Meknes is the imperial city most backpackers skip — and it's exactly why you should stop. Moulay Ismail's 17th-century capital has the country's most dramatic gates (Bab Mansour), a quieter-than-Fes medina, and is the cheapest jumping-off point for the Roman ruins at Volubilis, just 33 km up the road.
Highlights
- Bab Mansour gate
- Volubilis Roman ruins day trip
- Moulay Ismail Mausoleum
- Place el-Hedim at golden hour
- Heri es-Souani royal granaries
Best for
- Budget travellers (prices 20% lower than Fes)
- Roman-history fans (Volubilis is stunning)
- People who hate crowds
- 1-night stops between Fes and Chefchaouen
When to visit
Spring and autumn again — Meknes sits at 550m, cooler than Fes. Volubilis in late afternoon with golden light is the iconic time. Winters can be rainy; summer is hot but manageable.
Budget
Cheaper than Fes. Hostel beds €6–10. Grand-taxi shared ride to Volubilis: €2–3 each way. Volubilis entry: €7. Tajine in the medina: €3–4. A comfortable day here including Volubilis: €15–20.
Getting there
Direct ONCF trains from Fes (30 min, €2), Rabat (2h) and Casablanca (3h). From Tangier: 4h train. Volubilis: take a shared grand-taxi from Institut Français area, or bus.
Safety
Very safe — less hassle than Fes or Marrakech, and the medina is more walkable. Standard precautions apply; solo travellers report a calm vibe.
Where to stay — neighborhoods
Not all hostels are in the same part of town. Here’s how each area compares.
Medina
Best for: History, cheapest sleeps, Bab Mansour at night
Walled old town, smaller than Fes but just as atmospheric. Most hostels cluster around Place el-Hedim.
Ville Nouvelle (Hamria)
Best for: Trains, modern cafés, budget hotels
Grid-plan district around the train station — practical if you're doing a 1-night stop between trains.
Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
Best for: Pilgrim village base, Volubilis access
Whitewashed holy village 30 km from Meknes. A handful of guesthouses and unbeatable sunset views — closer to Volubilis than Meknes itself.
Tips from us
- Combine Volubilis + Moulay Idriss (holy village) in one afternoon — they're 5 km apart.
- Eat at the food stalls on Place el-Hedim at night — cheaper than restaurants and just as good.
- The mausoleum is free to enter; dress modestly.
- Skip Meknes day-trips from Fes — sleep here at least one night to do it right.
- Don't miss the underground granaries (Heri es-Souani) — photographers love the arches.