The name “Badi” means “incomparable” in Arabic, and this 16th-century palace in Marrakech truly lives up to its name. Standing as a testament to Morocco’s golden age, Badi Palace once sparkled with 360 lavishly decorated rooms, gold-infused walls, and Italian marble.
Today, while much of its original splendor has faded, the palace remains one of Marrakech’s most captivating historical sites. Its massive sunken gardens, towering walls, and restored pools offer visitors a glimpse into the magnificent royal court life of ancient Morocco.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about visiting Badi Palace in 2024. From entrance fees and best visiting times to hidden chambers and photography spots, we cover all the essential details to help you make the most of your visit to this architectural marvel.
Planning your visit to Badi Palace requires attention to a few key details that will enhance your experience at this historic site. Let’s break down the essential information you need to know.
The palace welcomes visitors daily from 9 AM to 5 PM throughout the year 1. Current admission fees are structured as follows:
| Visitor Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | 100 MAD |
| Children (Under 12) | 30 MAD |
| Moroccan Residents | 20 MAD |
Note: Moroccan residents enjoy free entry on Fridays 1.
The ideal time to explore Badi Palace is during the early morning or late afternoon hours 2. These times offer two main advantages:
For the most peaceful experience, aim to arrive right at opening time. This strategy helps you avoid both the midday heat and the larger crowds that typically gather later in the day.
Badi Palace offers numerous stunning photo opportunities that showcase its historical grandeur. The palace is particularly photogenic during golden hour, when the warm light creates a magical atmosphere across the ruins 3.
Prime Photo Locations:
Photography Tips: Visit during early morning for the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds 3. The sandstone walls create particularly impressive photographs, especially when captured in the soft morning light 5. For architectural shots, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the impressive scale of the palace grounds 6.
The palace’s unique textures, patterns, and weathered walls provide excellent opportunities for atmospheric shots 3. Don’t miss climbing the walls for one of the best panoramic views of Marrakech 7.
Exploring the vast grounds of Badi Palace reveals a fascinating blend of historical grandeur and architectural brilliance. The palace’s enormous ruined courtyard offers a glimpse into its former splendor, with several key areas worth discovering.
Begin your exploration through the northern entrance, which leads through the Green Pavilion into the central courtyard 8. The massive courtyard, measuring 130 meters in length, serves as the heart of the complex. From here, you can navigate through four sunken gardens divided by elegant pools 8.
For the best experience, follow this route:
The palace complex houses several remarkable features that shouldn’t be missed. The central courtyard showcases four sunken orange orchards flanking the main pool 9. The exhibition space displays the historic 12th-century Almoravid minbar from the Kutubiyya Mosque, a masterpiece of woodworking featuring intricate marquetry and gold-silver calligraphy 1.
Notable Highlights:
The palace is conveniently located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, making it easily accessible by various transportation methods 10. For those driving, public parking areas are available near the Medina, though it’s recommended to park outside and walk to the palace entrance 10.
Facility Information:
Recent earthquake repairs have been completed, though visitors might notice some remaining damage to exhibition rooms 1. The palace requires approximately two hours for a thorough exploration 5, so plan your visit accordingly.
Beyond the main attractions, Badi Palace harbors fascinating secrets within its ancient walls. While many visitors focus on the main courtyard, the palace’s hidden corners tell equally compelling stories.
The palace’s ramparts offer some of Marrakech’s most spectacular yet overlooked viewpoints. From the panoramic terrace near the entrance, visitors can capture breathtaking views of the entire complex and the city beyond 14. The high walls provide perfect vantage points to observe the resident storks, which have become iconic symbols of the palace 15.
Best Viewing Spots:
The palace’s subterranean network reveals a fascinating glimpse into historical life. These underground chambers, once used by servants and slaves to move unseen throughout the complex, now house compelling exhibitions 16. The permanent exhibition space showcases the conditions of those who lived in these underground spaces, offering a poignant look at the palace’s less glamorous history 17.
In the southern section, two rooms host rotating photography exhibitions featuring contemporary Moroccan artists and special collections 15. The Khayzuran Pavilion, located across the vast courtyard, now serves as a venue for contemporary art exhibitions 18.
The palace’s peaceful corners provide welcome respite from Marrakech’s busy streets. The spacious courtyard features four sunken gardens planted with orange trees, creating tranquil spaces that never feel crowded 15. These gardens, recently excavated and restored, offer insight into the palace’s original layout 1.
The sheer size of the complex works to visitors’ advantage – with generous space for people to scatter, you can often find quiet moments even during peak hours 15. The huge patio area maintains a peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for contemplation or photography.
Hidden Features: The complex includes several lesser-known architectural elements, including the remains of ancient bathhouses behind the southern pavilion 1. These partially excavated structures provide fascinating glimpses into daily palace life centuries ago.
While the ancient walls of Badi Palace stand as silent witnesses to history, they come alive throughout the year with vibrant cultural events and artistic exhibitions that breathe new life into this historic venue.
The Khayzuran Pavilion, situated across the vast courtyard, serves as a dynamic space for temporary contemporary art exhibitions 18. These exhibitions showcase works that create an intriguing dialog between modern artistic expression and the palace’s historical architecture. The space has hosted numerous site-specific interventions by international contemporary artists, bringing fresh perspectives to this ancient setting 19.
The crown jewel of Badi Palace’s cultural calendar is the National Festival of Popular Arts, typically held in June or July 9. This UNESCO-recognized event transforms the palace’s courtyard into a living stage, where the ancient ruins serve as a dramatic backdrop for performances that capture Morocco’s rich cultural heritage 20.
The festival features:
For just 100 Dirhams, visitors can experience performances in 21 different Berber dialects, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere 21. The festival brings together performers from across Morocco, showcasing the kingdom’s diverse Arab, Amazigh, and Sahrawi folklore 20.
Throughout the year, Badi Palace hosts various seasonal celebrations and special events. During the National Festival of Popular Arts, the palace’s ancient pools are filled with water, creating a spectacular reflection of the performances 9. This magical setting enhances the already mesmerizing experience of watching traditional performances against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture.
The palace’s vast courtyard provides an ideal venue for these cultural gatherings, with each performance carefully choreographed to complement the historic setting. International artists from countries including Ukraine, Poland, China, and Spain have graced these grounds, adding their artistic contributions to the palace’s continuing story 2.
What makes these events particularly special is how they blend the palace’s historical grandeur with contemporary cultural expression. The performances often tell stories of love, nature, and tradition, creating an authentic cultural experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike 21.
Making your visit to Badi Palace comfortable and enjoyable requires some practical preparation. Here’s everything you need to know about the logistics of your visit.
Respecting local customs while staying comfortable is essential when visiting this historic site. For appropriate attire, both men and women should wear loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and knees 22.
Essential Items to Bring:
Getting to Badi Palace is convenient with several transportation choices available:
Bus Service:
Walking:
Taxi Service:
The area around Badi Palace offers numerous dining options within walking distance. Here are some top-rated establishments within 0.1 miles of the palace:
Popular Restaurants:
Fine Dining Options:
Facilities Information:
For the best experience, consider visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak hours. The palace is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with adult entrance fees at 70 dirhams 24. Children can enter free of charge, making it an excellent option for families 8.
Remember to carry cash for entrance fees and small purchases, as credit card acceptance may be limited in some nearby establishments. While exploring the surrounding area, maintain awareness of your surroundings and politely decline unsolicited guidance from locals who may request payment for directions 22
