Jemaa el-Fnaa
ساحة جامع الفناء
A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity: by day, juice stalls and snake charmers; by evening, it turns into a hundred barbecue stalls and an open-air theatre of storytellers and music.
Jemaa el-Fnaa has been the heart of Marrakech since the city was founded in the 11th century, and in 2001 it was listed among the first Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. By day the square has fresh orange juice stalls (MAD 5–10 a cup; choose a numbered stall), snake charmers, monkey performances and henna painters. Agree on prices beforehand, and refuse 'free trial' drawings. After sunset, more than a hundred numbered barbecue stalls set up tents in the middle of the square, serving kebabs, snail soup, sheep's head meat, tanjia stew and harira soup, all local flavours. Vendors call out enthusiastically; choose the local stalls with more customers, and look at the price list first. Around the square there are also storytellers, Gnawa music and street acrobats. Giving performers a tip of MAD 10–20 is courteous. The best place to look down on the square at night is the rooftop of Café Glacier or Le Grand Balcon on the south side (just order a mint tea). On the west side of the square is the Koutoubia Mosque, and the north entrance leads into the market. For safety, be aware that the square is crowded and pickpockets are active, so keep your phone and wallet secure. To firmly decline touts, say 'La, shukran' (no, thank you). The square is open 24 hours, and the night market sets up from about 18:00 until midnight.
Opening hours
Open all day (night market approx. 18:00–24:00)
Nearby sights
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Medina Souks
- Le Jardin Secret
- Dar Si Said Museum
- Dar El Bacha – Musée des Confluences
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Maison de la Photographie
- Bahia Palace