Perched dramatically on the slopes of the Khyber and Tazga hills, Moulay Idriss is a sacred town and pilgrimage destination to the north of Meknes. It was established in 788 AD by Moulay Idriss, a descendant of Prophet Muhammed, and it was here that Morocco's first Islamic state was founded.
Every August, thousands of pilgrims flock to this holy site for the annual moussem, with many showing their devotion by setting up tents around the shrine and mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. Local tradition states that making five pilgrimages to Moulay Idriss during this annual festival is equivalent to completing one hajj to Mecca.
Many travellers to Morocco ask: "Is Moulay Idriss worth visiting?" and I think if you're travelling as far as Meknes or heading to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, then my answer is "yes". In fact, all three can be visited in a day, either as a guided tour from Fes or independently with a hire car.
While the holy shrine is only accessible to devotees of Islam, non-Muslim visitors can still experience the peaceful ambiance of the town. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the pastel-coloured medina or hike along the hillside trails to admire the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Moulay Idriss is also conveniently situated on the way to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, making it an ideal stop for travellers on a road trip from Meknes.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Moulay Idriss, discover everything you need to know about visiting the town, including things to see and do, how to get there and the best places to stay.
For more information about things to see and do in Meknes, check out my article about why it’s worth visiting.
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BEST TOURS TO MOULAY IDRISS
Don't have time to read the whole article? These are my top Moulay Idriss tour recommendations:
Things to do in Moulay Idriss
Make a pilgrimage to the Zaouia of Moulay Idriss I
The most important site in Moulay Idriss is the shrine and mausoleum of Moulay Idriss I, the patriarch of the Idrissid dynasty. It’s marked by a wooden bar where visitors bow their heads upon entering.
While only Muslims are allowed entry, you can climb to the Sidi Abdellah el Hajjam Terrace for a wonderful view of its green-tiled minaret and rooftop. The walk through the town's alleys and up the hills is both refreshing and a great alternative for honouring the town’s spiritual heritage.
Admire the minaret of the Moulay Idriss Medersa
Built by Sultan Abou el Hassan in the 14th century, the Moulay Idriss Medersa is a hidden gem within the winding streets of the town. Its unique cylindrical minaret, constructed in 1939, stands as a testament to the influences of both Turkish and Arab cultures in Morocco.
Interestingly, the minaret was originally constructed using materials from Volubilis and is adorned with green ceramic tiles inscribed with the 114 suras of the Quran. It is important to note that only Muslims are allowed to enter the medersa.
Soak up the sights, sounds and smells of the local market
With everything from fresh produce to spices and Moroccan pastries for sale, the market in Moulay Idriss is a sight to behold. It takes place each Saturday and is a hive of activity as local farmers flock to the town to sell their produce. As the market isn’t set up for tourists, it has a really authentic feel and the prices here are what locals would pay.
Moulay Idriss is particularly renowned for its olive oil and goat’s cheese, so keep an eye out for both products while exploring the market. Aside from picking up local artisan goods, the market is a great place for people and donkey-watching.
Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
Located just four kilometres from Moulay Idriss, the ancient ruins of Volubilis are a remarkable sight to behold. Considered to be the most impressive Roman remnants in Morocco, the ruins of towering columns and crumbling temples are perched on a hill and offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
Volubilis flourished as the capital of the Roman province from AD 24-285 and the majority of the ruins date back to this prosperous period. Among the must-see highlights are the House of Orpheus (adorned with a mosaic depicting the poet himself), the House of the Athlete and the House of the Labours of Hercules.
You can learn more about the ruins in my Guide to Visiting Volubilis.
Is Moulay Idriss worth visiting?
What to wear in Moulay Idriss
As Moulay Idriss is a sacred destination, it’s one of the more conservative towns in Morocco. As such, it’s important that visitors dress respectfully. The locals are unaccustomed to seeing a lot of exposed skin and both men and women should dress modestly. For women, this means long pants or skirts, covered shoulders and no cleavage, while for me, it’s best to wear long pants and a sleeved shirt.
How to get to Moulay Idriss
By car
Moulay Idriss is around 45 minutes’ drive from Meknes and is easy to reach if you have your own car.
If you’re looking to rent a car in Morocco, I recommend Discover Cars, which compares deals from over 500 suppliers. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
By bus
From Meknes, hop aboard bus number 15 to reach Moulay Idriss and enjoy a uniquely local experience.
By grand taxi
Grand taxis also make the journey from Meknes to Moulay Idriss and leave once full. They depart from the taxi rank opposite the Institut Francais in Meknes.
By private taxi
If you don’t want to squeeze into a grand taxi, you can opt for a private taxi to Moulay Idriss, which costs around 350 dirhams.
By tour
Moulay Idriss is a popular destination on tours from Fes to Meknes, which also include a stop at Volubilis. This highly-rated tour is a great option if you want to tick off all three destinations in one day.
Travel guide to Moulay Idriss
Best places to stay in Moulay Idriss
Best hotel in Moulay Idriss for families
This family-run hotel is conveniently situated in the Tazga area in the heart of Moulay Idriss. It’s just a five-minute walk from La Place Mohamed and features eight guest rooms adorned with traditional Moroccan decor. In addition to breakfasts served on the hotel’s terrace, guests can enjoy delicious Moroccan dinners made with locally sourced ingredients.
"Amazing warm stay in an authentic Moroccan riad” - Sammy (read more reviews here)
Best place to stay in Moulay Idriss with a terrace
The guest rooms at Dar Zerhoune are beautifully decorated in a classic Moroccan style and overlook a charming interior courtyard. Each room boasts a private bathroom with a shower and there’s a traditional lounge stocked with books and board games. Stays at this highly-rated Moulay Idriss hotel include a delicious breakfast featuring Moroccan pancakes and couscous bread.
"Staying at this place we really felt like we were treated like family.” - Alaa (read more reviews here)
Best budget hotel in Moulay Idriss
This budget Moulay Idriss hotel ticks all the right boxes, with comfortable accommodation and welcoming hospitality. It features both double and triple rooms, all with private bedrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi. Fresh pastries, juice and cheese are served at breakfast and there are wonderful views across the town from the riad’s terraces.
“Perfect location. Close to everything worth visiting. Amazing views from several terraces and then the roof view.” - Zineb (read more reviews here)
Is Moulay Idriss worth visiting?
Best time to visit Moulay Idriss
The best times to visit Moulay Idriss are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) due to the pleasant weather conditions. If possible, coincide your visit with a Saturday when the local market is on.
While winters can get chilly in this part of Morocco, summer can be stiflingly hot. If you want to participate in the annual Moussem festival, plan your trip for August. But unless you are a pilgrim, it’s probably best to avoid this time as Moulay Idriss gets incredibly crowded.
Is Moulay Idriss worth visiting?
While Moulay Idriss doesn't really have any big-ticket attractions, it is a wonderful spot to wander if you want to experience an authentic Moroccan town. Its spiritual significance cannot be understated and for devotees of Islam, the annual pilgrimage is a highlight. If you're considering visiting Meknes and Volubilis, then I think it's worth adding Moulay Idriss to your itinerary, even if it's only for an hour to stretch your legs.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.