Offering a fusion of African and Arab cultures and centuries-old traditions, Morocco continues to attract thousands of tourists to explore its rich culture, pinnacle architectural wonders, and a distinct travel experience that can’t be compared to anything else. From the ever-bustling markets selling spices, handicrafts and carpets to the serene oases and majestic palaces, there’s something for everyone.

The most famous tourist attractions of Morocco are its several lavish palaces, some of them dating back to the early 1500s. Once residences for many renowned ministers and Sultans, these historical monuments continue to captivate history lovers, artists, and writers alike. A “must-see” in every tourist’s travel list, here are the top 10 historic palaces to visit when traveling to Morocco.

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10 El Bahia Palace

An architectural treasure of Marrakech, a major city in Morocco, El Bahia Palace was built in the 1860s and now stands to display its famous interiors with stucco-carved inscriptions and Eden-like gardens to visitors. Constructed for the Grand Vizier (minister) to the Sultan, Ahmed Ibn Moussa, this magnificent palace is a pinnacle of Alaouite-era architecture, with elaborate floors decorated with marble and Zellij tiles, Zouak (painted wood) ceilings, Tadelakt (waterproof plaster) walls, ornate fountains, exquisite arches, all brought together with plenty of natural light shining through the palace. Lush green gardens adorn the exterior complex of the palace to add to its overall allure and call tourists to experience the extravagance of the royal era.

The palace was used as a royal residence in 1956 until it was transferred to the custody of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.

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9 Dar Jamai Palace

Situated on the border of El Hedim Square and Medina (old city), Dar Jamai Palace was built in the 1880s by the Grand Vizier Mokhtar Ben Jamai. Converted into a museum in 1920, the palace has been open for tourists to explore the traditional architectural designs scattered everywhere, from beautiful marble fountains in the exterior gardens to the exquisite tile work, carved wooden doors, high-arched windows, and intricately sculpted plasterwork in the interior spaces. The present-day museum now displays traditional handicrafts, ceremonial weaponry, musical instruments, and more.

8 Dar El-Makhzen

Also known as Palais Royal, Dar el-Makhzen is the primary residence of the king of Morocco. Located in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, the majestic halls of this palace are surrounded by two large courtyards that directly overlook the Strait of Gibraltar. Constructed in 1864, the large complex of the palace consists of multiple buildings, including royal residences, guest quarters, and living spaces for the Moroccan Royal Guard. The halls of this palace feature elegant columns, some of which date back to the Roman period, marble fountains, and high oak ceilings with well-kept gardens filled with topiaries, fountains, and lush greenery surrounding the halls. There are 7 beautiful bronze ornate entrances that await to be photographed by visitors.

7 Royal Palace Of Casablanca

Built in the 1920s from the designs by the Pertuzio brothers, Louis-Paul and Félix-Joseph, this palace is situated in the largest city of Morocco, Casablanca. Used as a residence for the king and the royal family when they visit the city, the palace itself is a grand example of traditional architecture, with a vast courtyard wafting with the aroma of citrus trees in the Mediterranean-style gardens. Regarded as one of the grandest landmarks in the city, visitors can experience the architectural style of this building when touring the esplanade in front of the palace or the ornate entrance.

6 Fairmont Tazi Palace, Tangier

Constructed in the 1920s as a residence for the King's advisor, the palace has been rebuilt and expanded, proudly standing high on the outer city's hills and overlooking the beautiful white city of Tangier. Once a palace and now a hotel, this architectural landmark reflects the city's irresistible beauty with the Andalusian-style gardens surrounding the building and unique artworks by local Moroccan artists adorning its many rooms.

Tourists can experience the beautiful juxtaposition between original Moroccan fixtures enhanced with all the modern luxury innovations when visiting the hotel. It's tough to overlook the hotel's Moroccan-inspired decor present in its bars and sitting spaces, enhanced with the traditional tunes softly playing in the background that creates a one-of-a-kind ambiance. Even the vegetation surrounding the hotel portrays the country's past, with eucalyptus trees, and olive, citrus, and pomegranate groves.

Visitors can book spa treatments at the palace's luxury spa, which provides 10 treatment rooms and outdoor spaces soaked in natural sunlight, connecting to a pool, private spa, sunroom, and a hammam (a traditional public steam room).

5 El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace, built in the 1500s and now preserved as a heritage site, is a testament to the grandness of the Saadian Dynasty in Marrakech. It takes a 10-minute walk from Jemaa el Fna square for visitors to reach this palace and explore the remains of this once-spectacular landmark. The palace was constructed in classic Moroccan architecture style, featuring a wide central courtyard enclosed by four wings, walls ornamented with mosaics and carvings and tall columns built from precious marble. The palace is open to guided tours and hosts concerts and art exhibits, which are some of the most unmissable activities to do in Marrakech.

The entrance fee for the palace is 70 Moroccan Dirhams ($7), while children may enter for free.

4 Museum Of Moroccan Art (Musée Dar Si Saïd)

A popular folklore museum in Marrakech, the Moroccan Art Museum (Musée Dar Si Sad) is located in one of the city's most stunning palaces and invites hundreds of visitors every day to explore its splendor and take a few steps back in time. The museum is named after the Minister of War in the 19th century, for whom this palace was constructed. The word Dar means "house," and Si Sad is part of the name of the minister, Si Sad ibn Moussa.

Tourists can spend a relaxing afternoon visiting this palace-turned-museum and explore its magnificent courtyard brimming with colorful native flower bushes and cypress trees, a beautiful gazebo, and a marble fountain. Finely carved doors, stucco work, and mosaics adorn the display rooms surrounding the courtyard. The museum is also open for visitors to tour the domed reception room and the harem quarters.

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3 Dar Al-Mandub

Dar al-Mandub or Palais du Mendoub, formerly known as the Forbes Museum of Tangier, is a cultural landmark spread across a 10-acre complex on Mohammed Tazi Street in Tangier's Marshan area. The palace gained popularity following the release of the 1987 James Bond film Living Daylights, where it featured as the villain’s lair. The palace itself is a tall white monument with lush greenery surrounding its exteriors. Originally built in 1929 as a residence for Mendoub Mohammed Tazi, it was converted into the Forbes Museum in 1970 after being purchased by Malcolm Forbes, the publisher of Forbes magazine. Repurchased in 1990 by the Moroccan government, it’s now used as a residence for official guests.

2 Dar Mnebhi Museum

A famous historical landmark and arguably one of the most beautiful buildings situated in Marrakech, Dar Mnebhi Palace was previously the residence of a wealthy family. The palace is located on Tala'a Seghira street and dates back to the 1800s. Following the traditional architectural style of that era, this heritage site has three grandiose gardens with ornate fountains, serene ponds, and benches in the courtyard. The palace went under some careful restoration in 1997 and was converted into a museum to revive its traditional lounging places, hammams, and detailed sculptures. Visitors are now welcome to explore modern and traditional Moroccan art, historical literature pieces, and coins set on display.

1 El Glaoui Palace

Covered in Andalusian architectural features, with antique baths and salons, El Glaoui Palace attracts countless visitors to explore this 19th-century palace and experience the grandeur of the era. Located in the old imperial capital of Fez, this palace was erected by the former minister of Marrakech and is a standing example of an affluent Moroccan residence from the 1800s. Inside the palace, visitors can appreciate the Andalusian interior designs, the massive kitchen, intricately designed windows and entrances, double-size salons, and a well-preserved early-19th-century toilet. The courtyard joining the sitting spaces is dotted with marble fountains that beautifully reflect the shining sunlight. Visitors can also view the pointillist paintings of caretaker Abdelkader in one of the palace's many salons.