Place Hedim Meknes
A bustling central square in Meknes, famous for its street food, market stalls, and the iconic imperial Bab Mansour gate.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, street food
Place Hedim Meknes
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, street food
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling central square in Meknes, famous for its street food, market stalls, and the iconic imperial Bab Mansour gate.
"Lahdim Square in Meknes is a perfect for soaking in local culture."
📸 Capture Bab Mansour's Grandeur
Visit Bab Mansour during the day for the best light and fewer crowds to truly appreciate its intricate details.
🍲 Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss the street food stalls in Place El Hedim for an authentic taste of Meknes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bab Mansour Gate
South side of Place El Hedim
A monumental ceremonial gate, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture and a historical gateway to the Kasbah.
Place El Hedim Square
Central Meknes
A lively public square, often compared to Jemaa el-Fnaa, buzzing with street vendors, cafes, and performers.
Dar Jamai - National Museum of Music
Back wall of Place El Hedim
Explore Moroccan music heritage in this beautiful museum, offering a cultural respite from the bustling square.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Timing is Key for Bab Mansour
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture Bab Mansour's Grandeur
Visit Bab Mansour during the day for the best light and fewer crowds to truly appreciate its intricate details.
🍲 Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss the street food stalls in Place El Hedim for an authentic taste of Meknes.
🚶♀️ Explore the Souks
Wander through the souks adjacent to the square for unique crafts, spices, and local goods.
🎶 Discover Musical Heritage
Visit the Dar Jamai Museum for a cultural deep dive into Moroccan music.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture Bab Mansour's Grandeur
Visit Bab Mansour during the day for the best light and fewer crowds to truly appreciate its intricate details.
🍲 Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss the street food stalls in Place El Hedim for an authentic taste of Meknes.
🚶♀️ Explore the Souks
Wander through the souks adjacent to the square for unique crafts, spices, and local goods.
🎶 Discover Musical Heritage
Visit the Dar Jamai Museum for a cultural deep dive into Moroccan music.
🎭 Enjoy Street Performances
The square often hosts talented singers, comedians, and musicians.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Place El Hedim is a vibrant cultural hub, praised for its lively atmosphere, delicious street food, and the impressive Bab Mansour gate. While some visitors found parts of the square quiet at times, others enjoyed the bustling energy, street performers, and the opportunity to explore the adjacent souks and the Dar Jamai Museum.
"The square was empty, nothing was going on. A walked through the souk on the left-hand side of the square and visited the Dar Jamai - National Museun of Music, located at the square's back wall. There was nothing exciting for me, but others may find it fascinating. However, when you turn around, you'll see the Bab El Mansour Lellej - famous gate."
Slawek Gawronski
"Crowded but beautiful view of the restored city gate"
David Flattery
"Lahdim Square in Meknes is a perfect for soaking in local culture. The square is filled with street vendors, cafes, and shops, offering a variety of goods and local foods. It's a great spot to relax and watch the lively activities around. The architecture and atmosphere provide a charming glimpse into the heart of Meknes."
Rasheed TK
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place El Hedim is centrally located in the old city of Meknes, making it easily accessible. Taxis are a common way to reach the square. If you're already exploring the medina, it's often within walking distance. +1
Parking can be challenging in the medina. It's often best to park in a designated lot outside the old city and walk in, or rely on taxis. +1
Yes, Meknes is well-connected by train and bus to major Moroccan cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Fes, making it a convenient destination. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Place El Hedim itself is a public square and is free to enter. However, there may be charges for specific attractions within or around the square, such as the Dar Jamai Museum.
As a public square, Place El Hedim is generally accessible at all hours. However, the surrounding shops and food stalls have their own operating times, with evenings being the most vibrant.
Bab Mansour is an external gate and does not require a ticket to view or pass through. It's a free landmark to admire.
While not always formally advertised, local guides can often be found offering tours of the medina and its key sites, including Place El Hedim and Bab Mansour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy street food, browse market stalls, watch street performers, visit the Dar Jamai Museum, and admire the Bab Mansour gate. It's a great spot for people-watching and soaking in local life.
Place El Hedim is generally safe, but like any busy public space, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.
Expect a variety of local delicacies, including grilled meats, tagines, pastries, and fresh juices. It's a culinary adventure!
Absolutely! Bab Mansour offers stunning architectural shots, and the vibrant square itself is perfect for capturing daily life and street scenes.
The atmosphere is lively and bustling, especially in the evenings. It's a central gathering point for locals and offers a glimpse into the heart of Meknes. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for photographing Bab Mansour. Daytime provides clear views of its details.
The area directly in front of Bab Mansour provides a classic viewpoint. For street photography, wander into the souks and capture the daily interactions.
Street photography capturing daily life, architectural shots of Bab Mansour, and vibrant market scenes are popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting in the early evening when the square is lively but perhaps less overwhelmingly crowded. The Dar Jamai Museum offers a calmer, educational experience, and the sheer scale of Bab Mansour is impressive for all ages. Keep a close eye on children in crowded areas.
💰 Budget Travelers
Browsing the souks is a great way to experience local culture without spending a lot, though be prepared to haggle if you decide to purchase souvenirs. The Bab Mansour gate is a free, iconic landmark. For accommodation, look for riads or guesthouses in the medina for an authentic and budget-friendly stay.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2The vibrant street life of the square and the bustling souks offer endless opportunities for capturing candid moments and local color. Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique architecture and the lively interactions of vendors and visitors.
+2Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Bab Mansour
+2Its impressive architecture features intricate carvings, mosaics, and grand proportions, making it one of the most famous and admired landmarks in the city. Visitors often marvel at its restored beauty and historical significance, seeing it as a symbol of Meknes' imperial past.
While the gate itself is a static monument, its presence anchors the vibrant activity of Place El Hedim, offering a stunning backdrop for photos and a tangible connection to Morocco's rich history.
+1Place El Hedim: The Heartbeat of Meknes
The square is lined with shops, cafes, and numerous street food vendors offering a wide array of local delicacies. It's a fantastic place to sample traditional Moroccan cuisine, from grilled meats to sweet pastries, while soaking in the lively ambiance.
Beyond the food and shopping, Place El Hedim is a stage for local talent. You might encounter singers, comedians, musicians, and other performers showcasing their skills, adding to the square's vibrant and entertaining character.
Exploring the Adjacent Souks
Here, you can find a wide variety of goods, including handcrafted leather items, intricate metalwork, colorful ceramics, traditional clothing, and an abundance of spices. It's an ideal place to practice your bargaining skills and find unique souvenirs.
Navigating the souks can be an adventure in itself. While it can feel overwhelming at first, embracing the experience and engaging with the friendly vendors can lead to delightful discoveries and authentic interactions.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit