Free self-guided walk · Marrakech

From the Koutoubia through the souks to Ben Youssef

A free self-guided walk from the Koutoubia Mosque across Jemaa el-Fna and north through the souks to Le Jardin Secret and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Distance
2.1 km
Walking time
28 min
Allow
About 1.5 hours with stops
Stops
5

Open the route in Google MapsMarrakech city guide

About this walk

The medina of Marrakech is a maze, but its spine is simple: from the Koutoubia minaret, across the great square of Jemaa el-Fna and north through the covered souks.

Offline maps help in the medina. Politely decline offers from strangers to guide you.

  • Terrain: Flat. Lanes are narrow and shared with motorbikes, handcarts and donkeys. Uneven surfaces.
  • Best time: Morning in the souks, before the heat; Jemaa el-Fna comes alive from late afternoon.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Koutoubia Mosque

    Start beneath the 12th-century minaret, the city's landmark. Only Muslims may enter the mosque.

  2. Jemaa el-Fna

    The great square of storytellers, musicians, juice stalls and, by evening, food stalls.

  3. Souk Semmarine

    The main covered souk street heading north from the square.

  4. Le Jardin Secret

    A restored riad garden in the heart of the medina (ticket needed).

  5. Ben Youssef Madrasa

    Finish at the former Quranic school, with its carved cedar and tiled courtyard (ticket needed).

Tips

  • Agree a price before taking a photo of performers in Jemaa el-Fna, or don't take one.
  • Haggling is expected in the souks.
  • Carry small change for entry tickets and tips.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.