Meknes
Travel Guide Africa Morocco Meknes
Introduction
Meknes is a historical city founded on the Saîs Plain by the Meknsa Tribe (a berber tribe) in the tenth century. It is famous for being the first capital of the Alaouite Dynasty which is Morocco's current royal family. Its 40 kilometres of ramparts and beautiful gates have earned it names like Little Paris, Versaille of North Africa and City of Beautiful Gates.
It contains many monuments dating back hundreds of years.
Sights and Activities
Souqs
The covered souqs (local market) are well worth a visit. Rows of spices in all shapes and colours piled high, dozens of varieties of olives, figs and dates just waiting to be tasted. For those with a strong stomach, pay a visit to the meat department where goat’s heads, bull’s testicles and sheep’s entrails are displayed like fine delicacies.
Diagonally across the square is the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the founder of what is now Meknes. You’ll pass several different souks, divided into separate sections according to their ware; tapestries, textiles, bric-a-brac, tents and finally musical instruments.
Ohter sights and Activities
Other interesting sights in the area include the Dar Jamai Museum with its fine collection of Mid-Atlas rugs. On the other side of the Bab el-Mansour lies the Kouba el Khayatine where royal kings once received ambassadors who came to negotiate the ransom of Christian prisoners.
Events and Festivals
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
By Train
ONCF has trains to Fez (1 hour), Taza (3,5 hours), Oujda (6,5 hours), Casablanca (3,5 hours), Rabat (2 hours), Marrakech (7 hours) and Tangier (4 hours).
By Car
You can easily access Meknes along well maintained tarred roads, but remember that getting into the centre of the city and parking your car can be a nerve breaking experience. Better to take public transport if you have the choice.
By Bus
There is a smart new CTM bus station about 300m east of the junction with Ave Mohammed V. The main bus station is just west of the Medina.
CTM buses go to Casablanca (4 hours), Rabat (2.5 hours), Fez (1.5 hour), Marrakech (8 hours), Tangier (5 hours), Oujda (6 hours), , Erfoud, Rissani, Er Rachidia (6 hours) and Nador (6 hours). CTM also offers three buses a week to Paris and Madrid.
By Boat
Getting Around
By Car
By Public Transport
By Foot
The Medina inside Meknes and the Imperial City itself are both easily explore on foot. There is also an interesting two hour walk through the souks starting at Place el-Hedim and ending at the Grande Mosquee. The distance is only about 1 kilometre but allow plenty of time as there is a lot to stop and look at (and spend your money on) on the way!
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Budget
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riad Hiba | 20 Rue Lalla Aicha Adouya Ancienne Medina | Guesthouse | 84 |
| Riad Zahraa | 5, rue Sidi Abdalah Elkasri Touta Meknes Medina | Guesthouse | 91 |
| Riad Felloussia | 23 Derb Hammam Jdid Bab Aissi | Guesthouse | 97 |
| Dar Zerhoune | 42 Derb Zouak, Tazga Moulay Idriss Zerhoune | Guesthouse | 97 |
| Riad Yacout | 22 Lalla Aouda Place | Guesthouse | 100 |
| Maison d'Hote Marabou | 10 derb Bel Bassir Kaa Ourda Rue El Haboul | Guesthouse | - |
| La Colombe Blanche | 21 Tazgha Zouak Moulay Driss Zerhoun | Guesthouse | - |
Mid-Range
Upscale
Work
Learn
Keep Connected
Internet
Phone
See also: International Telephone Calls
Post
Post Maroc is the national postal service of Morocco and has details on their website (French) regarding the sending of letters, postcards and parcels, both domestically and internationally. The postal service in Morocco is very efficient and the post offices are generally open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 12 noon and 2:30pm to 6:30pm. On Saturdays it is open from 8:30am to 2:00pm. Some might keep longer hours though, especially in larger tourist cities and central areas. You can post your mail at one of the post offices or otherwise in the yellow post boxes you'll find throughout the country.
On Travellerspoint
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