1. ALI BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA (MEDERSA BEN YOUSSEF)
The local mosques in Marrakech are said to contain some of the city’s most impressive artistry. But as they are closed to non-Muslims, the best way to experience the splendour of Islamic design is at Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa.
The madrasa, which was at one time the largest Qurʾānic school in North Africa, is an unmissable attraction in Marrakech.
Following Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, the large central courtyard is breathtaking. A large shallow reflecting pool cut into the beautifully tiled floor is surrounded by ornate walls covered in zellij (mosaic tilework) and calligraphic friezes.
At one end, a prayer niche is elaborately decorated in stucco (fine plaster) with carved latticed balconies above.
The student rooms surrounding the courtyard are completely devoid of decoration adding contrast and a mystical allure to Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Tickets – This private half-day walking tour includes access to the medersa, however you can also buy tickets at the entrance.
2. THE CENTRAL SOUKS
The central souks of Marrakech are open-air markets tucked into a labyrinth of laneways. Packed with a myriad of stalls they give the medieval medina its distinctive energy.
Getting lost in the souks is a unique experience and one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
While some of the stalls are very tourist-focused and can hassle you a little, there are many more that use traditional methods to produce artisanal wares. We suggest seeking those out for a better experience.
The souks are organised (roughly) by their crafts. We have put a mini-walking tour through the best of them on our 3-day Marrakech itinerary. Here are the best ones to visit:
- Souk Haddadine – The metalwork section where pots, trinkets and jewellery are produced to the rhythmic sound of beating tin.
- Souk Cherratine – The leather goods souk where you can stroll the packed arcades with the aroma of leather wafting in the air.
- Souk des Babouche – Row upon row of colourful slippers (interesting photo opportunity).
- Souk des Teinturiers – The wool-dying souk with curtains of brightly coloured wood hanging over the walls.
- La Criée Berbère – The proud home of beautiful Berber carpets.
3. RAHBA KEDIMA SQUARE
Served upon arrival in a riad or at mealtimes, mint tea is often prepared by the men of the house via a tradition passed down through the centuries.
Watching the long pour from an ornate teapot held high above a tiny glass is one of our fondest memories of travelling in Morocco.
One of the best places to soak up this tradition in Marrakech is at .
Perched on the edge of buzzing Rahba Kedima Square, this lively café is surrounded by stalls. It’s the perfect vantage point to watch life unfold in the medina.
4. THE MELLAH
The Mellah is the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech. It was created by Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib of the Saadian dynasty in 1558. The purpose was to provide protection to Jews fleeing persecution in the Iberian Peninsula, as required by Sharia law at the time.
Restored several times over the years, the maze of tight laneways has less of the craziness of the medina and feels more like an interesting local neighbourhood.
Here are some of the highlights:
- The Grand Bijouterie is an ornate jewellery arcade that still sells gold by the ounce.
- Place des Ferblantiers is a scenic meeting point with small souks selling spices, tin lamps and homewares.
- Slat Al Azama is a synagogue with a beautiful blue courtyard.
- The Jewish Cemetery is a poignant reminder of how many Jews once called Marrakech home.
5. BAHIA PALACE
With a symmetrically pleasing courtyard, intricate woodwork and Italian marble, the Bahia Palace is one of the most lavish attractions in Marrakech.
It was originally built in the 1860s then expanded and renovated with more flair and extravagance over the early 1900s.
Although only a few of the 150 rooms are open to the public, it’s enough to get a feel for the magnificent decorations. Bahia Palace contains some of the finest Moorish and Andalusian architecture in Morocco. (Read our guide on Seville for more exquisite Moorish architecture.)
The grandeur of the palace is best demonstrated in the courtyards. Lush plants fill white-washed gardens with central fountains typical of Moorish design.
The showpiece is the huge Grand Courtyard with geometrical patterns stretching across an expansive marble floor surrounded by wooden galleries.
Bahia Palace Tickets – Book a combined skip-the-line ticket for Bahia Palace and El Badii Palace with a local guide.