Fes & Meknes: Morocco's Oldest Imperial Cities
The world's oldest continuously inhabited medina and the fortified capital of a sultan who wanted to outdo Versailles.
4.8/5 · 2,100 reviews+6K travelers
RegionFes & Meknes, central Morocco
Best seasonMarch – May & September – November
Ideal forHistory lovers, craft & culture enthusiasts
Average rating4.8 / 5
About Fes & Meknes
Morocco's craft and history capital
Fes el-Bali, founded in the 9th century, is the world's largest car-free urban area — a labyrinth of over 9,000 alleys where leather is still tanned by hand at the Chouara Tannery and copperware still hammered in the Seffarine souk.
Forty minutes away, Meknes was built as an imperial capital by Sultan Moulay Ismail, whose 17th-century walls, granaries and monumental Bab Mansour gate rival anything in Marrakech, with far fewer crowds.
Nearby Volubilis, Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins, and the holy town of Moulay Idriss make this route as rich in history as any in the country.
Unforgettable experiences
Chouara Tannery
Bou Inania Madrasa
Bab Mansour, Meknes
Volubilis Roman ruins
Moulay Idriss hill town
Where are Fes & Meknes?
Inland, between the Rif and the Middle Atlas
Fes and Meknes sit an easy 40 minutes apart, with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss just beyond Meknes.
Fes el-Bali
UNESCO-listed medina, the world's largest car-free zone.
Bab Mansour
Meknes' monumental imperial gate.
Volubilis
Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruins.
Moulay Idriss
Morocco's holiest hill town.
Fes el-Jdid
The 13th-century royal city and old Jewish quarter.
Available tours
See all toursOur Fes & Meknes tours
Very popular5 JoursImperial Cities — Marrakech, Fès, Meknès, Rabat
Immerse yourself in Morocco's thousand-year history by visiting its four imperial cities. UNESCO medinas, royal palaces, medersas and unforgettable souks.
Tailor-MadePrivate Tailor-Made Circuit
Your Moroccan dream, exactly as you imagine it. We design your bespoke itinerary according to your desires, budget and dates.
City BreakMarrakech City Break — Pearl of the South
Two nights in the Red City! Labyrinthine medina, colourful souks, fascinating palaces and traditional hammam.
Popular activities
Medina walks
Tannery visits
Artisan workshops
Roman ruins
Photography
Food tours
Ready to explore Fes & Meknes?
We pair both cities with Volubilis and Moulay Idriss in a single, easy day route.
