Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace in the south of the Marrakech medina, built for the grand viziers Si Moussa and his son Bou Ahmed. Its name means “brilliance,” and it lives up to it: a maze of courtyards, riad gardens and rooms covered in painted cedar ceilings, carved stucco and zellij tilework.
Where is Bahia Palace and how to get there
It sits in the south-east of the medina, near the Mellah and El Badi Palace. From Jemaa el-Fna it is about a 15-minute walk south along Rue Riad Zitoun el-Jedid.
Opening hours and entrance fee
Open daily, generally 9:00–17:00. As of 2025 the entrance fee is about 100 MAD (roughly €10) per adult. Entrance fees for Marrakech’s monuments are set by Morocco’s Ministry of Culture and reviewed from time to time, so treat any figure as a guide. The current price is posted at the ticket office, tickets are bought on site (bring cash in dirhams — cards are rarely accepted), and children usually pay a reduced rate.
What to see at Bahia Palace
- The Grand Courtyard — vast marble-paved court framed by carved galleries.
- The painted ceilings — hand-painted cedar in geometric and floral patterns.
- The riad gardens — orange and banana trees, fountains and shaded arcades.
- The private apartments — the richly decorated rooms of Bou Ahmed’s household.
Tips for your visit
Go early or late to avoid midday groups. Allow about an hour; there is little signage inside.
Visit Bahia Palace with a licensed local guide
Bahia Palace rewards a little context. Our guides are officially licensed by the Moroccan authorities, speak English, French and Spanish, and meet you right on Jemaa el-Fna square — so you get the history, the symbolism and the shortcuts, without the guesswork.
- Hire a private licensed guide in Marrakech — from €20, build your own monuments route.
- Marrakech Monuments & Souks tour — a guided 3-hour walk, from €22 per person.
Book a licensed guide on WhatsApp
More Marrakech monuments
See them all in our complete guide to Marrakech monuments — with fees, hours and locations. Popular next stops: Saadian Tombs · Koutoubia Mosque · Majorelle Garden · Ben Youssef Madrasa.
New to the medina? Start with our complete Jemaa el-Fna guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Bahia Palace entry?
As of 2025, entry is about 100 MAD (roughly €10) per adult. Fees are set by Morocco's Ministry of Culture and posted at the ticket office; bring cash in dirhams as cards are rarely accepted.
Is Bahia Palace free?
No. Entry costs around 100 MAD; children usually pay a reduced rate.
Can you go inside Bahia Palace?
Yes. You walk through the courtyards, riad gardens and the decorated reception rooms and private apartments.
How long does a visit to Bahia Palace take?
About one hour is enough to see the main courtyards and rooms at a relaxed pace.
How old is Bahia Palace?
It was built in the late 19th century (1860s–1900) for the grand viziers Si Moussa and his son Bou Ahmed.
Can you pay by card at Bahia Palace?
Tickets are usually cash only (Moroccan dirhams), so bring cash.
How do you pronounce Bahia?
Roughly “ba-HEE-ya” — the Palais de la Bahia.