Meknes

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Meknes (مكناس) is a city in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco.

Meknes Halal Explorer

Meknes - Meknes

Fez driving you nuts? Nearby Meknes is a vibrant, modern city bustling with Halal dining, restaurants and an impressive imperial city created in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismaïl, with numerous historical monuments and natural sites; it is also the nearest city to the Roman ruins of Volubilis (Oualili). Since it's relatively ignored by most Muslim visitors, it's also free of the usual hassles (agents, faux guides, etc.) that plague the other tourist centers. The prices in Meknes are among the most reasonable in Morocco and the people are much more polite and nicer than in the other cities. It is also one of the more liberal places in the nation: unveiled women are much more often to be seen on the streets and female solo travelers especially enjoy Meknes as a welcome break from the permanent unwanted attention they get everywhere else.

Travel to Meknes

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Meknes

Meknes is on the Fès-Rabat railway line and has two train stations. The smaller one called GPS 33.8996,-5.5456 Gare de Meknès-Amir Abdelkader is more centrally located in the new town (ville nouvelle), while the bigger GPS 33.8966,-5.5319 Gare Meknès-Ville is a bit further east.

Meknes is connected by train to most major cities like Marrakech (6½hr, 174 dirham), Tangier (3½–4½hr, 85 dirham), Rabat (2¼hr, 69 dirham), Casablanca (3¼hr), Fes (40min, 20 dirham) or Oujda (6hr, 130 dirham).

Travel on a Bus in Meknes

The GPS 33.8941829,-5.5782796 main bus station(Gare Routière) is west of the medina, colocated with the main grand taxi station, while CTM has its own GPS 33.8976, -5.5368 Gare CTM Meknes, brand new station, near Meknes train station (east of the new town).

There are buses to Meknès from almost anywhere in Morocco, including Agadir (11 hr; 200dh-230 dirham), Casablanca (5 hr; 80-90 dirham), Chefchaouen (5½ hrs; 60-80 dirham), Erfoud (10 hr, 100-110 dirham), Fez (1 hr; 20 dirham), Marrakech (9 hr; 140-160 dirham), Rabat (3½ hr; 50-60 dirham) and Tangier (6 hr, 80-90 dirham).

Chefchaouen is accessible by bus from the Gare Routière for 50 dirham per person. Busses leave Meknes at 05:00, 12:00, and 24:00. The 05:00 bus is direct while the other two buses stop in Dardara, about 8 km away from the city, so you have to take a petit taxi to Chefchaouen from there. The trip by bus takes roughly 4 hours. There are also grand taxis outside of the bus station that will get you to Chefchaouen by way of Ouezzane. The taxi from Meknes to Ouezzane takes about 2 hours and costs 50 dirham per person in a full taxi (6 passengers). It takes about 2 hours from Ouezzane to Chefchaouen and costs 35 dirham per person in a full taxi. It's feasible to travel with fewer than 6 people, though you'll have to pay the full fare for 6 people. These taxi drivers do not seem interested in overcharging tourists, and without negotiation you should be able to pay the standard fare that Moroccan passengers pay.

By grand taxi

Grand taxis arrive and leave from several places and the most popular being El-Amir Abdelkader train station and to the left of the main bus station. Opposite the road of the Institute Francais is also a quite large taxi rank. GPS 33.89921, -5.55351 Grand taxi stand to Volubilis.

By car

Meknès is on Autoroute 2 (Rabat-Fès), which continues further east on N6 to Oujda.

Road N13 goes over the mountain range to Tetouan and Tangier or Ceuta to the north, in the northbound direction it goes to Azrou and At-Rachida.

How to get around in Meknes

Petit taxis (small blue cars of Fiat Uno or Peugeot 205 brands) abound, as well as an efficient and comprehensive, if cramped local bus service. The minimum cost for a petit taxi is 5 dirham (the price is calculated based on 1.40 dirham + 0.20 dirham/100 m but you should expect a extra charge of 50% after 20:00), while the bus is slightly cheaper. Buses are, however, quite difficult to navigate because they are, in the majority of cases, very crowded and operate to transport people between agglomerations and the ville nouvelle and Medina.

The ville nouvelle (new town), which is known as Hamrya in Arabic, is easily navigated on foot, as is the medina. The two sides of town are connected by a bridge over the dry Oued Boufekrane (river), with a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) placed conveniently in between for weary (or wary!) travelers.

Hamrya is a new town with all entertainment facilities, You can find all what you need there, but there is no monuments or things to see except if you like to chat with people. Medina is the other side is the ancient Meknes and it contains all the monuments of this wonderful city.

What to see in Meknes

Bab Mansour - Bab Mansour in the world legacy listed old town

• Bab Mansour 33.8925664, -5.5648183 - Bab means "gate" or "door" in Arabic, and Bab Mansour is the largest and most striking of Meknes' many gates (27 gates). It's directly across from Lahdim Plaza and the medina's main square. The gate is nowadays used for art exhibitions.

• Lahdim Plaza 33.8931893, -5.5655123 - Redone with new brickwork, this square once rivaled Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech but is now significantly less exciting (though there are a few nice cafés and snack spots in which to people-watch).

• Heri es-Souani 33.88267, -5.55752 - You can catch a glimpse of the grandeur of Moulay Ismail at these enormous granaries and horse stables, and sit beside the large Agdal Basin.

• Meknes Royal Golf Course 33.88840, -5.56030 - The former palace gardens, now converted into a golf course. This place is absolutely marvelous. The gardens are beautifully kept and it is entirely surrounded by palace walls. It is open to the public. There is also a public café on the grounds. It's feasible to eat on the terrace overlooking the course but you need to book in advance.

• Medersa Bou Inania 33.8952703, -5.5650447 - 10 dirham Bou Inania Madrasa (Meknes) - A beautiful Qur'anic school; you can explore all floors including the roof.

• Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail 33.8907124, -5.5633094 Opening Hours: Daily 09:00–18:30 Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter and they can view the tombs, which hold the body of Moulay Ismail and other relatives, from the entrance. Closed for renovation as of February 2018.

• Prison Kara - Habs Qara - 33.89091, -5.56454 - A huge underground prison where Moulay Ismail kept prisoners.

• Palais Al-Mansour 33.8684873, -5.5593411 - Half-destroyed palace built in 17th century to be king's summer residence.

• Agdal Basin - Bassin Souani - 33.88165, -5.56013 - Basin built at the time of Ismail Moulay in the imperial city, northwest of the granaries.

• Mausoleum of Sidi ben Aïssa 33.8989, -5.5705 - Closed to non-Muslims.

• Al masjid AlAdam - Meknes' largest and oldest standing mosque (note: Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter).

Museums

• Dar Jamai Museum 33.8936966, -5.5664774 Opening Hours: W-M 10:00–17:30 10 dirham - This old palace, now a museum, is at the back of Place Hedim. It now houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which is exhibits artifacts, jewels, and old copies of the Qur'an. Dar Jamai is a gorgeous museum with exqusite gardens on the outside. Closed for renovation as of February 2018.

• Meknes Museum 33.8939, -5.5626 100 m away from Bab Mansour - 10 dirham Small museum in an old mansion.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Meknes

• Public swimming swimmingpool - There is a very popular public swimming swimmingpool between the medina and the new city, on a hot day it's a godsend.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Meknes

Meknes isn't a shopper's paradise, but it's certainly cheaper than nearby Fez! The medina is chock full of traditional Moroccan clothing and rugs, as well as the popular Moroccan shoe, bilgha.. it's also known for it's iron made articles; the local artisanal speciality. The best way to enter the medina is at the back of Place Hedim, next to Dar Jamai. Herein you can find many shops catering to tourists. If you sojourn a bit deeper into the medina, you'll find plenty of unique shops selling jewelry, household goods, and other treasures.

Be sure to bargain! Don't accept the shopkeeper's first offer - not only does it ruin it for tourists who come after you, but it also goes against Moroccan custom. The easiest way to bargain, particularly without knowledge of French or Arabic, is to offer exactly half of the given price (or 75% for expensive or large-scale items). From there and the shopkeeper will go down a bit; you are expected to raise your price slowly until you come to an agreement.

If you can't agree on a price, try walking out of the store - this will generally lower the price significantly.And try not to be too stingy - the value of an item is your appreciation of it, not its ticket price.

Halal Restaurants in Meknes

Ville Nouvelle

There are dozens of restaurants and snack bars lining the primary street, Rue Antsirape offering the staples of harira, tagine, cous cous and of course rotisserie Chicken. A few restaurants on Rue Ghana, just off Rue Antsirabi, are popular with travellers and offer 40-dirham set menus.

• Athenos, Avenue Mohammed V. Open for lunch only. Delicious Moroccan staples, such as tajine, as well as fabulous desserts. 25-70 dirham.
• Mo Di Niro, Rue Antsirabé. Open daily until midnight. Popular with Meknassi teenagers, this restaurant serves good American-style burgers, pizza and Pastas dishes. 20-100 dirham.
• La Fine Bouche, Avenue Allal Ben Abdellah. Open daily until 10:00. Translating as "The good mouth," this hole-in-the-wall serves up delicious chawarma and other specialties. 15-50 dirham.
• Ibis Hotel. Open daily until midnight. This chain hotel has a decent French-inspired menu, but the real draw is that they serve alcohol. 50-150 dirham.
• Label' Gallery. Restaurants vary; some open past midnight. The closest thing Meknes has to a shopping mall, this food court is the only place to find international cuisine, with Mexican, American, (Thai), and Lebanese all on the menu. Prices vary greatly.
• Restaurant Marhaba: the most popular Meknassi restaurant, offers local menu of Ma'aqouda and Harira.

Medina

Place el-Hedim (6858227581) - Meknes market

• Les Colliers de Colombe 67 Rue Driba 33.8939, -5.5600 behind Place Lalla Aouda near the medina - Most dishes are over 100 dirham Delicious Moroccan staples, including the must-try pastilla.

• The market near the main place in the medina (at the Bab El-Mansur) has incredible fresh products. Lots of different kinds of olives, sweets, pickles, etc.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Meknes

Meknes - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Meknes, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Meknes. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Meknes and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Meknes. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Meknes. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMeknes: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Meknes.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Meknes: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Meknes, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Meknes.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Meknes, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Meknes, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Meknes and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Meknes, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Meknes, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Meknes without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Meknes is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Meknes.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Meknes is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Meknes, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Meknes Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Meknes

Most hotels are along Rue Rouamzine, just before the medina. Hotel Maroc and Hotel Regina are two such choices. Hotel Regina is very dirty and stinky, but very cheap.

• HI-affiliated youth hostel | Boulvard Okba Ben Nafii 33.8990437, -5.5550239 - Dorms from 70 dirham for HI members (+20 if you aren't, and they don't honour E-memberships), 160 dirham for a double room w/ shared bathroom Wedged between the medina and ville nouvelle, just two doors down from the much swankier and well known Hotel Transatlantique. In the new city, it's 1½ km from the closest medina gate; in fact it's not really near anything and you loose whatever you save staying here on a taxi (8 dirham) coming or going. For the same price, Hostel Maroc is better. They do let anyone use the shower for 7 dirham though.

• Camping Agdal - This is the choice if you're on a budget or brought your own transport or camper. The campsite is quite nice. It even has grass! It is about 2 kilometers (about 20–30 minutes on foot) from the downtown right next to the Agdal basin and Heri es-Souani. If you don't feel like walking; taxies to the medina shouldn't cost more than between 5 and 10 dirham and about 15 to 20 to the el-Emir Abdelkader train station. If you arrive by train, it's more convenient to stay in the town centre (ville nouvelle or medina). Though if you're near the El-Emir Abdelkader railwaystation you're about as far off from the Medina as you would be if at the campsite.

• Hotel Majestic 19 Avenue Mohammed V 33.89895, -5.54609 ☎ +212 035522035 +212 035527427 - Renovated and the Majestic offers a lovely garden as well as clean and nice rooms overlooking the most busy avenue in Meknes. 180-210 dirham including a simple breakfast. Continue straight ahead when you exit the train station, and the hotel will be on your left hand side after roughly 100 metres. You will see a sign directing to the hotel after less than 50 meters. But watch out! Clients have complained about theft in this hotel.

• Riad Atika - 11, Derb Elkatib, Kabet Souk, Touta +212 535 535 487 Price 330-825 dirham breakfast included - Guest house in the old Medina with 14 rooms and a beautiful terrace.

• Riad Hiba - near the Place Lehdim, 20 Rue Lalla Aicha Adouya ☎ +212 535 460 109 +212 535 535 153 Price 385-649 dirham, breakfast included - Beautiful guest house in the old city (Medina) with 7 rooms.

• Riad Idrissi - 20 db Lalla Sti Hennou ☎ +212 535 531 418 440-605 dirham breakfast included - Guest house in the old Medina with 12 rooms and a beautiful terrace.

• Palais Didi - ☎ +212 55 558 590 - A restored old palace/riad in the medina right by a palace wall. Maison d'hotes - restaurant.

• Riad d'Or - 17, Derb ain el anboub et Derb Lalla Aicha Adouia - Quartier Hammam Jdid ☎ +212 64 10 78 625 - A very nice guest house - Bed & Breakfast - restaurant. A traditional restored old palace/riad in the old medina.

• Ryad Bahia - 4 Tiberbarine 33.8943005, -5.5662301 signs lead the way from Place Hedim, if unsure ask for directions outside of the medina ☎ +212 035554541 650 dirham per single or double - The first riad to open in Meknes, its owners, and most of the staff, speak English and are extraordinarily helpful in arranging tours and the like. The roof terrace overlooks Place Hedim and the restaurant is open for non-guests as well.

• Hotel Malta - 3 Rue Cherif Al Idrissi 33.9006684, -5.5498783 ☎ +212 35515020 - 360-580 dirham Open daily. This renovated hotel offers a restaurant, nightclub and English-style café.

• Riad Felloussia - Bab Aissi ☎ +212 35530840 or +212 76987717 - Open daily. A traditional home in the heart of the medina. Great view of El-Hedim square. 600 dirham for large suites with private bathroom (breakfast included).

• Riad Lahboul - 6 Derb Ain Sefli 33.8958, -5.5612 ☎ +212 535559878 or +212 675 71 69 17 - This beautifully restored riad is on the edge of the medina (overlooks the magnificent "Lahboul Gardens"). Run by an English and Moroccan couple, this family guest house serves delicious home-made food.

• Zaki Hotel - Boulevard Al Massira ☎ +212-55514146 - single €73, double €84 Meknes' most beautiful hotel includes a nightclub, bar, restaurant, conference center, and a gorgeous swimming pool.

Travel Next from Meknes

Volubilis Tingis Gate - Volubilis

• Chefchaouen — a beautiful blue and white city in the mountains of northeastern Morocco.
• Fes
• Rabat
• Roman ruins of Moulay Idriss#Volubilis|Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a short trip from Meknes. It is feasible to go there by grand taxi via the town of Moulay Idriss, which is also worth a visit.

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