The short answer
Yes, if you like ruins and scale. El Badi is the vast ruined 16th-century palace of the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur: sunken orange gardens, great empty pools, storks nesting on the walls and the Koutoubia minbar on show. Allow about an hour. Late afternoon light on the ramparts is the best time.
In more detail
It is a very different visit from the Bahia. The Bahia is intact decoration; El Badi is mostly open space and walls, and the pleasure is the size of it and the view from the ramparts across the Kasbah and the medina rooftops.
When we checked in October 2026, it opened daily from about 09:00 to 17:00, with last entry about 16:30. It sits by Place des Ferblantiers, about 15 minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, so it pairs well with the Mellah and the Saadian Tombs on one walk. Each summer it is also a venue for the National Festival of Popular Arts.
The ground is uneven and the rampart steps are steep, so wear proper shoes. There is little shade in the middle of the day, which is another reason to come in the late afternoon.
Good to know
- Climb the ramparts for the view over the Kasbah.
- Look for the storks' nests on the walls.
- Bring water and a hat; the courtyards are exposed.