Meknes is one of Morocco's four imperial cities, and its character was fixed in the 17th century when Sultan Moulay Isma'il made it his capital and lined it with monumental gates, fortifications and a vast palace complex. The result is a city of two halves sitting side by side: a dense old medina around Place el-Hedim, and the newer ville nouvelle with its broad avenues.
For a visitor, the practical question is whether to base yourself in or beside the medina, where the historic sights and most guesthouses are, or in the new city, where the hotels are more conventional and the streets more open. The two are close enough to walk between, and taxis cover the gaps cheaply. This guide sets out the areas the sources describe, who each one suits, and what kind of accommodation you find there.
Best areas to stay in Meknes
1. The old medina
The medina is the historic core, wrapped around Place el-Hedim and the monumental gate of Bab al-Mansur al-'Alj. Staying here puts the main sights, the square and the market streets within walking distance, and the accommodation is dominated by riads and guesthouses, many of them restored traditional homes with roof terraces. Several of these overlook Place el-Hedim or sit right by a palace wall.
This is the best base for first-time visitors who want the historic city on their doorstep, and for anyone who prefers a guesthouse to a hotel. The trade-off is orientation: the lanes are tight and signs are limited, so you may need to ask for directions to find a specific address. Some riads are on the edge of the medina rather than deep inside it, which makes arrivals and departures easier.
2. The ville nouvelle
The new city is the modern commercial quarter, laid out on a grid with wide avenues. Hotels here are conventional rather than historic, and the area is well connected: one hotel sits on Avenue Mohammed V, a short walk from the train station, and another is within walking distance of the medina. You will also find a youth hostel wedged between the medina and the ville nouvelle.
This suits travellers arriving by train, anyone who wants an ordinary hotel room rather than a riad, and visitors who value easy navigation over atmosphere. The practical point to weigh is distance: the new city is about 1½ km from the closest medina gate, so you either walk or take a taxi, and a cheap room far out can be eaten up by fares coming and going.
3. Rue Rouamzine and the medina approach
The street just before the medina is where most of the budget hotels are concentrated. This is the simplest area to find a cheap room on arrival, with several small hotels clustered together and the medina gates a short walk away.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to keep costs down without committing to a dormitory. Standards vary widely at this end of the market, so inspect a room before you commit, and expect basic conditions in the cheapest places.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: small hotels along the street before the medina, plus at least one youth hostel between the medina and the new city, with dorm beds and simple double rooms with shared bathrooms. Conditions range from basic to rough, and the cheapest rooms are the least comfortable.
- Mid-range: riads and guesthouses in the old medina, typically restored traditional houses with several rooms, a terrace and breakfast included, plus renovated hotels in the new city with restaurants and bars. This is the widest choice in Meknes.
- Splurge: a full-service hotel in the new city with a pool, restaurant, bar and conference facilities, and the largest and most polished of the medina riads, some of them restored palaces with suites and their own restaurants.
Best area for a first visit
Stay in the old medina. It puts Place el-Hedim, the monumental gate and the main historic sights within walking distance, and the guesthouses there are the most characteristic places to sleep in the city. If you would rather have a conventional hotel room and easy transport connections, the ville nouvelle is a workable alternative, but you will be walking or taking a taxi to reach the sights.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in the medina or the new city?
Choose the medina for atmosphere, historic sights on foot and riad-style guesthouses. Choose the ville nouvelle for conventional hotels, easier navigation and proximity to the train station. The two are close, but the new city is about 1½ km from the nearest medina gate.
Is the medina easy to navigate?
Not always. The lanes are narrow and signage is limited, and even mid-range riads advise asking for directions if you are unsure. Some guesthouses sit on the edge of the medina, which makes finding them simpler.
Where do budget travellers usually stay?
Most budget hotels are along Rue Rouamzine, just before the medina. There is also a youth hostel between the medina and the new city, but it is not near much, so taxi fares can offset what you save on the room.
Can I stay near the train station?
Yes. At least one hotel in the ville nouvelle is roughly 100 metres from the station on Avenue Mohammed V, which makes it convenient if you are arriving or leaving by train.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.