El Badi Palace Guided Tours

Booking Overview Highlights Includes/Excludes Cancellation Faqs Services Reviews

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Overview

Duration:2 hours 0 minutes
Tour Type:Daily tour
Language:English
Departur time:9:30
Depart Point:Jemaa elFnaa
Payment:cash on delivery available

El Badi Palace (Palais el-Badi) is a ruined royal palace in Marrakech, built in the late 16th century under Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty.
In its heyday it was hugely ornate and lavish, but over time successive rulers stripped it of much of its decoration and materials, leaving the skeletal remains seen today.
The palace site spans a large area, with a grand central courtyard, sunken gardens, façades, many ruined chambers, underground passages, and walls that afford broad views over Marrakech.
The name “El Badi” means “The Incomparable,” reflecting how the original builders intended it to stand out.
Today the palace is visited primarily as an evocative ruin, offering insight into Moroccan history, craftsmanship, and the changing fortunes of dynasties.

The guided tour aims to bring to life what once was a dazzling palace of royal display by weaving together architecture, legend, and historical narrative. As you walk through the ruins and climb vantage points, your guide helps you imagine the decorative richness that has been lost: marble, intricate tile mosaics, carved cedar, gilding, and water features.

Walk among the extensive ruins and imagine the palace’s former splendour
See the great central courtyard with its sunken gardens and once-reflecting pools
Explore subterranean passageways, dungeons, and cisterns beneath the palace
Enjoy panoramic views from the ramparts over the medina and Atlas Mountains
Observe the stork nests perched atop the ruin walls — a striking living contrast to the decaying structures
Visit a small museum on site (which houses artifacts, including a 12th-century minbar from the Kutubiya Mosque)

Includes/Excludes

Entrance / admission fees to El Badi Palace
Professional guided commentary in the chosen language
Walking tour through the palace and its grounds, access to the subterranean portions and ramparts (where accessible)

Transportation to/from the palace (unless stated)
Food, drink, tips for guide or staff
Tickets or entry for other sites unless packaged together
Personal expenses (souvenirs, extras)
Any optional services (e.g. audio guides, if not included)

Itinerary

Meet & Introduction

Meet guide at a designated meeting point, introduction to the site’s history and context

Entrance & Gatehouse

Enter via the palace gatehouse, receive orientation, context of the original layout

Central Courtyard & Garden

Walk the grand courtyard, sunken gardens, perimeter of the pools

Ruined Chambers & Walls

Visit surviving rooms, façades, columns, architectural details

Ramparts / Viewpoint

Climb to walls / ramparts, take in panoramic views over the medina and surroundings

Underground Passageways / Dungeons

Descend into subterranean passages, explore cell rooms / cisterns

Museum / Artifact Room

Visit the on-site museum (minbar, relics) and hear explanatory narrative

Q&A & Closing

Recap, photographs, final remarks from guide, end of tour

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Frequently asked questions

Where is El Badi Palace located?

El Badi Palace is located in the southern medina of Marrakech, near the Kasbah district, just a short walk from the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace. The main entrance is through Place des Ferblantiers.

What are the opening hours?

The palace is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays.
(Hours may vary during Ramadan or special events.)

How long does the guided tour last?

The guided portion usually lasts 1 to 1.5 hours.
If you join a combo tour (for example, El Badi + Bahia Palace + Saadian Tombs), the total duration can extend to 3–4 hours.

What is the best time to visit?

The best times are early morning (before 11 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) to avoid crowds and midday heat. The golden light at sunset also offers perfect photo opportunities.

Is hotel pickup included?

Not always.
Some tours offer optional hotel pickup/drop-off for an additional fee, while others require you to meet the guide directly at the main gate of the palace.

What should I bring with me?

Comfortable walking shoes
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (especially in summer)
A bottle of water
Camera or phone for photos
Modest clothing suitable for cultural sites

Can I take photos inside the palace?

Absolutely — photography is allowed in most areas.
Tripods and drones, however, are not permitted without prior authorization.

Is it worth visiting if I’ve already seen Bahia Palace?

Definitely.
While Bahia Palace showcases preserved architecture and luxury interiors, El Badi Palace presents the majestic ruins and historical atmosphere of a once-grand royal complex — both offer contrasting but complementary experiences.