Marrakesh is not thought of as a "history" city as much as it is a gold mine of aesthetically pleasing sites. However, history can be found at every corner around the old city - called the Medina. If you're looking for a great guide to the historic sites of Marrakesh's old city!
A few notes about this guide - the sites at the top start at the southern end of the Medina and work their way north. Additionally, there is a good mix of preserved sites and restored site - the Moroccan government and other private institutions have restored some sites to their full glory. While it may seem less "historically accurate", these preserved sites are just as worthwhile to visit.
NOTE: I cannot verify sites will not be closed due to the earthquake. I have added some links to donate to charities assisting relief efforts in Morocco below.
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This list starts in the Kasbah, which is technically different than the Medina. The Kasbah would have been the fortified edge of the city, whereas the Medina is the actually city itself. Many cities in Morocco have both (Tangier for instance has both as well). The Kasbah is less touristy than the rest of the Medina, but also way less developed - expect to be walking on some dirt roads during this section of the tour!
The tombs in this complex date back to the late 1500's, specifically to the reign of Ahmed al-Mansur, a king who had some famous spats with the Ottoman Empire. All the tombs have been immaculately restored, specifically Ahmed al-Mansur's chamber which is shared with Sultans Moulay Zidan and Mohammed esh Sheikh es Seghir. This chamber, called The Chamber of the Twelve Columns, might be the most magnificent thing you see in all of Marrakesh. However, the site is disappointing outside of this room. But my goodness is the Chamber of the Twelve Columns stunning and may justify the admission cost alone
Built by the Saadian dynasty in the late 1500's, the Badi Palace is now a set of ruins from a magnificent palace. Much of the design and layout is derived from architecture originated in Spain's Alhambra. Today, the ruins or turrets, zeliges, pools, and throne rooms line around the site. Despite being ruins, I found this site to be one of the most underrated in the Medina. If you have a choice, go in the morning as it gets incredibly hot in the afternoon (read - almost no shade at all at the site). The descriptions around the site are also more detailed than other sites in the Medina
Today the Mellah is basically just an extension of the Kasbah and Medina. However, this section of town was unique in the past, as it held Marrakesh's Jewish community. The name Mellah comes from the Arabic word for salt, as Jews were the financiers in communities (usually done with salt). There are doors around most Mellahs in Morocco allowing Jews to separate themselves during Shabbat and to celebrate their religious beliefs without interference
Prior to the foundation of Israel, Morocco was over 10% Jewish. In Marrakesh, the remnants of the Jewish population can be viewed in the Mellah, and more specifically in the Cimetière Juif and the Slat Al Azama synagogue - the only synagogue in Morocco open to non-Jews
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From here you leave the Kasbah and into the Medina proper. At this point, you won't encounter cars for a while as the roads are now too small for proper cars. But watch out because motorcycles are EVERYWHERE in the Medina. You'll also be walking on beautiful stone streets at this point giving a real air of a historic city.
The Bahia Palaces is the first real attraction in the Medina proper as you go north. Built in the mid-1800's by grand viziers to the court, you would guess this was actually the home of the Sultan given the elaborate decor, architecture, and gardens. The building also served as a residence for the French governor when Morocco became a French protectorate.
Visiting the Bahia Palace can be challenging due to the large number of tour groups that come. That said, visiting before 10 AM is absolutely the way to go. The lines will be limited, the chambers will be much more empty, and the experience is significantly better. I arrived at 9:30 during my visit to a 6 person line at the ticket office. When I left at around 10:30 that line had ballooned to about 100. If you can, make this your first stop of the day.
A old palace dating to 1894, Dar si Said is a wonderful museum. Just a walk around the premise to observe the architecture can be inspiring. The building was previously home to a vizier in the court, specifically a minister of defense. Today, the museum houses a variety of artistic pieces, carpets, and other Moroccan crafts.
The centerpiece of the Media and the most iconic part of Marrakesh, you cannot miss the Jema'a el Fna. Originally situated adjacent to a royal palace over a thousand years ago (now the site of the Koutobia Mosque), the Jema'a el Fna began as a gathering place for the city. Over time, the square has emerged as a center of commerce and a distinguished landmark in Marrakesh.
There is no place like the Jema'a el Fna in all the world. By day, the square is filled with juice vendors, performers with monkeys, snake charmers playing music, and touts selling cheap souvenirs - in it of itself a sight. At night, people drag carts and turn the square into a makeshift food court of sorts. The area is also dotted with storytellers and bands performing gnawa music.
I could write a whole article on the food stalls, but main advice: go to places with locals, and where you see people cook in front of you (as opposed to eating on long benches). Other tips: do not accept a snake or monkey unless you are willing to pay for a picture. Final tip: it is quite fun to sit at one of the touristic cafes at around 4 PM and watch the people drag their carts and set up their food businesses.
You may not like it here but it is magical nonetheless
Construction of the famed mosque dates back to 1195. The minaret of the Koutoubia is probably the most dominating site in Marrakesh's skyline. The gardens around the mosque are crowded at night with kids playing in the streets and horse and carriages looking to sell rides. You will not be able to enter the mosque unless you are a Muslim. However, it is worth walking around the outside and marveling at the beautiful minaret.
Another "newer" mansion in the Medina, Dar al Bacha was the home of a governor of the Marrakesh region in the early 1900's. Built in 1910, it was considered the grandest house in Marrakesh while inhabited. Today, there is a small art museum housing exhibits that include photography. Additionally, the museum houses Bacha Coffee, perhaps one of the most Instagrammed places in Marrakesh. Despite several attempts, I was unable to attend the coffee due to 2.5 hour waits. Go before 11 AM if you want to stand any chance of getting into the cafe, and visit the museum if you have less than an hour wait
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Around this area, you can also find Le Jardin Secret. I haven't included it as a historic site as it more serves as a botanical garden, but it's still a great stop. Around this location, you can find several old riads turned into shops with multiple galleries. These art galleries are fun ways to explore some of the old houses in this part of the Medina. I could not find a name for these - however, follow the road from Le Jardin Secret to the Ben Youssef Madrassa and you should find these areas.
Housed in a turn of the 20th century mansion, the Musée de Marrakesh is a beautiful history/art museum displaying Moroccan cultural items. It is housed in the Dar Mnebhi Palace, a former home to a vizier.
The museum holds a diverse collection of traditional art objects from different regions of Morocco and different parts of its population, such as, weapons, carpets, costumes, pottery from Fez, Berber jewellery, Jewish liturgical objects, and more. The museum also holds exhibits of contemporary art and other themes in its kitchen and hammam sections, and sometimes hosts cultural events such as theatre and concerts
Immaculately restored, the Madrassa Ben Youssef is one of the must sees of the Marrakesh Medina. The building served as home to an Islamic school of learning from its completion in 1565 until 1960. Today, it is a beautiful site where you can see where adolescents would stay to study the Quran, pray, and become religious leaders in Morocco. Further, the madrasa was important for the Sa'adian dynasty of the day - they had moved the capital of their kingdom from Fez to Marrakesh and wanted centers of learning in their new capital
This small monument features extraordinary decoration and architecture. Dating back to 1125, the site likely served as a ablution space where Muslims would clean themselves before prayer. While a smaller site, the dome is quite incredible and is an opportunity to see older architecture (note that the only other site this old - the Koutoubia - does not allow non-Muslim visitors).
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This part of the Medina has particularly pretty rose colored buildings. I enjoy walking this area at night when shops have closed as well as the streets here are far and away the most scenic in the Medina.
Of course I did not mention the Souks in this article. However, there are lots of markets selling everything from jewelry to perfumes to clothes to tourist souvenirs. Exploring these allow you to get a sense of culture, as many shops still cater to locals and not tourists (surprisingly). The Souk Semmarine is particularly famed (just off the Jema'a el Fna). However, any set of shops can be quite interesting an insightful!
Not a museum or historic site, this carpet shop is a fun visit nonetheless. When you arrive, you will take one or two steps down and be greeted by three floors of carpets. The shop keepers will throw them down to show you the designs and prices. Perhaps the coolest part of the building is the elaborate railings and ceiling design - it's almost as though you've entered a modern carpet museum! While other shops may give you better prices, stop by here to look around - it's a fun stop for the historical site!
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The Medina continues to the north of these sights. However, there is noticeably less to do in terms of attractions and tourist sites. That said, exploring the Medina and seeing old buildings is a key part of the experience in Marrakesh - go for a walk (especially around 6 PM when things are still lively but it is "end of day") to see the Medina in its full magic. And as always explore different sites off of this guide! This is just a helpful tool to start your trip!
Recommended Riads and Hotels
As you probably have read, the best places to stay in Marrakesh (and all of Morocco) are Riads. Riads are specifically a traditionally home, centered around a courtyard, usually serving as a garden. Given culture dictated the outsides of homes should be simple, this is where the embellishment would begin. Around the courtyard there would be various rooms.
While "Riad" in Morocco usually refers to a locally owned bed and breakfast, the Riads in Marrakesh usually are proper Riads. Regardless, the riads on this list provide delicious breakfast and beautiful rooms.
In case luxury is on your list, I've included two famous hotels. While rooms here are quite expensive (think at least $600 a night) they are good locations with beautiful grounds. It may even be worth stopping by for a coffee (especially La Mamounia)
A tranquil escape in the Medina, I would recommend anyone to stay at Le Rehani. The staff were wonderfully welcoming. The breakfasts were delicious. The rooms are stylish, clean, and comfortable. The courtyard and rooftop are peaceful beyond everything. The hammam on site is a great locale for relaxation. Everything about this hotel makes it one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. On top of that, rooms are available for as little as $125 a night, which makes this hotel such a good value. Like with any Riad, there are not many rooms so you may need to book well in advance.
An Instagram favorite, Riad Elegancia has stylish and modern rooms that fit the classic Riad fashion. With only 11 rooms, be sure to book this well in advance if you wish to stay here as the hotel can sell out quite easily
The older sister hotel to Riad Elegancia, La Maison Arabe has been a luxurious stable in the Medina since 1946. With luxurious rooms and beautiful decor, this is likely the most luxurious "Riad" style hotel you will find in the Medina.
The rooftop of this luxury hotels has the most dramatic views of the historic Koutoubia Mosque in all the city. Larger than a Riad but with grounds to compete with any property in the city, Les Jardins de Koutoubia is a fantastic stay for luxury and beauty. While less expensive than La Mamounia, this hotel will still run you a pretty penny (much more than the riads on this list).
This historic hotel has had guests as varied as Winston Churchill and Kim Kardashian. Probably the nicest and most expensive hotel in the city, if you have the cash to spend it is worth experiencing the Mamounia.
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