Three Must-See Places in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city full of atmosphere and places to visit. But among the many attractions, there are three that you simply cannot miss.

These three unmissable places in Marrakech are often overlooked in favor of more famous landmarks. Yet they are breathtaking sights you won’t want to skip.

Marrakech is such a vast and rich city that it’s hard to decide what to share. However, during the days I spent there, some places truly marked my experience.

Among these, three marvelous sites took my breath away. Each one tells a different story and shade of Marrakech.

As I think of them, I can still feel the warmth on my skin, squinting at the endless light, and falling silent before such beauty.

The three unmissable places are close to one another. You could see them all in a single day, but I recommend dedicating time to each—they truly deserve it. You won’t be disappointed.

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are the royal burial grounds of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled Morocco in the 16th century. They were built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansūr for his family and the most important figures of the time.

Beyond the rough red clay walls lie hundreds of tombs decorated with exquisite, brightly colored mosaics. All around, lush gardens bloom with white magnolias and warm-hued orange trees.

The Hall of Twelve Columns is the true masterpiece of the site. Designed in Arab-Andalusian style, the mausoleum is adorned with Carrara marble, colorful ceramic muqarnas, and pure gold stucco decorations.

Also noteworthy are the Hall of the Three Niches and the mausoleum the Sultan had built for his mother.

Did you know? Despite the site’s beauty, the tombs remained hidden for centuries. After the Sultan’s death, the next dynasty sealed them off. They were rediscovered by chance in 1917, when French soldiers spotted the site from above during an aerial reconnaissance of the city.

El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace is a vast complex nestled in the Medina of Marrakech. Its name, “The Incomparable Palace,” refers to the richness of the decorations, which have sadly been lost to time. Once covered in gold, turquoise, and crystals, only parts of the flooring still show these materials today.

What remains are the ruins, now home to storks. Still, the courtyard with its water basins and powerful ramparts gives a strong sense of its former grandeur.

El Bahia Palace

El Bahia Palace—its name meaning “the beautiful”—is one of Marrakech’s most stunning buildings. This Moorish-style palace echoes the splendor of the Alhambra in Granada.

Originally built as the residence of Sultan Ahamed Ben Moussa’s four wives and 24 concubines, the palace is now partially open to the public, as it’s still used by the royal family.

You can visit three courtyards surrounded by richly decorated rooms and corridors, adorned with carved wood, paintings, and colorful tiles. The small riad features a tropical garden and cedar wood décor, while the large riad hosts three fountains and a wide variety of exotic plants.

But the most impressive space is the Court of Honor, a vast courtyard framed by a columned gallery and a dazzling white Carrara marble floor, highlighted with yellow and blue mosaics.