9 Most Important Sites in Marrakech – Travel with Brian and Brittany

The fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco, Marrakech has played an important role in Moroccan history. Originally built in 1070 by Emir Abu Bakr ibn Umar, Marrakech served as the imperial capital of the Almoravid Empire. Until the French established a protectorate over Morocco and made Rabat their administrative center in 1912, Marrakech and Fes competed for the most influential city in Morocco. Today, Marrakech boasts some of the largest and busiest markets in all of Africa and its main medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated just west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a must see city in Morocco! Read on to learn about my 9 most important sites in Marrakech, Morocco.

As always, scroll to the bottom of the page for quick links to every site and a Google Map!

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square in the old city of Marrakech. There’s little point in visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa during the day, it’s at night when the square roars to life with food vendors and street performers. If you really want to take in the cultural life of Morocco, stroll through the square on any night of the week. Beware though, the vendors are VERY pushy. Not only do they heavily promote their food, they will also ‘physically’ lead you toward their stall. Always remember the key two word phrase in Morocco (and the greater Arab world), “la shukran!” This means no thanks and will help keep these overly pushy vendors at bay.

2. Bahia Palace

As you wait for night to creep across the city to take in the sights and sounds of Jemaa el-Fnaa, there are plenty of other historically important sites worth a visit in Marrakech! Marrakech and Fes competed throughout the years for prominence throughout Morocco. Each successive ruler sought to demonstrate their wealth and dominance in Marrakech. Thus, there are many palaces, administrative centers and gardens throughout the city. The Bahia Palace broke ground in 1859 under sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman and expanded further in 1900 under Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz. Today the palace is well known for its stucco carved Arabic inscriptions and geometric patterns. Entrance to the palace is 70 dirham per person.

Street Sign for Bahia Palace

Courtyard inside the Bahia Palace

3. El Badi Palace

In addition to the Bahia Palace there’s also the Badi Palace. Translated to mean the ‘Palace of Wonder’ or ‘Incomparable Palace,’ the Badi Palace was commissioned by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in 1578. Neglected after al-Mansur’s death in 1603 and eventually abandoned after the Saadian dynasty moved to Meknes, today the Badi Palace is largely a tourist attraction and exhibition space in Marrakech. Entrance to the palace is 70 dirham per person.

4. Ibn Youssef School

The Ibn Youssef madrasa was the largest Islamic school in Morocco. Originally built in the 14th century and reconstructed in 1565, this school housed over 900 students in 130 rooms. Named after the Ibn Youssef Mosque next door, this madrasa houses a magnificat patio as shown below. Entrance to the madrasa are 10 dirham per person.

5. Le Jardin Secret

Nestled in the Medina of Marrakech is Le Jardin Secret. Roughly 2 acres in size, this – secret – garden was only opened to the public in 2016 after almost half a century of private use. Originally built in the 16th century, Le Jardin Secret came to be after the Saadian dynasty on the grounds of a former palace. The garden continuously changed hands throughout the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 20th century. Today, the garden serves as a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the medina, featuring plants from all over the world. The garden is absolutely worth a visit if you’re looking for a break from the vendors in the median, or just interested in a quiet place to enjoy a coffee and admire the scenery (there’s a cafe inside the gardens as well)! Entrance to the garden is 80 dirham per person, with an option to add a visit to the Tower for an additional 40 dirham per person (the tower visit includes a tour and runs every hour on the hour).

6. Medina of Marrakech

Speaking of the Medina of Marrakech, stretching from the Jemaa el-Fnaa square to the Marrakech Museum are numerous passageways and streets lined with traditional Moroccan products and other wares. Arranged into their various professions, each section features items ranging from basket makers to leather workers and even meats and cheeses. Unlike the medina of Fes, the streets of Marrakech are not as narrow and winding and much more easily navigable. If you choose to wonder the souks of Marrakech, don’t forget to bargain and haggle!

7. Menara Gardens

Marrakech is full of gardens. If Le Jardin Secret didn’t meet your fancy, or if you want to venture out of the old city, the Menara Gardens might be for you! Originally built in the 12th century around a lake, today the Menara Gardens are home to thousands of olive trees and a beautiful pavilion that allows you to walk around the lake. Take a break from walking or set up your own picnic anywhere around the garden. Still need more gardens while in Marrakech? You can also check out Majorelle Garden if you have the time!

8. Koutoubia

The Koutoubia Mosque, or Kutubiyya, is the largest mosque in Marrakech. It was built in 1147 by Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu’min are he had captured the city of Marrakech from the Almoravids. The minaret tower stands at 77 meters or 253 feet tall and is likely the influence behind similar constructs of the time, such as the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. The mosque’s name derives from the Arabic word meaning booksellers, reflecting one of the more prominent trades of the Jemma el-Fnaa market, bookselling. It’s estimated that there may have been up to as many as 100 book vendors working the streets in front of the mosque after it was built!

9. Marrakech Train Station

If you took the train into or out of Marrakech, then checking out the train station should be pretty easy for you!

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