population: 0.6 million

extension: 550 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Meknes and want to visit museums, a great place to start is the Dar Jamai Museum. It's located in the heart of the city and features a collection of traditional Moroccan crafts and artifacts. If you're interested in similar types of museums, you might also want to check out the Meknes Museum of Contemporary Art or the Bou Inania Madrasa Museum.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat according to local people in Meknes, Morocco are:

1. Pastilla: a savory pastry made with pigeon meat or chicken, almonds, and spices wrapped in phyllo dough.

2. Harira: a traditional soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and spices, often served during Ramadan.

3. Tagine: a slow-cooked stew made with meat (usually lamb or chicken), vegetables, and spices, cooked in a distinctive cone-shaped clay pot.

4. Couscous: a staple dish made from steamed semolina grains, usually served with vegetables, meat, and broth.

5. Makouda: deep-fried potato fritters stuffed with spiced minced meat, onions, and herbs.

6. Mrouzia: a sweet and savory lamb or beef tagine made with raisins, almonds, honey and spices.

7. Zaalouk: a side dish made from roasted eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, and spices.

8. Batbout: small, round bread similar to pita, often served with honey or jam for breakfast.

These dishes represent the diversity of flavors and ingredients that are popular in Meknes and throughout Morocco.

Activities

Here are some fun activities that locals enjoy in Meknes:

1. Visit the ancient city of Volubilis: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside of Meknes. It was once a Roman city and is now home to some incredible ruins.

2. Explore the Medina: The old walled city of Meknes has a charming medina with narrow, winding streets filled with shops, cafes, and traditional Moroccan architecture.

3. Take a cooking class: Moroccan cuisine is famous around the world, and there are many cooking classes available in Meknes where you can learn to prepare traditional dishes like tagine and couscous.

4. Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum: This stunning mausoleum is the final resting place of Moulay Ismail, a former sultan of Morocco. It's one of the most beautiful buildings in Meknes and is open to visitors.

5. Attend a local festival: Meknes is known for its vibrant festivals, including the Meknes International Festival of Folklore and the Meknes Festival of Roses. These events offer a glimpse into Moroccan culture and traditions and are not to be missed if you're in town during the festivities.