Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech was created as a project by the French artist Jacques Majorelle between the 1920’s and 30’s and has grown to become one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
The gardens are most famous (and certainly Insta-famous) these days for the connection with Yves Saint Lauren. Often itineraries refer them as the YSL Gardens in Marrakech.
However, there are a few things you need to know. Mostly about the impact of this connection of YSL and Jardin Majorelle – and Instagram – and so I have shared everything below to plan your visit to Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.
Along with a very honest reflection of whether Les Jardin Majorelle is worth a visit…
The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech
What makes the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech so famous?
The Majorelle Garden is a one-hectare botanical garden and artist’s landscape garden in Marrakesh, Morocco.
It was created by the French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle in 1922. Over the next 40 years he planted Jardin Majorelle with exotic botanical specimens from the far corners of the world.
As well as the exotic plants and specimens from all around the world, the gardens are famous for the vibrant Blue Villa that Jacques Majorelle lived in.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé
In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the Jardin Majorelle to save it from destruction at the hands of hotel developers.
They had been living in Morocco since 1966. But on purchasing the Jardin they decided to live in Jacques Majorelle’s villa, which they renamed the Villa Oasis.
Yves Saint Laurent writes:
“For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colours.”
YSL Gardens
Today the gardens are often referred to as the Yves Saint Laurent gardens or YSL Gardens in Marrakech because of this connection.
The beautiful boldly-coloured buildings and contrasting exotic plant specimens have become an Insta-icon in Morocco.
Tickets: Jardin Majorelle
Can you buy tickets on entry to Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech?
Yes; and no.
There is no longer a kiosk for buying tickets on entry to Jardin Majorelle.
You cannot buy a ticket on-site to enter the YSL Majorelle Gardens.
Tickets need to be purchased online.
However, it is relatively straightforward to purchase tickets for Jardin Majorelle online via their website.
You can purchase the ticket on your phone while you are physically standing at the entrance to the gardens.
- Buy Tickets Online for Jardin Majorelle.
Buying Tickets Online
At the entry to the gardens there is an entire (shaded) area dedicated to people purchasing their tickets online.
There are even ticket-attendants to help you process the purchase online on your phone.
My card would not work despite multiple tries and I had almost given up! The attendants (in blue coats) standing outside helping visitors suggested I ask another person and give them the cash. I was about to do that when I wondered if it might work with a VPN.
It did!
- Tip: You might need to use a VPN to purchase the ticket on your phone for Jardin Majorelle.
How Much Does it Cost?
Tickets for Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech are priced accordingly for tourists, citizens and residents as well as students:
Note also that prices have been updated for the 2026 season to reflect the garden’s status as Morocco’s most visited site!
Ticket Price (Garden Only)
| Category | Price (MAD) | Approx. EUR |
| International Tourists (Adults) | 170 Dhs | €16.00 |
| International Students (with ID) | 95 Dhs | €9.00 |
| Moroccan Citizens & Residents | 75 Dhs | €7.00 |
| Moroccan Students | 40 Dhs | €3.80 |
| Children (Under 10) | FREE | FREE |
- Combo Tickets: If you also want to visit the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts or the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, it is cheaper to buy a “Combined Ticket” online rather than purchasing them separately.
What About a Ticket for Kids?
Children under 10 years old are free (accompanied by an adult).
Best Time to Visit?
Considering temperature, lighting and crowds, the best time to visit the Majorelle Gardens is in the morning or 1-2 hours before closing.
The lighting in the late afternoon is popular for photography.
However, I recommend choosing the chance for less crowds by visiting in the morning.
Read more below about my honest experience with Jardin Majorelle and crowds!
The Best Timing
- The Early Bird (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM): This is the undisputed “best” time to visit. Arriving right at opening allows you to see the vibrant blue architecture and tropical greenery before the midday heat and the large tour groups arrive.
- The Golden Hour (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM): If you are a photography enthusiast, late afternoon offers the softest, most flattering light for those iconic Majorelle Blue shots. The crowds often start to thin out slightly as people head back to the Medina for dinner.
- The Midday Peak (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Avoid this window if possible. This is when the garden is at its most congested, and the Moroccan sun is at its harshest.
Opening Hours
The complex is open every day of the year, though hours may shift slightly during Ramadan (currently beginning around mid-February 2026).
| Site | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
| Jardin Majorelle | 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Berber Arts Museum | 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| Villa Oasis (Private Garden) | 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | 5:00 PM |
- Tip: Your ticket is for a specific time slot. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, the staff may not be able to accommodate you due to strict capacity limits.
Time Needed
How much time do you need to visit Jardin Majorelle?
The garden can be visited in 45 minutes to an hour.
Depending on how fast or slow you stroll – and how many pictures you stop to take!
There is a café on site and toilets inside the garden complex.
Is It Worth Visiting Jardin Majorelle?
It’s not often I go out exploring on my own.
But on this morning Gavin and the boys were working on maths (Geometry and measurement by the way). So I ventured out for a solo expedition to visit the famous Jardin Majorelle.
After all, it is one of Marrakech’s most iconic sights.
My Morning at Jardin Majorelle
It was a beautiful 30-minute walk from our park near Koutoubia Mosque and the Medina, and my route went past the busy area of the bus station and the outskirts of the ramparts.
But the gardens I’ve got to say was the first of Marrakech’s sights that – in my opinion – didn’t live up to the hype.
So was it worth the visit?
I’m not sure.
Maybe I just missed my tribe for exploring?
Or maybe the small but beautifully manicured pathway through the gardens, albeit with attendants and security every 20 metres, just isn’t really my thing.
It was hard to soak in the beauty of these famous gardens so filled with photoshoots and queues for a pose in the most Insta-famous spots.
I think I missed my tribe for exploring today.
But now I’ve seen the famous gardens. Plus of course I stopped in the busy old city to get my fix of the medina-bustle in the morning – and to grab a late street-food breakfast for those little and big mathematicians waiting back at home!
What To Wear to Jardin Majorelle
There is no dress code to visit the Majorelle Gardens.
However, as with anywhere in Morocco, modest dress is advised and respectful while visiting.
How To Get to Jardin Majorelle From Marrakech
Jardin Majorelle is easily accessible from anywhere in Marrakech.
On Foot
The gardens are a 30 minute walk from the Medina of Marrakech.
By Bus
You can also take a bus to the Boukar Majorelle station.
By Taxi
It is easy to catch a cab from anywhere in the city to reach the garden.
By Train
The closest train station to Jardin Majorelle is Menara Gueliz.
Then the gardens are 13 minutes’ walk away from there.
Accommodation in Marrakech
Marrakech is well known for its seemingly limitless range of beautiful accommodation.
From traditional Riads to modern hotels, AirBnB’s and campsites it has it all! You will definitely find something to match your budget.
Here is our pick of the best campsites plus a range of budget, mid-range and luxury hotels in Marrakech to choose from.
Budget Riads in Marrakech
Mid-Range Riads in Marrakech
Luxury Riads in Marrakech
Moroccan Hammam in Marrakech
Thinking of trying a Moroccan Hammam in Marrakech?
After more than eight months of travel in Morocco we have officially made Moroccan Hammam part of our weekly routine!
Read More About Travel in Morocco
- Take The Ferry From Spain To Morocco.
- Driving In Morocco: Travel Guide.
- 15 Top Tips On Travelling To Morocco.
- Motorhome Services In Morocco.
- What To Wear In Morocco As Travellers.
- Guide To Campsites In Morocco.
- Buying SIM Cards In Morocco (+ How To Get Unlimited Data).
Staying Longer in Morocco?
If you are considering staying longer in Morocco or crossing south to Mauritania, see our travel guides for border crossings with Morocco.
- Read Crossing the Morocco Mauritania Border From Dakhla.
- Read Morocco Border Crossing From F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
Planning Travel to Morocco & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates for accommodation in Morocco.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before setting off for your Morocco motorhome itinerary!
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