2-day itinerary

A Weekend of Food in Meknes - Imperial City and Volubilis

A weekend in Meknes pairs the imperial city's olives and tagines with a day trip to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Two relaxed days let you eat well away from the tourist crush of Fes.

City: Meknes
Length: 2 days
Style: Day-by-day eating plan

The plan, day by day

Follow it in order, morning to night — each day builds on the last.

Saturday - The Imperial City

1

Morning

Breakfast on msemen and mint tea on Place el-Hedim, opposite Bab Mansour.
2

Late morning

Browse the covered market for olives, preserved lemons and spices.
3

Lunch

A chicken-and-olive tagine at a family restaurant near the square.
4

Afternoon

Visit the mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and the Heri es-Souani granaries, with mint tea after.
5

Evening

Dinner of a slow lamb tagine and Moroccan salads in the medina.

Sunday - Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

1

Morning

Drive out to the Roman ruins of Volubilis among the olive groves.
2

Late morning

Continue to the hilltop holy town of Moulay Idriss for a walk through its lanes.
3

Lunch

A country tagine or grilled meats at a simple restaurant overlooking the valley.
4

Afternoon

Taste local olive oil and olives from the surrounding groves.
5

Evening

Return to Meknes for a farewell couscous and mint tea.

Practical tips

Meknes olives and olive oil are the region's pride, so buy them from the covered market.
Volubilis and Moulay Idriss make an easy, rewarding day trip through olive country.
The city is calmer than Fes, so weekends here feel relaxed and local.
Save couscous for a leisurely lunch or dinner, in keeping with the Moroccan weekend.
To arrange a guided food walk with a local host, message WhatsApp wa.me/212701664704 or call +212 701 664 704.

Frequently asked questions

Is a weekend enough for Meknes?

Yes. One day covers the imperial city's monuments and olive markets, and a second day fits in the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the town of Moulay Idriss.

What is special about Volubilis?

Volubilis is a remarkably preserved Roman city set among olive groves near Meknes, with mosaics and columns. It pairs naturally with a food day in olive country.

How does Meknes compare with Fes for food?

Meknes is quieter and famous for olives, with excellent tagines and a relaxed pace, while Fes is the grander culinary capital. They complement each other well.

Make it happen

Turn the plan into a trip — find where to eat, book a hands-on experience, or join a guided food walk.

Where to eat Food experiences Food tours Cooking classes