![El Badi Palace](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/08/0ddfa5befe6f56c808db7f9b0d09afd8.jpg)
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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
Bab Debbagh Tanneries
The guide was updated:Witnessing the age-old craft of leather treatment at the Bab Debbagh tanneries is a fascinating experience. Situated near a river for water supply, these tanneries have been operating for centuries. The distinctive odour, resulting from ammonia used in the leather-softening process, will let you know you've arrived. Unlike some other Moroccan tanneries, the focus here is on treating leather in its natural state; the dyeing happens elsewhere.
Visiting the site can be a bit tricky due to the presence of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a certified guide as part of a medina tour. Otherwise, prepare to navigate past these unofficial attendants by offering a small tip and insisting on entering without their assistance.
Useful Information
- Address: Nr Bab Debbagh Gate, Marrakesh
- More Info: The best time to see the tanners at work is in the morning
Digital Travel Guide Download
Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.
*this will be downloaded as a PDF.Price
€4,95
![El Badi Palace](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/08/0ddfa5befe6f56c808db7f9b0d09afd8.jpg)
Constructed in the 16th century under the orders of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, El Badi Palace — the "Incomparable Palace" — was once hailed as a marvel of its era. Initially featuring 360 rooms, an expansive courtyard, and a 90-metre-long pool, the palace was a monument to the Sultan's affluence and influence.
Adorned with a lavish selection of materials sourced globally — from Italian marble to Malian gold — the palace was envisioned as an opulent space for grand receptions and ceremonies. However, following al-Mansur's death in 1603, the palace was abandoned and gradually succumbed to decay, especially during the waning years of the Saadian rule. Many of its precious elements, particularly its marble, were harvested and repurposed in various Moroccan structures.
Nowadays, El Badi stands as a significant point of interest in Marrakesh, housing various exhibitions and even showcasing the Minbar of the Kutubiyya Mosque. Though largely in ruins, the palace still whispers stories of a bygone era of wealth and grandeur.
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![Highlights of Marrakech: Private Half-Day City Tour](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/13/e4d2a4223178f709b9a4f03f22af6677.jpg)
Highlights of Marrakech: Private Half-Day City Tour
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Marrakesh as you embark on a city sightseeing tour. Visit the top highlights, including the Majorelle Gardens, the Berber Museum, Koutoubia Mosque, and the Medina. While you explore, your guide provides context on the history of Morocco as well as the local culture.
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![Koutoubia Mosque & Minaret](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/16/8d1d93996d0cd0aad723196d7df0d923.jpg)
Koutoubia Mosque & Minaret
Erected in 1120, the Koutoubia Mosque and its 70-metre-tall Minaret serve as the spiritual and architectural heart of Marrakesh, framed by expansive gardens. Situated in the southwest area of Marrakesh's medina, close to the bustling Jemaa el-Fna marketplace, the mosque is not just the city's largest but also one of its most iconic. Although entry is restricted to Muslims, the mosque's exterior is an awe-inspiring sight that can be appreciated by all.
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![Jemaa el-Fna](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/06/fc7b259bce3ef346f4df801267cd047e.jpg)
Jemaa el-Fna
Jemaa el-Fna, the vibrant epicentre of Marrakesh's medina, is a riot of colours, sounds and scents, especially at sunset. Though the square has transitioned from its roots as a daily food market for mountain traders, its hustle and energy remain palpable. During the day, vendors offer refreshing fruit juices, but it's at dusk when the place truly transforms.
Street theatre, or 'halqa,' has been a mainstay here since the 11th century, and the tradition continues in modern times. As the sun dips below the horizon, food stalls magically unfold, adding tantalising aromas to the air. Musicians tune their instruments, snake charmers enchant both serpents and tourists, and the spectacle crescendos into a nightly celebration of Marrakeshi life and culture.
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![Atlas Mountains & Three Valleys Day Trip](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/13/93dc884b0e51fbee6e2cd9eab60f49ad.jpg)
Atlas Mountains & Three Valleys Day Trip
Step away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to witness the impressive Atlas Mountains and traditional Moroccan life.
Explore broad valleys and lush orchards with views of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Ride a camel through a broad gorge, pause for tea in Imlil Valley, then hike to the isolated village of Ait Souka to share a meal in a Berber family’s home. A truly unforgettable experience.
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![Majorelle Garden](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/17/56fa112a9b1b10e287b735e1938af98d.jpg)
Majorelle Garden
When the chaos of the city becomes too much for you to handle, the one-hectare botanical Majorelle Garden is a perfect refuge. Stroll in the shade of the palms and watch beautiful plants, fountains and birds and when you're tired you can sit down at the garden café.
The iconic Villa Oasis — the private residence of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge — is a must-see. Its vividly blue walls are a perfect match with the verdant greenery of the garden.
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![Royal Mansour Marrakesh Hammam Spa](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/01/9670260823cba85c960446d0508c7d05.jpg)
Royal Mansour Marrakesh Hammam Spa
A trip to a hammam is an essential Marrakesh experience for rejuvenating both body and spirit. Berbers have honed their skincare rituals for centuries to keep their skin radiant in the harsh desert climate. Relish the bliss of a cleansing session with black olive soap, hair care, and thorough scrubbing with exfoliating mitts.
For a top-tier experience, the Royal Mansour hosts Marrakesh's premier hammam. Here, luxury meets tradition: you'll recline on heated marble while water from intricately designed silver buckets is poured over you. They use premium Moroccan ingredients in their signature rhassoul scrub, featuring a blend of rose, basil, and other natural elements. Diverse treatments are available, and advance booking is a must.
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![Bab Debbagh Tanneries](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/06/691f2966db266231c4bcf499bdc7c569.jpg)
Bab Debbagh Tanneries
Witnessing the age-old craft of leather treatment at the Bab Debbagh tanneries is a fascinating experience. Situated near a river for water supply, these tanneries have been operating for centuries. The distinctive odour, resulting from ammonia used in the leather-softening process, will let you know you've arrived. Unlike some other Moroccan tanneries, the focus here is on treating leather in its natural state; the dyeing happens elsewhere.
Visiting the site can be a bit tricky due to the presence of unofficial 'guides' demanding payment. If you prefer a hassle-free experience, consider hiring a certified guide as part of a medina tour. Otherwise, prepare to navigate past these unofficial attendants by offering a small tip and insisting on entering without their assistance.
Read more
![Souks](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/02/299c82031d6b97e197abcba693d2dac1.jpg)
Souks
Step into the sensory whirlwind that is Marrakech's sprawling labyrinth of souks. Known as Morocco's largest and among the world's most exotic marketplaces, they offer a feast for the senses — vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas, and the ceaseless hum of haggling. While the thrill of the hunt and the art of bargaining are all part of the experience, first-time visitors may find the maze-like alleys a bit disorienting. The narrow, often-covered passageways, brimming with goods, can seem indistinguishable one from another. To help you navigate this complex web and truly appreciate what's on offer, consider taking a guided tour to get your bearings and avoid getting lost.
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![Menara Gardens](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/05/e655b6662a882e55a8c6a053d8e7b69a.jpg)
Menara Gardens
Dating back to the 12th century, the Menara Gardens offer a serene oasis, enveloped by olive trees and framed by the Atlas Mountains. Initially developed by Abd al-Mu'min, a ruler of the Almohad Caliphate, the gardens hold the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
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![Saadian Tombs](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/09/583ab8a03d463f1b690267f8de4065ca.jpg)
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs stand as an opulent tribute to the Saadian dynasty. Originating from the 16th century, the site was envisioned by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur as a monumental homage to his lineage. Found within the aged Kasbah Mosque, the tombs are divided into multiple sections, each boasting a collection of chambers festooned with ornate stucco work and vibrant tiling.
The architectural flair of the Saadian Tombs is nothing short of mesmerising. From ceilings embellished with kaleidoscopic tiles to walls etched with intricate Islamic motifs, every element contributes to the site's majestic ambiance. Domed chambers further add to the grandiosity, featuring complex geometric and arabesque patterns.
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![City Walls](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/14/b3aa1c3e8fbe7e081787067c3c49a792.jpg)
City Walls
The iconic walls of Marrakesh, stretching over 12 km, are more a statement of aesthetic grandeur than a fortification for defence. Originally erected in the early 12th century by the city's Almoravid founders, the walls have undergone several expansions, including the notable addition of the Kasbah to the south and later extensions towards the northern districts. These walls offer an idyllic backdrop for romantic interludes, especially as dusk settles over the city.
For those looking to explore further, caleches — traditional horse-drawn carts — are available for leisurely tours around the medina and the ramparts.
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![Ben Youssef Madrasa](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/08/8f6fe3c23b8065018894e1597a5b2824.jpg)
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa is an old Koranic school, built in the 14th century. It housed up to 900 students at its peak, and it was one of the largest theological schools in North Africa. It closed down in the 1960s but opened again in 1982 as a public sight. Even though the building looks modest on the outside, the inside will amaze you with its intricate beauty.
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![House of Photography](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/10/6e47371da4312bf47a195446500d0aeb.jpg)
House of Photography
This museum, located in the heart of the city, shows the history of Morocco through 3,500 photographs taken between 1870 and 1950. From the rooftop, one of the highest in the area, you can enjoy the beautiful view while eating a light lunch.
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![Yves Saint Laurent Museum](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/13/e497ea045871ec204b10e773f144712d.jpg)
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Inaugurated in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is an architectural marvel featuring a captivating blend of curves, straight lines, and intricate patterns, all rendered in brick. Located conveniently near Majorelle Garden, the museum houses exhibition spaces, an auditorium, and a library. Showcasing the pivotal works of the iconic French designer, the museum also hosts rotating exhibitions. It's an ideal spot for aficionados of fashion and design to spend an enriching afternoon.
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![Cactus Thiemann](https://image.arrivalguides.com/398x193/01/9651295263c3e026aea81ee410c8b26e.jpg)
Cactus Thiemann
At 17 acres and over 150 varieties of cacti, Thiemann is the biggest cactus farm in the whole of Africa. The farm was founded by a German agricultural engineer who wanted to expand beyond growing cacti in grow house conditions and thus came to Morocco in the 60s. Today, you can admire his life's work of lined-up rows of cacti, in what amounts to a massive pool of different types and shapes.
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![Oasiria-Amizmiz Waterpark](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/12/471a0b0e8ea7ad6cc969e118072ea5a2.jpg)
Oasiria-Amizmiz Waterpark
For a fun and cooling escape from the city's hustle and bustle, consider heading to Oasiria-Amizmiz Waterpark. Offering a blend of water slides and pools, as well as laid-back lounge spaces in shaded areas, it's an ideal spot for family-friendly relaxation.
With a plethora of slides, a wave pool, and even a lazy river, this expansive water park also has splash zones specifically designed for kids.
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![Royal Golf Marrakech](https://image.arrivalguides.com/193x193/19/306e458c6260988f03e114f9e164e502.jpg)
Royal Golf Marrakech
Golf is considered a royal sport in Morocco and in the area of Marrakesh you find several courses at which to play. The oldest one — Royal Golf Marrakech — is from 1933, but there are also more modern clubs to choose from.
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