Medersa Ben Youssef
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]
A splendid former Koranic school, dating to the 14th century, of remarkable architectural detail and beauty.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Best places to stay:
As the name might suggest, Palais Blanc’s stark white interiors provide a distinct contrast to the colourful and bustling souks outside this former manor house.
Mixing Moroccan design with Italian touches, the size and scale of the palace mean this feels more like a traditional hotel than an intimate riad.
A small patio at the entrance to each room offers a private space to sit and enjoy the birdsong rising up from the courtyard, while the sizeable pool and terrace offer fantastic lounging potential after a morning in the souks.
The riad’s location at the northern end of the medina means it’s ideally placed for exploring the wide boulevards and boutiques of the Ville Nouvelle, as well as the city’s major historic sights, including the Ben Medersa mosque and the Koutoubia.
While the riad is slightly removed from the main action of the souks, it’s easily accessible on foot. Outside, main roads dotted with small cafes and shops catering to both tourists and locals lead to the heart of the souks.
The streets are busy with scooters, automobiles, and donkey carts, but it’s easy to hail a taxi to the Ville Nouvelle for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]
A splendid former Koranic school, dating to the 14th century, of remarkable architectural detail and beauty.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1 miles]
The world’s quintessential Arabic bazaar, the Medina’s maze-like souks are a shopper’s paradise.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1 miles]
UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.1 miles]
Hands-on half or full-day workshops allow students to learn traditional Moroccan handicrafts alongside master craftspeople in their studios throughout Marrakech.
Best for ages: 13+ | £45 | 3-5 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]
Nestled inside the Dar el Bacha palace, Bacha Cafe is elegance at its finest. Coffee recommendations are suggested based on time of day, and are best accompanied by a treat from the cake counter.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]
A high terrace provides panoramic views of the medina, including the Atlas Mountains in winter months. Time a visit with when the muezzins call the prayer from the surrounding mosques for additional Arabian atmosphere.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]
Tranquil Medina riad housing an interesting collection of photographs documenting Moroccan life from the 1870s-1950s, that gives the best insight into life in the city before tourism arrived.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]
Bustling with fishmongers and butchers, street vendors selling in-season fruit and veg, bread fresh from the local oven, and more. In between, small kitchens serve street food specialties through the morning and afternoon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
An exotic time capsule of ancient streets and souks, blending Arab culture and French colonial heritage.