Meknes is one of the four Imperial cities and its name and fame are closely linked to that of the Moroccan Sultan Moulay Ismail. Hemade Meknes the center of his empire and built many of the monuments that remain today.

Moulay Ismail was a tough guy: he used 25, 000captives to build the city’s massive ramparts and monumental entrance gates—as well as stalls for his 12, 000 horses. His tomb is one of the most beautiful monuments in Morocco and one of the few religious buildings that non-Muslims can enter.

The souqs (markets) of Meknes are small in comparison to those of Fez. There are a few covered streets where you find leather, djellaba's, carpets and silver. In an hour or two you can see most of the nice shops.

Also visit the Bab Mansour and the Museum of Moroccan Arts (in the Bab Jamai).

Near Meknes is Volubilis, Roman ruins you just can’t miss.