By Alaric 
If there is one attraction you must visit in Marrakech, it’s Madrasa Ben Youssef.
This 16th-century Islamic school is regarded as a pinnacle of Moroccan architecture and a place that will transport you back in time.
This is easily my favourite attraction in the city. It’s a marvel for its stunning design and cultural history.
There are also endless photo opportunities for your camera roll.
Here is how to visit Medersa Ben Youssef in Marrakech Medina with everything you need to know.
History of Madrasa Ben Youssef
The madrasa, meaning school, is named after the historic Ben Youssef mosque nearby but the two aren’t to be confused.
The first school built here was founded in the 1300s but it was later replaced by the current ornate building in 1564.
Abdallah al-Ghalib, a Saadian sultan, commissioned the Medersa as a place of learning for over 800 students with 130 rooms.
The students resided in the building and used it as a spiritual place to not only attend classes but also pray, study, sleep and eat.
It was a bastion for scholars and students were schooled in various disciplines and spiritual enlightenment.
It pioneered religious sciences, philosophy, medicine, and mathematics in the region.
For centuries, it was the largest Islamic College in the Maghreb and a centre of knowledge across the Moorish territories of Morocco and Andalusia.
The school closed in 1960 but reopened to the public as a tourist attraction in 1982.
Today, it’s widely regarded as the pinnacle of Saadian and Moroccan architecture.
It underwent a huge renovation from 2018-2022 and has now been revived to its former glory.
Can you visit Medersa Ben Youssef?
Yes, you can. The Madrasa is no longer a functioning school but a historical site and tourist attraction.
They welcome visitors of all nationalities to explore these ancient halls and learn its incredible story.
I always feel that this Medersa is like a portal that allows you to step back in time.
As a centuries-long guardian of history, spirituality and knowledge, you can take a journey of discovery into Morocco’s cultural heritage.
It’s also one of the most important sites in the country so if you only have time for one attraction in Marrakech, let it be this one.
Highlights of Madrasa Ben Youssef
As soon as you walk inside the madrasa from the medina you’ll feel that this is a truly special place.
The entrance corridor or vestibule is dark but filled with colourful tiles and acts as a gateway to another world.
There is plenty to explore while you’re here, but it can be a maze to navigate.
I think this is the best part, as there is a lovely surprise to find around every corner. But, it’s very easy to miss things.
Here are some of the highlights of Ben Youssef Medersa that you shouldn’t skip during your visit!
The Main Courtyard
The architecture of this school is designed like a typical Moroccan Riad.
You will enter via a narrow shaded corridor from the Medina and emerge into a large and spacious courtyard inspiring a sense of revelation.
It’s a symbolic process of walking through darkness and emerging into the light synonymous with the institution’s ethos of enlightenment.
I certainly was astonished by this incredible patio, to say the least. It took my breath away!
The courtyard has perfect symmetry and is built around a shallow pool in the centre.
Every section of the gallery is decorated with vibrantly patterned tiles (zellige), intricate stucco work, carved cedar wood and sculpted plaster.
You’ll also find lots of Arabic calligraphy with Quranic verses, poems and proverbs.
It’s a marvel in design, and I was completely mesmerised. I couldn’t believe that this was created hundreds of years ago!
Prayer Hall
At the very end of the courtyard, you’ll enter the Prayer Hall used by the teachers and students each day.
It’s a gorgeous space that has a mihrab to show the direction of prayer towards the holy city of Mecca.
The decoration here is particularly intricate and you can see lots of symbolism such as pentagons symbolising the five pillars of Islam.
You can also see the Andalusian Basin used as a fountain for ablutions, the act of washing before prayer.
Student Rooms
Beyond the courtyard, there are a series of smaller riads with two floors. These contain the (surprisingly tiny) student dormitories.
They are empty today but when the pupils resided here they would have been crammed with beds and study areas.
I can’t believe that over 800 students shared these small spaces. It’s a network of narrow corridors and courtyards.
You can explore both the bottom and top floors by using the two steep but gorgeously tiled staircases. Seriously, everything here is pretty.
The rooms are also fabulous for capturing photos. You can find tiny windows overlooking the courtyard to get some beautiful views.
Is Ben Youssef Medersa worth visiting?
Yes, out of all the historical attractions in Marrakech, Medersa Ben Youssef is the most impressive for architecture.
Not even the Bahia Palace can match its intricate tile patterns and ornate stucco work.
It’s a peaceful oasis tucked away in the Medina and is a haven for those who love architecture, history and photography.
This is easily my favourite attraction in Marrakech. I’ve been twice now and I’m still blown away.
Don’t skip Madrasa Ben Youssef, it’s a magical place that will fill you with a sense of wonder.
How to get to Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech
The Medersa is nestled in the heart of Marrakech Medina, the oldest part of the pink city.
It’s around a 10-15 minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna Square through the soukh and is well signposted.
It’s close to the Marrakesh Museum, Atay Café Rooftop, Le Jardin Restaurant and the House of Photography.
The best way to access the school would be on foot as the winding alleyways are not accessible to cars.
Opening times & ticket prices
The official opening times are 9 am – 7 pm so there’s lots of time to visit.
As it’s one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech, I would get there for opening time to beat the crowds.
During peak hours, you may have to queue to get inside. To save time, you could book tickets in advance on their website but it’s not necessary.
Adult tickets for foreign visitors cost 50 MAD (£4), Moroccan visitors pay 20 MAD (£1.60) and children under 12 pay 10 MAD (80p).
You pay in cash so always make sure you have local notes on you. Cash is very much king in Morocco!
When is the best time to visit?
As one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech, it can get very crowded.
So, I recommend visiting for opening time for the best experience. Then, you can truly appreciate the tranquillity of this space.
As most attractions in Marrakech had big queues during my visit (I was over it), I decided to arrive at 8.30 am to be one of the first inside.
However, the staff were super friendly and I was let in shortly after!
By 9.30 am it started to get a little busy and by 10 am the entire courtyard was filled with people.
You can still get some nice photos all day even with mass crowds but be prepared to queue and have some patience.
How long does it take to visit?
I would leave at least an hour to explore Madrasa Ben Youssef.
Although the main courtyard is spacious, the adjoining student rooms are a bit of a labyrinth.
These narrow corridors and dormitories can get filled easily. So, there are always bottlenecks and queues.
The Islamic architecture is also mesmerising, you could spend an age admiring the intricate details.
Finally, there are plenty of photo opportunities here too which can take time if there are lots of people.
What is the dress code?
There is no strict dress code to enter Medera Ben Youssef but it’s always a good idea to dress conservatively in Morocco to respect the culture.
You don’t need to cover your head as it’s not a mosque. The main thing to remember is to cover your shoulders and knees and not dress too scantily.
You can easily cover your strappy tops and dresses with a pretty shawl/scarf. Marrakech Medina has endless choices.
I recommend wearing something brightly coloured to stand out in the photos.
If you’re a woman travelling to Morocco and are struggling with outfit ideas, make sure to read my complete guide on what to pack.
Looking for more things to do nearby?
After you leave Madrasa Ben Youssef there are plenty of delightful attractions in the historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of my favourite places was Jardin Secret, a 19th-century palace complex which is an oasis from the busy streets outside.
Dar el Bacha Museum or the Museum of Confluence is another architectural marvel where you can visit the world-famous Bacha Coffee.
Bahia Palace is also another highlight with many ornate courtyards and rooms to explore and was built in the 19th century.
El Badi Palace is an eerie 400-year-old ruin from the Saadian dynasty but an incredible place to browse. You can also visit the Saadian Tombs nearby.
The Medina is an attraction in itself and you can visit Soukh Semarine and the Spice Market to buy lots of souvenirs.
Jemaa el-Fnaa is a vibrant square where you can watch the sunset over the Koutoubia Mosque from one of the many rooftop cafés.
Or, why not head out to Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum? Make sure to book your tickets well in advance of your trip as they often sell out!
Read more of my Morocco guides
The ultimate 2 weeks in Morocco itinerary
How to visit Ouzoud Waterfalls in Morocco
The most Instagrammable places in Fes
How to visit the Chouara Tannery in Fes
Things to know before travelling to Morocco
What to wear in Morocco as a woman
Solo female travel tips for Morocco
Top things to do in Essaouira
Taking a Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakesh
Top places to visit in Chefchaouen
Save Madrasa Ben Youssef Marrakech for later!
