13 Most Instagrammable Spots in Marrakech: A Complete Photography Guide
The beautiful tile work and doors in Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech, Morocco.
First Impressions: Why Marrakech Is a Photographer’s Dream
The first time I set foot in Marrakech, I felt like I had stepped into a living film set. The colours, the textures, the smells… it’s a city that demands to be photographed. From the soft pink alleys of the Medina to the of palaces covered in intricate tiles, Marrakech is a photographer’s playground.
But getting the perfect Instagram shot here isn’t just about pointing your camera. It’s about timing, light, and location. This guide reveals the most Instagrammable spots in Marrakech, with practical tips so you can capture the magic while avoiding the crowds.
1. Ben Youssef Madrasa
Why it’s Instagrammable: This 14th-century Islamic college is an architectural masterpiece, with its beautiful arches, pool, and intricate carvings.
Best Photo Spots:
The central courtyard with its marble pool and surrounding arches.
The upstairs balconies for symmetrical shots looking down or across.
Photo Tips:
Arrive as soon as it opens (9am) for crowd-free photos.
Wear white, burnt orange, deep green or neutral tones to stand out against the colourful tiles.
Use the balcony levels for creative framing shots.
Take a photo standing across the pool in front of the arches.
You can’t go past the beautiful doors.
Standing in the courtyard of Ben Youssef Madrasa. One of the most Instagrammable spots in Marrakech, Morocco.
2. The Medina & Hidden Alleys
Why it’s Instagrammable: The medina is full of dusty pink walls, colourful doorways, and narrow alleys that make the perfect backdrop.
Best Photo Spots:
The beautiful arches outside Ben Youssef Madrasa.
A narrow alley with textiles or spice displays.
Photo Tips:
Wander just off the main souks for quieter backdrops.
Early morning is best before shops open.
Don’t be afraid to step into a shop for candid, colourful shots (ask permission first).
Patience is key. If you wait long enough, you’ll capture the perfect shot without hundreds of fellow travellers.
👉 Heading to Morocco? Discover How to Spend 24 Hours in Marrakech.
Archways in the Marrakech Medina in Morocco, just outside the entrance to Ben Youssef Madrasa.
3. El Badi Palace
Why it’s Instagrammable: Once known as the “Incomparable Palace,” its ruins still evoke grandeur with vast courtyards, sunken gardens, and orange walls.
Best Photo Spots:
Symmetrical shots of the courtyard pools.
Against the terracotta walls at golden hour.
Wandering through the mazes of ruins.
Photo Tips:
Visit late afternoon for warm golden light and softer shadows.
Play with perspective… wide shots of the courtyards are powerful.
Wandering through the ruins of El Badi Palace in Marrakech, Morocco.
4. Bahia Palace
Why it’s Instagrammable: A palace of stunning mosaics, courtyards, and carved wooden ceilings. It’s one of Marrakech’s most beautiful (and busiest) sites.
Best Photo Spots:
The grand courtyard with black-and-white zellige tiles.
Archways that perfectly frame you.
Shady courtyards with colourful mosaics.
Photo Tips:
Arrive early to avoid tour groups.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the courtyards.
Wear bold colours (like red or blue) to pop against the mosaics.
5. Koutoubia Mosque
Why it’s Instagrammable: Marrakech’s most famous landmark, visible from almost anywhere in the city.
Best Photo Spots:
Framed through archways of nearby gardens.
At sunset, when the minaret glows pink against the sky.
Find the mosque through the trees.
Photo Tips:
Non-Muslims can’t enter, so focus on creative exterior angles.
Position yourself in the gardens to avoid crowds in the shot.
Golden hour at Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Morocco.
6. Saadian Tombs
Why it’s Instagrammable: A hidden gem discovered in 1917, decorated with detailed carvings and mosaics.
Best Photo Spots:
The Hall of Twelve Columns.
Courtyards with lush greenery and tombstones.
Photo Tips:
Morning light filters beautifully through the courtyards.
Use portrait orientation to capture the towering arches and columns.
Saadian Tombs, Marrakech, Morocco.
7. Stay in a Riad
Why it’s Instagrammable: Riads are the definition of Moroccan charm… colourful tiles, leafy courtyards, and rooftop terraces.
Best Photo Spots:
The central courtyard (often with a fountain or pool).
Balcony views overlooking the courtyard.
Rooftop at sunrise or sunset.
Photo Tips:
When booking, look for riads with open courtyards and tiled pools for the best shots.
Early morning gives the softest light.
8. Experience a Hammam
Why it’s Instagrammable: Steamy baths and mosaic interiors make for moody, cinematic photos.
Best Photo Spots:
Intricate mosaic walls.
Marble steam rooms with dramatic lighting.
Photo Tips:
Ask before taking photos, luxury hammams often allow it.
Capture details like the mosaic tilework or brass bowls.
Traditional Hammam in Marrakech, Morocco.
9. Rooftop Café or Restaurant
Why it’s Instagrammable: Marrakech rooftops give you views over the medina and often frame the Koutoubia Mosque.
Best Photo Spots:
Tables with mint tea and lanterns in view.
Sunset shots with rooftops glowing pink and mosque’s in the background.
Photo Tips:
Go for golden hour.
Order colourful Moroccan dishes to include in the frame.
10. Le Jardin Secret
Why it’s Instagrammable: A peaceful garden oasis with fountains, greenery, and restored Islamic architecture.
Best Photo Spots:
Pathways lined with palm trees.
The wooden pavilion against gardens.
Photo Tips:
Midday works well since the gardens are open and sunny.
Frame shots with greenery for a softer look.
11. Marrakech Museum
Why it’s Instagrammable: Housed in a 19th-century palace, it has a stunning central courtyard with a giant chandelier.
Best Photo Spots:
Wide shot of the chandelier.
Courtyard with intricate tile flooring.
Photo Tips:
Go late morning for bright light without harsh shadows.
Use symmetry to highlight the architecture.
12. Batcha Coffee
Why it’s Instagrammable: Minimalist yet stylish café serving Moroccan coffee with a modern twist.
Best Photo Spots:
Coffee against their tiled counters.
Exterior with its clean design.
Photo Tips:
Shoot flat lays of coffee with Moroccan pastries.
Play with shadows in the late afternoon.
13. Majorelle Garden
Why it’s Instagrammable: Created by artist Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent, it’s filled with bold Majorelle blue walls, exotic plants, and colourful pots.
Best Photo Spots:
The bright blue villa.
Yellow pots against cacti.
Reflecting pools.
Photo Tips:
Arrive when it opens to avoid the massive crowds (and book in advance).
Bold colours (red, white, or yellow) pop against the blue.
Wide-angle lens helps capture the gardens without cutting details.
Capturing the Soul of Marrakech
Marrakech isn’t just about snapping pretty photos, it’s about capturing the soul of a city that’s both chaotic and beautiful. These Instagrammable spots give you the chance to tell that story visually, whether through grand palaces, hidden alleys, or rooftop sunsets.
👉 Planning your trip? Don’t miss my Ultimate Guide to Morocco and list of 50 Fascinating Things to Know Before Visiting Morocco for more practical tips.
The bright colours of the Medina in Marrakech, Morocco.