El-Badi Palace (Palais el-Badi) Tours and Tickets

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Admission fees for the el-Badi Palace vary depending on whether you’re an overseas visitor or a Moroccan resident. Entering the palace costs 100 Moroccan dirhams for foreign adults and 30 Moroccan dirhams for foreign children (under age 12). Moroccan residents pay 20 dirhams. Admission is free for residents on Fridays.

The el-Badi Palace was built in the 16th century under the direction of the Saadi monarch, King Ahmad al-Mansur, to honor the victorious Battle of the Three Kings. It was grandiose in design, with Italian marble, Indian woodwork, and gold imported from Sudan—though much of it was later plundered.

The best month to visit the el-Badi Palace is June or July, when the National Festival of Popular Arts—which features live music and other cultural performances—takes place. However, this is also a hot time of year. For cooler temperatures, come in the fall or spring.

While the el-Badi palace has lost some of its former glory and is mainly in ruins, there’s still plenty to see inside the complex. Some must-see attractions include the courtyard, the prayer hall, and the Koutoubia Minbar, a pulpit dating to the 12th century.

The el-Badi Palace is located at the southern end of the medina and is easy to get to on foot. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna, the main square. You can also take a taxi to the front of the palace or take a tour that includes transportation.