperial city's historic water system. Strolling between the alleys and walls of the old town, you can experience the historical charm of this ancient city and the vibrant atmosphere of its traditional markets.Meknes · 3.4km from downtown
Bab El Mansour Laalej
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Al Ismailia

Bab El Mansour Laalej

5
4.7/5
39 reviews
Bab El Mansour Laalej is a representative historical building in Meknes, Morocco, located opposite El Hedim Square, and serves as an important entrance connecting the old town with the former imperial castle district. The gate was commissioned by Sultan Moulay Ismail and completed around 1732 by his son, Moulay Abdallah. The name of the gate is associated with its designer, Mansour Laalej. The gate features a tall arch and square towers on both sides, with a facade richly decorated with predominantly green colorful mosaics, geometric patterns, and Arabic inscriptions. The white marble columns on the towers on both sides are said to have been taken from the nearby ancient Roman site of Site Archéologique de Volubilis, adding historical depth to the structure. The gate is approximately 16m high, and its magnificent facade and intricate decorations showcase traditional Moroccan architectural craftsmanship. Standing on one side of the square, you can admire the overall silhouette and decorative details of the gate, while also experiencing the atmosphere where the historical building intertwines with the surrounding old town streetscape.Meknes · 958m from downtown
Site Archéologique de Volubilis
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Fes-Meknes

Site Archéologique de Volubilis

5.7
5.0/5
8 reviews
Site Archéologique de Volubilis is an ancient city ruin in northern Morocco, located at the foot of the Zerhoun Mountains, near Moulay Idriss. The ancient city was founded in the 3rd century BC and was once an important city of the ancient Kingdom of Mauretania, later developing into a Roman Empire urban center in North Africa, and was famous for its olive oil production and trade. At the end of the 8th century AD, Idris I established his center of rule here, so the site retains cultural imprints from different historical periods. Today, the ancient city is listed as a World Heritage Site for its relatively well-preserved architectural ruins and artworks. Walking along the ancient city roads, you can see ruins of public buildings such as the Arch of Caracalla, the Capitol Temple, and the Basilica. The residential ruins preserve many mosaic floors, with patterns involving mythological figures, animals, and daily life scenes, showcasing the decorative skills of ancient craftsmen. Some residences still retain olive oil pressing facilities, while the bathhouse ruins demonstrate the public life and heating methods of that time. Broken columns, stone walls, and arches are scattered across the open site, forming the ancient city view together with the surrounding mountains and plains.Meknes-El Menzeh · 19.7km from Meknes
Al-Hadeem Square

Al-Hadeem Square

4
4.5/5
7 reviews
Meknes · 1km from downtown
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail

3.7
Located in the city of Meknes, Morocco, the Tomb of Moulay Ismail is a historic mausoleum dedicated to the memory of Sultan Moulay Ismail. The mausoleum is a blend of Moorish and Islamic architectural styles, attracting visitors with its exquisite decoration and solemn atmosphere. The entrance to the mausoleum features exquisite mosaics and carvings, demonstrating the superb skills of traditional Moroccan crafts. Inside the mausoleum, visitors can enjoy the gorgeous courtyards and beautifully decorated rooms, and feel the weight of history and the depth of culture. The Tomb of Moulay Ismail is not only a religious and historical site, but also an ideal place to learn about Moroccan architectural art. The surroundings of the mausoleum are peaceful and suitable for strolling and contemplation. When visiting the mausoleum, visitors are advised to respect local religious customs and dress appropriately. Understanding the opening hours and guided tour services can help visitors plan their itinerary better, making this cultural journey richer and more meaningful.Meknes · 913m from downtown
Aqualand Water Park

Aqualand Water Park

3
El Hajeb Province · 7.2km from Meknes
Hassan II Mosque
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Hassan II Mosque

9.1
4.8/5
240 reviews
The Hassan II Mosque is located on the Atlantic coast of Casablanca and was completed in 1993. It is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim travelers. A significant portion of the mosque extends over the sea, allowing worshippers to pray facing the ocean—a design inspired by the Quranic imagery of "the throne upon the water." Standing beside the mosque is its approx. 210 m tall minaret, topped with a laser beam pointing toward Mecca, visible from many parts of the city and even the sea. The mosque can accommodate over 100,000 worshippers simultaneously, both inside and outside, ranking among the largest in the world. Visitors must join guided tours to explore the mosque, which includes access to the prayer hall—a rare opportunity. The hall features polished marble floors, cedar wood carvings from the Middle Atlas Mountains, hand-cut glazed mosaics, and smooth plaster walls, all illuminated by Murano glass chandeliers. The central roof can open, allowing the hall to bask in sunlight on clear days. Outside, the seaside plaza and seawall offer iconic views, with white stone walls reflecting the Atlantic's blue hues and waves crashing nearby. Visitors are reminded to observe religious etiquette: shoes must be removed before entering, shoulders and knees should be covered, and women are advised to cover their hair (scarves are often available at the entrance). Photography is permitted during tours, but avoid pointing cameras at worshippers. In the morning, sunlight streams into the hall, highlighting the intricate mosaics and stonework. At dusk, the minaret framed against the sunset is a quintessential image of Casablanca.Morocco · Casablanca
Royal Stables

Royal Stables

2.7
4.4/5
44 reviews
The Royal Stables was built by Ismail, the pioneer of the Alaouite dynasty of Morocco, after he inherited the throne in 1672 to store grain and feed war horses. Although the roof of the stables was damaged in an earthquake in 1755, the walls are well preserved. The stables are large in scale, with rows of earth walls dividing the stables into several units, connected by arched passages, which contain the wisdom of the ancients.Although the stables have experienced more than 300 years of wind and rain and earthquake threats, they still stand there.Walking in this abandoned royal stables, the shock and magnificence are hard to describe in words. Today, the Royal Stables, which has become a world cultural heritage, has become a paradise for tourists, and the mottled light and shadow of the Royal Stables has also become a good place for taking photos. The Royal Stables is a precious treasure left by Ismail to Morocco. This magnificent building, which has stood for more than 300 years, has a good reference significance for the study of Morocco's humanities, history and architectural art.Meknes · 1.7km from downtown
Bab el-Khemis

Bab el-Khemis

2.7
4.0/5
1 reviews
Meknes · 1.7km from downtown
Bab Berdieyinne

Bab Berdieyinne

2.6
Al Ismailia · 1.4km from Meknes

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What travellers say about Meknes

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Jessigz24 February 2020
4.0
The scale is definitely not as large as the ancient cities of Fez and Marrakech, but the things sold in it are the same, clothes, daily necessities, food, leather goods, spices, etc. It also feels dirty, the only advantage is that it is not easy to get lost.

Meknes

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泰迪小熊14 March 2020
5.0
Came here on March 4, 2019. Meknes is one of the "Four Imperial Cities" of Morocco. It is called the "Black City". The ancient city of Meknes is also a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO. The great Sultan Moulay Ismail made this the capital during his reign, and the Mansur Gate was the last major construction project during the reign of the Sultan to commemorate his great achievements. Moulay Ismail Sultan is the ancestor of the current Moroccan royal family and can be called "the greatest emperor in the history of Morocco". His gate is not only magnificent, but also very beautiful, containing many well-known decorative arts at that time. Therefore, this is definitely one of the must-see attractions in Morocco. In front of the gate is an open square. There are many shops selling local handicrafts around the square, and tourists and local vendors are on the square.

Bab El Mansour Laalej

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AricFong17 January 2020
5.0
The Roman province in North Africa Volubilis is the westernmost fortress of the Roman Empire and one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Morocco. The city was built in the 3rd century BC and was once the capital of the Kingdom of Mauritania and the administrative center of the Roman Empire in North Africa. In 1755, Volubilis was damaged by the Lisbon earthquake. Since 1914, archaeologists have begun to study the unearthed ruins and cultural relics. There are ancient Roman buildings and mosaics in the ruins. Come here and witness the glorious days of the Roman Eastern Empire! 150th day of marriage travel, 10th country Morocco

Site Archéologique de Volubilis

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Journey1523 October 2019
5.0
EI Hedim Square is where, after we come out of the small alleys in the Arab quarter of Meknes, our view suddenly opens up and we see a large square in front of us. The square is crowded with people, small vendors, monkey trainers, etc. Opposite is the famous Mansour Gate.

Al-Hadeem Square

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Zakaria.029 September 2026
5.0
Visiting the Hassan II Mosque was the absolute highlight of my time in Casablanca. From the moment I stepped onto the oceanfront esplanade, I was struck by its sheer scale—the intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and the towering 210-meter minaret are breathtaking in person. The guided tour was well-organized and gave fascinating insight into Moroccan craftsmanship and Islamic tradition, but the most unforgettable moment was standing in the glass-floored prayer hall, watching the Atlantic waves roll directly beneath my feet. Even if you're not religious, this is a masterpiece of art and engineering that deserves a spot on any traveler's itinerary. Just be sure to arrive early for the best light and fewer crowds—it's an experience that will stay with me forever.

Hassan II Mosque

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老少皆宜()8 November 2022
5.0
This is the royal granary in the ancient city of Meknes in Morocco. This ancient monument is very unique and fully demonstrates the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancient Arabs. You must visit it when you travel to Morocco.

Royal Stables

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Meknes?

Don't miss these attractions in Meknes: Meknes, Bab El Mansour Laalej, and Site Archéologique de Volubilis. If you like Cultural experiences, try Meknes Highlights Audio Tour: Bab Mansour, El Hedim Square and Moulay Ismail's Mausoleum. If you enjoy City sightseeing, try Meknes Highlights Audio Tour: Bab Mansour, El Hedim Square and Moulay Ismail's Mausoleum.

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