Hotels near Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is the most visually stunning Marrakech attraction you can actually walk through. Built in the late 19th century for Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed, the palace was designed to be the finest in Morocco - and its 8,000 square metres of intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and stucco ornamentation make a strong case that it succeeded. The name means "Palace of the Beautiful" and every courtyard delivers on that promise.

The highlight is the Grand Court - a vast marble-paved courtyard surrounded by painted wooden galleries and rooms with dazzling geometric tilework from floor to ceiling. The harem quarters, with their intimate gardens and fountain courtyards, are equally impressive. Bahia Palace is one of the few Marrakech sites where you can appreciate the full range of Moroccan decorative arts in a single visit: zellige, tadelakt plaster, carved wood, and wrought iron all working together. Entry costs 70 MAD (~€7) and the palace is open daily 9:00-17:00.

Pro Tip: Arrive at opening time (9:00 AM) to have the courtyards nearly to yourself. By 10:30 AM, tour groups flood in and photographing the tilework without crowds becomes difficult. The palace has no signage, so download a free audio guide app beforehand.