Zwiedzanie Marrakeszu / Visiting Marrakesh

SIGHTSEEING IN MARRAKESH : MUSEUMS, PALACES AND NECROPOLEIS

Sightseeing in Marrakesh through the prism of museums, palaces and necropolises allows one to better understand the city’s former power and the roles it played over the centuries as one of the most important imperial capitals. For Marrakesh is a city that captivates not only with its colorful medina and the bustle of the souks, but also with places where the history of Morocco has been written in stone, wood and mosaics.

Sightseeing in Marrakesh begins in the old Medina, but it is also worth venturing beyond the city walls. In a separate guide, I will talk about Marrakesh from a different perspective – not through monuments, but during a walk through all the city’s nooks and crannies, both the beautiful ones and its less friendly sides.

In this article, I present the most important museums, palaces and necropolises of Marrakesh that are worth including in a sightseeing plan. We managed to see most of the attractions, as we spent over 5 days in the city, peeking into almost every alleyway.

LOCATION OF THE DESCRIBED PLACES

On the map, all the places we visited are marked in blue, and you will find their descriptions and photos below in the guide. At the end, I have included a map and a list of the remaining attractions.

BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA – A 16TH-CENTURY QURANIC SCHOOL

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • opening hours : 9.00 – 17.00
  • admission ticket: 50 DH, children under 12 – 10 DH, groups of over 20 people – 30 DH per person.
  • details on the website : MEDRESA BEN YOUSSEF
  • OUR RATING 8/10 – minus for the huge crowds of visitors

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the most valuable monuments in Marrakesh, located in the heart of the old medina. It was built in 1564–1565 on the initiative of Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib of the Saadian dynasty. For centuries, it served as a center of religious learning, philosophy, mathematics, and medicine, attracting students and scholars from across the Muslim world. The madrasa impresses with its exceptionally well-preserved architecture. Here, one can admire zellige mosaics, intricately carved cedarwood, and a harmonious courtyard surrounded by the modest student cells.

ENTRANCE AND VESTIBULE

From the very threshold, the Ben Youssef Madrasa introduces visitors to the world of historic Islamic architecture. The modest entrance contrasts with the richness of the interior, emphasizing the idea of humility and contemplation that accompanied learning in this place.

MAIN COURTYARD AND PRAYER HALL

The central courtyard of the Ben Youssef Madrasa is the heart of the entire complex and one of its most impressive elements. Surrounded by arcades and adorned with intricate zellige mosaics, carved stucco, and cedarwood, it captivates with its harmony and symmetry. In the past, the courtyard served as a meeting place for students and teachers and as the center of academic life. Adjacent to the courtyard is the prayer hall, which was used by students for daily religious practices. Its decorations are subdued, fostering concentration and reflection.

STUDENT CELLS AND CORRIDORS

Around the courtyard and on the upper floors are small, modest cells where the students lived. Each room provided the minimum space for sleeping, studying, and meditation, reflecting the ascetic nature of student life. Narrow corridors and galleries surrounding the courtyard allow visitors to closely admire architectural details, carved inscriptions, and floral and geometric motifs. These are perfect spots to pause and appreciate the craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans.

UPPER TERRACES

Accessing the upper levels of the madrasa offers a different perspective of the courtyard and the layout of the entire complex. From above, the symmetry of the building and its functional design are most clearly visible.

ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

While visiting, it is worth paying attention to the zellige mosaics on the lower parts of the walls, the richly decorated stucco with inscriptions and ornaments, and the carved cedarwood of the ceilings and doors. These elements are what make the Ben Youssef Madrasa one of the most beautiful examples of Islamic architecture in Morocco.

MARRAKESH MUSEUM

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • opening hours : 9.30 – 18.00
  • admission ticket: 70 DH, children under 12 – 20 DH
  • details on the website : MARRAKESH MUSEUM
  • OUR RATING 8/10 – an attraction unfairly overlooked by tourists

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

The Marrakesh Museum is housed in the historic Dar Menebhi Palace, built at the end of the 19th century as the residence of a high-ranking official at the sultan’s court. The palace stands out for its elegant Andalusian-style architecture, featuring a large courtyard, a fountain, intricate mosaics, and richly decorated interiors. After years of neglect, the building was thoroughly restored, preserving its original character. In 1997, it was opened to visitors as a museum showcasing the history and art of Marrakesh.

MAIN COURTYARD

The central courtyard of the Dar Menebhi Palace is the heart of the museum. Surrounded by arcades with a fountain in the middle, it captivates with intricate zellige mosaics and stucco decorations. It is the perfect place to begin your visit and admire classic Andalusian architecture.

PERMANENT EXHIBITION ROOMS, HISTORY ROOMS AND GALLERIES

The permanent exhibition rooms display traditional ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, and textiles. Each exhibit showcases the richness and diversity of Moroccan craftsmanship, from everyday objects to artistic creations. The rooms dedicated to history and culture feature folk costumes, manuscripts, coins, and daily-use items. They provide a deeper understanding of the lives of Marrakesh residents across different historical periods and the city’s socio-cultural context. The museum also offers space for contemporary Moroccan artists, presenting sculptures, paintings, and installations that demonstrate how tradition blends with modernity.

CORRIDORS AND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

While visiting, it is worth paying attention to the richly decorated ceilings, carved doors, and columns, which testify to the mastery of Moroccan craftsmen. Every corner of the museum impresses with its details and harmony.

SIDE COURTYARDS

Some rooms lead to smaller courtyards or inner gardens, creating a peaceful space to rest and admire the architecture from different perspectives.

BAHIA PALACE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • opening hours : 9.00 – 17.00
  • admission ticket: 70 DH, children under 12 – 20 DH
  • details on the website BAHIA PALACE
  • OUR RATING 7/10 – unfortunately, it is crowded here, and part of the palace and gardens are under renovation.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

The Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful works of 19th-century Moroccan architecture and a must-visit site in Marrakesh. Its name means “radiance” or “beauty” in Arabic, reflecting the palace’s role as a symbol of wealth and prestige. The palace was built in 1866–1867 by Si Moussa, the grand vizier of the sultan, as his private residence. After him, the complex was taken over by his son Bou Ahmed, who expanded it between 1894 and 1900, adding gardens, new rooms, and richly decorated interiors. He lived here with his family, four wives, and numerous concubines. In the 20th century, after Bou Ahmed’s death, the palace served as the residence of the French Resident-General during the French Protectorate in Morocco. Later, it was used by the royal family. After independence, the palace was handed over to the Ministry of Culture and opened to visitors as a museum and tourist attraction.

MAIN COURTYARD

The central courtyard of the El Badi Palace is the heart of the entire complex. It is surrounded by elegant arcades, with a fountain at its center – the main focal point of the courtyard. It is the perfect place to admire the harmony of proportions and architectural details, such as zellige mosaics and carved stucco. In autumn 2025, part of the courtyard was temporarily closed to visitors due to renovation.

REPRESENTATIVE ROOMS

The palace has several rooms intended for receptions and official meetings:

  • Audience Hall (Grand Hall) – richly decorated with stucco, featuring beautiful carved ceilings and stained-glass windows.
  • Private Reception Rooms – smaller rooms with decorations inspired by floral and geometric motifs.

PRIVATE ROOMS AND WIVES’ CHAMBERS

The palace was home to the four wives and numerous concubines of Vizier Bou Ahmed. Their rooms are located in the more secluded part of the complex, with courtyards and private terraces. These interiors are richly decorated and convey the intimate character of the residence.

GARDENS

The palace has several garden courtyards, filled with orange trees, palms, and fountains. These are places of quiet and relaxation, contrasting with the representative areas, demonstrating how Moroccan architecture blends functionality with aesthetics.

CORRIDORS AND ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

While visiting the palace, it is worth paying attention to the carved cedarwood ceilings, stucco decorations on the walls, zellige mosaics in colorful geometric patterns, and large doors with intricate embellishments. Every detail reflects the mastery of 19th-century Marrakesh craftsmen.

EL BADI PALACE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • opening hours : 9.00 – 17.00
  • admission ticket: 100 DH, children under 12 – 30 DH
  • details on the website : EL BADI PALACE
  • OUR RATING 8/10 – an attraction unfairly overlooked by tourists, it is one of the most interesting sites in Marrakesh.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

El Badi Palace (Arabic: “Incomparable”) is one of the most important monuments in Marrakesh and a symbol of the power of the Saadian dynasty. Its construction was commissioned by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578 to commemorate the victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of the Three Kings. The palace’s name emphasized the ruler’s ambitions and the exceptional character of the residence. Construction lasted several decades and was funded by war reparations, trade, and revenues from trans-Saharan trade routes. The complex had about 360 rooms and impressed with its opulence. Italian marble, gold from Sudan, onyx from India, and cedarwood were used. The central feature was a vast courtyard with pools and gardens, intended for lavish receptions and official audiences. After the fall of the Saadian dynasty, the palace gradually declined. In the early 17th century, Sultan Moulay Ismail dismantled most of the decorations, using them to build the new capital in Meknes. Today, only the monumental ruins remain, which still impress with their scale and recall the former splendor of Marrakesh.

RUINS OF PAVILIONS AND AUDIENCE HALLS

Around the courtyard are the remains of pavilions where official audiences and ceremonies took place. Although mostly walls and foundations have survived, the spatial layout reveals the palace’s representative function.

UNDERGROUND CORRIDORS AND CHAMBERS

One of the more interesting attractions is the underground passages and rooms, open to visitors. They likely served as storage or service areas, and today they offer a less obvious perspective on the palace.

GRAND COURTYARD WITH POOLS AND GARDENS

The most impressive part of El Badi Palace is the vast rectangular courtyard, which once formed the center of the entire complex. It originally featured pools and gardens; today, only their remnants and the scale of the layout remain, allowing visitors to imagine the former splendor of the residence. This space served as the backdrop for ceremonies, receptions, and official events.

SECRET GARDEN

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • opening hours : 9.30 – 18.00
  • admission ticket
  1. to the gardens: 100 DH, children and youth 80 DH
  2. to the tower: 40 DH, youth 30 DH
  • details on the website : SECRET GARDEN
  • OUR RATING 7/10 – the gardens are not particularly exceptional, but if you also visit the tower, it is worth it.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

Le Jardin Secret is a historic garden and palace complex hidden in the heart of Marrakesh’s medina. Its origins date back to the 16th century, when the Saadian Sultan Moulay ʻAbd-Allah began developing the Mouassine district. After the fall of the Saadian dynasty, the original palace and garden were destroyed at the end of the 17th century. In the 19th century, the area was rebuilt by the local leader al-Hajj Abd-Allah U-Bihi, creating a new palace and lush gardens. Over time, the complex fell into neglect until a thorough restoration was completed in 2016, when Le Jardin Secret was reopened to visitors as a restored historic garden.

ISLAMIC GARDEN

The Islamic Garden is the most historic part of the complex. It was designed according to the traditional concept of a paradise garden, based on symmetry and harmony. Central water channels divide the space into four sections, symbolizing the order of the world and the significance of water in Islamic culture.

EXOTIC GARDEN

The Exotic Garden provides a striking contrast to the Islamic section. Plants from various climate zones around the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas, have been gathered here, reflecting Marrakesh as a meeting place of cultures and historic trade routes. It is also an ideal space for a short rest in the shade of palms and exotic trees. In both gardens, the traditional irrigation system plays an important role, having maintained greenery in the arid climate for centuries.

At the center of the Exotic Garden in Le Jardin Secret stands a small pavilion, serving as a place to rest and observe the surrounding greenery. Its simple, harmonious design reflects traditional garden pavilions, created to provide shade and a connection with nature. The pavilion serves as the natural focal point of the garden.

LE JARDIN SECRET TOWER

One of the most distinctive features of the complex is the observation tower, accessible to visitors for an additional fee and only with a guide. The entrance leads up winding stairs, gradually revealing views of the gardens and the rooftops of the medina.

From the tower, a panorama of old Marrakesh unfolds. You can see the dense medina buildings, mosque minarets, and on a clear day, even the Atlas Mountains. This spot offers a different perspective of the city and highlights how closely nature, architecture, and the daily life of its residents coexist.

PERFUME MUSEUM

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAPA
  • opening hours : 9.00 – 17.30
  • admission ticket: 50 DH (unfortunately no details on the website)
  • details on the website : PERFUME MUSEUM
  • OUR RATING 7/10 – the exhibitions themselves are not particularly exceptional, and the museum is small, but it is very charming, and its biggest advantage is that it is overlooked by most tourists.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

Le Musée du Parfum is an unusual museum dedicated to the art of perfumes and scents, located in a restored 19th-century riad in the heart of Marrakesh’s medina. The place combines traditional architecture with a modern approach to visiting. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum offers workshops and interactive attractions. Visitors can learn about the process of creating fragrances and even make their own perfume or scented oil at a special perfume bar. Unfortunately, due to high demand, we skipped the workshops this time.

INNER COURTYARD

The building showcases traditional Moroccan architecture, featuring an inner courtyard (sebil) decorated with intricate tiles, arches, and carved wood. With trees and small tables, it looks beautiful and provides a perfect backdrop for photography.

EXHIBITIONS

The museum introduces visitors to the world of scents, perfumes, and aromatherapy, highlighting their significance in Moroccan history and culture. On site, visitors can learn about traditional methods of creating perfumes, such as the distillation of floral waters and essential oils. The exhibition also includes aromatic and medicinal plants used in perfumery and hammam rituals.

YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM,

MAJORELLE GARDENS AND BERBER MUSEUM

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • godziny otwarcia : 10.00 – 18.00
  • bilet wstępu do :
  1. YVES SAINT LAURENT Museum: 140 DH / reduced 75 DH
  2. Majorelle Gardens: 170 DH / reduced 95 DH
  3. Majorelle Gardens with Berber Museum: 230 DH / reduced 130 DH
  4. All 3 attractions: 330 DH / reduced 180 DH

NOTE! Tickets must be booked online (during peak season, even a week in advance).

  • details on the website : YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM
  • OUR RATING 7/10 – downsides include large crowds (tickets are very hard to get and must be booked well in advance) and high prices. Another negative is the ban on photographing the museum exhibitions.

BRIEF HISTORY OF YVES SAINT LAURENT AND HIS CONNECTION TO MARRAKESH:

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh was created as a tribute to one of the most outstanding designers of the 20th century, Yves Saint Laurent (1936–2008), whose work had a profound impact on fashion and visual culture over the past decades. After the closure of his Paris fashion house in 2002, Saint Laurent’s legacy (including collections and archival materials) was preserved by the Fondation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to protecting and promoting his heritage. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé discovered Marrakesh in the 1960s and fell in love with the city. In 1966, they bought a house there, and in 1980 they acquired the Jardin Majorelle and the surrounding villa, saving them from modernist development. It was the oriental light, colors, patterns, and Moroccan culture that had a huge influence on the designer’s color palette and inspirations throughout his career.

ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MUSEUM

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakesh officially opened in October 2017, near the famous Jardin Majorelle. The 4,000 m² building was designed by the French firm Studio KO, which combined modern architecture with references to local materials and textures. It houses, among other things, a large space for permanent exhibitions, a temporary exhibition hall, a library with thousands of volumes, an auditorium, a bookstore, and a café – all designed to make the museum not only a place for fashion displays but also a vibrant center of culture and education.

EXHIBITIONS

The permanent exhibition showcases around 50 iconic Saint Laurent designs, such as tuxedos, safari jackets, and the “Mondrian dress,” arranged thematically around key inspirations: styles, colors, travel, art, Africa, and Morocco itself. These pieces are regularly rotated to protect the delicate fabrics and to offer visitors a fresh perspective on each visit. As mentioned earlier, photographing the exhibitions is strictly prohibited.

JARDIN MAJORELLE – THE ARTIST’S HOUSE AND ITS GARDENS

Jardin Majorelle was established in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, who lived in Marrakesh for many years. The artist created an extraordinary botanical garden, combining plants from around the world with the distinctive, intense “Majorelle Blue,” a deep shade of blue that became the garden’s signature. The artist’s house, located at the center of the garden, showcases his work and lifestyle. After Majorelle’s death, the garden fell into neglect until the 1980s, when it was purchased and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Thanks to their efforts, Jardin Majorelle regained its splendor and became an inspiration for many of Saint Laurent’s designs, particularly in terms of color and patterns.

Today, the garden is open to visitors and attracts tourists from around the world. Hundreds of plant species, cacti, palms, bamboos, as well as fountains and ponds can be admired, creating a harmonious and relaxing space. The garden also houses the Berber Museum, showcasing the culture and art of Morocco’s Berber peoples.

VILLA MAJORELLE – TEA HOUSE

Unfortunately, despite purchasing tickets well in advance, I was unable to enter the Majorelle Gardens and see Yves Saint Laurent’s villa. As a consolation, I enjoyed a coffee in the garden area, where a charming café is located in one of the buildings adjacent to the villa. Here are photos from this part of the gardens.

SAADIAN NECROPOLIS

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Location : MAP
  • opening hours : 9.00 – 17.00
  • admission ticket: 100 DH
  • OUR RATING 3/10 – downsides include the very high price for very little to see. The necropolis allows so many visitors at once that you end up waiting in the heat for an hour to view the most important part of the site “through a fence.” Definitely not recommended

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE:

The Saadian Necropolis is one of the most richly decorated historical attractions in Marrakesh. It was built in the 16th century as a burial site for members of the Saadian dynasty, a powerful family that ruled Morocco from 1554 to 1659. The origins of the necropolis date back to the reign of Sultan Abdallah al‑Ghalib, who established the first mausoleum here after 1557 for his father Muhammad al‑Shaykh. The complex was later expanded, particularly during the reign of Sultan Ahmad al‑Mansur (1578–1603), whose own richly decorated chamber with a tomb became the central point of the necropolis. After the fall of the Saadian dynasty, the site was forgotten and closed. It was only in 1917, thanks to aerial photography, that it was rediscovered, initiating conservation work and its opening to the general public.

ENTRANCE AND COURTYARD

After purchasing a ticket, you enter the walled complex beyond the Kasbah walls. The courtyard creates a tranquil space with tombstones and patches of greenery.

EASTERN MAUSOLEUM – QUBBA LALLA MAS’UDA

Upon entering the courtyard, on the right side is one of the two main buildings of the necropolis, originally founded by Abdallah al‑Ghalib. It served as the resting place for important members of the dynasty, featuring decorations in the Moorish style.

WESTERN MAUSOLEUM

The second large building contains several chambers, where many princes and important members of the royal family are buried.

CENTRAL HALL OF TWELVE COLUMNS

This is the most impressive space in the entire necropolis, where Sultan Ahmad al‑Mansur rests along with his closest relatives. The distinctive Carrara marble columns, zellige mosaics, and stucco ornaments create a unique atmosphere. Unfortunately, to see this interior, visitors must wait in a very long queue.

CEMETERY GARDEN

Here rest the lesser-known members of the dynasty, usually marked with typical tiles or simpler tombstones.

SIGHTSEEING IN MARRAKESH – OTHER PLACES

Even spending several days in Marrakesh, it is difficult to see everything the city has to offer. We visited many places in the surrounding area, but due to the relatively high ticket prices, we had to choose the attractions that interested us most. Some museums and interesting sites have already been described above. Below is a list of other paid attractions in Marrakesh worth considering when planning your visit.

ACCOMMODATION IN MARRAKESH

We spent a week staying in the old Medina of Marrakesh. I highly recommend our Riad, but I will describe it in a second guide to the city. If you decide to book accommodation in Marrakesh, I suggest using the portal we have trusted dozens of times: Booking.com . Through this link, you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!

Enter your desired dates and book safely:

MOROCCO – COUNTRY GUIDE > in preparation

MARRAKESH AND SURROUNDINGS:

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