EL Badi Palace Marrakesh: 2026 Entrance Fees & Visiting Guide
The “Incomparable Palace” stands today as a majestic ruin, but its sheer scale remains a testament to the Saadian dynasty’s golden age. If you are planning a visit in 2026, here is everything you need to know to capture the soul of this red-clay fortress.
Entry Fee: 100 MAD (approx. 9-10 EUR) for international visitors. Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM). Ramadan 2026: During the holy month (expected Feb 18 – March 20), hours are typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Photography Tip: While the Bahia Palace is famous for its intricate details, El Badi is all about scale and minimalism. The sunken orange groves and the storks nesting on the high ramparts provide incredible leading lines. For the best light, aim for the first hour after opening or the hour before closing.
Best Gear for El Badi Palace
To capture the vast courtyards, a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is essential. However, don’t forget a telephoto lens (up to 200mm) to get detailed shots of the storks nesting atop the high, textured mud walls. Their silhouettes against the blue Marrakesh sky provide a classic Moroccan composition that every travel photographer aims for.
| Location | 900 meters south of Jemaa el-Fnaa |
| Visit Time | Daily from 9 am to 5 pm. |
| Ticket Price | General: 100 dh (9-10 Euro) |
| Transport | To get from Jemaa el-Fna, you will have to take the street Rue Riad Zitoun el Kdim, on the south end of the square. |
| Nearby Places | Saadian Tombs (301 m) Bahia Palace (480 m) Dar Si Said (583 m) Jemaa el-Fnaa (914 m) Koutoubia Mosque (965 m) |
The Rise and Fall of “The Incomparable”
Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour built El Badi Palace at the end of the sixteenth century to celebrate his victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of the Three Kings. This triumph didn’t just bring prestige; the massive ransoms paid for Portuguese prisoners funded the palace’s construction.
Al-Mansour spared no expense, reportedly trading Moroccan sugar for Italian Carrara marble weight-for-weight. The palace once featured 300 rooms adorned with gold, turquoise, and crystal, earning it the name “The Incomparable.”
However, its glory was short-lived. A century later, Sultan Moulay Ismail moved the capital to Meknes and spent 12 years stripping El Badi of its riches to build his own city. Today, what remains is a majestic red-clay skeleton. Inside, you can still find the Koutoubia Minbar, a 12th-century masterpiece of marquetry decorated with gold and silver script.
Adorable El Badi Palace
You’ll adore El Badi Palace if you’ve ever enjoyed visiting the Roman Forum in Rome or have fantasies about visiting the Acropolis in Athens. You may get a sense of the grandness of the building from its enormous wrecked courtyard. Remember to climb the walls of El Badi if you plan to go there for one of the best views of Marrakech.
We advise hiring a native English-speaking guide if you want to explore the interior and learn more about these spectacular remains. If not, skip some of the palace’s most significant features, such as the dungeons.
Photo Tour of El Badi Palace
Plan Your Visit to the Incomparable
Whether you are a solo traveler or visiting with family, El Badi is a peaceful retreat from the bustling souks. To make the most of your time, we recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds, allowing you to focus on your composition.
To capture the raw history of these ruins through your lens, join one of our photo tours in Morocco, where we explore the intersection of Moroccan history and visual storytelling.
This article was written and photographed by Esteban Sanchez, a professional photographer dedicated to capturing the soul of Morocco.