Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Marrakesh

Marrakech Photo Spots

Marrakech, also known as the Red City, is a picturesque location in Morocco that offers numerous spots for capturing stunning photographs. The top ten places include the Madrasa Ben Youssef, an architectural gem reflecting Moroccan art and history; Riads, traditional Moroccan houses now converted into luxury guesthouses; and the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century palace with beautiful stuccos, paintings and mosaics.

Other notable spots are El Badi Palace, ruins of a medieval palace; Agafay Desert with its unique rocky terrain; The Oberoi Marrakech, a 5-star hotel amidst Mediterranean orchards; and Royal Mansour Marrakech, one of the world’s most beautiful hotels.

The list also includes Majorelle Garden, home to around 300 species of plants; the Medina or old town filled with historical landmarks and bustling markets; and Koutoubia Mosque, an impressive symbol of Islamic art and culture in Morocco. Each of these locations offers unique perspectives and backdrops for capturing memorable photos.

TLDR

1. Madrasa Ben Youssef: This historical building showcases traditional Moroccan art and architecture.
2. Riad: These traditional Moroccan homes, now converted into luxury guest houses, offer a glimpse into authentic Moroccan lifestyle.
3. Bahia Palace: A 19th-century palace adorned with intricate stuccos, paintings, and mosaics.
4. El Badi Palace: The ruins of this medieval palace provide a peek into Morocco’s past.
5. Agafay Desert: Known as the Marrakech Desert or the Desert of Stones, it offers a unique desert landscape near Marrakech.
6. The Oberoi Marrakech: This 5-star hotel nestled among fragrant orange trees and ancient olive trees offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
7. Royal Mansour: One of the world’s most luxurious hotels offering an authentic medina experience within its premises.
8. Majorelle Garden: Once home to French designer YSL, this garden is filled with exotic plants from five continents.
9. The Medina: The walled old town at the heart of Marrakesh offers a maze-like network of alleyways filled with shops selling everything from textiles to spices.
10. Koutoubia Mosque: Located in the heart of Marrakech, this mosque is renowned for its decorative arches and mosaic work.

1. Madrasa Ben Youssef

Located in the heart of Marrakesh’s old medina, Madrasa Ben Youssef is a treasure of Islamic and Moroccan architecture. Built between 1564 and 1565 by Sultan Abdullah Al-Ghaleb Assaadi, this historical school stands out for its harmonious design and diverse construction materials. The building’s intricate artistry and history transport visitors to an era of flourishing art, knowledge, and culture.

2. Riads

Riads in Marrakesh are more than just hotels; they are elegant showcases of Moroccan craftsmanship. Each riad, with its zelliges, woodwork, carpets, plaster carvings, and custom furniture, creates a beautiful and inviting ambiance. Often featuring an interior garden or courtyard, traditional riads offer a total immersion into Moroccan lifestyle. Originally the homes of wealthy merchants, many have now been converted into luxurious guesthouses. Staying in a riad provides a unique and authentic experience, making it a wonderful spot for photography.

3. Bahia Palace

Built at the end of the 19th century, Bahia Palace is a stunning 19th-century building featuring rooms adorned with beautiful stuccos, paintings, and mosaics. With its 2-acre garden and rooms opening onto courtyards, Bahia Palace captures the essence of Islamic and Moroccan styles. Initially a private residence for Si Moussa, the grand vizir of the sultan, and later used as a royal residence, the palace is now a cultural icon and tourist attraction, offering endless photo opportunities.

4. El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace, constructed in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, is a magnificent example of Saadian architecture. Although in ruins, the palace’s grandeur still shines through its Moroccan and European styles, intricate mosaics, and marble columns. Originally built as a symbol of the sultan’s power and wealth, exploring these ruins and imagining their past glory makes for a very evocative and photographic experience. Highlights include the central courtyard and the former sultan’s harem.

5. Agafay Desert

The Agafay Desert, often called the Marrakech Desert or Desert of Stones, is a unique landscape located near Marrakesh. Unlike the sandy Sahara, Agafay features rocky terrain, barren hills, and patches of shrubs and cacti. This lunar-like scenery, set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, provides an otherworldly atmosphere perfect for stunning photographs. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat and offers spectacular views that are just a short distance from the city.

6. The Oberoi Marrakech

The Oberoi Marrakech, ranked Number 1 Resort in North Africa and the Middle East, is a luxurious five-star hotel set within expansive Mediterranean orchards. The hotel’s stunning landscape features sparkling water bodies and traditional architecture inspired by ancient Moroccan palaces. With breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, this resort is a photographer’s dream. The elegant design, which subtly incorporates elements from the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, offers countless picturesque moments.

7. Royal Mansour

Close to Jemaa El Fna square, Royal Mansour is a hotel that epitomizes excellence. Designed as a medina within a medina, this exquisite hotel combines traditional Moroccan architecture with luxurious amenities. Guests can stroll through lush gardens and winding alleyways that mimic the streets of Marrakesh. The riads, replacing conventional hotel rooms, and the overall opulent design make it a perfect location for capturing the essence of Moroccan luxury on camera.

8. Majorelle Gardens

The Majorelle Gardens, designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and later purchased by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1980, is a botanical paradise. Spanning nearly one hectare, the garden is home to about 300 species of plants from five continents. The vibrant colors and exotic plants set against an art deco villa make it a dreamy location for photography. Wander through shaded alleys and be mesmerized by the harmony of greenery and artistic design.

9. The Medina

The old medina of Marrakesh, enclosed by fortified walls built in the 11th century, is the city’s cultural and social hub. Its maze of winding alleyways, bustling with tourists, locals, and donkey carts, is filled with historical landmarks like the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and Saadian Tombs. The souks, traditional markets selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and ceramics, are especially photogenic. One of the most picturesque spots is Souk el Attarine, where you can capture images of colorful spices, stained-glass lamps, and intricate silver teapots. At the center of the medina lies Jemaa el-Fna square, a hectic yet fascinating area surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and numerous photo opportunities.

10. Koutoubia Mosque

Nestled in the heart of Marrakesh, Koutoubia Mosque stands as a majestic symbol of Moroccan spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur. Built in the 12th century under the rule of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur, the mosque is renowned for its impressive minaret, decorative arches, intricate mosaics, and expansive gardens. This iconic site is not only a key religious landmark but also an inspiration for architects and historians. Its towering minaret and beautiful design make it a must-photograph landmark.

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