Marrakech Medina: Walking Tour, Bahia Palace & Souks

Summary

Winding through Marrakech’s medina colors, scents and laughter

You’ll wind through Marrakech’s medina with a local guide—see Koutoubia Mosque up close, step inside Bahia Palace’s mosaic courtyards, meet herbalists in the Mellah, and sip mint tea amid the souks’ colors and sounds. Expect laughter, surprises, and moments that linger long after you’ve left those busy streets behind.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the hum — not loud, but everywhere — as we stepped out from our riad into the Marrakech medina. Our guide, Youssef, waved us on with a grin and I tried to keep up, dodging little carts and kids weaving through the alleys. The Koutoubia Mosque appeared suddenly between palm trees, its minaret taller than I’d pictured (and honestly more beautiful in the morning haze). We stopped for photos, but I kept getting distracted by the smell of baking bread drifting from somewhere nearby. Youssef told us about the Almohads building it centuries ago — he made it sound like yesterday. I liked that.

We ducked into the Mellah next, which Youssef explained used to be the old Jewish quarter. There was a calmness there that surprised me after all the noise outside. He suggested a stop at a Berber herbalist — shelves stacked with jars and dried things I couldn’t name. The shopkeeper crushed some mint in his palm for us to smell; it was sharp and sweet at once. I tried to say thank you in Arabic but probably butchered it (he laughed anyway). The Bahia Palace was next: blue ceilings, sunlight on tile floors, so many birds nesting in hidden corners. Entry cost seven euros, worth every dirham just for those courtyards alone.

But really it’s the souks that stick with me. We wandered through tanners’ alleys (the leather smell is no joke), past carpenters tapping away in tiny workshops, dyers hanging bursts of color overhead. At Place des Épices we paused for mint tea — hot glass against my fingers while watching women selling saffron and baskets piled high with herbs. It all felt messy and alive and somehow welcoming even if I got hopelessly turned around more than once. Youssef seemed to know everyone; he’d nod or call out greetings every few steps.

I still think about that view of sunlight slanting across Jemaa Lafna square as we finished up — snake charmers starting their day, orange juice sellers setting up stalls. There’s something about walking Marrakech with someone who grew up here; you see what’s old and what’s changing at the same time. Anyway, if you’re thinking about a guided walking tour in Marrakech medina… go hungry for both food and stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Marrakech Medina and Souks

• Meet guide at the Riad
• Walk through Marrakech Medina souks
• Visit craft districts and spice market
• Enjoy mint tea break
• See Koutoubia Mosque exterior
• Visit Mellah Jewish quarter
• Stop at Berber herbalist
• Tour El Bahia Palace

Top questions

How long does this Marrakech walking tour last?

The guided walking tour lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Is entry to Bahia Palace included?

No, entry to Bahia Palace costs 7 euros per person.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel or riad?

Yes, your official tour guide will pick you up directly from your riad or hotel in Marrakech.

Is this guided walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

What main attractions are visited during this tour?

You’ll visit Koutoubia Mosque (from outside), Bahia Palace (entry fee applies), Mellah district, Jemaa Lafna Square, and various souks within Marrakech Medina.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Will we have free time during the walking tour?

You’ll have short breaks for mint tea or photos but most time is spent exploring with your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your riad or hotel by an official local guide who’ll lead you through historical sites like Koutoubia Mosque (outside only), Bahia Palace (entry fee not included), Jemaa Lafna Square, the Mellah district with a break at a Berber herbalist shop for mint tea—and plenty of photo stops as you wander Marrakech Medina’s lively souks before returning on foot.