Top 10 Places to Visit in Medina of Marrakesh (Tips Included!)

10 best places to visit in the Medina of Marrakesh

1. Souks

Wandering through the souks is one of the best things to do in Medina, Marrakesh. This maze of narrow alleys, colorful stalls, and timeworn buildings pulls you into the daily life of the old city. It is loud, colorful, and thrilling. 

As you explore, you’ll pass by pyramids of spices in fiery reds and earthy ochres, the clatter of metalworkers hammering lanterns into shape, and the unmistakable scent of orange blossom floating from tucked-away herbal shops.

If you’re wondering what to do in the Medina of Marrakesh, start here. The souks are the perfect place to get lost and to find everything from handwoven carpets and traditional babouches to natural beauty products and antique treasures. 

Unlike the more organized tourist-oriented shops near Jemaa el-Fna, the deeper you go into the medina, the more you’ll discover. Local artisans still dye fabrics in courtyards and carve wood using techniques passed down through generations.

Place des Épices (Spice Square) is one of the highlights. A charming open space ringed with cafes and spice sellers. I am sure you have seen the photos of the iconic Herboristerie Avicenne, which is located in the Place des Épices.

Just off the square, you’ll find Khalidoun Art, a lesser-known boutique. This small shop is a true hidden gem, perfect if you’re looking for Marrakesh Medina’s secret spots that go beyond the guidebooks.

You will also want to visit Souk Cherifia and D.S.Abdelaziz street leading to the Bacha Museum. While you don’t need a strict itinerary for Medina, it is nice to save some of the spots to help you navigate the chaos of the souks.

2. Medersa Ben Youssef

Of all the historic sites in Marrakesh Medina, few are as architecturally and spiritually significant as the Medersa Ben Youssef and the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque. This former Islamic college once welcomed students from North Africa and beyond. 

The medersa is a masterpiece of Saadian architecture, with its peaceful courtyard, unique stucco work, and richly detailed zellij tile patterns. Don’t forget to wander through its narrow student chambers upstairs.

Just next door is the Ben Youssef Mosque, still in use today. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, it is one of the oldest and most important in Marrakesh.

If you’re following a Marrakesh Medina history walk, this is an essential stop. This is one of the must-see places in Marrakesh Medina, not just for its beauty but for the stories it holds within its walls.

⏰ Open: every day from 9 am to 8 pm
🎟 Entrance fee: 50 DH (cash only!)
📚 Want to know more? Book this guided tour that includes the Medersa Ben Youssef

3. El Badi Palace

Among the most popular Marrakesh tourist attractions, El Badi Palace stands out for its haunting beauty. Once the grandest palace in Morocco, this 16th-century Saadian masterpiece was built to impress, and even in ruin, it still does. 

If you’re wondering what to see in Medina, Marrakesh, El Badi should be near the top of your list. The open-air layout is a welcome contrast to the medina’s narrow streets. 

There’s also a small museum inside, housing remnants of the original minbar (pulpit) from the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the most important wooden artworks in Islamic history.

It’s one of the best places to visit in the Marrakesh Medina if you’re drawn to places where history is both visible and palpable. Time has stripped away the gold and marble, but what remains is raw and unforgettable.

⏰ Open: every day from 9 am to 5 pm
🎟 Entrance fee: 100 DH (cash only!)
💡 Extra tip! If you are visiting Marrakesh during summer, avoid this palace late in the afternoon and come in the morning instead. The heat was brutal with no shade!

4. Le Jardin Secret

Despite its name, Le Jardin Secret is no longer much of a secret. This beautifully restored 19th-century palace garden has become one of the most popular stops in the medina, and for good reason. 

Right in the middle of the busy souks, it offers a calm and photogenic escape that combines Moroccan design, Islamic architecture, and a touch of modern curation. It’s one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable places in the Marrakesh Medina.

The site features two gardens, one Islamic and one exotic, surrounded by traditional riad architecture, zellij tilework, and shaded walkways. There is also a tower that offers views of Medina (nothing that we haven’t seen from rooftop cafes, though!).

Informational displays explain the historical significance of the space, including its past as a palace belonging to powerful caïds. At the same time, the rooftop café offers sweeping views over the medina’s rooftops and minarets.

Some people say that Le Jardin Secret is not worth a visit, but I loved the peaceful vibes of the garden. The entrance fee is a bit steep, considering the size of the garden and other attractions in the same price range, but it is still worth a visit.

⏰ Open: every day from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
🎟 Entrance fee: 100 DH (extra 40 DH for the tower)

5. Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is easily one of the top 10 things to see in Marrakesh Medina, and it’s a place that truly lives up to the hype. Built in the late 19th century for a former grand vizier, the palace was intended to be the most impressive of its time. 

The name “Bahia” means brilliance, and it fits perfectly. This complex of gardens, courtyards, and salons shows the best of Moroccan craftsmanship. From beautiful ceilings to colorful zellij tilework and stucco arches, every corner is a masterclass in design.

If you’re building your Marrakesh Medina itinerary, don’t skip this one. It’s a popular stop, so it’s best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

⏰ Open: every day from 9 am to 5 pm
🎟 Entrance fee: 100 DH (cash only!)

6. Dar El Bacha Museum and Bacha Coffee

Dar El Bacha Museum, also known as the Museum of Confluences, is absolutely one of those places you should not miss in the Marrakesh Medina. Even if you’re not typically drawn to museums, the architecture alone makes it worth the stop.

Right inside the palace, you’ll also find Bacha Coffee, which is a destination on its own. This luxurious café serves single-origin coffees from around the world, all beautifully presented in gold pots with fresh cream and petits fours. 

It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Marrakesh and a perfect break from the chaos of the souks. No matter if you’re coming for the museum, the coffee, or both, this is a spot that blends beauty, culture, and indulgence.

⏰ Open: from 10 am to 6 pm, closed on Mondays (ignore working hours on their website!)
🎟 Entrance fee: 10 DH for the cafe and 50 DH for the museum (cash only!)
💡 Lines at the Bacha are crazy, so you will want to arrive 20-30 minutes before the opening time if you are visiting during high season.

7. Koutoubia

The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a must on any list of historic sites in the Marrakesh Medina. 

Its 77-meter-high minaret dominates the skyline and has served as a model for several other famous towers, including the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. 

Even though non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, the exterior alone is well worth a visit, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.

It sits just outside the chaos of Jemaa el-Fna, surrounded by palm trees, gardens, and benches where locals relax in the shade. If you are wondering what to see in Medina, Marrakesh, this is a good starting point.

🌅 Want to enjoy a privileged view of Koutoubia from a rooftop? Head to Dardar Rooftop, El Fenn Rooftop Bar, or MK Rooftop Marrakesh.

8. Jemaa el-Fna

No walking tour of Marrakesh Medina would be complete without a stop at Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s most famous square and a place that feels like the beating heart of the old town. 

From sunrise to well past midnight, the square is alive with energy: orange juice stalls, street performers, henna artists, storytellers, snake charmers, and food vendors all competing for your attention.

It’s one of the most iconic places to visit in Medina, Marrakesh. While it can feel overwhelming at first, the best way to enjoy Jemaa el-Fna is to soak it all in. You will also want to read my tips for visiting Marrakesh to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Climb up to one of the rooftop terraces for a view over the chaos with a mint tea in hand. It’s one of the best ways to appreciate the scene without being right in the middle of it.

However, be careful, because most rooftops are famous tourist traps – overpriced food, low-quality drinks, and even price-changing scams. I can recommend MÖ-MÖ Restaurant.

9. Museums in Medina

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the artistic, culinary, and cultural layers of the city, the museums in the Medina are some of the most interesting cultural attractions in the Marrakesh Medina.

House of Photography in Marrakech offers a beautiful collection of vintage photographs capturing daily life, landscapes, and portraits from all over Morocco. The rooftop café also happens to be one of the best photo spots in the Marrakesh Medina.

Nearby, the Musée du Parfum is a small but unique space that explores the history of Moroccan fragrance-making. From floral distillations to traditional ingredients like musk and amber. 

For those interested in spiritual and communal life, Fondation Dar Bellarj Maison Des Cigognes is a wonderful, lesser-known attraction in the Marrakesh Medina. Another great place is the Marrakech Museum, but we didn’t have enough time to tick it off.

Finally, the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum was one of my favorite hidden gems in the Medina. And don’t forget to get iced tea at the Le Douar inside the museum. 

10. Riad Yima Boutique & Art Gallery

Hidden down a quiet alley just off the busy medina streets, Riad Yima Boutique & Art Gallery is curated by local artist Hassan Hajjaj, and it is one of the most unique and Instagrammable places in Marrakesh Medina.

It’s not a traditional riad or a classic gallery, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Part boutique, part exhibition space, it showcases everything from photography and furniture to fashion and funky decor. 

And the best part? Entry is completely free. You can wander in, take photos, and browse the artist’s world without any pressure to buy, though you might be tempted. If you don’t have any extra space in your luggage, make sure you try their homemade tea.

For those looking to go beyond the usual medina stops, Riad Yima is one of Marrakesh Medina’s secret spots that still flies under the radar of most guidebooks.

As one of my Marrakesh Medina travel tips for first-timers, I always recommend carving out time for a few unexpected places like this. The medina is full of creativity, expression, and modern Moroccan identity, and Riad Yima is the perfect example of that.

👆🏻Having a hard time finding it? From Place Des Epices head to RIAD Rahba Lkdima. In the tiny square, you will see sight to Riad Musa (with an arrow to your right), just a few steps further, you will find Riad Yima Boutique & Art Gallery. Make sure you ring the bell!