At the heart of the medina, a few steps from the Koutoubia mosque and its minaret, Jemaa el-Fnaa is the great square of Marrakech — and its living theatre. Its storytellers, musicians and performers are so precious that UNESCO named the square a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity, in 2001.
By day
In the morning the square is calm: a few stalls of fresh orange juice, dried fruit and spices, henna artists, and the entrances to the souks around it. It is the moment to wander and to start exploring the narrow streets of the medina.
At night
As the sun goes down, the square transforms. Smoke rises from the food stalls, lanterns light up, circles form around musicians and storytellers. It is noisy, joyful and unforgettable — Marrakech at its most alive.
Every evening, the square becomes the greatest show in Marrakech.
Our tips
- Go at sunset, and watch the square light up from one of the terraces around it.
- Taste a fresh orange juice from the stalls — a Marrakech classic.
- Keep an eye on your belongings in the crowd, as in any busy place.
- If someone offers to guide you or takes a photo with you, agree on any price first.
Getting there from the riad
Riad Dar Razallah is about 5.5 km from Jemaa el-Fnaa, in a quiet residential street: around 15 to 20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. Our team will gladly help you arrange a taxi — and after the energy of the square, the calm of the riad is waiting.
