How to Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa
Are you planning to visit Ben Youssef Madrasa? This historic building is one of the best attractions in Marrakech, so you should add it to your Morocco Itinerary. Immerse yourself in the stunning architecture and discover the rich history of the madrasa.
Avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit. This ultimate guide to visiting Ben Youssef Medersa includes the best time to visit, how to get there, practical information, and entrance fees.
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Best Time to Visit Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Marrakech is spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to November).
Marrakech has a subtropical semi-desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature in Marrakech is 20°C. When we visited in March, the weather was quite cool in the early morning and evening, so bring a light jacket and jeans!
TIP
In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
Recommended post → Ultimate Morocco Itinerary
Ben Youssef Madrasa History & Facts
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a historic Islamic school in the heart of Marrakech. Built in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Inan Faris, the madrasa was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa. Nowadays, it is one of the most visited places in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This place is one of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in Morocco. The main entrance is a large archway leading into a large courtyard surrounded by two levels of arched galleries. The madrasa has 136 rooms spread across its ground floor and upper floor and has housed more than 900 students. During your visit, you can see the impressive tiled walls, the intricately carved wooden doors, and the prayer room.
The Ben Youssef Medersa was taken over by the Moroccan state in 2017 and closed for 5 years for renovation works. It was reopened to the public in 2022.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Marrakech
How to Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Medersa can be visited independently and is absolutely worth it. You can walk from Jemaa el-Fna square to the madrasa in approximately 10-15 minutes. We recommend visiting in the morning, strolling around the site, and discovering the beautiful interior details. There are plenty of information boards scattered around the madrasa, so take the time to read them.
Then, have breakfast or lunch at one of the best nearby restaurants, such as Atay Cafe, Le Jardin Marrakech, or Café Des Épices.
Buy an eSIM and data package for Morocco.
Afterward, we recommend you spend the day exploring the sights of Marrakech and wandering around the vibrant souks.
Make the most of your visit to Marrakech and join a city tour, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a local tour guide, and transportation by comfortable minivan. During the tour, you can visit the Jardin Majorelle, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Medina of Marrakech, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Musee Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
If you don’t have a rental car, we recommend staying in the Medina of Marrakech. Marrakech has some luxury hotels and traditional Moroccan houses (riads), but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Marrakech, Morocco
- Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech
- Mid-Range: Sakkan or Riad Ksar Fawz & Spa
- Budget: Riad Paradis Blanc
Recommended post → 13 Best Riads in Marrakech
Photo credit: Sakkan
Ben Youssef Madrasa Opening Hours
It is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. During Ramadan, it is only open until 5 PM. Arrive as early as possible to enjoy this place without the crowds.
Ben Youssef Madrasa Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Ben Youssef Madrasa is 50 MAD (5 USD) for foreign adults and 10 MAD (1 USD) for children (under 12 years). You can purchase tickets on arrival.
Good to know
The entrance fee is just 20 MAD (2 USD) if you have a Moroccan ID card.
See also→ How to Visit Hassan II Mosque
Tips for Visiting
- Spend at least 1 hour at the madrasa and explore the beautiful historical building.
- There is no dress code, but you should wear respectful clothing when visiting.
- Bring enough local money to pay the entrance fee.
- This place offers fantastic photo opportunities, so we recommend arriving early. The friendly staff let us in 20 minutes before opening hours so we could enjoy exploring this magical building without the crowds.
- We suggest you wear something brightly colored dress to get even better pictures.
We hope you find our guide to visiting Ben Youssef Madrasa useful and will inspire you to visit Marrakech. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM: – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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