The ruins of an extravagant palace from the Saadian dynasty.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
El Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour of the Saadian dynasty. The palace was built to showcase the considerable wealth of the Saadian dynasty and was a prime example of Islamic architecture and exquisite craftsmanship.
Using both Moroccan and European influences, the palace was beautifully decorated with intricate mosaic tiles, marble arches, and ornate carvings. There were 300 rooms decorated in gold, turquoise, and crystal. It was also home to the sultans harem, which included over 500 women.
When Meknes became the new capital city, the palace was completely stripped of all its materials and transported there to create a new palace. After the death of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansour in 1603, the palace fell into neglect. Now, only the ruins remain.
El Badi is worth a visit if you want to learn about the history of Marrakech and the elite who ruled centuries ago.There is an interesting exhibition area containing the Almoravid Minbar, which is the finely decorated pulpit that once stood inside the Koutoubia Mosque. The area also hosts temporary art and cultural exhibitions. There are underground chambers that contain information and photographs about the history of the palace.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Unfortunately, the palace was badly damaged during the earthquake in 2023, and renovations have taken place to repair the cracks in the walls. It’s still a tranquil place to visit, and the huge courtyard feels very calm and peaceful. The storks nesting on top of the towers give it a mystical atmosphere.
El Badi Palace is situated in the Kasbah district, which is to the south of the city. It is close to the Saadian tombs, an impressive burial site, and another place to visit to get an understanding of the history of Marrakech.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Visiting this once opulent palace, you get a sense of the wealth and grandeur of the Saadian dynasty. There’s a feeling of tranquillity within its walls, and you appreciate its historical significance.
El Badi Palace is open every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm and costs 100 dirhams to enter.
Visit a fixed price arts and craft centre in Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is a government sponsored initiative for skilled artisans.
A short walk away from Jamaa El Fna, opposite Cyber Park, is this unique space in Marrakech. Within the complex, you will find artisans creating beautiful artwork, including paintings, rugs, and pottery.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
It was established for artisans to teach their work to apprentices, and it’s a more low-key shopping experience than the souks. The best artisans are picked to work here, and there is usually only one or two representing each speciality, unlike in the souks. There are wonderful examples of excellent craft work, including brass and copper crafts, lamps, leather work, musical instruments, and much more..
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Prices are fixed, and all the profit goes to the artisans.
Shopping in this fascinating area gives you an idea of how much you should be charged for items in the souks. Some things here are slightly pricer, but you don’t have to bargain hard, and it’s a more relaxed shopping experience.
Within the complex is a simple restaurant for food and drinks. It’s a cute waterhole to take a rest and admire the attractive setting. The tiled surroundings of Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex are very beautiful to look at and complimented by small green areas with plants.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There is also calligraphy available. If you want a gift for someone, consider getting their name in Arabic printed onto a nice postcard.
I enjoyed spending a couple of hours away from the hectic pace of the medina. The slow rhythmic tapping of skilled artisans at work was a nice change of pace. Watching the ladies demonstrate carpet weaving on a traditional loom was really interesting, and I was also invited to have a go.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is located on Mohammed V Avenue. It’s about a 6 minute walk from the Jamaa El Fna. The times of opening are 9.30am until 7.00pm, with the exception of Sunday when they close at 2.00pm.
I found a few lovely paintings to take home with me, which were painted by a local artist and beautifully handcrafted mirrors that caught my eye.
Ensemble Artisanal Craft Complex is a perfect respite from the chaos of the medina and a wonderful spot to pick up a few lovely treasures whilst experiencing the local people showcasing their exceptional skills.
The Mouassine Museum of Music is in the Saadian quarter of the medina. It is housed in a recently restored 16th – 17th century house in the once aristocratic Mouassine area of Marrakech. The upper floor has a small guest room called a douiria. This is a prime example of fine Arab Andalusian architecture. The main room of the douiria is beautifully decorated, with carved stucco featuring geometric patterns and Kufic letter motifs as well as sculpted and painted wooden ceilings.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There are several rooms showcasing the diversity of musical traditions in Morocco. Amazigh music, Jewish tradition, daqqa marrakchia, Gnawa music, and Arab-Andalusian music. The Music Museum contains a wide range of instruments, photographs, and videos. It is a fascinating walk through the musical heritage of Africa and home to some fascinating artefacts.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
After visiting the museum, make your way upstairs to the pretty rooftop terrace where there is a restaurant called the Belvedere Terrace. There are great views of the medina and Atlas Mountains from up there.
The museum also hosts popular events. Three times a week, there are musical evenings. Mondays, there is an Andalusian music concert. Wednesdays is a concert dedicated to Berber music, and Fridays is traditional gnawa music. These concerts commence between 6 and 7.00pm.The concerts are followed by a traditional tea ceremony. I recommend booking in advance to guarantee a place. They are very popular and fill up quickly.
The Mouassine Museum of Music is a deep delve into the history and culture of Marrakech. It’s a colourful museum with fascinating exhibits. The price of entry is 80 dirhams and permits entry into the museum of photography also.
The address is 4,5 Derb El Hammam Marrakech Morocco. It is situated near the southeastern corner of the Mouassine Mosque and the Mouassine fountain. The area is quite dense, so look for signs or use Google maps to help you locate it.
The House of Photography is an important cultural venue in Marrakech. Housed in an old fondouk in the medina, a visit here is a fascinating journey through time.
It was established by Patrick Manac’h and Hamid Mergani as a place where old photos taken in Morocco could be displayed for the public to view. It opened its doors to the public in 2009 and is now home to thousands of original documents, photographs, postcards, newspapers, and photographic glass plates.
A private collection of 10,000 exhibits from 1879-1960, including contemporary photos from the present, allows visitors an opportunity to get to know the history of the Berber tribes in the high Atlas Mountains.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
The first colour film recorded in the High Atlas Mountains in 1957, called ‘Landscapes and Faces of the High Atlas Mountains’ by Daniel Chicault, is also available for visitors to watch.
The Museum of Photography is incredibly interesting, and the photos on display are well preserved, giving visitors to Marrakech a detailed account of how Berbers lived. I was fascinated by how the women dressed and their incredible hairstyles. Watching the video has broadened my knowledge about the history of Berber culture and their customs. It’s only as recent as the 1950s, yet they survived without electricity or medical care.
The displays stay interesting because they changed them periodically, and at the time I visited, there was one about Berber Jews.
Inside the museum, there is a rooftop cafe serving drinks, including speciality coffee and food. There are views across the rooftops of the medina, and you can see the Atlas mountains in the distance. It can get pretty busy during the lunchtime rush.
You can purchase copies of some of the photographs in the entrance, and the quality of the prints is good. I bought a copy of Un Charmeur de Serpents – vers 1920, and it looks great in a vintage photo frame.
The museum is open daily from 9.00 am until 7.00pm.
The address is 46 rue Ahl Fes, Bin Lafnadek Marrakech 400030, not far from Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Payment is on entry only, and it’s 80 dirhams for adults, 15 years old and under are free. The ticket also permits entry into the museum of music.
Le Jardin Secret is a hidden gem inside the medina. It’s a restored 19th-century palace complex in the Mouassine district of Marrakech. An oasis of exotic plants and flowers where you can sit and enjoy the calm and beautiful surroundings, listening to the birds singing in the trees. Nestled secretly in the middle of the souks amidst the chaos, suddenly appears this quiet, enchanting space to spend a little time recharging your batteries.
In the heart of this magical oasis, there is a decorative pagoda to sit in the shade and recollect your thoughts.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Le Jardin Secret boasts two attractive large gardens. One containing a range of plants from around the world, the other a traditional geometric Islamic garden. It also has one of the highest towers in the medina with panoramic views.
There is also a museum, a boutique, and two coffee shops on site if you want to enjoy a drink or a few light refreshments sitting in the sunshine.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Le Jardin Secret dates back 400 years ago to the Saadian dynasty and was left to decay before being discovered and renovated in the nineteenth century. It is a prime example of the beauty of Islamic art and architecture, and you can find out more about its history inside the museum.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The gardens are simply beautiful with Cacti, palm trees, and other exotic plants, flowers, and shrubs. There is a small pond with resident toads and turtles who sit basking on the rocks to the delight of passing tourists. The harmonious sound of birdsong allows you to feel like you’re a world away from the busy souks outside the walls.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
There are plenty of benches dotted around the gardens for you to sit and enjoy the tranquillity and beauty that surrounds you, sitting here peacefully, you forget you are still inside the busy medina, dodging motorcycles, tourists, and donkeys.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
To get the most peaceful experience from your visit to Le Jardin Secret, I suggest arriving early in the daytime before the gardens become too busy with other tourists.
Le Jardin Secret is located at 121 Rue Mouassine Marrakech 40030 Morocco. Opening times may vary depending on the time of year.It costs 100 dirhams to enter, and the gardens are wheelchair user-friendly.
The cafes serve sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. They also offer hot and cold beverages, including juice, smoothies, tea, coffee, and a selection of delicious homemade cakes.
Marrakech Museum has a calmer atmosphere than other tourist attractions.
It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful museums I have ever seen. Literally, next door to Ben youssef Madrasa, it’s in a perfect location for combining both sightseeing attractions.
I had mixed feelings about visiting after reading reviews, suggesting there wasn’t much to see. I was so glad that I did. It was really beautiful inside and held a lot of information about the Amazigh culture and the history of Marrakech.
The museum was once Dar Mnebhi Palace, constructed at the beginning of the 20th century by Mehdi al-Mnebhi. It was renovated by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation and became a museum in 1997.
It now houses a selection of art objects, including Berber jewellery, weapons, carpets, costumes, and pottery from Fes. There is also a variety of modern contemporary art that changes regularly to keep it exciting. Regular events and exhibitions are also held here.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The architecture is stunning with a large courtyard containing a huge central chandelier made up of brass pieces cut into ornate geometric and arabesque motifs.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
There are fountains with beautiful coloured zellige tiles and rooms that branch off with ornate cedar wood and stucco decoration. There is also a centuries old hammam.
In one corner of the courtyard sits a calligrapher who can write your name in Arabic on a postcard. If you want this as a gift, get him to scribe it before you begin looking around the museum as it takes a little while to dry.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Outside is a large open courtyard with a cafe where you can have drinks and light snacks. There’s also a small shop selling good quality prints, postcards and other interesting stuff.
I really enjoyed the Marrakech museum. The architecture was beautiful, and I found it more low-key and less crowded than some of the other attractions around Marrakech. I liked the structure of the building from the outside and the typical red coloured clay that glows in different hues in the sunlight.
I would recommend stopping by to explore some of the exhibits in the Marrakech Museum after visiting Ben Youssef Madrasa.There is no cafe within the Madrasa, so it’s a great place to stop and take a break from the heaving number of tourists and spend some time in a calmer environment.
The Marrakech Museum is located at J2H6+VPJ, Place Ben Youssef, Marrakech 40000, and opening hours are 9.30am-6.00pm daily.
There’s a small entry fee of approximately 50 dirhams.
If you think that Jamaa El Fna is a busy place during the daytime, be prepared for a surprise once the sun begins to set. Gone are the snake charmers and monkeys on chains, to be replaced by open-air restaurants, gnawa musicians, gambling, and exotic dancers.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The scene is organised chaos and a complete sensory overload. The sights, sounds, and smells are not for the faint-hearted. The drumming becomes intense as the main square takes on the image of a huge fair ground.
Thousands of people from all over the city and beyond come together to meet each other, alongside tourists all vying for space to watch the spectacle unfold. The exciting atmosphere is electric and pulsates with energy.
Street vendors looking for potential customers pursue you with menus as you try to navigate your way through the crowds. They hop in front of you, and you have to dodge them like you are taking part in some sort of assault course.
Images by Freebird Tracey
The aroma from camel heads cooking on a spit drifts across the square, and fresh snails being plucked from their shells becomes a familiar sight.
Although the scene is very intense, it is also magnetic and exciting. I love the energy in Jamaa El Fna after dusk, but some people find it too overwhelming. They prefer to sit at the edge of the square, away from the crowds, and watch everything from a safe distance with a drink.
Jamaa El Fnaa at dusk is unlike anything else you may have experienced. There is so much to see.There are games being played, and a few little scams are taking place to try and trick you into coughing up a few dirhams.
Locals hang around the cafe de France, chatting with each other over coffee. Families wander around the stalls that are brightly lit up and open until late. Young men enjoy kicking a football against the walls of the medina, and couples sit on benches chatting to each other in the warm evening air.
Sugarcane and fruit juice are sold by lively vendors, and the banter is all done in high spirits. Tourists dine on rooftop terraces as the Koutoubia mosque rings out the call to prayer.
As the sun sets, the crowds flock, and the atmosphere becomes electrifying.The square is transformed into a social hub where anything is possible and everything appears to take place at the same time. It’s an incredible experience.
Dazzling bright lights from the open air food vendors and Morroccan lamps for sale on blankets give off a warm, inviting glow. The heady fragrance from incense cones competes with the smell of food cooking, each wafting through the air on a gentle breeze.
Henna ladies sit waiting for unsuspecting tourists and then grab their arms in an attempt to sell them a tattoo. They tell you,”It’s a gift,” but don’t you dare to walk away without paying once they’ve applied it.
You can hear the sound of the gnawa musicians playing dressed in their brightly coloured clothing, belly dancers perform, and acrobats show off their skills to the gathering crowd of curious onlookers, you can’t escape the mayhem. After all, the famous Jamaa El Fnaa is the heartbeat of the city, and it draws you in because it’s a special place and there’s nowhere else quite like it.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Jamaa El Fna magnetises you. The chaos that surrounds you is an assault on the senses. It’s an experience, an education, and a head-first dive into the rich culture of Marrakech.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Although there’s so much going on after dusk, please be mindful when stopping to take photos. Someone in the thick of the action will be eagle eyed enough to catch you. They are continuously on the lookout for tourists who have stopped to watch. They will pounce upon you from out of nowhere, with a cap in their hand expecting a donation.
After sunset, it’s as though the whole of Morrocco has come out to play in Jamaa El Fna, and they are determined to have a good time. It’s a sight to behold, lively, energetic, colourful, aromatic, and incredibly loud. Be sure to visit this remarkable place and witness what it is that makes Marrakech so magical. It’s certainly an eye-opener.
Although it’s mostly safe around the square, exercise the usual caution in large crowded areas and try to avoid any obvious scams.
One thing that is central to Morroccon culture is the hammam.
A hammam is similar to a Roman bath and dates back centuries in morrocco. It is a ritualistic cleansing that people do before prayer. This is the reason many hammams can be found near a mosque.
Before homes had plumbing, a communal hammam was the place where Moroccan people went to bathe. They were a sacred space where people gathered to socialise and relax, separated by gender.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Hammams are still widely used in Morocco today. They’ve become increasingly popular with tourists who wish to learn more about the country’s fascinating culture.
The treatment always begins in a dry steam room. Heat opens up your pores and prepares your body for scrubbing. Morroccan black soap is used to scrub your body vigorously. It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating and removing dead skin cells.
Traditionally, scrubbing is followed by throwing buckets of water over you to wash off the black soap. In a public hammam, buckets of cold and hot water are thrown simultaneously, which can be very invigorating.
In some of the luxurious private hammams, Rassoul clay from the high Atlas mountains is used to cover your body. It contains rich minerals such as silica, magnesium, and calcium, which is good for the skin. Next, your body and hair are lathered with a gentle soap or gel to wash off any residue. This is the final part of the cleansing ritual.
Once your body and hair are thoroughly exfoliated and clean, you receive a massage using fragrant oils such as rose or argan oil. This is an intensely relaxing experience.
Once the treatment is over, you are encouraged to relax with a pot of mint tea and morroccan pastries. The fragrant incense filling the room induces a calm and relaxing ambience.
There are two options for experiencing a hammam in Marrakech. One is a public hammam, and the other is a private one.
A public hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, where local people bathe together chatting in darija,the Arabic dialect spoken in Morocco. Sometimes, women take their children in, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. When you use a public hammam, you have to purchase your own soap and oils to take in. Using a public hammam is less expensive and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the life of local people in Marrakesh. Public hammams are perfect for travellers on a budget, but don’t expect any frills. However, they are up close and personal to the customs and traditions of Moroccan people.
On the other hand, private hammams provide you with everything you need. This includes soaps, massage oils, disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandals. Treatment options will vary, from the length of treatment to which kind of massage you prefer. You also get to choose which oils you would like. Interior decor can be quite luxurious, including exotic plants and comfortable couches to relax on. You are welcome to stay for as long as you want once the treatment is finished and some hammams serve food. Les Bains Kenaria is a prime example of a hammam with tranquil surroundings and good food.
It’s worth pointing out that the underwear given to women is very flimsy. Some women ask for the male underwear instead. Nubies sometimes feel vulnerable in front of strangers with only a thong hiding their modesty. However, the rooms inside the hammam are dimly lit, and the Kassalas working there are very discreet. Most women soon get over their initial shyness.
Hammam Mouassine is the oldest hammam in the city of Marrakesh. It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden. Many riads also have a hammam, and this service is available for guests to book.
Here are a few hammams in Marrakech you might wish to visit,
. Hammam de la rose.
. Mamounia Hamman..
. Les Bains Ziani.
. Les Bains Kenaria.
Palm oil is sometimes used when washing hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it, check beforehand.
Visiting a hammam has been an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries. Experiencing a traditional hammam is a break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna. It can be a relief from the baking heat in Marrakech and a chance to slow down from the manic pace. Tourists who visit a hammam come away feeling refreshed, invigorated, and relaxed. Some tourists even become hooked, expressing it’s an unusual experience,difficult to describe in words, but they feel amazing afterwards and can not wait to go again.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
If possible, I recommend paying a bit more for a private hammam, especially if it’s your first time. You feel less self-conscious because they’re similar to spa treatments in the West. It’s possible to book this kind of hammam through Get Your Guide, and they can come and collect you so you know where to go.
If you want a taste of true Marrakchi life head for a public hammam. They’re budget friendly, and you can buy Morroccan black soap and other items you’ll need in the souks or the spice square. Don’t forget to take a towel, bathrobe and some fresh underwear in with you.
Ben Youssef Madrasa was once the largest and most important Islamic college in Morocco.
It was commissioned by Saadian Sultan, Abdellah al- Ghaleb Assaadi in 1564-65 and named after the adjacent Ben Youseff mosque.
It’s a fascinating place to visit with invaluable historical and cultural significance. The spectacular architecture inside the Madrasa is simply breathtaking and a testimony to the beauty of Islamic art and craftsmanship.
Students who studied at the Madrasa would learn many subjects, including religious science, mathematics, philosophy, and medicine.The Madrasa attracted the best scholars and thinkers from the Arab Muslim world.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Ben Youseff Madrasa has been beautifully restored. Zellige tiles decorated with floral, geometric motifs and Arabic scripts adorn the walls. Carved cedarwood doors, ceilings, and intricately crafted pillars showcase the quality of the craftsmanship. It’s a prime example of the skill used to create traditional Islamic architecture.
There are approximately 130 dormitories and in it’s heyday as a koranic school, the Madrasa housed around 900 students.The small rooms were just big enough for them to roll out their mats to sleep on.The main focus for each student was study and prayer.
The rooms overlook the large courtyard, and tourists cram inside to have their photos taken standing in the window frames.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Ben Youseff Madrasa is one of the most touristic sightseeing spots in Marrakech. Due to its popularity, you have to get there early to appreciate the serene environment that the students would have lived in. If you arrive later in the day, expect huge crowds to jostle with each other for perfect photo opportunities.
I visited at opening time, and although there was a small queue of people waiting to enter, it wasn’t too packed with tourists.
Ben Youseff Madrasa is next to Marrakech Museum. The address is Rue Assoual, Marrakech 40000.
Image by Freebird Tracey.
Opening times are 9.00 am until 7.00pm, except on Tuesdays when they close at 4.30 pm. The entrance fee is 70 dirhams.
There are guided tours available to book online. Some include skipping the line entry. I didn’t bother booking a tour. There is information inside the Madrasa, which gave me an idea of what it would have been like to study there. For a more detailed history, a reputable, knowledgeable guide would be helpful.
Maison Culturelle du Tapis is tucked away in the souks and a place you must see if you’re in Marrakech. It’s a museum containing a remarkable exhibition of Berber carpets and a journey through the ancestral history of the tribes who created them. Beautiful carpets are draped along the walls of this boutique museum, each one made by different tribes and eras in Moroccan history.
Situated deep within the medina at 16-18 Derb Deffa Ourbaa, it’s slightly hidden, but the vendors in the souk will point you in the right direction if you struggle to find it.
The museum is a fascinating walk through the history of traditional carpet weaving, and some of them on display are generations old. They have been beautifully preserved, and each one is a testimony to Moroccos weaving heritage.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
Every room of this tastefully restored 17th century riad invites you to look at each different region’s identity, from the Atlas Mountains to Rabat. You get to learn the meanings of Berber symbols and the specific colours each tribe used when weaving their carpets. Each carpet is unique and tells its own story.
There are descriptions to help you appreciate the work that goes into creating each piece, including a detailed history about the Berber tribes who produced them. There’s also an interesting video showing you the process of creating the carpets and the history of the Berber women who spend months skillfully weaving each piece.
On the first floor, you will find a workshop where you can have a go at making a small tapestry to take away with you. This is a two hour activity and ideal for families.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
One of the treasures on display in the museum is the Rabat carpet, a symbol of royal elegance renowned for its rich decoration and finery.
The museum also houses a collection of exquisite rare 20th-century carpets and modern contemporary pieces.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
A visit to this delightful place was a nice break for me from the densely packed medina, and I would thoroughly recommend stopping by to have a look around it.
There’s a small shop inside the museum selling rugs, cushion covers, and bags with pieces of woven tapestry stitched into the centre. They are the perfect souvenir or gift to take home with you.
After exploring the museum, you can relax on the pretty rooftop terrace, where you’ll find a nice cafe to have a light snack, homemade pastries, or a drink. The views across the medina from up here are incredible.
Images by Freebird Tracey.
The museum is open from 10.00 am until 6.00pm and there’s a small entrance fee. It’s definitely worth every dirham to delve into the rich, cultural ancestry of the Amazigh and learn about their exceptional carpet weaving skills. Highly recommended.
The Sound Of The Souks 