16 Best Marrakech Instagram Spots for Photos (With a Map!)
If you’re looking for the best Marrakech Instagram spots, you’re in the right place. Marrakech is chaotic, colorful, loud, and incredibly photogenic all at once. I visited with my husband in May, and while it definitely got warm during the day, mornings and evenings were perfect for exploring with great light and fewer crowds, which made it perfect for photos.
This guide focuses on the best photo locations in Marrakech that are actually worth your time. We explored iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a few spots where you’ll definitely need some patience to snag the perfect shot. You’ll also see why Marrakech photo spots are less about perfection and more about embracing the energy. I’ll share where to shoot, timing, framing and shot suggestions, what to know before you go, and the exact location on Google Maps.
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Map: Best Marrakech Instagram Spots
In the map below, the pink numbers correspond to the top Marrakech photo spots and the green bed icons correspond to my hotel recommendations.
1. Bab Agnou
2. Bahia Palace
3. Koutoubia Mosque
4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
5. Marrakech Museum
6. Lamp Shop (La Menara)
7. Dar Ballarj
8. Le Jardin Secret
9. Jemaa El-Fnaa Square
10. Herboristerie Avicenne
11. Riad Melhoun & Spa
12. Rooftop Restaurants
13. Souk Semmarine
14. Jardin Majorelle
15. El Badi Palace
16. Royal Mansour Marrakech
1. Bab Agnou
Bab Agnou was one of our first stops early in the morning during our Marrakech adventure. Built in the 12th century, this gate once marked the ceremonial entrance to the Kasbah. We arrived before the city fully woke up, which was relatively calm. After spending some time in Marrakech, I can confirm that peace and calm is nearly unheard of in Marrakech! The scale of it really surprised me in person; it’s massive, but also incredibly detailed up close.
Framing: Have your photographer stand (safely) across the street or in the median and then zoom in slightly to cut out the street in the foreground. You’ll want a straight-on shot to embrace the symmetry.
When to Visit: Go at sunrise if you want a photo with no people, otherwise it gets very busy and is challenging to shoot between traffic.
Google Maps Location: Here
2. Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is a must if you’re chasing the best Marrakech Instagram spots. The entire palace is stunning, but the courtyard was my favorite with its symmetry, tilework, and picturesque fountain. We also spent time photographing doorways and garden paths, which ended up being some of my favorite shots.
This is a ticketed attraction, and it shows in how well maintained everything is. Even when it’s busy, there are still quiet corners if you’re patient. However, if you’re looking to get an iconic courtyard shot, I’d recommend snapping it right away since that area gets busier by the minute after opening time.
Recommended Tour: Marrakech Half Day City Tour
Framing: Grab a photo in the courtyard first that captures both the fountain and palace in the background. Second, head out the door to the gardens, turn around, and snap a photo with the ornate doorway framing your photo. Lastly, explore the gardens at your leisure.
When to Visit: Go early, right when it opens.
Google Maps Location: Here
3. Koutoubia Mosque
Koutoubia Mosque is one of those landmarks you keep spotting as you walk around the city. Since non-Muslims can’t go inside, we focused on walking the perimeter and finding the most picturesque angles. The early morning light was absolutely perfect, and it ended up being one of my favorite Marrakech Instagram spots.
Framing: Shoot at an angle from the back corner to capture both the minaret and the sunrise.
When to Visit: Sunrise for the best light and fewer people.
Google Maps Location: Here
4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
Ben Youssef Madrasa was one of the highlights of our time in Marrakech. We arrived just before opening and were one of the first to enter for the day, which made a huge difference once the doors opened. The reflecting pool, tilework, and carved details were so stunning. Every corner seemed to offer a new angle worth stopping for.
Framing: The first photo to take should be a straight-on shot of the reflecting pool with the entry doors in the background. Then have your photographer move so that the reflecting pool in horizontally in front of them and snap a photo (we used a wide angle) to capture all five arches of the madrasa with a bit of the pool in the foreground. Easy shots to snap are close-ups of the doors and through the arches by the benches. Lastly, have your photographer remain in the courtyard while you head up to the window and take a photo with you looking out.
When to Visit: Arrive just before opening at 9am.
Google Maps Location: Here
5. Marrakech Museum
The Marrakech Museum was a nice reset after some of the busier stops. The interior architecture is striking, especially the central space with the enormous chandelier, and it was way calmer than the standard Marrakech crowds. We weren’t rushed here, which made it easier to explore without constantly stepping around people.
It’s not a huge stop, but it’s worth popping into if you’re nearby. We spent just enough time to appreciate the details and get a few photos before moving on.
Framing: An obvious shot in in the center of the museum under the enormous chandelier. Other shots I liked included a straight-on shot of the fountain and a shot with the intricate tilework in the foreground at an angle with the subject behind toward the left column (pictured in the photo below).
When to Visit: Anytime.
Google Maps Location: Here
6. Lamp Shop (La Menara)
We went to La Menara Lamp Shop, and the glow from all the lamps was just so pretty. When navigating the souks, keep your camera close and your expectations flexible. You’ll see everything from textiles to ceramics, but in my opinion, the lamps always steal the show. Just be polite and ask before taking photos.
Framing: Include the lamps on both sides and above the subject for the most immersive shot.
When to Visit: Anytime the shop is open.
Google Maps Location: Here
7. Dar Ballarj
Dar Ballarj is one of the quieter spots to shoot, and that’s exactly why I loved it. It’s off the beaten path and is more intimate than the big-name attractions. The courtyard is peaceful, with simplicity that photographs beautifully. This is a Marrakech photo spot that feels like a secret.
Framing: Include the subject in front of the fountain at a slight angle so that the fountain isn’t blocked. Use a wide enough angle to capture four arches in the courtyard for symmetry.
When to Visit: Anytime.
Google Maps Location: Here
8. Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret is one of the best Marrakech Instagram spots for architectural details. I was obsessed with the gazebo—its design is even more intricate up close. We arrived mid-morning and there were definitely people around, including a full-on photoshoot happening under the gazebo. Still, we made it work.
Framing: Bring a wide-angle lens and from under the gazebo, shoot toward the side entrances if the main view is busy. For the classic head-on shot of the gazebo from the pathway, patience is key, and yes, sometimes you have to subtly block other tourists with your body.
When to Visit: Ideally early, but mid-morning can still work.
Google Maps Location: Here
9. Jemaa El-Fnaa Square
Jemaa El-Fnaa is major sensory overload, and that’s the main goal photographing here. We spent time here just watching everything unfold as performers did their thing, people meandered through, and the square slowly filled up as the evening went on. It was somewhere to take your time and take it all in.
When to Visit: Evening for the most excitement.
Google Maps Location: Here
10. Herboristerie Avicenne
Herboristerie Avicenne is one of the prettiest shops in the medina and an easy win for one of the best Marrakech Instagram spots. The layout of spices and jars is beautiful and incredibly colorful. I picked up Moroccan mint-lemon tea while I was there, which I still think about regularly (and would highly recommend!) Just make sure to be patient and respectful when taking photos, especially since it seems to be a pretty busy shop.
Framing: You really can’t go wrong here. I took a couple shots at an angle and one straight-on with the spices at the center, all of which I loved.
When to Visit: Anytime the store is open.
Google Maps Location: Here
11. Riad Melhoun & Spa
We stayed at the stunning Riad Melhoun & Spa, and it quickly became one of my favorite Marrakech Instagram spots. The indoor courtyard with the pool and tilework were gorgeous, especially when the light filtered in. Breakfast was served in the courtyard around the pool, and we spent a lot of time just relaxing here, cup of tea in hand. This was definitely one of the spots I took way too many photos!
The rooftop was just as stunning, with an outdoor pool and shaded lounge chairs to relax. We spent evenings up there unwinding and soaking it all in. The riad is also a fantastic spot to enjoy a hammam, which I highly recommend. If you’re not staying here, make a spa appointment so you can visit. Trust me, it’s worth it and easily one of the most photogenic Marrakech photo spots.
Framing: For the iconic courtyard shot, set up your photographer at one end of the pool and shoot with the reading nook in the background. Not pictured here, but capture a shot from the second story with the subject centered floating in the pool. Other suggestions include in the reading nook, upstairs at the rooftop pool, and upstairs on the patterned lounging pads.
When to Visit: Anytime if staying there; otherwise, book a spa appointment.
Google Maps Location: Here
12. Rooftop Restaurants
Rooftop restaurants deserve their own spot among the best Marrakech Instagram spots. DarDar was a standout for us with great food and views over the city. Make a reservation specifically for the rooftop and go at sunset—you can see Koutoubia Mosque from above, and it’s stunning. This is a Marrakech photo spot that also delivers on flavor.
L’Mida is another great option with cool vibes and solid views. Even if you don’t take a ton of photos, the experience is worth it. It’s really unique to enjoy Marrakech from above and it gives you appreciation for the skyline.
When to Visit: Sunset, with reservations.
Google Maps Location: L’Mida Here and DarDar Here
13. Souk Semmarine
Walking through the souks felt like stepping into a maze with no clear plan, and that’s exactly how we approached it. We wandered through Souk Semmarine and then let ourselves drift down the little side streets that caught our attention. The best moments came unexpectedly: colorful carpets being displayed, baskets stacked overhead, and shopkeepers chatting with shoppers. One pro travel recommendation? Grab an eSim for your phone in advance so you can navigate yourself around the souks or you will very likely get lost.
When to Visit: Anytime the shops are open. The people and pure chaos are the highlight.
Google Maps Location: Here
14. Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Garden) is one of the most famous Marrakech Instagram spots, and yes, it’s that blue and yellow in real life. Created by Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent, it’s bold, colorful, and very curated. It’s also ticketed, and lines can get long. We purchased tickets for the first slot and lined up early to make sure we were among the first inside.
Early entry makes a huge difference here, especially for photos. Once crowds arrive, it gets tricky, but still beautiful. Make sure to purchase tickets in advance.
Recommended Tour: Majorelle Gardens
Framing: My favorite shot was the photo above, with the subject centered between the three arches and the gardens in the background. Make sure to also take photos of some of the detailed garden paths, steps, and archways. I included a couple of my additional shots below.
When to Visit: Early, with the first entrance ticket.
Google Maps Location: Here
15. El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace is a fascinating stop and one of the best Marrakech Instagram spots for something different. Once a grand palace, it’s now mostly ruins, and it’s incredibly photogenic. We went mid-morning after Bahia Palace since we ran out of early starts for our 3 days in Marrakech.
Framing: My favorite shots were in the maze-like areas in the first photo below. However, since we were not at the palace first thing, we did have to wait a little bit for the area to clear out to capture the photo. I also enjoyed photographing through the arches with the ruins as a backdrop.
When to Visit: Early, or as a second stop if mornings are limited.
Google Maps Location: Here
16. Royal Mansour Marrakech
Royal Mansour Marrakech is luxury at its finest and one of the best Marrakech Instagram spots. I highly recommend going for afternoon tea (make your reservation here). The traditional Moroccan tea, pastries, and presentation made it feel like the perfect Moroccan experience rather than just a meal. We took our time and enjoyed every bit of it.
The architecture is stunning, especially the courtyards, gate, and doors. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth planning a visit. This is one of those Marrakech photo spots where you feel a little fancy just being there.
Framing: The whole hotel is stunning, but my photography highlight was in the main courtyard with the fountain. Make sure to explore the grounds to see what else you can find!
When to Visit: Anytime, but you need to have a booking or reservation to enter.
Google Maps Location: Here
Where to Stay in Marrakech
Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Marrakech, Morocco while exploring all the city has to offer:
- Riad Melhoun & Spa for a traditional riad with a stunning courtyard, rooftop terrace, and classic Moroccan design right in the heart of the medina.
- Royal Mansour Marrakech for the most luxurious stay in Marrakech with impeccable service.
- Elegancia Riad Boutique for a chic riad that blends modern style with traditional Moroccan details in a central medina location.
- Riad Botanica for a serene stay with lush greenery and a peaceful courtyard pool.
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