Start with the medina and Jemaa el-Fna
The medina of Marrakech has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It is the heart of the city: souks, lanes, mosques and palaces.
Jemaa el-Fna square is part of it. It began as an open market space in front of the gates of an Almoravid palace. Go late in the day, when the food stalls set up.
The Koutoubia, the city landmark
The minaret of the Koutoubia mosque is 77 metres tall and dates from the 12th century. It is the landmark you can see from much of the city.
The Koutoubia is a place of worship: you see the minaret from outside, from the gardens and the surrounding square.
Verified figures
- Medina
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
- Koutoubia
- 77-metre minaret, 12th century.
- El Badi Palace
- Begun in 1578.
- Mellah
- Created by the Saadians in 1558.
- Majorelle Garden
- Open to the public since 1947.
Facts checked in October 2026 (UNESCO, public geographic and historical sources). Opening hours and fees: check before your visit.
Palaces and tombs: El Badi, Saadian Tombs, Bahia
The El Badi Palace was begun in 1578 by Ahmad al-Mansur. The Saadian Tombs are a 16th-century royal necropolis. The Bahia Palace is one of the best-known palaces in the city.
Opening hours and entry fees change: check them before you go.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Majorelle Garden
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a 16th-century Quranic school next to the Ben Youssef Mosque.
The Majorelle Garden, once the home of the painter Jacques Majorelle, has been open to the public since 1947. Yves Saint Laurent bought and restored the property. Keep it for a free morning, away from the heat.
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The Mellah, a quarter few tours visit
The Mellah, the medina’s former Jewish quarter, was created by the Saadians in 1558 on the site of the sultan’s former stables. It is a calmer visit than the rest of the medina.
With a guide, the visit links the Mellah to the city’s Sufi tradition.
Frequently asked questions
What should I start with on a first visit?
The medina, in the morning, when you are fresh. Keep Jemaa el-Fna for the end of the day.
Do I need a guide for the medina?
It helps: the souks are organised by trade, and a guide helps you understand what you see and find your way.
Which places can wait for a second visit?
The museums, the Mellah and the Majorelle Garden suit a calmer pace, on another day.