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.
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.
Very busy, but gives you a great feel for the culture and people. The food stalls do some amazing foods and the entertainment in the evenings was amazing. Just watch out for the henna ladies they charge an extortionate amount and will not settle for anything less without fight.
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!
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.
A must see place in Marrakech. The only issue is that people will look at you as a euro/dollar sign. They will always give you their highest price first when trying to sell you anything and bargaining is expected. I found the best way to bargaining with them is to give them a half price contra proposal and if they don't accept just say thank you and walk away. They will then tell you their best price.
Totally insane! During the day they sell pretty much everything and at night it transforms into restaurants. Sad to see chained monkeys. Wish they ended that. Watch out for the henna women, they grab your hand, paint it and then ask for money.
Very cool area to see, but be aware of the ladies selling henna--if you even slightly make eye contact they will attach to your side, grab your hand and start putting the paint on you without consent. They will then try to charge you 500MAD ($50), don't pay this much! It's only worth about 100MAD if you actually fall for the scam..hopefully you don't :)
If you go to one of the food stalls, the food is good and safe to eat! However, be aware that they will bring items that you did not order, as if they are complimentary, but NOTHING IS COMPLIMENTARY and they will charge you for everything. As long as you remember that, you should be able to enjoy the market!
Amazing square in the heart of Marrakesh. Truly comes to life after dark with musicians and snake charmers from across the country. Incredible food and a great atmosphere. Busy, and people will ask you for money for photographs so be careful. Keep a special eye on your belongings. Best to watch sunset from above the square. There are some great cafes and restaurants and even bars serving alcohol that are dotted around the outsides of the square.
Very nice and clean area, lots of people dancing and singing. Great food but very aggressive salesmen who at times will grab you to eat or buy something from them. This place never stops so you can go at anytime of the day and have a good time. Must try the fresh squeezed orange juice.
I would go here at dusk for the sunset light mixed with the smoke. It's where the most interesting activities start. It's really like a crowded oriental market you would see in the movies. However it's very tiring, the sellers always interact with you constantly, which can be overwhelming for a European or American. You really can't pass by and look at anything without being told or asked something.
This is though the best place to eat (in the evening only) cheap and more authentic than in restaurants. I recommend the harira soup.
For a nice view, try a top floor terrace around the square
The epicentre of the old town. Grab some fresh fruit juice whilst you're there, and if you want to take it all in from a distance, head to a rooftop terrace cafe. Restaurants on the square will charge more at night.
Good stalls with moroccan clothing and cutlery. A good place to get presents. Plenty Ice cream and drink stalls. So much hassling going on, so be careful especially from the guys holding the monkeys. Fake watches, fake hats constantly being presented to you and lots of beggars following you around, almost feel bad buying a drink or food and eating in front of them.
Busy, loud and chaotic. The stalls are fairly identical along with the food stands. Worth going and grabbing something to eat around dusk to soak in the atmosphere, but its a fairly shallow experience aimed towards getting the most from tourists. It's worth going up to the cafe terraces above the square to get nice photos though.
Famous square of Marrakesh. Crowded with visitors. Different atmosphere during day and night.
During day monkeys, snake charmers etc. If you take a picture you will need to pay. You should a negotiate the price before taking a picture.
If you're there for lunch/dinner try to find the place that cooks lamb underground quite delicious. It is tucked away in an alley north of the square.
During the night there is storytelling and music in the Square. Food stands also for dinner. We tried stall 14 for some good fish. And stall 1 for grilled meat.
You will be hassled quite a bit. It is the best to ignore people and keep engagement at a minimum. Just shake your head and keep walking. Try not to make eye contact 😀