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How to Get to the Ben Youssef Madrasa from Jemaa el-Fna

Fifteen to twenty minutes on foot through the souks, if you know which way to go and who not to follow.

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The ochre street wall of the Ben Youssef Madrasa with its sign on Rue Assouel

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is 1.1 km north of Jemaa el-Fna, in the Ben Youssef neighbourhood, in the heart of the medina. You get there on foot only: on foot only, through the medina’s winding alleys; signs lead the way from Jemaa el-Fna (official location page). Allow 15 to 20 minutes.

In short

  • Address: Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, next to the Ben Youssef Mosque.
  • From Jemaa el-Fna: 1.1 km, about 15–20 minutes on foot.
  • From Bahia Palace: 1.8 km. From the Saadian Tombs: 2.1 km.
  • Download an offline map before you set off; mobile signal is patchy in the souks.

The walking route from Jemaa el-Fna

The simplest route goes straight north through the main souk street:

  1. From Jemaa el-Fna, enter the souks by the archway on the north side of the square, into Souk Semmarine, the wide covered street of textiles and slippers.
  2. Keep going straight. The street narrows and continues north through the souks, past lamp, leather and spice stalls.
  3. After about 15 minutes you come out near the Ben Youssef Mosque and its green-tiled roof. The madrasa is beside it, on Rue Assouel; signs point the way.

If you lose the thread, the official advice is simple: follow the signs from the square. Shopkeepers will also point you towards “Ben Youssef” if you ask.

Coloured glass lamps in the souks on the way from Jemaa el-Fna to the madrasa
Lamp stalls in the souks, on the walk to the madrasa. Photo: Racho.
The entrance of the Ben Youssef Madrasa with its sign above the doorway
The entrance on Rue Assouel: look for this sign above the door.

By taxi or car

There is no car access to the door. Petit taxis and drivers leave you at the edge of the medina, and the last stretch is on foot. If you are staying outside the medina, a taxi to Jemaa el-Fna and the walk above is the most straightforward option.

From your riad

Many riads in the north of the medina are only a few minutes away. Ask your riad for directions, or to call a guide if you would rather not navigate: riad staff can usually recommend an official guide.

From other sights

From Distance
Jemaa el-Fna 1.1 km
Bahia Palace 1.8 km
Saadian Tombs 2.1 km
El Badi Palace 2.5 km

Distances are from the official location page. The Almoravid Koubba and the Marrakech Museum are right next door, and Le Jardin Secret is a short walk south: see what to see nearby.

With a guide

If the souks feel daunting, a guided medina walk is the easy answer: the guide meets you near Jemaa el-Fna and leads the way. Most tours leave out the madrasa ticket, which you pay at the door. Compare them in our tours guide.

Next: how tickets work and what to see inside.

Questions people ask

Where is the Ben Youssef Madrasa?

On Rue Assouel, in the Ben Youssef neighbourhood, in the heart of the medina, next to the Ben Youssef Mosque. Address: Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000.

How far is the Ben Youssef Madrasa from Jemaa el-Fna?

1.1 km on foot, about 15–20 minutes through the souks. Access is on foot only, through the medina’s winding alleys; signs lead the way from Jemaa el-Fna.

Can a taxi take me to the Ben Youssef Madrasa?

Not to the door: the madrasa is reached on foot. A taxi can leave you at the edge of the medina, and you walk the last part.