Not to miss

Saadian Tombs

Long hidden from intrusive eyes, the area of the Saadian Tombs, alongside the Kasbah Mosque, were originally the privileged burial place of the sherif, the descendants of the Prophet Mohammed. However, the ornate tombs that can be seen today are the resting places of the Saadian princes, most notably Ahmed al-Mansour.

Unlike the Palais el-Badi, another of Al-Mansour's projects, the tombs escaped Moulay Ismail's depredations - possibly he was superstitious about plundering the dead. Instead he sealed up the entrance to the tombs, which were not rediscovered until the early 20th century. As a result, they still convey some of the opulence and superb artistry that must also have been lavished on the palace.

The tombs were not 'rediscovered' until 1917 when General Lyautey, his curiosity awakened by an aerial survey of the area, ordered a passageway to be made to the tombs. They have since been restored.

Ali ben Youssef Mosque

The largest of the mosques inside the medina is the Ali ben Youssef Mosque, which marks the intellectual and religious heart of the medina. First built in the second half of the 12th century by the Almoravid sultan of the same name it is the oldest surviving mosque in Marrakesh. It was almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century in the Merenid style.

Musée de Marrakesh

Once you've settled into a sofa in its zellij-bedecked bhous (seating nooks), mesmerised by the golden light of the courtyard and its burbling fountains, you might want to stay awhile - or forever. But it wasn't always so peaceful at this palace. Original owner Mehdi Mnebhi had a spectacular rise and fall as the minister of defence under Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz, who was first decorated by Queen Victoria then betrayed by England and forced to flee to Tangiers.

Like most other nice digs in Marrakesh at the time, the palace was snatched up by colonial conspirator Pasha Glaoui. After independence it briefly became a girls' school, but it has since been restored by the Omar Benjelloun Foundation as a showplace for Moroccan traditional arts and travelling art shows. It usually displays European modern art at its kitschiest - which, given the palace's history, seems like fair play. Temporary exhibitions cover both traditional and contemporary Moroccan arts.

The museum also hosts the occasional concert or theatrical event. Outside there is a pleasant and tranquil courtyard cafe and a small bookshop selling a selection of art books, posters and postcards.