Bahia Palace Marrakech: History, Tickets, Opening Hours and Tips
The Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace in the Marrakech medina, famous for its painted cedar ceilings, zellige tilework and garden courtyards. It is open daily, usually from 9:00 to 17:00, the entrance fee is around 100 MAD for foreign adults (check on site, as prices change), and a visit takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Go at opening time to avoid tour groups.
A short history of the Bahia Palace
The palace was built in stages in the second half of the 19th century, first by Si Moussa, grand vizier to the sultan, and then greatly expanded by his son Ba Ahmed, who was the real power behind the throne in the 1890s. Its name means "brilliance". Ba Ahmed hired the best craftsmen of Morocco to create a residence of around 150 rooms around courtyards and gardens. After his death, the palace was looted, and during the French protectorate it housed the Resident General. Today it is a monument run by the Ministry of Culture and is still occasionally used for official events.
What to see
The Grand Courtyard
The largest courtyard, paved with marble and surrounded by a gallery of carved wooden columns, is the photograph everyone takes. Notice the blue and yellow zellige patterns on the floor and walls.
The painted ceilings
The real treasures are overhead. Ceilings of painted and carved cedar, in geometric and floral patterns, crown the reception rooms and the apartments of Ba Ahmed's wives and concubines.
The Small Riad and the gardens
The Small Riad has some of the finest stucco work in the palace, while the gardens, planted with orange trees, banana plants and jasmine, offer shade and calm between rooms.
The Council Room
Decorated with stained glass and intricate plaster, it shows how the vizier received visitors and conducted the affairs of state.
Practical information
| Location | Rue Riad Zitoun el-Jdid, southern medina, 10–15 minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Usually daily 9:00–17:00 (can change during Ramadan and official events) |
| Ticket | Around 100 MAD for foreign adults; pay in dirhams |
| Visit length | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
| Accessibility | Mostly flat, a few steps between rooms |
Opening hours and fees are set by the authorities and can change without notice; check locally or with your guide before you go.
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at 9:00: from about 10:30, large tour groups fill the main courtyard.
- A guide brings the rooms to life: the palace has few information panels. Our Marrakech medina walking tour includes the history of the southern medina.
- Combine it with El Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Mellah, all within walking distance.
- Ignore people at the entrance who claim the palace is closed and offer to show you somewhere else: it is a classic trick.
Where it fits in your Marrakech itinerary
The Bahia Palace belongs on day one of a visit, with the other monuments of the southern medina. See our 3-day Marrakech itinerary and the best things to do in Marrakech. For background on Moroccan palace architecture, the UNESCO page on the Medina of Marrakesh explains why the old city is a World Heritage site.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Street Food Tour by Night with 10+ Tastings — from €39 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Moroccan Cooking Class with Local Market Visit & Lunch — from €45 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Saadian Tombs Marrakech: What to See, Tickets and How to Avoid the Queue
- Best Museums in Marrakech: Art, Crafts, Photography and Fashion
- Le Jardin Secret Marrakech: A Hidden Islamic Garden in the Medina
Frequently asked questions
How much is the entrance to the Bahia Palace?
Around 100 MAD for foreign adults at the time of writing. Prices are set by the Ministry of Culture and can change, so bring dirhams and check on site.
How long do you need at the Bahia Palace?
Between 45 minutes and an hour is enough to see the courtyards, ceilings and gardens.
What is the best time to visit the Bahia Palace?
At opening time, around 9:00, before tour groups arrive, or in the last hour before closing.
Is the Bahia Palace worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Moroccan craftsmanship, with exceptional painted cedar ceilings, zellige and stucco.
Main photo: Val Traveler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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