Photography spots
10 best photography spots in Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the most sensory cities to photograph – cobalt blue against terracotta, mosaic-tiled riads, leather souks, and the chaos of Djemaa el-Fna at dusk. These 10 spots cover the iconic shots.
Jardin Majorelle cobalt blue villa
Location: Yves Saint Laurent’s restored garden, north medina
The shot: Cobalt blue villa with cacti in the foreground
- When to shoot
- Pre-9am opening for crowd-free shots
- Lens / settings
- 35mm equivalent
- Tips
- Pre-book ticket (150 dirhams). Bring polarizer to deepen blue.
Bahia Palace painted ceilings
Location: Bahia Palace, southern medina
The shot: Painted cedar ceilings over zellige-tiled rooms
- When to shoot
- Mid-day (12-2pm) for the brightest natural light
- Lens / settings
- Wide-angle 16-24mm
- Tips
- Entry 70 dirhams. Closed Friday afternoon.
Djemaa el-Fna at dusk
Location: Main square of the medina
The shot: Sun setting behind Koutoubia Mosque silhouette, food stalls lighting up in foreground
- When to shoot
- Sunset transition (just before dark)
- Lens / settings
- 24mm wide-angle for square overview; 35mm for stall close-ups
- Tips
- Watch your camera in crowds. The rooftop of Cafe de France or Le Glacier has elevated views.
Madrasa Ben Youssef carved stucco
Location: Central medina
The shot: Restored 14th-century carved-stucco walls with intricate Islamic geometric patterns
- When to shoot
- Mid-day for filtered courtyard light
- Lens / settings
- Wide-angle 24mm for the full courtyard
- Tips
- Entry 60 dirhams. Restored 2022, less crowded than Bahia Palace.
Souk dyer’s alley
Location: Souk des Teinturiers, central medina
The shot: Hanging yarns in brilliant dyed colors strung across narrow alley
- When to shoot
- Morning (10-12) when fresh yarn is being hung up
- Lens / settings
- 24-35mm wide-angle
- Tips
- Vendors expect a small tip for photos. The colors here are unmatched anywhere.
Riad rooftop at sunset
Location: Most medina riads offer rooftop access
The shot: Atlas Mountains silhouetted behind medina rooftops
- When to shoot
- Sunset (45 min before)
- Lens / settings
- 35-70mm equivalent
- Tips
- The Maison de la Photographie rooftop is the underrated free option.
Saadian Tombs interior
Location: Saadian Tombs, southern medina
The shot: Hall of Twelve Columns in Italian Carrara marble with mosaic floors
- When to shoot
- Pre-10am for empty halls
- Lens / settings
- 24mm wide-angle for full column rows
- Tips
- Entry 70 dirhams. The 12-column hall is the iconic interior shot.
Atlas Mountains from Atlas Foot Hills
Location: Drive 45 min south to Asni or Imlil
The shot: Snow-capped Atlas peaks rising behind Berber villages
- When to shoot
- Sunrise from a hilltop village
- Lens / settings
- 70-200mm to compress mountains and village
- Tips
- Hire a driver from Marrakech. The most dramatic in winter (snow caps) or spring.
Marrakech medina rooftop maze
Location: Any rooftop above the medina
The shot: Endless terracotta rooftops with Koutoubia minaret in distance
- When to shoot
- Sunset golden hour
- Lens / settings
- 35-70mm equivalent
- Tips
- Le Salama and Nomad have rooftops you can use as cafe patrons. Maison de la Photographie has a free roof.
Koutoubia Mosque silhouette
Location: From Place de Foucauld park
The shot: Minaret silhouetted against orange sky with palm trees in foreground
- When to shoot
- Sunset
- Lens / settings
- 70-200mm telephoto for the compression
- Tips
- Park is free public space. The Koutoubia is the city’s tallest building – visible from most rooftops.