6 Best Palaces in Marrakech + Amazing Local Tips

If you’re visiting one of Morocco’s most ancient cities then be sure to see some of the best palaces in Marrakech.

After all, this enchanting city is overflowing with elaborate palaces since it was founded in 1062 and has served as the capital many times since then.

Sadly, Marrakech isn’t currently the country’s capital (thanks Rabat). But, there is a long history of designing and erecting gorgeous buildings to house some of the most iconic dynasties in Morocco.

Today, you can visit some of these famous buildings and can even use this local guide to figure out which Marrakech palaces are right for you.

Now, if you only see one palace in Marrakech, let Bahia Palace be it. The architecture is astounding and this enormous building offers great insight into the history and design of traditional Moroccan structures.

However, if you have a bit more time in the city then be sure to visit Dar El Bacha (home to Bacha Coffee), Dar Menebhi Palace (home to the Marrakech Museum), and Dar Si Said (the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Carpets).

While they are all great, I prefer Dar Si Said. It is more of a hidden gem in Marrakech and is probably the least visited palace on this list.

Added bonus? The design of the building is just amazing and the carpets on display are truly stunning. Therefore, it is hands down one of my all-time fave places to go in the city.

Finally, you have Badi Palace and the Royal Palace of Marrakech. I’d skip the Royal Palace since it has a plain exterior and is not open to the public. Yeah, the royal family lives there and does not want to be disturbed.

In contrast, Badi Palace is open to the public, but it is mostly in ruins. Apparently, the building was stripped of its most oppulent decor and was semi-destroyed when the capital was moved from Marrakech to Meknes.

So, I’d only visit if you have extra time and want to enjoy some sweet views of Marrakech. But, let’s dig a little deeper and see which palaces are right for you.

After all, I have lived in Marrakech on and off since January of 2023. Therefore, I have visited all of these palaces multiple times and can provide you with secret tips to help you make the most of your visit.

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1. Bahia Palace

I love Bahia Palace so much that I have been here at least three or four times. The architecture just astounds me and the price (70 Dirhams/$7.00) is pretty reasonable (IMHO).

So, I like to stop by and take LOTS of photos of the elaborate tile mosaics as well as the plasterwork, and zouak (aka a traditional style of Moroccan wood carving).

However, unlike some of the other palaces in Marrakech, Bahia Palace is actually not that old. It was built towards the end of the 19th century, by Si Moussa Ba Ahmed, and is spread out across eight hectares of land.

As a result, it includes a wealth of exquisite gardens and over 150 rooms. Unfortunately, this building is SO gorg that most of it is used by the government to host super fancy events.

But, you can still visit a small fraction of the palace, like the Petit Riad and the Grand Riad. They feature exquisite ceilings and elaborate woodwork that is awesome to see.

However, the real highlight of any visit is a stop at the Cour d’Honneur. It is a stunning, 1500 square meter courtyard with a beautiful Italian Carrara marble floor.

Therefore, if you only have 24 hours in Marrakech then let this be the ONE palace that you visit. A Marrakech walking tour is also great if you want to visit this iconic spot but have minimal time in the city.

2. Badi Palace

I have mixed feelings about Badi Palace. I like it and love exploring the ruins here since you can admire a giant reflecting pool and take in sweeping views of the city from an on-site viewing platform.

However, the building itself isn’t all that grand. That’s because this palace was constructed well over 400 years ago and was finally completed in 1593 by Ahmad al-Mansur.

Sadly, Ahmad al-Mansur only enjoyed his palace for ten years before passing away in 1603. After that, the Saadian dynasty crumbled and the Alaouite Dynasty took over.

The new sultan, Ismail Ibn Sharif, ransacked Badi Palace and used the lavish materials to build an ornate palace in Meknes, the current capital of the country.

So, when you pay 70 Dirhams ($7.00) to enter, you’ll get to explore an impressive courtyard made up of four sunken gardens and a beautiful reflecting pool.

There is also a photo exhibit in the basement that examines the history of the Kasbah and the Mellah. It is complemented by a less-than-impressive display about the lives of slaves and prisoners in the city.

However, the real highlight of any visit is a trip to the Khayzuran Pavilion. It is filled with rotating contemporary art exhibits and is where you can see the Koutoubia minbar (prayer pulpit).

Overall, this is not one of my all-time fave things to do in Marrakech. However, you can visit if you plan to spend four days in Marrakech.

3. Dar El Bacha

Home to one of the best cafes in Marrakech (Bacha Coffee and you MUST go there after your visit), this museum was once a palace/mansion that belonged to Thami El Glaoui.

He was the Pasha of Marrakech (aka the most powerful man in Morocco) and ruled from 1912 to 1956.

Today, this palace is an amazing museum with stunning riad-style architecture that includes vibrant zellige (traditional geometric tilework), ornate white plaster, and robust carved cedarwood lintels.

Purchase a ticket for 60 Dirhams ($6.00) and you’ll enjoy a rotating selection of art exhibits displayed in the rooms surrounding a well-maintained outdoor courtyard.

You can also marvel at a fascinating 12th-century Mediterranean map that was created by the Muslim cartographer and explorer, Al Driss.

It is part of the museum’s permanent collection and is a great item to see before exploring the well-preserved hammam on-site.

Take time to walk through the hammam’s narrow halls and see the ancient brick chimneys, visible through glass floors, that were once used to heat this private bath.

It’s not the grandest palace in Marrakech, but the museum is cool. Plus, you MUST stop by Bacha Coffee for some coffee (served with fresh whipped cream/vanilla) and some almond croissants afterward.

If you can, put your name down for a table at the cafe BEFORE you explore the museum. This way you can wander through the museum while you wait to be seated.

This is one of my fave Marrakech tips since I didn’t do this and was super bored while I waited two hours for my table.

4. Dar Si Said

Back in the day, Dar Si Said Museum was the private home of, you guessed it, Si Said. He was the brother of Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed and enjoyed living the luxe life inside this oppulent mansion from the 19th century.

Today, this gorgeous museum in Marrakech pays homage to the mâalem, or master craftsmen of Morocco. It’s a great place to learn about traditional weaving and how authentic Moroccan carpets are made by hand.

But, if carpets aren’t your jam then you can always have a look at other items on display like pottery, ceramics, woodwork, weapons, trays, jewelry, trays, teapots, musical instruments, etc.

I love coming here and walking through the on-site garden before taking a peak at the bridal suite on the first floor. Everything here is just super beautiful and hardly anyone visits since a lot of people don’t even know this place exists.

Tickets are also a steal at just 30 Dirhams ($3.00) per person. So, stop by any time between 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, except on Tuesdays when they are closed, and enjoy all that this epic museum has to offer.

5. Dar Menebhi Palace

Ahh, the good old Marrakech Museum. It sits right next door to Ben Youssef Madrasa and is home to this stunning indoor courtyard with a GIANT chandelier hanging above a central fountain surrounded by incredible tile mosaics (zellige).

You’ll also see epic cedar archways, elaborately painted doors, and gorgeous stained glass windows that will astound anyone who pays 70 Dirhams ($7.00) to enter

TBH, I think my favorite part of this museum is the architecture since this space used to be Dar Menebhi Palace.

It was built in the late 1800s, by Mehdi Menebhi, who was the defense minister to Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz from 1894 to 1908.

While the defense minister was in England, the palace was seized by Pasha Glaoui and later became a museum (in 1997) that is now home to a wide array of Moroccan art.

I honestly didn’t find the museum all that impressive and just enjoyed taking photos of the central courtyard.

However, I did like looking at the ceramics from Fes and exploring the ancient hammam. So, be sure to check out both things while you’re here.

6. Royal Palace Marrakech

Like most major cities in Morocco, Marrakech has a royal palace. Because it is a working palace that is used by the royal family you’re unable to go inside.

Personally, I’d skip it since you can’t visit anything and can only walk around the exterior. However, a lot of people still love to see the Royal Palace since it is surrounded by these cool, fortified walls.

If you want, you can also visit another royal palace in Marrakech that was home to the previous kings of Morocco.

It is still used by the government and dates back to the 12th century when it was constructed by some of the top artisans in the world.

Sadly, though, you are not allowed to photograph this Marrakech palace. My guess is that it’s due to security reasons.

Map of the Best Palaces in Marrakech

Conclusion

That wraps up this guide to the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech. I hope you enjoyed this post and now have an epic list of great places to visit.

Since you probably won’t have time to visit all of the palaces outlined in this post, I’d prioritize Dar Bacha Museum, Si Said Museum, and Bahia Palace.

All three palaces are beautiful and feature lots of interesting artifacts/exhibits. So much so that I have been to all three places multiple times and will probably keep returning in the future.

I particularly like Si Said Museum since it’s one of the few places in Marrakech that isn’t PACKED with tourists. So, if you hate crowds then add this spot to your 2-day Marrakech itinerary.

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