Morocco Top Trips · Updated 22 October 2026
Looking for the best places to visit in Marrakech? Start with these five highlights: Jemaa el-Fna, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs. This guide brings together what to see, how much time to allow and practical advice for planning your visit.
In this guide
1. Jemaa el-Fna: Marrakech’s famous square
Jemaa el-Fna is a good place to begin exploring the medina. During the day, juice stalls, street sellers and passing residents fill the square. Towards evening, food stalls and performers change its atmosphere. The souks lead away from its edges, so you can combine a visit with a walk through the old city.
Plan your visit: Allow around 45–60 minutes, or longer if you stop for a meal. Late afternoon into early evening is our suggested time to experience the change from day to night. The square itself has no admission ticket; food, drinks and performances cost extra.
Local planning tip: Agree on prices before ordering or taking paid photographs. Ask permission before photographing people, keep valuables secure in busy areas and choose a rooftop café if you prefer to watch from a quieter spot. Read our Marrakech safety guide for more practical advice.
2. Bahia Palace: courtyards and Moroccan craftsmanship
Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s most rewarding stops for architecture. Built and expanded during the second half of the 19th century, it brings together tiled courtyards, carved wood and decorated ceilings. Look closely at the details rather than rushing from one room to the next.
Plan your visit: Allow about 60–90 minutes. An early visit can make sightseeing more comfortable, especially in warm weather. The Ministry of Culture currently lists admission at 100 MAD for a foreign adult; other visitor categories have different rates. Check the official Bahia Palace ticket page before visiting.
Local planning tip: Combine the palace with the southern medina rather than crossing the city repeatedly. A licensed guide can explain the rooms and craftsmanship, while a nearby riad or café makes a useful lunch stop.
3. Majorelle Garden: blue buildings and botanical paths
Majorelle Garden offers a different side of Marrakech, away from the medina. Created by artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, it is known for its blue buildings and planted paths. You can also consider the nearby museums when planning this part of the city.
Plan your visit: Allow around 60–90 minutes for the garden and extra time for museums. Tickets are sold online only. Choose your visit through the official Jardin Majorelle website, which links to its authorized ticket platform. Check exactly which garden and museum entries your ticket covers.
Local planning tip: Reserve your visit before fixing the rest of your day. Keep the garden as a separate part of your route, with transport to and from the medina, and leave time for a relaxed lunch.
4. Koutoubia Mosque: a landmark beside the medina
Koutoubia Mosque is a useful landmark when finding your way around central Marrakech. Its minaret rises above the nearby gardens, a short walk from Jemaa el-Fna. The mosque belongs to the city’s Almohad heritage, and its exterior is an easy stop between other visits.
Plan your visit: Allow around 20–30 minutes to see the exterior and walk through the surrounding public gardens. Non-Muslim visitors should plan an exterior visit; the prayer hall is not open for tourist visits. There is no monument ticket for viewing the mosque from the public areas outside.
Local planning tip: Leave this stop for late afternoon if it fits your route, then continue towards the square. Dress respectfully and keep entrances clear during prayer times.
5. Saadian Tombs: royal history in the Kasbah
The Saadian Tombs are a royal burial complex in the Kasbah area. Their history reaches back to the 16th century, with later additions and decoration. The Hall of Twelve Columns is a highlight, alongside marble, plasterwork and tile details. This is a relatively compact visit, but queues can add time.
Plan your visit: Allow around 30–45 minutes, plus any waiting time. The Ministry of Culture currently lists admission at 100 MAD for a foreign adult. Check visitor categories and current arrangements on the official Saadian Tombs ticket page.
Local planning tip: Visit while exploring the Kasbah and southern medina. Pairing the tombs with Bahia Palace helps keep your sightseeing route practical.
How to plan your Marrakech sightseeing
For a comfortable pace, spread these places over two days. The suggested visit lengths above are planning estimates, not official time limits. Opening arrangements, ticket prices and access can change; check the official sources before your trip.
- Day 1 — The medina: Begin with Bahia Palace, continue to the Saadian Tombs and stop for lunch. Later, see Koutoubia Mosque from outside and finish around Jemaa el-Fna. Adjust the order to your accommodation, opening arrangements and the weather.
- Day 2 — Garden and time to explore: Visit Majorelle Garden at your booked time, then leave space for the souks, a cooking class or a hammam. Read our two-day Marrakech itinerary for more ideas.
Wear comfortable shoes, carry water and allow breaks during hot weather. A medina riad can be convenient for walking, while hotels outside the old city usually require transfers. Explore our guide to riads in Marrakech when considering where to stay.
If Marrakech is part of a longer journey, browse our private tours from Marrakech. Our 9-day Morocco tour from Marrakech is one suggested starting point for combining the city with the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert. Your route can be adjusted to your dates and interests.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see all five places in one day?
It may be possible with carefully timed bookings and transport, but it can feel rushed. Two days give you more time for the medina, meals and breaks, especially when travelling with children.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Majorelle Garden requires online tickets. For Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, use the official Ministry of Culture pages to check current admission arrangements. If we arrange your private tour, your proposal will confirm which tickets are included.
Is a guide necessary for Marrakech?
You can explore independently, but a licensed local guide can explain the historic sites and help connect the stops into a sensible route. Your driver and city guide have different roles; we confirm both in your tour arrangements.
What should I wear for sightseeing?
Choose comfortable footwear and light clothing that suits the weather. Modest clothing is a respectful choice around religious sites and traditional neighbourhoods. Bring an extra layer for cooler evenings when needed.
Plan your private Morocco tour
Tell us your travel dates, who is coming and the places you would love to see. Our local Moroccan team will help plan your route, private transport, licensed city guides and places to stay, with support throughout your journey.
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Photo credit: Michal Osmenda, “Djemaa El Fna at sunset” (2008), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0. Web version scaled and displayed with a layout crop.
