El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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- HepatacyteNorthallerton, United Kingdom779 contributionsWorth a visitNot to be confused with the El Bahia palace which is close by . A massive courtyard surrounded by buildings that have a number of interesting displays. The entrance is through underground rooms and the remains of guest rooms. Look out for storks nesting on the ramparts. Unfortunately it did seem possible to climb onto the walls.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 20, 2023
- Jake CGreater Manchester, United Kingdom643 contributionsWorth a visit but more translation in English pleaseThe El Badi Palace cost us 70 Dirham each entry fee. The palace is fairly well restored and offers an interesting historical insight of Moroccan royalty. The gardens located at the centre of the palace were my favourite part of the attraction, as they are so peaceful and calming to walk around. Whilst there were many interesting exhibitions, many were only translated in Arabic or French so some of the contents / history of the palace were difficult for us to understand. The local authorities might consider adding information in English to improve the experience for tourists.Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 7, 2023
- Fngrsxd160 contributionsRustic feel to the palaceIt’s mostly an open space with some rooms at one end mentioning the history of the place, and its restoration. The citrus trees in the centre were below the walking level and gave a nice contrast. Plenty of cats and birds seem to reside in and around the palace walls. Worth an hour or so, and very close to the Bahia palace.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 2, 2024
- Danny SSugar City, Idaho21 contributionsHistoric Beauty in the KasbahThis palace was home to the 16th and 17th dynasty that ruled Morocco for a time. While much of the palace is in ruins (another ruler scavenged from the site to built his own palace), there are several exhibits demonstrating the history of Marrakesh and Morocco. Personally, I enjoyed this much more than the highly recommended Bahia Palace (which is much newer and more crowded). You probably won't take the best pictures, but it was relatively quiet and serene when we visited and I loved the four sunken gardens in the courtyard. My only complaint is that some of the exhibits were only in French and Arabic (I speak Arabic, but no one else in our party does).Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 30, 2024
- Maksim BLondon, United Kingdom3,450 contributionsInteresting to visit even if all story boards are only in French or Arabic.Kind of mixed feelings when visited it. Its huge, tall walls are impressive, the short walk through the basement with the history about the palace and the are is certainly interested. However, most of the exhibited things were with explanations in Arabic and French only, which definitely impacted the experience. The garden with the pools need some restoration and conservation as currently the main pool was filled with 20cm of green, algae-rich water. This place could be tell so much more about the the area’s history, it just needs more appropriate curation and conservation.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten January 31, 2024
- sjohnleslieBirkenhead, United Kingdom1,577 contributionsGreat to look at but difficult to learn anything if you don’t understand Arabic or FrenchWas looking for the Saadian Tombs but got lost and happened to stumble upon El Badi Palace by accident, but enough of that let’s dig into the review (no pun intended). Once owned by Sultan Ahmad Al-Mansur this palace has been decline since his death and showcased much of his wealth. Many artifices are on display from that time including tiles, coins, and even the Minibar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. There is an Annex which was believed to be used for Residential Quarters and a Courtyard with pools and plant-life. Definitely worth seeing, more so if you are French or Arab speaking because the information boards have no information in any other language.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten February 8, 2024
- Bec, Oli & JaxSedlescombe, United Kingdom22 contributionsProbably better to visit with a tour guide who speaks your language.We have been to Marrakech several times before but had never visited this palace. Its size is extraordinary. The price of entry is 70MAD for adults and under 12 is 30MAD. We were not charged for our son 6 so not sure at what age the child price kicks in. Most of the signage on the displays are only in French and Arabic so a guide would be useful as although the architecture was impressive we didn’t really get a sense of the history from just walking around. We took some great photos and footage the entrance way up from the caves through the old tiled section in particular was worth seeing. My son enjoyed running around the open spaces and could largely do what he wanted inside. This probably wouldn’t be on the list of things to do if it was your first time to Marrakech with other sites rating more important to see if you were only here for a few days. See our other reviews for more of these.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten February 26, 2024
- mel7155Singapore, Singapore1,344 contributionsAtmospheric, peaceful but so attractive palace . No need go to Bahia PalaceI visited 5 sites in Marrakech- 1) Medersa BennYoussef, 2) Badi Palace, 3) Bahia palace, 4) the Medina, 5) Secret Jardin Gardens. I ranked the places I visited within the city in my favourite order as shown above with my favourite followed by my least favourite . My second favourite place . Entrance fee is a little steep at 70 Dirhams but it is more worthwhile than the Bahia palace or much better than the Rio off secret jardin gardens . The palace is very serene and it reflects the neglect but grace this palace evokes . It is a 500 year old palace, and it shows its age and neglect but that makes it so attractive . It is indeed useful to visit both the El Badi and Bahia palace to do a comparative study . I find this palace better as it actually has artifacts - real artifacts that the Bahia palace completely does not have . So it is more authentic than that palace . It is also more attractive and you have those herons flying around amongst the ruins and walls that makes it even more attractive . The toilets are a lot better, cleaner than the Bahia palace . If there is a complain , it is that the explanation of the artifacts are all written in Arabic and French - but you get the picture by looking at the artifacts . At the worst you can still Wikipedia’s out the palace to gain a better understanding of it . To me it is the go to palace and not the Bahia palace .Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 2, 2024
- WikumjRedhill, United Kingdom433 contributionsNot essential but worth dropping byThis is the old ruins in Marrakech, compared to the newer more well preserved Bahia palace, and restored Ben Youssef Madrasa. This is less essential and not as good as those two other sites, but it is close by to the Bahia palace, so worth dropping in if you have the time. It took us only 30-45 minutes to have a good walk around, you could maybe stretch that to an hour if you spend longer at the few small museum exhibit rooms. You can get some nice photos of the expansive central courtyard area. There is not much shade here so bring a hat and shades if it is very sunny.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2024
- RobynradGreater Sydney, Australia812 contributionsEvocative old palaceThis would have once been a huge and beautiful palace. Most of what remains is a large courtyard with gardens, fountains, pools and decorative tiles. There was a small museum with very little English signage, but a short video was available which cycled through a few languages. I particularly enjoyed the "guest rooms" with their mosaic floors which we visited just before leaving the palace.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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David S
4 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Loved visiting here. Even in its current condition, the descriptions and depictions of what it used to be like really make this beautiful former palace come alive. We especially enjoyed the unique landscape architecture and roof-top views of the medina. Well worth the visit - don't miss it just because you've gone to the Bahia Palace.
Written November 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clara Y
73 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Entrance for 70dhs/adult (totally worth it). Huge place so no problem with long queues to get into the different parts (even during the highest season). Very interesting. The visit may take up to 2-3hours if you have a guide. We did it without and it already took us 1h30. There are a lot of different expos all around the palace (Marrakech through history, the city of azemour, the prison,...) The garden is really nice. It is a must see in Marrakech!!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mel7155
Singapore, Singapore1,344 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
I visited 5 sites in Marrakech-
1) Medersa BennYoussef,
2) Badi Palace,
3) Bahia palace,
4) the Medina,
5) Secret Jardin Gardens.
I ranked the places I visited within the city in my favourite order as shown above with my favourite followed by my least favourite .
My second favourite place . Entrance fee is a little steep at 70 Dirhams but it is more worthwhile than the Bahia palace or much better than the Rio off secret jardin gardens . The palace is very serene and it reflects the neglect but grace this palace evokes . It is a 500 year old palace, and it shows its age and neglect but that makes it so attractive . It is indeed useful to visit both the El Badi and Bahia palace to do a comparative study .
I find this palace better as it actually has artifacts - real artifacts that the Bahia palace completely does not have . So it is more authentic than that palace . It is also more attractive and you have those herons flying around amongst the ruins and walls that makes it even more attractive .
The toilets are a lot better, cleaner than the Bahia palace .
If there is a complain , it is that the explanation of the artifacts are all written in Arabic and French - but you get the picture by looking at the artifacts . At the worst you can still Wikipedia’s out the palace to gain a better understanding of it . To me it is the go to palace and not the Bahia palace .
1) Medersa BennYoussef,
2) Badi Palace,
3) Bahia palace,
4) the Medina,
5) Secret Jardin Gardens.
I ranked the places I visited within the city in my favourite order as shown above with my favourite followed by my least favourite .
My second favourite place . Entrance fee is a little steep at 70 Dirhams but it is more worthwhile than the Bahia palace or much better than the Rio off secret jardin gardens . The palace is very serene and it reflects the neglect but grace this palace evokes . It is a 500 year old palace, and it shows its age and neglect but that makes it so attractive . It is indeed useful to visit both the El Badi and Bahia palace to do a comparative study .
I find this palace better as it actually has artifacts - real artifacts that the Bahia palace completely does not have . So it is more authentic than that palace . It is also more attractive and you have those herons flying around amongst the ruins and walls that makes it even more attractive .
The toilets are a lot better, cleaner than the Bahia palace .
If there is a complain , it is that the explanation of the artifacts are all written in Arabic and French - but you get the picture by looking at the artifacts . At the worst you can still Wikipedia’s out the palace to gain a better understanding of it . To me it is the go to palace and not the Bahia palace .
Written April 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan J
Bristol, UK73 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The pools are either empty or have only a few inches of murky water in them and much of the walls are covered in scaffolding and parts are cordoned off. I am sure it will be glorious once they have finished whatever they are doing but at the moment it is a disappointment. Obviously there are no signs outside to warn you of this, nor is there a reduction in the entry price.
Written May 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandra B
Cuneo, Italy1,482 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
beautiful walls and remains of a large palace with a magnificent courtyard where dozens of storks nest on chimneys! Particular the floor of typical mosaic azulejos beautifully decorated to form colorful geometric designs. A must see! We visited independently at a cost of 107 dirhams about 10 euros. . Payment only in cash.
Automatically translated
Written August 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia51,768 contributions
Jul 2019
This is a 16th century palace, but unfortunately not much remains of its former glory. What you do see today are just ruins and very little else. However it's probably worth a visit just to learn something of the history of the country and to satisfy your curiosity.
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances B
Yorkshire, UK2,715 contributions
Nov 2022 • Solo
I visited El Badi Palais late morning. The entrance price was 70 dirhams. It wasn’t busy at all.
This palace is a sprawling ruin but there are parts of it that have been preserved. There is information provided to the visitor (mainly in Arabic and French) that give a bit of background to the history of the palace and what the various areas of it were used for.
I really enjoyed strolling through its grounds. I particularly enjoyed seeing the nesting storks, the underground chambers used for the servants and for prisoners. I also really enjoyed reading all about the history of the Minbar - an amazing piece of craftsmanship.
There are also exhibitions within the palace and a wonderful viewing terrace.
You can stay as long as you want but 1 -2 hrs would easily suffice.
Unfortunately there is nowhere within the place to buy any refreshments. There are however numerous cafes and restaurants within a short walk of the palace.
This palace is a sprawling ruin but there are parts of it that have been preserved. There is information provided to the visitor (mainly in Arabic and French) that give a bit of background to the history of the palace and what the various areas of it were used for.
I really enjoyed strolling through its grounds. I particularly enjoyed seeing the nesting storks, the underground chambers used for the servants and for prisoners. I also really enjoyed reading all about the history of the Minbar - an amazing piece of craftsmanship.
There are also exhibitions within the palace and a wonderful viewing terrace.
You can stay as long as you want but 1 -2 hrs would easily suffice.
Unfortunately there is nowhere within the place to buy any refreshments. There are however numerous cafes and restaurants within a short walk of the palace.
Written November 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danny S
Sugar City, ID21 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
This palace was home to the 16th and 17th dynasty that ruled Morocco for a time. While much of the palace is in ruins (another ruler scavenged from the site to built his own palace), there are several exhibits demonstrating the history of Marrakesh and Morocco. Personally, I enjoyed this much more than the highly recommended Bahia Palace (which is much newer and more crowded). You probably won't take the best pictures, but it was relatively quiet and serene when we visited and I loved the four sunken gardens in the courtyard. My only complaint is that some of the exhibits were only in French and Arabic (I speak Arabic, but no one else in our party does).
Written January 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gareth S
Wendover, UK149 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Firstly I personally found this very hard to find, there not enough sign posts to locate and use down a fairly small side alley, that said when you get there is worth the 70dh charge to get in.
You can take your time but 90 minutes is more than comfortable to the site. Nice to view all the area that was the prison and the Royal entertainment area.
There is a free toilet etc there but no refreshments, if you were looking to stop there. The minbar was very interesting bit you couldn't take photos, which is understandable for religious beliefs.
Nice trip and good cost, just sort out directions and signs 👍🏻
You can take your time but 90 minutes is more than comfortable to the site. Nice to view all the area that was the prison and the Royal entertainment area.
There is a free toilet etc there but no refreshments, if you were looking to stop there. The minbar was very interesting bit you couldn't take photos, which is understandable for religious beliefs.
Nice trip and good cost, just sort out directions and signs 👍🏻
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bec, Oli & Jax
Sedlescombe, UK22 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We have been to Marrakech several times before but had never visited this palace. Its size is extraordinary.
The price of entry is 70MAD for adults and under 12 is 30MAD. We were not charged for our son 6 so not sure at what age the child price kicks in.
Most of the signage on the displays are only in French and Arabic so a guide would be useful as although the architecture was impressive we didn’t really get a sense of the history from just walking around.
We took some great photos and footage the entrance way up from the caves through the old tiled section in particular was worth seeing.
My son enjoyed running around the open spaces and could largely do what he wanted inside.
This probably wouldn’t be on the list of things to do if it was your first time to Marrakech with other sites rating more important to see if you were only here for a few days. See our other reviews for more of these.
The price of entry is 70MAD for adults and under 12 is 30MAD. We were not charged for our son 6 so not sure at what age the child price kicks in.
Most of the signage on the displays are only in French and Arabic so a guide would be useful as although the architecture was impressive we didn’t really get a sense of the history from just walking around.
We took some great photos and footage the entrance way up from the caves through the old tiled section in particular was worth seeing.
My son enjoyed running around the open spaces and could largely do what he wanted inside.
This probably wouldn’t be on the list of things to do if it was your first time to Marrakech with other sites rating more important to see if you were only here for a few days. See our other reviews for more of these.
Written February 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have been told by a local that this place would only open between 9-12 noon during Ramadan but can’t find any information about opening hour during Ramadan, can someone please kindly advise?
Written April 4, 2022
Is this palace openned in november? i will visit Marrakech next week
Written November 2, 2018
I think is it openned all year.
Visit web pages, today is open.
Written November 5, 2018
How far is this palace from the Medina?
Written October 17, 2018
10 minutes walk (max) from the Koutoubia and Jamaa el Fna. Easy enough to navigate - just follow the main Avenue Hommani Al Fatouaki down from the Koutoubia tower. Not worth the hassle of a taxi...
Written October 18, 2018
Is there an entry fee ? If so, how much per person ?
Written June 21, 2017
The fee is 20 Dirham, approx. 2 euro.
Ask for the ticket. or else you will be supporting the guy's family. ;-)
Written June 22, 2017
Ciao vorrei sapere se l'ingresso al palazzo è a pagamento e quanto costa il biglietto. Ciao
Written February 15, 2016
Ciao, se ben ricordo si paga circa 1 euro e vale la pena. Tieni conto che sono più che altro rovine dove oggi vivono molte cicogne ed in una saletta si vede un filmato su come era una volta. Nonostante lavori in corso nel 2015, merita per suggestione e prezzo irrisorio.
Buon viaggio!
Written February 17, 2016
infant is free
i hired private car for me and my family but it's not far from kutubia mosque.
out side palace there lots shops and restaurant over there one minutes distence from there
Written November 19, 2015
if you go by taxy , do bargain
i hired a privet taxi for all day. and it was quit cheap and easy for me.
Written November 19, 2015
Laraleo80
Modena, Italy
Qualcuno mi S a dire cosa sono i buchi sulle mura del palazzo? O a cosa servivono?
Written October 28, 2015
Il palazzo era una sontuosa dimora decorata con piastrelle dipinte a mano, mosaici, oro, onice, marmo ma il sovrano alawita Moulay Ismail lo saccheggiò 75 anni dopo la sua costruzione per edificare il suo palazzo imperiale a Meknes. Credo che i fori siano i risultati di tale depauperazione
Written February 18, 2016
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