Start with the correct palace
Use Bahia Palace as your destination, on the southeastern side of the medina. Bahia and El Badi are different palaces: this guide is about Bahia’s decorated rooms and courtyards. Check the current admission arrangements at the official visitor entrance; a guided city walk may charge the palace entry separately.
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Use the courtyard as your visual anchor
In the large courtyard, look at the patterned ground and the rhythm of the surrounding columns and painted upper decoration. The spacious centre gives a different impression from the smaller adjoining rooms. Follow the open route and let groups pass before stopping for a photograph; an empty courtyard is not a condition of enjoying the architecture.
Look up as well as across
Where the visitor route enters decorated rooms, compare the ceilings with the tilework and plaster below. Keep bags close to avoid brushing surfaces and respect barriers around delicate areas. The attraction is the building itself: arrive for architectural details rather than expecting a fully furnished royal residence or access to every part of the complex.
Continue to Place des Ferblantiers
After the palace, make Place des Ferblantiers a simple neighbourhood anchor rather than committing to a second long monument visit. Pause in the square and choose whether to continue towards El Badi’s area or return through the medina. Any El Badi entry is a separate decision; check its current access before adding it to the afternoon.
Keep the outing comfortable
Bring shoes with grip for smooth or uneven surfaces, water and a light sun layer. On a hot day, a single palace and a seated break make a complete outing. If access is restricted on arrival, use the neighbourhood walk as the alternative and rearrange the palace rather than assuming a tour booking guarantees every room will be open.
Check before you go
Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.
