When In Marrakech…
Marrakech, the cosmopolitan center of Morocco, offers a dizzying array of sights and sounds. Sleek, modern restaurants and nightclubs are situated alongside a large number of historical sites.
With so many options, choosing the "extras" during your visit to Marrakech can be daunting. You might be tempted to try and squeeze every sightseeing spot into a few days. While we understand the desire to see as much as possible during your trip, our itineraries intentionally include only one or two of these sites to ensure you get the full Marrakech experience without getting overwhelmed.
Many of these sites feature similar architecture and traditional tilework, allowing you to get a good understanding of Moroccan history without committing all of your time to guided tours through crowds. We're highlighting a few of the biggest sites here to help you narrow down what to add to your must-sees!
BAHIA PALACE
The Bahia Palace, built in the mid-19th century, is one of Morocco's most-visited historical sites. Construction began in the 1850s, and its many gardens and rooms were added on piecemeal over many years. It's a great way to experience several different types of rooms and styles in one fell swoop.
Visitors flock to the palace to get a glimpse of the stunning Grand Courtyard and its labyrinth-like layout.
Note: The palace does get pretty crowded throughout the day, and your photos likely won't look like the one shown here!
MARRAKECH MUSEUM
If getting a look at modern Moroccan art is high on your list of priorities, we recommend a stop at the Marrakech Museum. The museum was originally built as a palace in the late 19th century for dignitaries and the ruling class, was utilized as a girls' school in the 1960s, and then was ultimately converted into a museum in 1997.
The tilework may not be as intricate and expansive as other sites, but the museum boasts a lovely collection of traditional and contemporary Moroccan art. It is also one of the least crowded sites, giving you ample time to take in the artwork and a brief respite from the hustle & bustle of Marrakech.
BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is another one of Marrakech's popular sites. The college was originally commissioned in the 16th century, and was named after the Ben Youssef Mosque. Quick history lesson: Ben Youssef - or Yusuf bin Tashfin - is consIdered to be a cofounder of what is now Marrakech back in 1061!
The madrasa has been featured on just about every travel blog about Morocco, and for good reason! After being fully restored in 2022, the courtyard's tile work is notably "Instagram-worthy". A word to the wise: this site gets incredibly crowded and it can be difficult to walk around the courtyard and the student rooms. This makes it challenging to get a clear photo, if that's an important factor for you!
DAR BACHA
Lovers of coffee, unite! Constructed in 1910, Dar el Bacha originally served as a governor's home, and is one of the first buildings in Morocco to feature extensive decoration on the exterior. As of 2017, the site functions as part museum, part coffee shop.
The gallery showcases an eclectic mix of Jewish, Arabic, and Berber artifacts while serving up Arabica coffee in a salon-like setting. Cultural and historical icons like Colette, Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill have been counted among the Bacha's visitors! Note: unlike some of the other sites, the palace has not been fully restored and parts are not open to the public. You'll get to take in Moroccan architecture and tile work, but you won't be able to experience the entire palace!
THE SECRET GARDEN
Last on our list: The Secret Garden! It may not have all the architectural features of the other sites, but the well-tended gardens in this converted 16th-century palace are an option for those who want a break from the hubbub. The Secret Garden features two gardens - an exotic garden with plants from all over the world, and an Islamic garden that follows a specific set of geometric patterns.
An extra fee buys you entrance into the tower, where you can get a great view over the medina itself. There's also a cafe on the premises. It can get a little crowded during peak seasons, however, the gardens are still something of a hidden gem in Marrakech.
THE BOTTOM LINE: We want you to maximize your time in Morocco while also getting a chance to step back and take everything in, which is why we strongly recommend prioritizing what features you MUST experience on your trip before choosing sites to include. If you're still looking for more information, send us a custom tour request and we'll help you craft that dream trip itinerary!
