Marrakech Medina Private Tour with Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef

Marrakech , Morocco

Marrakech Medina Private Tour with Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef

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About this experience

Dive into Marrakech’s medina on a private tour. Learn about palace life at Bahia Palace, see traditional bread‑making, understand tanjia cooking, and explore the rich history of Medersa Ben Youssef.

Available options

Private Tour

What's included

Explore the medina with a knowledgeable local guide who leads your private tour

Learn how tanjia is cooked at a neighbourhood hammam using the furnace heat

Experience a traditional medina bakery and taste fresh, locally baked bread

Walk through the souks and Djemaa El‑Fna as your guide helps you navigate the medina

Visit Bahia Palace with included entry to its courtyards and historic rooms

Visit Medersa Ben Youssef with included entrance to this historic Saadian madrasa

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet in UNESCO‑listed Jemaa el‑Fna, Marrakech’s vibrant main square. Find your guide outside Café France (right side of the square), holding an Urban Adventures sign or badge.

Explore the stunning Bahia Palace, with its shady courtyards, mosaics, and lavish rooms, as your guide shares stories of sultans, palace life, and Marrakech’s opulent past.

Visit a traditional Medina communal bakery (farran) to see how locals bake their bread and taste it fresh, before stopping at a nearby hammam furnace to learn how tanjia is slow‑cooked.

Stop 4

Visit Medersa Ben Youssef, a 16th‑century Saadian madrasa famed for its ornate stucco, zellige, and cedarwork—once home to 800 students and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Additional food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

36 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.6

23 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Are the stops on this tour local and community‑based? Every stop is 100% local, ensuring the community directly benefits from your visit.

Is Jemaa el‑Fna Square included in the tour? The tour includes a visit to the culturally significant Jemaa el‑Fna Square, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Are entrance fees included? Entrance to Bahia Palace and Medersa Ben Youssef is included, helping support the maintenance and preservation of these important landmarks.

Is the tour suitable for children? This is a child‑friendly tour, and children under 6 years old may join free of charge.

Meeting point

Café France, Place Djemaa El Fna, 40000 Marrakech, Morocco.
Directions: Walk through the main entrance to Djemaa El-Fna and you will see Café France on the right-hand side of the square. Make sure you find the official Urban Adventures tour guide

Important notes

Dress Code
A conservative dress code is recommended in Morocco. Men and women should keep their upper body (especially shoulders, chest and midriff) as well as their knees covered at all times as a sign of respect to the local culture.
Wearing shorts is not recommended.

Additional Information
We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Food inclusions are subject to change, dependent on availability on the day.

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About Marrakech

Marrakech is a vibrant city known for its rich history, bustling souks, and stunning architecture. It offers a blend of traditional Moroccan culture and modern amenities, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Jemaa El-Fnaa

Jemaa El-Fnaa is the heart of Marrakech, a bustling square filled with food stalls, entertainers, and souvenir vendors. It's a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural experiences.

Cultural 2-3 hours Free (food and souvenirs cost extra)

Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Marrakech. Its minaret is a symbol of the city and can be seen from many parts of the medina.

Historical 1 hour Free (non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque)

Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, featuring intricate tile work, lush gardens, and beautiful courtyards. It offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the past.

Historical 1-2 hours 70 MAD

Majorelle Garden

The Majorelle Garden is a beautiful botanical garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle. It features a variety of plants, a striking blue villa, and a museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent.

Nature 2-3 hours 70 MAD

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are a collection of mausoleums dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. They were discovered in 1917 and offer a fascinating look into the history of Marrakech.

Historical 1 hour 70 MAD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, named after the earthenware pot it's cooked in.

Main course Vegetarian options available

Couscous

A dish made with steamed semolina grains, often served with vegetables and meat.

Main course Vegetarian options available

Pastilla

A savory-sweet pie made with layers of filo pastry, filled with spiced pigeon or chicken, almonds, and powdered sugar.

Main course Contains nuts

Mint Tea

A traditional Moroccan tea made with green tea and fresh mint leaves, sweetened with sugar.

Drink Contains caffeine

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains Surfing in Essaouira Quad biking in the desert Spa treatments Yoga retreats Relaxing in a hammam Exploring the medina Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)

The best time to visit Marrakech is during spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the city. The temperatures are mild, and the crowds are manageable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: French, Berber languages
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD)

Time Zone

GMT+0

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Avoid walking alone at night in less crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Menara International Airport • 4 km from city center

By train

Marrakech Railway Station

By bus

Marrakech Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Marrakech. They are affordable and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Careem, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Medina Gueliz Hivernage

Day trips

Atlas Mountains

60 km from Marrakech • Full day

The Atlas Mountains offer stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and traditional Berber villages. It's a great escape from the city for nature lovers.

Ourika Valley

30 km from Marrakech • Half day to full day

The Ourika Valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional Berber houses, and waterfalls. It's a popular destination for day trips from Marrakech.

Essaouira

180 km from Marrakech • Full day to overnight

Essaouira is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, historic medina, and vibrant arts scene. It's a popular destination for surfing, windsurfing, and relaxation.

Festivals

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival • Every July Marrakech International Film Festival • Every November/December Ramadan • Dates vary (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more immersive and informative experience.
Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to enhance your interactions with locals.
Visit the medina early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
Bargain politely when shopping in the souks, as prices are often negotiable.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience, but choose stalls with high turnover.