
Visiting Khemisset? You Might Want to Skip It
by MOROCCO · September 6, 2026
If you are planning a trip around Morocco, you may come across Khemisset on the map. It is a small city between Rabat and Meknes, surrounded by beautiful countryside.
But should you spend your holiday there?
Honestly, probably not.
Khemisset is a quiet Moroccan town, but it does not have many major tourist attractions. There are no famous monuments, beautiful old medinas, or big tourist experiences that can keep visitors busy for several days. For most tourists, there are much more interesting places to explore nearby.
The good news? You don’t have to go far to find them.
Visit Moulay Idriss Zerhoun
About an hour and a half from Khemisset, you can discover Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, one of Morocco’s most charming small towns.
Built on green hills, the town has narrow streets, white houses, and amazing views of the surrounding countryside. It is also an important spiritual place for Moroccans.
If you enjoy walking, photography, and discovering traditional Moroccan towns, Moulay Idriss is a much better choice.
Explore Meknes
If you want history and Moroccan culture, head to Meknes.
The city has a beautiful old medina, historic gates, traditional markets, and impressive buildings. You can spend hours walking through the old streets, drinking Moroccan tea, and trying local food.
Meknes is also close to Volubilis and Moulay Idriss, making it a great base for exploring the region.
Discover Volubilis
For history lovers, Volubilis is definitely worth the trip.
This ancient Roman city has impressive ruins, huge columns, and beautiful mosaics. Walking through the site feels like stepping back in time.
It is one of the most interesting historical places in northern Morocco and can easily be combined with a visit to Moulay Idriss and Meknes.
Spend a Day in Rabat
You can also go in the other direction and visit Rabat, Morocco’s capital.
Rabat offers much more for tourists, including the Kasbah of the Udayas, Hassan Tower, the old medina, gardens, museums, and the Bouregreg area.
It is a great place to enjoy Moroccan history while still having modern cafés, restaurants, and shopping.
What About Khemisset?
Khemisset isn’t a bad place. It is simply not a major tourist destination.
It can be interesting if you want to experience everyday Moroccan life away from the big tourist cities. You can visit the local market, try Moroccan food, and see a quieter side of the country.
But if you only have a few days in Morocco, your time is probably better spent somewhere else.
Our advice
If you are already passing through Khemisset, don’t worry. Stop for a coffee, explore the local market, have some food, and continue your journey.
But if you are deciding where to spend your holiday, don’t make Khemisset your main destination.
Instead, explore the surrounding region. Visit Meknes, walk through Moulay Idriss, discover the ancient ruins of Volubilis, or spend a day in Rabat.
Morocco has so many amazing places to discover. You don’t need to spend your limited holiday time somewhere that doesn’t offer much for tourists.
