Things To Do
in Meknès

A slow-cooked stew made with meat (lamb, beef, or chicken), vegetables, or fruit and spices; try lamb with prunes or chicken with preserved lemon and olives at traditional riads and family restaurants.

Must-Try!

Steamed semolina served with vegetables and meat, traditionally eaten on Fridays; available in local eateries and market stalls.

A sweet-and-savory layered pastry typically filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon; best sampled at upscale local restaurants or during special occasions.

A hearty tomato-and-lentil soup often eaten at iftar during Ramadan; available in eateries and street stalls and great as a light starter.

The winding souks are the best place to sample street snacks—sfenj (Moroccan donuts), msemen (flatbread), olives, and fresh seasonal fruit; watch for small stalls and tea vendors.

Day markets near Place El Hedim and surrounding neighborhoods offer fresh vegetables, olives, honey, and cheese; great for assembling a picnic or trying local specialties.

While Meknès is liberal compared with some places, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is respectful, especially at religious sites.

Be mindful during prayer times and Ramadan—avoid eating or drinking in public during daytime in Ramadan out of respect.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly in conservative neighborhoods or when photographing religious figures.

Haggling is expected in markets—start lower than the asking price, be polite, and keep a friendly tone; fixed prices are common in formal shops.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory; small gestures like 10–20 MAD for a tea or 5–10% in casual restaurants, rounding up taxi fares, and 20–50 MAD for guides are common.

Cash (Moroccan dirham) is king in the medina and small shops; major hotels and restaurants accept cards, and ATMs are available in the city—carry small bills for markets and taxis.

Comfortable temperatures with blooming landscapes and pleasant days ideal for sightseeing and day trips; expect occasional rain early in the season.

Hot, especially in July–August, with inland temperatures often reaching the low to mid-30s°C (90s°F); plan outdoor activities for mornings/evenings and stay hydrated.

Mild and comfortable with fewer tourists—great for exploring both the city and nearby countryside; harvest season brings fresh produce to markets.

Cooler nights and possible rain from December to February; snow can appear on the Middle Atlas nearby but Meknès itself is generally chilly rather than freezing.

Vegetarian options are common—tagines with seasonal vegetables, zaalouk (eggplant salad), and harira—though meat is central to many dishes; ask for vegetable-only preparations and confirm broths are meat-free.

Vegan choices are possible but more limited; soups, salads, grilled vegetables, and bread work well but check for butter/ghee and honey, and speak basic French/Arabic to ensure no animal products.

Most meat in Meknès is halal and restaurants typically follow Islamic dietary laws; observe common-sense queries in non-Muslim-run tourist establishments.

Gluten-free dining is more challenging due to reliance on wheat products; opt for grilled meats, salads, and vegetable tagines but ask about cross-contamination and use of semolina.