Jemaa el-Fnaa (Arabic: ساحة جامع الفناء Sāḥat Jāmiʾ al-Fanāʾ, also Jemaa el-Fna, Djema el-Fna or Djemaa el-Fnaa) is a square and market place in Marrakesh's medina quarter (old city). It remains the main square of Marrakesh, used by locals and tourists.
The origin of its name is unclear: jamaa means "congregation" or "mosque" in Arabic, probably referring to a destroyed mosque on the site. Fnaʼ or fanâʼ can mean "death/extinction" or "a courtyard, space in front of a building". "finâʼ in Arabic commonly means "open area"; a straight translation would be "the gathering/congregation area". Other meanings could be "The assembly of death," or "The Mosque at the End of the World". Another explanation is that it refers to a mosque with a distinctive courtyard or square in front of it. A third translation is "assembly of the dead", referring to public executions on the plaza around 1050 CE.
Loved the market. Lots of stand to buy freshly squeezed juice, all more or less the same price. If buying anything be prepared to haggle. I was on my own with kids aged 4 & 6 and I was not harassed by sales people. Had a great guy who took me to the leather part of the market, he didn't ask or take any money from me. He didn't take me down any quiet or back roads, was in busy public road at all times. You can also take horse and carriage rides from here. Taxis and buses readily available too.
BRENDA ADEBAJOJan 19, 2018
A very interesting place. It's the Old Town of the city of Marrakech. Very friendly people but in the mix you'll encounter very pushy vendors. If you see something you like, they will tell you it's one of the last ones they got if not the last one. If you don't agree with the price don't be afraid to leave it and keep looking. You'll find the same item over and over again in nearby shops. While shopping it is very important to be actively trading. Never take the first price they tell you but counter it up to 50% reduction. From there it will go on for a minute or two until you settle somewhere in the middle.
Diego BoyFeb 23, 2018
Nice place to walk around during the day and haggle with the local vendors and roam the streets. The pastries are really nice. Terrible place to visit at night as a foreigner. We were harassed much worse than I expected. We were grabbed, cornered, told to go home, called bad people, and only because they want you to come into their store or food stall. When you partake and buy from them then they are nicer. The fresh squeezed juices are really nice. The food is okay at best. Don't go if you're claustrophobic.
daniel EsperFeb 1, 2018
Come here twice. Once during the day then again at night to see it transformed. There are snake charmers, monkey performers and many other things happening. Be prepared for the touts. The souks run off the square so it is a good place to orientate yourself from. Especially if you want to avoid getting lost. Lots of orange juice vendors and food at night. Wouldn’t recommend the safety of the food. Probably best to look and eat elsewhere.
simon morabihJan 9, 2018
This place is alive! Words can’t describe what it feels like to be in such unique grounds. During the day it has all the snake charmers and a few stalls. At night it is more like a battle field but with no violence. The place becomes alive. It pulses. It is full of energy, odours, sounds and energy. Only those who have been there with an open mind can relate to what I am trying to explain.
Ronaldo CarvalhoJan 7, 2018
It is fine to visit especially in the evenings. There is a wide selection of food. People become very annoying when you want to just walk over the area. Everyone wants to promote their food and pull you into their place. There are a lot of fruit stands where you can buy freshly pressed orange and other juices. Very tasty. During day there is not a lot to see except some people with snakes and monkeys. Come here in the evening before sunset and go to hotel la France to take a photo of the area. Afterwards have some food on the market but only eat where local people eat as well!
Florian SpeckbacherMar 31, 2018
This is one of the greatest places, if somebody once an idea about Moroccan and especially Marrakechies culture. Hear you find different people from different areas from Morocco, and also from other parts of the world. We could call the place culture diversity place. The place is a mixture between modern and traditional, art's, foods, clothing and shops. I highly recommend Marcus Theaters marvelous place.
abdelaziz ait mansourMar 16, 2018
Great place to shop if you can find your way back. I lot of great stuffs in very good price. Business here is not only about making money but friendship and loyalty. Amazing number of crowds at night.
Patricia WangMar 26, 2018
What a place! So much life and bustle. Note: you will get touted so just build up the thick skin and follow your eyes and nose. Don’t take photos of street performers unless you’re ready to tip and I plead to you to not engage in animal handlers because these are all abusive cases that must be curbed. Don’t contribute to unethical tourism. Enjoy great food such as snails, fruit juices, spiced teas and sheep’s head at the market. Grilled skewers aren’t extremely Moroccan so hard skip on those.
Rovik RobertApr 7, 2018
It was amazing here, I found the locals friendly. there is so much to see here, it can be overwhelming to take it all in, people selling leather goods, rugs, jewels, argon oils. There is loads of food for sale and juices. The juice is delicious and so cheap... There is also snake charmers and cute monkeys... You have to give money for photo with snake/ monkeys so be prepared for that... Some complain it isn't enough 🙈 it's extremely busy so keep valuables safe as with anywhere there will be opportunists waiting... Overall I absolutely loved it here Highly recommended for day & night
Caroline HayesApr 22, 2018
A must visit when in Morocco. Go mentally prepared as it's very busy and has a unique hectic environment but if you've visited similar places before you'll be fine. Great glimpse of Marrakech. Colourful, entertaining and fun. Be careful of bags etc and learn how to haggle.
Daljit JassyApr 29, 2018
A wonderful place to get immersed in the culture! I loved the vibe. The place changes completely during the day, in the morning it’s much quieter than the evening. In the evening there is a lot going on, different games, lots of food stalls, and lots of people. Be aware of the men holding monkies and snakes! Especially snakes are held almost hidden in their hands. The monkeys just look sad in tiny human clothes. The traffic is something that you should take into account too; the taxis, horse carriages, and mopeds go quite fast and don’t like it when a tourist gets in the way. The cafes and restaurants on the edges of the square are all lovely and have great views to it. However, some of the most persistent sellers come to the terraces so you won’t be able to enjoy your cup of mint tea in peace. Try roof terraces (many of the restaurants have them), they are more peaceful and they have a great view.
Aliisa RantanenApr 8, 2018
Definitely not for everyone as the place is literally packed as hell! Aura is not comparable with anything I experienced in my life so far so it is in fact a must see in Marrakech. Very good food for low prices, lots of smiling, friendly people but also many "performers" who will do anything to get the money out of your pocket. For the sunset it's a good idea to sit with a glass of mint tea on one of nearby terraces and watch the transition of the place. Unforgettable!
Krzysztof BorkowskiJun 2, 2018
An assault on the senses for most North Americans. Unless you want to be taken to the cleaners/fleeced, ignore all attempts to talk to you. Don't speak English or French. The more the swindlers can communicate to you, the easier it is for them to exert their influences on you. Find your own way. Don't ever get led anywhere by anyone, or they may (likely) take you for a ride and ask for a pittance. They will always tell you 'left, then right', invariably making you more and more lost and away from the public eyes of other tourists. And you are very likely to step in donkey or horse poop...
Alain ChowMay 27, 2018
An assault on the shopping experience, if only souk sellers would let you look without jumping in to make a sale and therefore make you worried to even glance at a shop. I was looking forward to the fun of the haggle but all pushy sales men make you walk away fast. There are much nicer ways to make a sale. Also be very aware Henna women will walk at you, put henna on you in a flash because they want money. I was quick but I still had a little henna on my hand and said no and kept walking. I could have bought so many nice things but these people do themselves a disservice with the pressure sales way. I didn't get a chance to enjoy the place for too many reasons. We just escaped to Cafe Argana for some peace.
Elaine PiperMay 8, 2018
Beautiful experience to walk around the square. Try it different times of the day as atmosphere changes a lot along the day. It can be very intense during the night. Be cautious of henna ladies, don't take pics with snakes and monkeys and be aware that some guys will push you hard to sit at their place to have dinner. It can be a very intense experience so be aware. A good tip is to enjoy food or coffee in one of the surrounding restaurants to enjoy the sunset and the happenings right below.
Georgios MichasJun 10, 2018
I enjoyed it here. There was so much to look at. It was more expensive than I expected, but if I wasn’t worried about the weight of my suitcases or flying home I would have purchased a lot and big size pieces. There were snake charmers and more. The snake charmers see you take a picture and race up to you demanding money for the picture. I didn’t like that but understood it. My only disappointment was not finding the mounds of spices on tables and jars like you see in ads or tv travel shows. I recommend going here just for the experience, even if you don’t buy much or plan to shop.
Isa HalabiJul 12, 2018
Jemaa el-Fna is hard to describe, it must be experienced; and experienced both at night and during the day. The sights, sounds and smells are totally different during the day and the night. Each visit to this iconic landmark felt like a visit for the first time. We couldn’t decide what should get our attention next, it was overwhelming, but fun. The food from the various vendors was magnificent, and the freshly-squeezed fruit juices so refreshing. The dancing cobras during the day, and the fortune tellers at night felt reminiscent of a movie I’d scene. The Berber stalls abounded with beauty. So much color, so many sounds and so many smells consistently enveloped our senses.
Sacha St. HillJul 13, 2018
True Moroccan experience! The square is full with people, vendors, locals and tourists as well. You can see monkey and snakes as well, although they are captured somewhere in the Atlas and used here to attract tourist. Be mindful and do not support these kind of businesses. In the middle the people at the food stalls can be really pushy, however trying the snail soup and some fresh juice worth the price! Just be aware that these vendors automatically give you the bigger portion, while the price of the small portion is written everywhere
Berta NánássiAug 10, 2018
This is an open marketplace that local business owners or individuals gather in to sell their products and services. It’s great as it has everything from food to clothes and cosmetics. Be careful of those who allow you to take pictures with their monkeys and snakes, as they eventually ask you to pay a big amount of money. Be sure to ask about the price of the service before actually taking it. The fresh juices are refreshing and tasty, as well as all the restaurants there.
Al Zahra YahyaAug 14, 2018
Quite an experience! I went here just after sunset and it was very crowded. Be mentally prepared for what this place is. Say 'no' to any shady characters trying to stop you and sell you or lead you anywhere. Also be prepared to barter hard for anything you want to buy. Don't buy anything at sticker price here. Note that sticker prices are quite high, but those are high on purpose because you are expected to negotiate a lower price. Also, I highly suggest you eat at one of the rooftop restaurants surrounding the square. Very nice view and a nice place to take a break from the busy streets.
Dennis FJul 31, 2018
Bizarre and refreshing. Busy and hot. Interesting visit to the square. Do not buy anything at asking price! Barter with them. Do not follow anyone who offers to help guide you through the market. We made this mistake. They lead you down a deserted alley, far away from your destination, then extort you!
alex hummelAug 7, 2018
We went at night for the first time. It was really amazing to walk around. There is a lot of people and tons to see and do. It is very very busy at night, especially on Friday and Saturday. It can be a little overwhelming with everyone trying to sell you anything they can, get you to their restaurant or bar, or offer you a tour. During the day there is horse carriage rides, snake charmers and monkey acts. We tried not to partake of encourage the animal acts since the animals do not seem to be well taken care of. Overall it's an interesting experience with lots of good restaurants and places to checkout.
Matt ClarkeJul 21, 2018
Loved the market. Lots of stand to buy freshly squeezed juice, all more or less the same price. If buying anything be prepared to haggle. I was on my own with kids aged 4 & 6 and I was not harassed by sales people. Had a great guy who took me to the leather part of the market, he didn't ask or take any money from me. He didn't take me down any quiet or back roads, was in busy public road at all times. You can also take horse and carriage rides from here. Taxis and buses readily available too.
BRENDA ADEBAJOJan 19, 2018
A very interesting place. It's the Old Town of the city of Marrakech. Very friendly people but in the mix you'll encounter very pushy vendors. If you see something you like, they will tell you it's one of the last ones they got if not the last one. If you don't agree with the price don't be afraid to leave it and keep looking. You'll find the same item over and over again in nearby shops. While shopping it is very important to be actively trading. Never take the first price they tell you but counter it up to 50% reduction. From there it will go on for a minute or two until you settle somewhere in the middle.
Diego BoyFeb 23, 2018
Nice place to walk around during the day and haggle with the local vendors and roam the streets. The pastries are really nice. Terrible place to visit at night as a foreigner. We were harassed much worse than I expected. We were grabbed, cornered, told to go home, called bad people, and only because they want you to come into their store or food stall. When you partake and buy from them then they are nicer. The fresh squeezed juices are really nice. The food is okay at best. Don't go if you're claustrophobic.
daniel EsperFeb 1, 2018
Come here twice. Once during the day then again at night to see it transformed. There are snake charmers, monkey performers and many other things happening. Be prepared for the touts. The souks run off the square so it is a good place to orientate yourself from. Especially if you want to avoid getting lost. Lots of orange juice vendors and food at night. Wouldn’t recommend the safety of the food. Probably best to look and eat elsewhere.
simon morabihJan 9, 2018
This place is alive! Words can’t describe what it feels like to be in such unique grounds. During the day it has all the snake charmers and a few stalls. At night it is more like a battle field but with no violence. The place becomes alive. It pulses. It is full of energy, odours, sounds and energy. Only those who have been there with an open mind can relate to what I am trying to explain.
Ronaldo CarvalhoJan 7, 2018
It is fine to visit especially in the evenings. There is a wide selection of food. People become very annoying when you want to just walk over the area. Everyone wants to promote their food and pull you into their place. There are a lot of fruit stands where you can buy freshly pressed orange and other juices. Very tasty. During day there is not a lot to see except some people with snakes and monkeys. Come here in the evening before sunset and go to hotel la France to take a photo of the area. Afterwards have some food on the market but only eat where local people eat as well!
Florian SpeckbacherMar 31, 2018
This is one of the greatest places, if somebody once an idea about Moroccan and especially Marrakechies culture. Hear you find different people from different areas from Morocco, and also from other parts of the world. We could call the place culture diversity place. The place is a mixture between modern and traditional, art's, foods, clothing and shops. I highly recommend Marcus Theaters marvelous place.
abdelaziz ait mansourMar 16, 2018
Great place to shop if you can find your way back. I lot of great stuffs in very good price. Business here is not only about making money but friendship and loyalty. Amazing number of crowds at night.
Patricia WangMar 26, 2018
What a place! So much life and bustle. Note: you will get touted so just build up the thick skin and follow your eyes and nose. Don’t take photos of street performers unless you’re ready to tip and I plead to you to not engage in animal handlers because these are all abusive cases that must be curbed. Don’t contribute to unethical tourism. Enjoy great food such as snails, fruit juices, spiced teas and sheep’s head at the market. Grilled skewers aren’t extremely Moroccan so hard skip on those.
Rovik RobertApr 7, 2018
It was amazing here, I found the locals friendly. there is so much to see here, it can be overwhelming to take it all in, people selling leather goods, rugs, jewels, argon oils. There is loads of food for sale and juices. The juice is delicious and so cheap... There is also snake charmers and cute monkeys... You have to give money for photo with snake/ monkeys so be prepared for that... Some complain it isn't enough 🙈 it's extremely busy so keep valuables safe as with anywhere there will be opportunists waiting... Overall I absolutely loved it here Highly recommended for day & night
Caroline HayesApr 22, 2018
A must visit when in Morocco. Go mentally prepared as it's very busy and has a unique hectic environment but if you've visited similar places before you'll be fine. Great glimpse of Marrakech. Colourful, entertaining and fun. Be careful of bags etc and learn how to haggle.
Daljit JassyApr 29, 2018
A wonderful place to get immersed in the culture! I loved the vibe. The place changes completely during the day, in the morning it’s much quieter than the evening. In the evening there is a lot going on, different games, lots of food stalls, and lots of people. Be aware of the men holding monkies and snakes! Especially snakes are held almost hidden in their hands. The monkeys just look sad in tiny human clothes. The traffic is something that you should take into account too; the taxis, horse carriages, and mopeds go quite fast and don’t like it when a tourist gets in the way. The cafes and restaurants on the edges of the square are all lovely and have great views to it. However, some of the most persistent sellers come to the terraces so you won’t be able to enjoy your cup of mint tea in peace. Try roof terraces (many of the restaurants have them), they are more peaceful and they have a great view.
Aliisa RantanenApr 8, 2018
Definitely not for everyone as the place is literally packed as hell! Aura is not comparable with anything I experienced in my life so far so it is in fact a must see in Marrakech. Very good food for low prices, lots of smiling, friendly people but also many "performers" who will do anything to get the money out of your pocket. For the sunset it's a good idea to sit with a glass of mint tea on one of nearby terraces and watch the transition of the place. Unforgettable!
Krzysztof BorkowskiJun 2, 2018
An assault on the senses for most North Americans. Unless you want to be taken to the cleaners/fleeced, ignore all attempts to talk to you. Don't speak English or French. The more the swindlers can communicate to you, the easier it is for them to exert their influences on you. Find your own way. Don't ever get led anywhere by anyone, or they may (likely) take you for a ride and ask for a pittance. They will always tell you 'left, then right', invariably making you more and more lost and away from the public eyes of other tourists. And you are very likely to step in donkey or horse poop...
Alain ChowMay 27, 2018
An assault on the shopping experience, if only souk sellers would let you look without jumping in to make a sale and therefore make you worried to even glance at a shop. I was looking forward to the fun of the haggle but all pushy sales men make you walk away fast. There are much nicer ways to make a sale. Also be very aware Henna women will walk at you, put henna on you in a flash because they want money. I was quick but I still had a little henna on my hand and said no and kept walking. I could have bought so many nice things but these people do themselves a disservice with the pressure sales way. I didn't get a chance to enjoy the place for too many reasons. We just escaped to Cafe Argana for some peace.
Elaine PiperMay 8, 2018
Beautiful experience to walk around the square. Try it different times of the day as atmosphere changes a lot along the day. It can be very intense during the night. Be cautious of henna ladies, don't take pics with snakes and monkeys and be aware that some guys will push you hard to sit at their place to have dinner. It can be a very intense experience so be aware. A good tip is to enjoy food or coffee in one of the surrounding restaurants to enjoy the sunset and the happenings right below.
Georgios MichasJun 10, 2018
I enjoyed it here. There was so much to look at. It was more expensive than I expected, but if I wasn’t worried about the weight of my suitcases or flying home I would have purchased a lot and big size pieces. There were snake charmers and more. The snake charmers see you take a picture and race up to you demanding money for the picture. I didn’t like that but understood it. My only disappointment was not finding the mounds of spices on tables and jars like you see in ads or tv travel shows. I recommend going here just for the experience, even if you don’t buy much or plan to shop.
Isa HalabiJul 12, 2018
Jemaa el-Fna is hard to describe, it must be experienced; and experienced both at night and during the day. The sights, sounds and smells are totally different during the day and the night. Each visit to this iconic landmark felt like a visit for the first time. We couldn’t decide what should get our attention next, it was overwhelming, but fun. The food from the various vendors was magnificent, and the freshly-squeezed fruit juices so refreshing. The dancing cobras during the day, and the fortune tellers at night felt reminiscent of a movie I’d scene. The Berber stalls abounded with beauty. So much color, so many sounds and so many smells consistently enveloped our senses.
Sacha St. HillJul 13, 2018
True Moroccan experience! The square is full with people, vendors, locals and tourists as well. You can see monkey and snakes as well, although they are captured somewhere in the Atlas and used here to attract tourist. Be mindful and do not support these kind of businesses. In the middle the people at the food stalls can be really pushy, however trying the snail soup and some fresh juice worth the price! Just be aware that these vendors automatically give you the bigger portion, while the price of the small portion is written everywhere
Berta NánássiAug 10, 2018
This is an open marketplace that local business owners or individuals gather in to sell their products and services. It’s great as it has everything from food to clothes and cosmetics. Be careful of those who allow you to take pictures with their monkeys and snakes, as they eventually ask you to pay a big amount of money. Be sure to ask about the price of the service before actually taking it. The fresh juices are refreshing and tasty, as well as all the restaurants there.
Al Zahra YahyaAug 14, 2018
Quite an experience! I went here just after sunset and it was very crowded. Be mentally prepared for what this place is. Say 'no' to any shady characters trying to stop you and sell you or lead you anywhere. Also be prepared to barter hard for anything you want to buy. Don't buy anything at sticker price here. Note that sticker prices are quite high, but those are high on purpose because you are expected to negotiate a lower price. Also, I highly suggest you eat at one of the rooftop restaurants surrounding the square. Very nice view and a nice place to take a break from the busy streets.
Dennis FJul 31, 2018
Bizarre and refreshing. Busy and hot. Interesting visit to the square. Do not buy anything at asking price! Barter with them. Do not follow anyone who offers to help guide you through the market. We made this mistake. They lead you down a deserted alley, far away from your destination, then extort you!
alex hummelAug 7, 2018
We went at night for the first time. It was really amazing to walk around. There is a lot of people and tons to see and do. It is very very busy at night, especially on Friday and Saturday. It can be a little overwhelming with everyone trying to sell you anything they can, get you to their restaurant or bar, or offer you a tour. During the day there is horse carriage rides, snake charmers and monkey acts. We tried not to partake of encourage the animal acts since the animals do not seem to be well taken care of. Overall it's an interesting experience with lots of good restaurants and places to checkout.
Matt ClarkeJul 21, 2018
Loved the market. Lots of stand to buy freshly squeezed juice, all more or less the same price. If buying anything be prepared to haggle. I was on my own with kids aged 4 & 6 and I was not harassed by sales people. Had a great guy who took me to the leather part of the market, he didn't ask or take any money from me. He didn't take me down any quiet or back roads, was in busy public road at all times. You can also take horse and carriage rides from here. Taxis and buses readily available too.
BRENDA ADEBAJOJan 19, 2018
A very interesting place. It's the Old Town of the city of Marrakech. Very friendly people but in the mix you'll encounter very pushy vendors. If you see something you like, they will tell you it's one of the last ones they got if not the last one. If you don't agree with the price don't be afraid to leave it and keep looking. You'll find the same item over and over again in nearby shops. While shopping it is very important to be actively trading. Never take the first price they tell you but counter it up to 50% reduction. From there it will go on for a minute or two until you settle somewhere in the middle.
Diego BoyFeb 23, 2018
Nice place to walk around during the day and haggle with the local vendors and roam the streets. The pastries are really nice. Terrible place to visit at night as a foreigner. We were harassed much worse than I expected. We were grabbed, cornered, told to go home, called bad people, and only because they want you to come into their store or food stall. When you partake and buy from them then they are nicer. The fresh squeezed juices are really nice. The food is okay at best. Don't go if you're claustrophobic.
daniel EsperFeb 1, 2018
Come here twice. Once during the day then again at night to see it transformed. There are snake charmers, monkey performers and many other things happening. Be prepared for the touts. The souks run off the square so it is a good place to orientate yourself from. Especially if you want to avoid getting lost. Lots of orange juice vendors and food at night. Wouldn’t recommend the safety of the food. Probably best to look and eat elsewhere.
simon morabihJan 9, 2018
This place is alive! Words can’t describe what it feels like to be in such unique grounds. During the day it has all the snake charmers and a few stalls. At night it is more like a battle field but with no violence. The place becomes alive. It pulses. It is full of energy, odours, sounds and energy. Only those who have been there with an open mind can relate to what I am trying to explain.
Ronaldo CarvalhoJan 7, 2018
It is fine to visit especially in the evenings. There is a wide selection of food. People become very annoying when you want to just walk over the area. Everyone wants to promote their food and pull you into their place. There are a lot of fruit stands where you can buy freshly pressed orange and other juices. Very tasty. During day there is not a lot to see except some people with snakes and monkeys. Come here in the evening before sunset and go to hotel la France to take a photo of the area. Afterwards have some food on the market but only eat where local people eat as well!
Florian SpeckbacherMar 31, 2018
This is one of the greatest places, if somebody once an idea about Moroccan and especially Marrakechies culture. Hear you find different people from different areas from Morocco, and also from other parts of the world. We could call the place culture diversity place. The place is a mixture between modern and traditional, art's, foods, clothing and shops. I highly recommend Marcus Theaters marvelous place.
abdelaziz ait mansourMar 16, 2018
Great place to shop if you can find your way back. I lot of great stuffs in very good price. Business here is not only about making money but friendship and loyalty. Amazing number of crowds at night.
Patricia WangMar 26, 2018
What a place! So much life and bustle. Note: you will get touted so just build up the thick skin and follow your eyes and nose. Don’t take photos of street performers unless you’re ready to tip and I plead to you to not engage in animal handlers because these are all abusive cases that must be curbed. Don’t contribute to unethical tourism. Enjoy great food such as snails, fruit juices, spiced teas and sheep’s head at the market. Grilled skewers aren’t extremely Moroccan so hard skip on those.
Rovik RobertApr 7, 2018
It was amazing here, I found the locals friendly. there is so much to see here, it can be overwhelming to take it all in, people selling leather goods, rugs, jewels, argon oils. There is loads of food for sale and juices. The juice is delicious and so cheap... There is also snake charmers and cute monkeys... You have to give money for photo with snake/ monkeys so be prepared for that... Some complain it isn't enough 🙈 it's extremely busy so keep valuables safe as with anywhere there will be opportunists waiting... Overall I absolutely loved it here Highly recommended for day & night
Caroline HayesApr 22, 2018
A must visit when in Morocco. Go mentally prepared as it's very busy and has a unique hectic environment but if you've visited similar places before you'll be fine. Great glimpse of Marrakech. Colourful, entertaining and fun. Be careful of bags etc and learn how to haggle.
Daljit JassyApr 29, 2018
A wonderful place to get immersed in the culture! I loved the vibe. The place changes completely during the day, in the morning it’s much quieter than the evening. In the evening there is a lot going on, different games, lots of food stalls, and lots of people. Be aware of the men holding monkies and snakes! Especially snakes are held almost hidden in their hands. The monkeys just look sad in tiny human clothes. The traffic is something that you should take into account too; the taxis, horse carriages, and mopeds go quite fast and don’t like it when a tourist gets in the way. The cafes and restaurants on the edges of the square are all lovely and have great views to it. However, some of the most persistent sellers come to the terraces so you won’t be able to enjoy your cup of mint tea in peace. Try roof terraces (many of the restaurants have them), they are more peaceful and they have a great view.
Aliisa RantanenApr 8, 2018
Definitely not for everyone as the place is literally packed as hell! Aura is not comparable with anything I experienced in my life so far so it is in fact a must see in Marrakech. Very good food for low prices, lots of smiling, friendly people but also many "performers" who will do anything to get the money out of your pocket. For the sunset it's a good idea to sit with a glass of mint tea on one of nearby terraces and watch the transition of the place. Unforgettable!
Krzysztof BorkowskiJun 2, 2018
An assault on the senses for most North Americans. Unless you want to be taken to the cleaners/fleeced, ignore all attempts to talk to you. Don't speak English or French. The more the swindlers can communicate to you, the easier it is for them to exert their influences on you. Find your own way. Don't ever get led anywhere by anyone, or they may (likely) take you for a ride and ask for a pittance. They will always tell you 'left, then right', invariably making you more and more lost and away from the public eyes of other tourists. And you are very likely to step in donkey or horse poop...
Alain ChowMay 27, 2018
An assault on the shopping experience, if only souk sellers would let you look without jumping in to make a sale and therefore make you worried to even glance at a shop. I was looking forward to the fun of the haggle but all pushy sales men make you walk away fast. There are much nicer ways to make a sale. Also be very aware Henna women will walk at you, put henna on you in a flash because they want money. I was quick but I still had a little henna on my hand and said no and kept walking. I could have bought so many nice things but these people do themselves a disservice with the pressure sales way. I didn't get a chance to enjoy the place for too many reasons. We just escaped to Cafe Argana for some peace.
Elaine PiperMay 8, 2018
Beautiful experience to walk around the square. Try it different times of the day as atmosphere changes a lot along the day. It can be very intense during the night. Be cautious of henna ladies, don't take pics with snakes and monkeys and be aware that some guys will push you hard to sit at their place to have dinner. It can be a very intense experience so be aware. A good tip is to enjoy food or coffee in one of the surrounding restaurants to enjoy the sunset and the happenings right below.
Georgios MichasJun 10, 2018
I enjoyed it here. There was so much to look at. It was more expensive than I expected, but if I wasn’t worried about the weight of my suitcases or flying home I would have purchased a lot and big size pieces. There were snake charmers and more. The snake charmers see you take a picture and race up to you demanding money for the picture. I didn’t like that but understood it. My only disappointment was not finding the mounds of spices on tables and jars like you see in ads or tv travel shows. I recommend going here just for the experience, even if you don’t buy much or plan to shop.
Isa HalabiJul 12, 2018
Jemaa el-Fna is hard to describe, it must be experienced; and experienced both at night and during the day. The sights, sounds and smells are totally different during the day and the night. Each visit to this iconic landmark felt like a visit for the first time. We couldn’t decide what should get our attention next, it was overwhelming, but fun. The food from the various vendors was magnificent, and the freshly-squeezed fruit juices so refreshing. The dancing cobras during the day, and the fortune tellers at night felt reminiscent of a movie I’d scene. The Berber stalls abounded with beauty. So much color, so many sounds and so many smells consistently enveloped our senses.
Sacha St. HillJul 13, 2018
True Moroccan experience! The square is full with people, vendors, locals and tourists as well. You can see monkey and snakes as well, although they are captured somewhere in the Atlas and used here to attract tourist. Be mindful and do not support these kind of businesses. In the middle the people at the food stalls can be really pushy, however trying the snail soup and some fresh juice worth the price! Just be aware that these vendors automatically give you the bigger portion, while the price of the small portion is written everywhere
Berta NánássiAug 10, 2018
This is an open marketplace that local business owners or individuals gather in to sell their products and services. It’s great as it has everything from food to clothes and cosmetics. Be careful of those who allow you to take pictures with their monkeys and snakes, as they eventually ask you to pay a big amount of money. Be sure to ask about the price of the service before actually taking it. The fresh juices are refreshing and tasty, as well as all the restaurants there.
Al Zahra YahyaAug 14, 2018
Quite an experience! I went here just after sunset and it was very crowded. Be mentally prepared for what this place is. Say 'no' to any shady characters trying to stop you and sell you or lead you anywhere. Also be prepared to barter hard for anything you want to buy. Don't buy anything at sticker price here. Note that sticker prices are quite high, but those are high on purpose because you are expected to negotiate a lower price. Also, I highly suggest you eat at one of the rooftop restaurants surrounding the square. Very nice view and a nice place to take a break from the busy streets.
Dennis FJul 31, 2018
Bizarre and refreshing. Busy and hot. Interesting visit to the square. Do not buy anything at asking price! Barter with them. Do not follow anyone who offers to help guide you through the market. We made this mistake. They lead you down a deserted alley, far away from your destination, then extort you!
alex hummelAug 7, 2018
We went at night for the first time. It was really amazing to walk around. There is a lot of people and tons to see and do. It is very very busy at night, especially on Friday and Saturday. It can be a little overwhelming with everyone trying to sell you anything they can, get you to their restaurant or bar, or offer you a tour. During the day there is horse carriage rides, snake charmers and monkey acts. We tried not to partake of encourage the animal acts since the animals do not seem to be well taken care of. Overall it's an interesting experience with lots of good restaurants and places to checkout.
Matt ClarkeJul 21, 2018
Monday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Tuesday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Wednesday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Thursday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Friday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Saturday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
Sunday | 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
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