Riad Zitoun: the street between Jemaa el-Fna and the Bahia Palace

Updated on October 8, 2026

Riad Zitoun is the name of two streets in the medina, Riad Zitoun el-Kedim ("the old one") and Riad Zitoun el-Jdid ("the new one"), which link the south-east of Jemaa el-Fna square to the Bahia Palace, Place des Ferblantiers and the Mellah. It is one of the busiest axes in the south of the medina: people pass through on the way to the palaces, have lunch here, buy slippers, spices and lanterns, and many travelers sleep here. The neighborhood is lively, noisy and very convenient, as long as you accept the crowds, the scooters and the pitches of the sellers.

Highlights

Riad Zitoun el-Jdid street

This is the liveliest street in the neighborhood: shops selling slippers, leather, carpets and lanterns, and small restaurants and cafés on both sides. It leads to the entrance of the Bahia Palace, then to Place des Ferblantiers and the Mellah. Prices are not displayed in the shops: you bargain.

The derbs and the riads

On either side of the street, narrow dead-end lanes (derbs) lead off, and riads converted into guesthouses and restaurants hide at the end of them. Their doors are discreet: you only discover the patio and the roof terrace once inside. Several terraces look out over the rooftops of the medina.

The Bahia Palace, a few steps away

The Bahia Palace opens onto this street: it is the most natural visit in the neighborhood, to combine with the El Badi Palace and the Kasbah for a morning given over to the south of the medina.

Practical info

Tips

The street is open at all times and free. It is narrow and shared with scooters and carts: walk to the side and listen for drivers shouting "balak!" (watch out!). If a stranger tells you the palace is closed or offers to guide you, do not follow them: check the opening hours at the ticket office. To sleep in the neighborhood, prefer a riad in a dead-end lane, quieter than those facing the main street; our guide to where to stay in Marrakech for a first visit compares the areas. For shopping, see the souks of Marrakech and the scams to avoid.

How to get there

Riad Zitoun el-Jdid and Riad Zitoun el-Kedim streets, south medina, between Jemaa el-Fna square and the Bahia Palace On foot from Jemaa el-Fna square: about 15 minutes to Place des Ferblantiers along Riad Zitoun el-Jdid street On foot from the Bahia Palace: the street runs past the entrance Petit taxi: cars cannot enter the street; ask to be dropped near Jemaa el-Fna or near the Bahia, then finish on foot