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:
© Sophia van den Hoe
Home to the most Instagrammable pool in Marrakech, a shimmering, aquamarine rectangle lined with traditional zellige mosaic tiling, Riad Yasmine dubs itself a home away from home.
Simplicity reigns in the rooms, where bejmat tiled floors, carved stucco arches and tadelakt walls display Moroccan craftsmanship. On the rooftop terrace, the medina views include both the Medersa Ben Youssef and Koutoubia minarets dotting the cityscape.
Located in Bab Taghzout, the main sights and souks are a bit of a walk, but this does give the riad a more peaceful atmosphere than those further into the medina.
Inside, visitors enjoy an oasis-like ambiance, while outside the neighbourhood is abuzz with local markets and shops. The main roads nearby do mean donkey carts and scooters whizzing past fairly constantly, alongside locals going about daily life.
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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[1.1 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[1.2 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[1.3 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[0.5 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[0.8 miles]
A bustling Thursday flea market that’s the go-to for authentic homewares and furnishings. Held in this imposing gate in the Medina walls.
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.