Jemaa el-Fnaa is a bustling square in Marrakech, known as the heart of the city's carnival. During the day, it hosts market stalls and various performers such as snake charmers, henna artists, and musicians. As night falls, the square transforms into a lively hub with food stands offering grilled meats and fresh orange juice vendors.
Great place with all the sights sounds and smells your senses can possibly take in. There's amazing tajin to be had at shared communal tables, stay for tea. There's leather goods locally sourced, as well as incense and spices from the region. Fresh squeezed mixed juice by the pint is a must to keep you energized to keep walking and exploring mysterious and magical Marrakech
Leo E — Google review
It looks overwhelming at first, but it's easy to navigate. Restaurants with terraces, and shops line the square, and in the evenings, food vendors set up selling fruit juices, all kinds of traditional dishes, and pretty much anything else you can think of. There's entertainment in the form of games, musicians, snake charmers, and monkeys, the later 2 of which I don't endorse. But overall it's a great place to spend the evening and people watch.
Dawn L — Google review
This is a very famous plaza. There are tons of motocyclists, so you need to watch out and stay on your right. People are nice, but vendors are very sticky. If you are not interested in something, don't spend much time looking at it, or you will be insisted on buying. Make sure you ask for a better price because bargaining is something they truly enjoy. There are several good restaurants. Choose one with a rooftop to get great views of the plaza and the vendors with cobras and monkeys.
Rosanna S — Google review
This square is a must visit place if you come to Marrakech.People is really friendly, sometimes a bit intense while trying to sell you food, but always with manners.The difference between the day and night is huge.Also in love with juices they instantly make.
Maria A — Google review
Walking through Jemma el-Fnaa is an amazing experience every time I do it. Both the daytime and nighttime atmosphere is incredible with the square filled with performers, artists, henna women, snake charmers, juice sellers, music, and an ever changing crowd. There is nothing that fully captures the magic of this place.
Rose G — Google review
One of the busiest squares in the world. Moroccan life and culture in all its variety can be experienced here. A must experience in Marakkesh. This North Africa at its best. Stalls and stalls of Moroccan food comes alive from sunset. For those who are more formal , restaurants surround the square on all sides. Village artisans peddle their wares leather, pottery , paintings , spices and handicrafts in the square. Friday nights are special with hundreds of nomadic performers entertaining small groups. The square is alive with snake charmers, monkey shows, jazz singers, stilt walkers, apply henna on your hands. On onside you have a line horse carriage one can engage for stroll through the city.Be ready to negotiate the price before doing anything including taking photographs.
John Z — Google review
It’s crazy how this square becomes so alive when it gets dark. There are traditional music and dances, different items sold. I would recommend to try the foods of the mobile food Stalls that mysteriously appears when it’s nighttime. Many people might call your attentions, wanting you to spend money. I find it sad that also animals are involved in this, most specially the Monkeys who are intelligent beings even capable of having emotions.
Carlos A — Google review
I would say very full and crowded. Very festive environment in the evening. A lot of food stalls and fresh juice..a lot of performers and local musicians. If you going with kids don't nothing there for them.
Javed M — Google review
Very vibrant attraction. Heaps happening at the sam time. From food and juice stalls to henna, souvenirs, dance, and music. Super busy at night but it's such a large square and can easily accommodate large crowds. There are also snake charmers and monkeys! Very interesting experience.
Saraa — Google review
Extremely bustling, lively area with food and juice stalls in the middle and around the square. Food is delicious and cheap as chips. Amazing atmosphere and lots of locals eating and enjoying the delicacies such as snails and sheep's head, if that's for you. Keep your bags in front of you as pickpockets operate in the area. Must not miss the experience of jamaa el fna square.
Gizzy — Google review
Big touristic Square with lots of local products and artists. There are numbered sections with fish, meat and fruit where you can eat very fresh and delicious food very cheap. Be aware that looking like a tourist people are all over you to get them into their food place or buy products. Always friendly but can be too much sometimes.
John H — Google review
It’s an open space. Interesting to explore and you can see a lot people selling the street food and juices. Also you see a lot of snake charmer with cobra and at night you can enjoy the street musicians. Just be careful with your stuff, bag, wallet, etc if you’re walking in this area.
Hardy M — Google review
It was a very unique experience to actually learn about the process of making leather garments and bags. The prices were negotiable for most items. Upon entry, we were given mint leaves as a distraction for the foul odor from the mixture to condition the leather.
Kimberly A — Google review
Such an interesting place, well worth a visit. Hundreds of stalls, guys with monkeys and snake charmers galore! We've never been anywhere quite like it.
Steve G — Google review
Utterly bonkers market, even more ridiculous at night.You will be hassled at just about every store/pitch, especially if you show the slightest bit of interest in their wares.The place to go if you want to eat sheep's head.Many bargains to be had, particularly from the vendors with no store or pitch that are selling from a blanket on the floor. Prepare to haggle.The sights, sounds, smells and overall experience is 'a must' in Marrakech.
Where A — Google review
This is the place to see the real Morocco, a favorite place for the tourists. There are a lot of shops and food stalls, snake charmers, and women who put henna on palm. In the evenings the whole place gets lighted and gets busy. The best way to view the place is sitting on the top floor of a cafe with a cup of coffee and watch the hustle and bustle around. We were also lucky to watch the sunset. Highly recommend this place.
Soudamini M — Google review
"This square is the perfect example of public space usage by the people. Throughout the day, it hosts distinct activities. In the morning, you'll find fruit and coffee vendors. In the afternoon, it transforms into a flea market, complete with entertainers with animals. At night, the square undergoes another transformation, with food tents appearing and storytellers and jugglers entertaining the crowd. It's a vibrant and must-visit destination in the city."
Andres H — Google review
I was convinced Jamaa El Fna Square would be a touristy nightmare, filled with travelers wearing shorts, black socks and Fanny packs. However, on a Monday night in May, the iconic Jamaa El Fna Square was filled with locals celebrating the Moroccan culture, playing music, singing, dancing, and eating at the food stalls. It was a potpourri of travel stimulation, and although I am often a jaded traveler these days, I loved it. It felt good to be surprised.
Philip G — Google review
Good experience, although not as majestic as it looks in pictures.Went in the day and it felt safe.The night was busy and full of entertainment but didn't feel as safe. However, I'm a single mum with 2 kids and I felt safe enough. Just be firm when sellers are pressuring you!We had food in a restaurant on the square with lanterns on the roof terrace. It was really clean and professional and food and drinks were fabulous. The sunset from the roof terrace over the market was stunning! Cantvrwmember the name of it but it's hard to miss with its glowing terrace.
Mum R — Google review
It’s a great place to visit the markets of Marrakesh (from their leather products and traditional tea pots and ceramic products to clothes and food; you will find everything here) and it’s close to some historic sites like. As the sun starts to set, the center gets full of people showcasing their talents and food trucks so it gets really crowded and hot.
Raniya T — Google review
This place is soooo vibrant and just so Morocco. You gave to go here to feel the joy and excitement of the . Negatives... Lots of beggers about. Lots of children begging. Be very careful of thieves. I didn't like the snake charmers ewwwww!!Being able to barter was exciting. Got a couple of the long ladies robes for a better price than in the local shops. Brilliant holiday.
S. A — Google review
We found Jemaa El-Fnaa a great place to visit. Locally referred to as the main square or main market, it is best to visit in the evenings. We went in the beginning of November and we found this to be a great time to visit, the mornings are nice and cool, daytime reached mid to high 20s and evening is warm to cool, but not so cold that you need a jumper if you are from the UK.The market although open from morning, is est to visit from late afternoon onwards, it comes to life in the evening. The busy hustle and bustle of he market is a great atmosphere. There is plenty to see and lots of things to buy if you are in mood for some shopping.Plenty of food places , street performers including local traditional dances, snake charmers, monkey trainers, horse carriage rides and others.The traders will say a higher price if you are tourist, don't be out off , they expect you to haggle down :) and they do so without being pushy, in fact if the price is not agreeable you can simply walk away and say thank you, many time they will shout a cheaper price once you have walked away to draw you back. Always haggle.The Koutoubia mosque is right next to the market, it was closed for repairs, once done it should be open.Most restaurants you can walk into at this time of year they won't be that busy, there rooftop restaurants dotted all over the, those you might need to book a table for as they overlook the market, a great evening view.The outdoor market is surrounded by streets and alleys that are overflowing with shop keepers and their wares.We went without the kids but we can see that it is safe enough to visit with kids, just be mindful of the busy maze like streets and also the scooters that zip past you as you're walking, other than that it's great.Friendly place, friendly people, good food, good value items for shopping.
Mun R — Google review
This is tourist central. It’s busy, over priced and it feels like every person is out to scam you. If you eat in the food market in the evening make sure you agree a price before you sit down. Ignore the snake charmers, the folk who have tied up monkeys and the henna ladies. Would recommend watching you tube videos about common scams that take place here.
Kelly P — Google review
Loved experiencing the Medina. We did a walking food tour and then went back shop on our own. Felt very safe and loved the experience. You haven't been to Marrakesh if you don't visit the Medina.
Craig S — Google review
Nice Palace to walk about and learn the history of. Stalks nesting in the palace walls, which was lovely to see! The market is hectic and chaotic but has a vibrant and lively atmosphere. Beware, you will see snake charmers, monkeys on chains, and animals for sale, which may be upsetting. There are a couple of nice cafes to sit in and watch the hustle and bustle.
Michelle T — Google review
Go at night to experience the magic and beauty of the Medina. So much for the senses to take in. Be prepared to be asked to buy, sample and partake of the many offerings from the vendors. Its a wild, wonderful experience.
Suzanne H — Google review
I was not expecting all the stimulus you get here. Cobra charmers, chained monkeys, aggressive sellers, weird smells, all colors under the sun and non stop noise. An interesting experience that changes from day to evening. Regardless of the time, I think is worth stopping by and absorbing it all.
Cristian G — Google review
Incredible mosque.The main tower is over 1000 years old.This place dominates the skyline of Marrakech.There is much space to walk around and one can get tours.Incredible history of the how it has changed over the millennia.Highly worth a visit and the nearby gardens are also very wonderful.The call to prayer is also something worth hearing which is 5 times a day.
Hywel M — Google review
Beautiful place, very touristic and you can find whatever you can imagine to buy. Watch out, there are a lot of scammers tough.By night, the artists they play instruments, they dance and you can enjoy the spectacle by acrobatic artists for free. The food is very good and fresh, the experience is worth living.
Marius C — Google review
A more or less nondescript place at daytime it becomes an unbelievable vibrant spot at night.Traditional music and dancing, street food of all kind, merchants who sell everything from clothing and jewellery to spiritual medicine.What is a once in a year city fair elsewhere is daily (or nightly) life here.You can't describe it, you have to experience it - hope the pictures get my point across ;-)
Lars V — Google review
Lives up to its reputation as it transforms from a bustling, busy marketplace during the day to a lively light show at night with music, attractions, games and (more) food.Yes it’s not huge, it can feel chaotic and cramped particularly when busy, it starts to look the same and soon after you want to escape. But it’s a key point of interest in Marrakech and a bit of harmless fun for the most part.Go in and enjoy yourselves.
Emrah B — Google review
A must see. Amazing, colourful, loud and vibrant. If it wasn't for the constant "harrassment" by the vendors, I would say 5 stars. Definitely a must-see. Hot tip: avoid all sport jerseys, clothing with flags, words, names, etc. or you will endlessly get called out by name! Enjoy!
Jennifer M — Google review
Beautiful soul. You can get everything you need. Be aware of people trying to scam. Vendors always tell you an exaggerated price. Always huggle. If you don't like the way just say thank you and move along. Most of them are not friendly with cameras bear this in mind. Ask permission.
Arafath R — Google review
It’s definitely an experience.So full of life and lights, music, good mood.Also a lot of people trying to sell things.But generally think it’s something that you definitely need to see with your own eyes in Marrakech
Claudia I — Google review
The main square of old Marrakech is an unforgettable experience, especially as evening falls. It’s a lively hub filled with the sights and sounds of the city. You can find everything here—from freshly squeezed juices and intricate henna designs to snake charmers captivating the crowds. The energy is electric, and there’s always something new to see or taste. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the vibrant culture and unique atmosphere of Marrakech!
Oxiuke — Google review
Square is very famous for the performers and traders, but it's quite dirty, there are monkeys on neck chains, and the food is dodgy. There is a great buzz, though, and worth the visit. Just don't eat or entertain those who abuse animals
Lee C — Google review
Despite some street fight and the disgusting smell at some parts of the place it was a great experience and you could totally feel that you are in Africa. At night when a lot of people come out they are trying to be more sneaky and lure you in to some places where they want to get more money out of you than what the food actually worth but if you pay attention to it then you will be fine and it didn’t really influence the overall experience.
Lilla H — Google review
The square is full of life, with street performers, vendors, and food stalls everywhere. It's a great spot to experience Moroccan culture firsthand!
Safae H — Google review