Moroccan Palaces Walking Tour, Marrakech

Moroccan Palaces Walking Tour (Self Guided), Marrakech

One of the meaningful ways to pass the time away in Marrakech is to visit the local palaces. This is particularly true given that some of them, now restored and refurbished, function as museums. Others, on the other hand, are slowly turning into ruins, which is sad. Nonetheless, they all have a long story to tell and spectacular architecture fit to amaze any beholder.

Among the most renowned palaces in the city is Bahia Palace, an architectural marvel with intricate designs and enclosed gardens. This 19th-century palace is a testament to Moroccan craftsmanship, featuring stunning mosaic tiles, ornate ceilings, and beautifully landscaped courtyards that offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past.

The Museum of Moroccan Arts (Musee Dar Si Said) is another palatial treasure. Housed in a late-19th-century palace, it displays a remarkable collection of Moroccan arts and crafts, including textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and woodwork.

El Badi, once a sumptuous palace known for its grandeur, today stands in ruins. Still, its remnants, dating back to the 16th century, tell a fascinating story. Despite its current state, the El Badi complex remains an intriguing historical site.

The Royal Palace of Marrakech, also known as Dar al Makhzen, is a majestic palace that serves as the official residence of the Moroccan king when he visits the city. While the palace is not open to the public, its grand entrance and massive golden gates are a sight to behold.

Finally, Agdal Gardens, a vast royal garden located near the Royal Palace, is a tranquil oasis of greenery. The gardens feature beautifully landscaped grounds, orchards, and large water reservoirs, providing a serene escape from the urban hustle and bustle.

For any traveler seeking to discover the magic of Morocco, exploring the palatial treasures of Marrakech offers a glimpse into the country's majestic heritage. Embarking on this self-guided tour will enable you to enjoy the grandeur and mystic atmosphere of these grandiose buildings.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Val Traveler.

How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walks in Marrakech

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Moroccan Palaces Walking Tour
Guide Location: Morocco » Marrakech (See other walking tours in Marrakech)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk or build your own)

Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click

at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.

Click here to view route map

Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I access my walking tour in Marrakech?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Marrakech Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Marrakech?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.

Walking Tours in Marrakech, Morocco

Create Your Own Walk in Marrakech

Creating your own self-guided walk in Marrakech is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Marrakech Top Religious Sites

Islam is the official religion in Morocco, which is why it is only natural that mosques are the dominant religious sites in the country, and Marrakech is no exception. Outside these places of worship, the city's religious scene is represented by unique historical monuments (koubbas), cemeteries, and mausoleums – all quite interesting to explore.

Our journey starts with the Ben Youssef... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Marrakech Introduction Walking Tour

“The sunset over Marrakech is like nothing else in the world.” Winston Churchill clearly could not hide his admiration for the city. The proof lies in the more than fifty trips he made throughout his life, many of them marked by his paintings of Marrakech-especially of that glowing, unforgettable sunset.

Marrakech was founded in 1070 by the Almoravids, a Berber dynasty that transformed a... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Gueliz Walking Tour

Gueliz, also known as the New City (Nouvelle Ville), is more like the downtown of Marrakech. Here you will definitely feel the Western influence: McDonald's, KFC, brand stores, and even a supermarket. Still, Gueliz is also famous for its art galleries and parks.

We'll start our acquaintance with Gueliz in the El-Harti Gardens (Jnane El Harti), a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles

Marrakech Shopping Tour

Shopping in Marrakech is an extraordinary experience that captivates the senses. Perhaps no other shopping in your life will compare to it: vivid, bright, juicy colors of carpets, clothes, and shoes; enchanting smells of local perfumes and spices; crafts, handmade jewelry, pottery; and of course, the long shopping mazes and souks.

One of the most iconic shopping destinations in Marrakech is... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles

Medina Walking Tour

“Here everything is red - the walls, the earth, the dust that rises at every step.” French novelist and naval officer Pierre Loti was visibly impressed by the medina's choice of color. Who is there to say that Loti's visit in the 19th century did not foreshadow the French Protectorate two decades later?

The medina of Marrakech, today one of the most recognisable historic quarters... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

Moroccan Architecture Walking Tour

No tall skyscrapers, no sophisticated giant malls, no anything else of Western architecture await you on this tour. Our self-guided walk is entirely about the genuine Moroccan style. We are going to reveal Marrakech which will amaze you with its majestic structures, traditional motifs, and mystic atmosphere.

Our first stop is a prominent example of Islamic architecture, the Koutoubia Mosque.... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles

View all walking tours in Marrakech, Morocco