After a few busy days exploring Marrakech’s Medina, stepping into Jardin Majorelle felt like entering a completely different side of the city. We visited first thing in the morning to avoid the biggest crowds, and honestly, that was one of the best decisions we made. The famous blue walls, exotic plants, quiet pathways, and bursts of yellow, green, blue and pink felt even more special before the garden became too busy.
Right next door, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum adds another layer to the experience, especially if you enjoy fashion, design, architecture, or simply want to understand why this corner of Marrakech became so iconic.
In this guide, we’re sharing our visit to Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, including how we got there from our riad in the Medina, what to expect inside, ticket tips, the best time to visit, and a few practical things we wish we had known before going.
DISCLOSURE NOTE: Our Blog Post contain few affiliate links to products We personally use, trust, and suggest. These help support our efforts in creating valuable and informative content.
When you make a purchase or engage with our affiliate partners through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support enables us to continue producing quality content and exploring new topics. Thank you for being a part of our journey and helping us grow! Sharing is caring ! Click here to learn more.
A Quick Bit of History
Jardin Majorelle was started in 1922 by French painter Jacques Majorelle, who spent almost 40 years shaping it into a botanical sanctuary filled with plants he collected from around the world. In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the property and helped save it from being torn down for development. They restored the garden and made it part of their life in Marrakech. Learn more in the Official Website clicking here.
One of the most famous details of the garden is its bold cobalt shade known as Majorelle Blue, named after Jacques Majorelle himself. You’ll see it on the buildings, fountains, pots, and small architectural details throughout the garden — and honestly, it’s one of those colors that looks even more striking in person.
Yves Saint Laurent had such a strong connection to Marrakech and Jardin Majorelle that after he passed away, his ashes were scattered there, and today there is a small memorial dedicated to him inside the garden.
How to Get to Jardin Majorelle from the Medina
Jardin Majorelle is located in Gueliz, the newer part of Marrakech, so it’s a little outside the Medina where many riads are located.
From Riad Zarka, the riad where we stayed in Marrakech, Google Maps showed around a 40-minute walk to Jardin Majorelle. And while we usually enjoy walking when we travel, we decided to save our energy for the rest of the day. Marrakech can feel intense once you start exploring the souks, so we asked our riad host to call a taxi for us instead.
The ride took about 10 minutes, and honestly, it was the easiest option. We arrived first thing in the morning, avoided the biggest crowds, and still had plenty of energy to enjoy Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and later continue exploring Marrakech.
Taxi Tip: If you take a taxi, it’s a good idea to agree on the price before getting in. Even better, ask your riad or hotel to arrange one for you. That’s what we did, and it made the whole process easier and less stressful.
Walking Tip: Walking from the Medina is possible, depending on where you’re staying, but keep the heat in mind. We visited Marrakech in October, and it was still really warm, especially after lunch. So if you decide to walk to Jardin Majorelle, we’d suggest doing it first thing in the morning, wearing comfortable shoes, and saving the route on your phone before leaving your riad.
Tour Option: If you prefer not to think about transportation or tickets, you can also look for Jardin Majorelle tours or combo options that include the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and sometimes transport. This can be useful if you’re short on time, traveling solo, or prefer a more organized visit.
Tickets and Best Time to Visit Jardin Majorelle
A few practical things made our visit to Jardin Majorelle much smoother, especially because it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Marrakech.
Book your tickets online in advance
We recommend booking your tickets before you go, especially if you want to visit in the morning.
The official Jardin Majorelle website recommends reserving your ticket online in advance to secure your preferred date and time. It also lists the latest opening hours and ticket information, so it’s worth checking before your visit.
Check GetYourGuide if you prefer more flexibility
Another option is to compare Jardin Majorelle tickets and combo tours on GetYourGuide, especially if you like reading recent traveler reviews before choosing.
Some options include Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts together.
Depending on the ticket or tour, GetYourGuide may also offer free cancellation, which can be helpful if your Marrakech plans are still flexible. Always check the cancellation policy on the specific activity before booking, because it can vary.
Go early if you can
We visited around 10 a.m., and it was already warm.
We were in Marrakech in October, and even then, the heat picked up quickly later in the day. If you want fewer crowds, better photos, and a more comfortable visit, we’d suggest booking a morning time slot.
Check the official hours before you go
Opening hours and last entry times can change depending on the season, holidays, or special events. Before booking your ticket or planning your visit, we recommend checking the official Jardin Majorelle website for the latest opening hours, ticket options, and museum information.
This is especially important if you’re planning to visit first thing in the morning like we did, or if you want to combine Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts on the same visit.
Inside Jardin Majorelle: What to Expect
Before you start wandering, it’s worth taking a quick look at the visitor map at the entrance. Jardin Majorelle is not huge, but the map helps you understand the different sections of the garden and makes it easier to enjoy the visit without missing anything.
As you explore, you’ll come across several beautiful corners, each with a slightly different atmosphere.
The cactus garden
One of the most impressive parts of Jardin Majorelle is the cactus garden.
The collection of cacti and succulents is dense, sculptural, and beautifully maintained. We saw so many different shapes and varieties that, in some corners, it almost reminded us of a Zen Japanese garden — very calm, organized, and carefully designed. You can really tell how much care goes into keeping every corner clean and balanced.
The bamboo grove
The bamboo area feels completely different from the cactus garden. It’s taller, more shaded, and gives you a nice little break from the sun, especially if you’ve been walking along the open paths for a while.
We also loved the colours in this part of the garden. The tall green bamboo, the warm terracotta walls, and the bright blue details create such a beautiful contrast — it’s one of those corners that feels calm, tropical, and very “Marrakech” at the same time.
The ponds and water features
Jardin Majorelle also has several peaceful water features, from long blue-edged channels to shaded ponds surrounded by bamboo, plants, and colorful pots. These areas give the garden a calmer feeling and add beautiful reflections to the visit. We especially liked how the water, greenery, and Majorelle Blue details created such a refreshing contrast after walking through the sunnier sections of the garden.
Curiosity: We remember hearing someone mention that koi fish can be very expensive. We couldn’t confirm the value of the ones at Jardin Majorelle, but it made us notice the pond even more — another small detail that shows how carefully maintained the garden is.
The palm trees and tropical plants
Another thing we loved was how the garden changes as you walk through it.
One moment, you’re surrounded by cactus and desert plants, and the next, you’re walking under tall palm trees, tropical greenery, and quiet water features with beautiful water lilies. This area felt softer and more relaxing, almost like a hidden tropical corner inside the garden.
It made Jardin Majorelle feel more varied than we expected, with each section offering a completely different atmosphere.
The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
Inside Jardin Majorelle, you’ll also find the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, which we thought was really nice and worth visiting. It gives more context about Berber culture, with beautiful pieces related to jewelry, clothing, traditional objects, and Moroccan heritage.
Just keep in mind that access to the Berber Museum may require a separate or combined ticket, depending on what you choose when booking. So before you buy, double-check that your ticket includes the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts if you want to visit it.
From what we remember, photos were not allowed inside the museum, so it’s one of those places where you simply slow down, look around, and enjoy the details without trying to capture everything on camera.
And even if you decide not to go inside the museum, the surrounding area is still beautiful. The blue details, plants, shaded corners, and garden atmosphere around this part of Jardin Majorelle make it worth walking through slowly.
Tip: If you want to visit everything together, you can also check this GetYourGuide option that includes Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts:
👉 Check the combo ticket on GetYourGuide
The Yves Saint Laurent memorial
Tucked among the greenery, you’ll also find the Yves Saint Laurent memorial. It’s a quiet and understated spot, but it adds meaning to the visit, especially once you know how connected Saint Laurent was to Marrakech and Jardin Majorelle.
Café Bousafsaf
We didn’t stop at Café Bousafsaf during our visit, but it looked like a lovely shaded spot for a break inside the garden.
If you want to slow down after walking through Jardin Majorelle, this could be a nice place to sit, enjoy a mint tea or light refreshment, and take a quiet pause before continuing your visit or heading next door to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
The Love Gallery, boutique and bookshop
Near the garden visit, you’ll also find spaces like the Love Gallery, boutique, and bookshop. These are nice to browse if you want a souvenir, a design piece, or a book related to Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent, Moroccan art, or Marrakech.
A few final tips for visiting Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is small enough to visit in about an hour or so, but we wouldn’t rush it. Between the different plant sections, the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, the blue architectural details, the café, and the small shops, every corner feels a little different.
What made it special for us was the contrast with the rest of Marrakech. After spending time in the Medina — with its busy souks, shops, scooters, narrow streets, and constant movement — Jardin Majorelle felt like a calm little oasis in the city.
So take your time. Sit for a few minutes, enjoy the colors, listen to the water, and look around without feeling like you need to move quickly to the next stop.
If you enjoy taking photos, give yourself extra time too. The garden is full of beautiful contrasts: cactus and palms, terracotta walls, Majorelle Blue details, shaded paths, tropical plants, and quiet water features.
Even if Jardin Majorelle looks like a “quick visit” on the map, we think it’s better to treat it as a slow morning stop before continuing to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum or heading back into the Medina.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Right next door to Jardin Majorelle, you’ll find the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which is dedicated to the fashion designer’s work, creative world, and strong connection to Marrakech.
Even before going inside, the building itself is worth noticing. The museum was designed by Studio KO, and its exterior uses terracotta brickwork that was inspired by the texture of fabric — a nice detail that connects the architecture to fashion and design. The museum opened in 2017, close to Jardin Majorelle, where Yves Saint Laurent spent so much time during his life.
Inside, the museum features pieces connected to Saint Laurent’s fashion legacy, including garments, sketches, photos, accessories, and design elements that help show his creative process. What we liked is that it’s not only about fashion — it also helps you understand how Marrakech, Moroccan colours, and local inspiration became part of his world.
Visiting Yves Saint Laurent Museum – A few practical things to know:
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum requires its own ticket, unless you choose a combo ticket that includes it.
Also, photography is limited inside, and from what we remember, we were not allowed to bring a water bottle in, likely because of museum safety and preservation rules. So it’s a good idea to finish your water before entering or keep it for after the visit if allowed by staff.
If you’re into fashion, design, architecture, or art history, we think it’s worth adding to your Jardin Majorelle visit. And even if fashion is not usually your main interest, the museum is still a beautiful way to understand why Yves Saint Laurent had such a strong connection with Marrakech.
Curiosity: The museum is more than a small exhibition room. It was created as a cultural space dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent’s work and includes exhibition areas, a bookstore, a café-restaurant, and other cultural spaces, so it feels like a natural extension of the Jardin Majorelle visit rather than just an add-on.
Take a Quick Walk Around the Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum Area
After visiting Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, don’t rush back to the Medina right away. The street just outside the museum is actually really nice for a short walk, with a few boutiques, small shops, cafés, and restaurants nearby.
It feels very different from the busy souks in the Medina. The area is calmer, more open, and has a more modern Marrakech feel, so it’s a good place to slow down, look around, and maybe do a little shopping before continuing your day.
We noticed some beautiful clothing displays, Moroccan-inspired decor, and a few cute spots that looked nice for a drink or light meal. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, it’s worth taking 10 or 15 minutes to explore this little area before heading back.
Quick tip: If you visit Jardin Majorelle first thing in the morning, this can be a nice place to pause afterward before returning to the Medina or continuing toward Gueliz.
Where We Ate After Visiting Jardin Majorelle
We decided not to eat inside Jardin Majorelle or in the immediate surrounding area. Instead, after visiting the garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, we took a taxi back to the Marrakech Medina and had lunch at a rooftop restaurant called Kui-Zin.
Since it was a little later in the afternoon, we had the terrace almost all to ourselves, which made it feel extra relaxing after the morning visit. The views over the Medina were beautiful, the decor was cozy, the service was friendly, and the prices felt fair for the experience.
We also really enjoyed the food. We don’t remember the exact names of every dish, but based on what we tried, we’d recommend looking for:
What we tried and liked:
- Moroccan mint tea, perfect for a little break after walking in the sun.
- Moroccan briouates or small savory pastries, served as a starter-style dish.
- A grilled or stuffed pastry-style dish with salad, which was light but filling.
- Kafta / meatball tagine, which was honestly our favorite. The kafta was the best we had during our time in Marrakech.
- A mixed Moroccan appetizer plate, if you want to try a few flavors at once.
Overall, Kui-Zin was a really nice stop after Jardin Majorelle. It gave us a quiet terrace moment, beautiful Medina views, and a delicious Moroccan meal before continuing our day.
Extra tips
If you visit Jardin Majorelle in the morning, Kui-Zin can be a nice lunch option once you return to the Medina — especially if you want a relaxed rooftop setting instead of staying near the garden area.
We actually found this restaurant by checking Google Maps after our visit, which is something we used a lot during our Morocco trip. Having mobile data made it much easier to look up restaurants, check reviews, follow walking routes, and call a taxi when needed.
Travel tip: If you want to stay connected in Morocco without relying only on hotel Wi-Fi, you can check Holafly eSIM for Morocco before your trip. It’s one of those small things that can make exploring Marrakech much easier, especially when you’re moving between the Medina, Gueliz, Jardin Majorelle, and restaurants like Kui-Zin.
Where to Stay Near Jardin Majorelle
For our Marrakech trip, we experienced two different stays: one inside the Medina for the full riad experience, and one just outside the Medina for a more relaxed and practical final night before flying home.
Riad Zarka – Inside the Marrakech Medina
Best for: Full Medina experience, riad atmosphere, first-time Marrakech visitors
For most of our time in Marrakech, we stayed at Riad Zarka, and we really liked it. It was located in a calm and quiet part of the Medina, but still close enough to explore the souks, restaurants, and main sights on foot.
One thing that made the stay easier was the help we received from Simon, who gave us lots of local tips, helped arrange taxis, and even assisted with our luggage. This was especially helpful because walking inside the Medina can feel like a maze at first, and cars are not allowed in many areas, especially during the day. When we first arrived in Marrakech, he waited for us at the Medina entrance and helped guide us to the riad, which made a big difference.
We totally recommend staying inside the Medina if you want the full Marrakech riad experience and easy access to the atmosphere of the old city.
Villa Amira et Spa – Riad near Majorelle Garden
Best for: Relaxing stay, easier taxi access, final night before flying
After traveling around Morocco for a few days, we returned to Marrakech for one final night before flying back to Montreal. This time, we decided to stay just outside the Medina at Villa Amira Spa, and it was the right choice for that moment of the trip.
We had been traveling back from Rabat that morning, so having a relaxing afternoon at the hotel felt really nice. It was also more practical because we needed to leave early the next morning for the airport, and staying outside the Medina made transportation easier.
So, while we loved the Medina riad experience, we think staying just outside the Medina can be a good option if you want something calmer, more accessible by car, or easier for an early departure.
More From Our Marrakech Trip
This was just one stop in a jam-packed few days exploring Marrakech. For everything else we learned about arriving, getting around, and staying safe in the city:
Final thoughts
Jardin Majorelle is one of those places in Marrakech that really does live up to the hype. Between the famous Majorelle Blue, the peaceful garden paths, the cactus and palm sections, the ponds, and the connection to Yves Saint Laurent, it felt like a beautiful break from the busy energy of the Medina.
We’re glad we visited first thing in the morning, because it gave us a calmer experience and made the whole visit more enjoyable. Adding the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum also made the stop feel more complete, especially if you enjoy design, culture, fashion, or Moroccan heritage.
For us, Jardin Majorelle felt like a little oasis in Marrakech — colorful, peaceful, and easy to recommend if you’re planning your first trip to the city.
Have you been to Jardin Majorelle, or is it on your Marrakech travel list? Let us know in the comments!
Lia & Serge from Discovering Destinations
Lia & Serge from Discovering Destinations
Discovering Destinations: Travel Tools & Planning Tips
Traveling is exciting—but a well-planned trip can make the experience smoother and more affordable. We’ve learned through years of travel that starting early helps you find the best deals, avoid stress, and make the most of your time.
Use trusted tools to compare prices, read real traveler reviews, and book with confidence. From flights and hotels to eSIMs and local tours, these platforms have helped us—and now they can help you too.
