Marrakech Medina Walking Tour and Souks

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Saleh, a knowledgeable and passionate lisenced local guide who brings the city’s rich history and culture to life. With me, you’ll explore hidden gems and delve into the old Medina of Marrakesh and be like a local:
● Explore the 19th-century Bahia Palace
● Explore the main gate of Bab Agnaou
● Explore the stunning Koutoubia Mosque (outside visit)
● Explore the local market of spices and learn about the local products
● Free visit for a Berber pharmacy (spices cooperative)
● Discover the architectural beauty of the Ben Youssef Madrasa
● Walk through the Soumarine Souk
● Meet local craftsmen and artisans
● Do some shopping guided tour
● Explore the main square of Jemaa el-Fnaa

My deep knowledge of the medina will ensure you don’t just visit, but truly connect with the soul of the city.
Book your medina tour with me today and explore the medina through the eyes of a local expert!

The Bahia Palace is a stunning 19th-century palace in Marrakech, renowned for its intricate architecture and lush gardens. Built by Si Moussa, the grand vizier of Sultan Hassan I, and later expanded by his son, Bou Ahmed, the palace was intended to be one of the most magnificent residences of its time, reflecting the wealth and power of its occupants. “Bahia” means “brilliance,” and the palace was designed to embody elegance and beauty.

Architecture and Design

The palace features a harmonious blend of Islamic, Moroccan, and Andalusian styles, with ornate stucco work, painted wood ceilings, zellij tile mosaics, and decorative arches. Spanning around 8 hectares, it consists of 160 rooms, including private quarters, reception halls, courtyards, and harem areas. However, these rooms are kept relatively unadorned to emphasize the craftsmanship of the walls, floors, and ceilings.

Bab Agnaou is one of the 19 gates of Marrakech’s ancient medina and among the most iconic. Built in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad dynasty, it served as a ceremonial entrance to the Kasbah, the royal district that housed palaces, mosques, and administrative buildings. The name “Agnaou” is believed to originate from a Berber word meaning “mute” or “black,” possibly referring to sub-Saharan people or animals depicted in decorative elements.

Architecture and Design

Bab Agnaou showcases classic Almohad architecture, known for its simplicity and elegance. The gate is crafted from Gueliz stone, a type of sandstone, giving it a warm reddish-brown hue. Its horseshoe-shaped arch is framed by intricate floral and geometric patterns, including calligraphic inscriptions in Kufic script. Although decorative, Bab Agnaou was primarily ceremonial and not fortified like other gates, symbolizing the prestige of the nearby royal palaces.

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest and most iconic mosque in Marrakech, renowned for its towering minaret and beautiful architecture. Built in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu’min, the mosque is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture and an important spiritual site in the city. Its name, “Koutoubia,” comes from the Arabic word for “bookseller,” as it was once surrounded by markets where books and manuscripts were sold.

Architecture and Design

The mosque’s minaret, standing at 77 meters (253 feet), is a defining feature and serves as a model for other minarets in the Maghreb and Andalusia, such as the Giralda in Seville. It is built from brick and sandstone, adorned with decorative arches, ceramic tiles, and Kufic inscriptions. At the top, four copper orbs sit as symbols of spiritual ascent.

The prayer hall is vast, with 17 aisles supported by beautiful columns, creating a tranquil space for worship.

Place des Épices (also known as Rahba Kedima) is a vibrant square in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, famous for its bustling spice markets and rich sensory experience. This lively marketplace has been a hub of trade for centuries, where merchants gather to sell a variety of goods, from aromatic spices to handcrafted items.

Atmosphere and Offerings

Visitors are greeted by the scent of spices, such as cumin, saffron, cinnamon, and ras el hanout, along with dried herbs, perfumes, and medicinal plants. In addition to spices, the square offers a range of traditional Moroccan products, including argan oil, carpets, baskets, leather goods, and woven hats. Vendors display their wares in colorful sacks, contributing to the lively and photogenic charm of the market.

The Madrasa Ben Youssef is a historic Islamic college in Marrakech, known for its stunning Moroccan architecture and intricate artistry. Built in the 14th century and expanded by the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century, it was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa, housing up to 900 students.

The madrasa features a peaceful courtyard with a central pool, surrounded by zellij-tiled walls, carved cedar wood, and stucco detailing. The student dormitories, though simple, reflect the ascetic lifestyle of the scholars.

Now a museum, the Madrasa Ben Youssef offers visitors a glimpse into Morocco’s educational and artistic heritage, making it one of Marrakech’s most treasured landmarks.

Souk Semmarine is one of the largest and most important markets in Marrakech’s medina, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings. As a key artery within the maze of the souks, it starts near the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square and extends into a labyrinth of smaller, interconnected markets.

What to Expect

Souk Semmarine is particularly famous for its handcrafted goods, such as leather bags, ceramics, textiles, lanterns, and traditional clothing like djellabas and babouches (Moroccan slippers). It also offers jewelry, spices, and souvenirs, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking authentic Moroccan products. The souk’s blend of colors, smells, and sounds provides an immersive shopping experience.

Atmosphere and Navigation

The market can be busy, with narrow alleyways lined by merchants displaying their wares, and bargaining is expected.

The Jemaa el-Fna Square is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakesh and has become one of the symbols of the city since its foundation in the eleventh century. It represents a unique concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious and artistic expressions.

Located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square, which is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a meeting point for both the local population and people from elsewhere. All through the day, and well into the night, a variety of services are offered, such as dental care, traditional medicine, fortune-telling, preaching, and henna tattooing; water-carrying, fruit and traditional food may be bought.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• Marrakech Medina Walking Tour and Souks
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  Pickup included
• Marrakesh Walking Group Tour
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  Pick up from your riad
  Private Local Guide
  Duration: 5 hours
  Tea at the Berber pharmacy
  Medina of Marrakech
  Time to explore the city

• English Official local guide.
• Pick up and drop-off service at your riad (If it’s in the Medina)

• Food & Beverages
• Entrance fees to Ben Youssef Madrasa (5€)
• Entrance fees to Bahia Palace (10€)
• Tips

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Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Lovely Morocco Tours.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Africa/Casablanca.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 2 valid reviews on TRIPADVISOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.