For

For
habitués of an annual pilgrimage to Morocco, Marrakech
and
Casablanca tend to top the list. We suspect that Meknes might
not even be on your radar. Known as the “Imperial City”, the
17th-century capital of Morocco has all the makings of a big-league
North African travel hotspot. The ancient medina is a recognised
UNESCO World Heritage Site and captures the awe-inspiring nature of
Moroccan history, not to mention the sumptuous architecture filling
the town to the brim: inspired by Louis XIV, Sultan Moulay Ismail
made up his mind to create his own version of Versailles here, so
there are palaces and exquisite gates scattered around the old
town.

Don’t miss

Get lost in the hustle and bustle of jam-packed souks and wander
past riads and the medina’s 12th-century mosque before stealing
away to a tucked-away teahouse for fresh mint tea and a handful of
dates. Once you’ve had your fill of wandering, stocking up on
holiday gifts and stuffing yourself with local treats, head to our
favourite hidden gem in the city. Dar Jamai, now known as the
Museum of Moroccan Art, was the extravagant home to Meknes’ wealthy
Jamai family until 1920, when it was converted to house local arts
and crafts. Our choice hideaway (and one that we’d almost rather
keep to ourselves) is Dar Jamai’s positively magical Andalusian
garden.

A half-day trip that you really shouldn’t miss if you’ve got
enough time is an excursion to the nearby hilltop Volubilis.
Morocco’s most renowned collection of still-standing Roman ruins,
the remnants of ancient palaces complete with floor mosaics, as
well as statues, a bathhouse and an aqueduct, make this one of the
country’s most impressive sites to visit. The throngs of olive
groves sprawling out at the foot of the hill add to the ancient
atmosphere that hangs in the air at Volubilis.

Who to take with you

Your friend who is desperate to go to
Restival every year.

When to go

The chillier months are a lovely time to visit Meknes, as it’s
an easy trip that grants access to completely different (read: much
more agreeable) climes.

Most likely to bump into

Stylish Moroccan girls donning the latest it bags and silk
babouches by local design duo
Zyne.

Essentials to bring with you

Loose, wide-leg trousers and a linen top – you’ll want to be
easy-breezy as you pound the pavement and move from sitting area in
a teahouse to chic restaurant for tagine and couscous come
dinnertime.

How to get there

Fly into Fès-Saïs Airport, which is a 45-minute train ride or
taxi from Meknes.