The Marrakech Night Market: What to Expect at Jemaa el Fna
Words by Dalene Heck / Photography by Pete Heck
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Also worth visiting: the Wielzcka Salt Mine is nearby and one of Poland’s biggest attractions.
If we were looking for chaos, we found it at the Marrakech night market.
In fact, we found it within only a few minutes’ walk from our riad. After winding through several quiet derbs, we came to a main street that led us to the markets in the centre.
The energy on this main artery was instant and intense. Motorbikes sped and weaved around the crowds of people and carts pulled by donkeys. Pete took the outside lane to shelter me from the traffic.
Around us, souks were hawking everything from bras to raw meat to household goods. Wonderfully colourful shops of shoes, fabrics and ceramics brightened the way.
The main square – Jemaa el Fna – sits at the heart of the old Medina, and everything in the Marrakech market radiates out from it. There is the jewelry souk, the shoe souk (souk smata), the dyers’ souk for fabrics (souk sebbaghine), the leather souk (souk cherratin), the instruments souk (souk kimakhine), the ironworkers’ souk (souk haddadine), and the woodworking souk (souk chouari). The market is a labyrinth that can swallow an entire afternoon and evening.
Bonjour, hello, everyone called, a grand smile on their face and an outstretched hand leading would-be patrons into their store or open stall.
At one point, I walked slightly ahead of Pete, and we got separated. Within seconds, a small man with a wayward ball cap atop his head stepped in front of me, his eyes roamed my body from the feet up. “Very nice,” he creepily drawled. Becoming begrudgingly accustomed to this sort of unwelcome attention in Morocco, I casually stepped around him and into another crowd of people. Pete finally made his way back to my side, and we continued to browse.
As we neared the square, the alternating aromas hit full force.
We passed spice shops that temporarily distracted from the heavy diesel fumes of the speeding motorbikes, and it wasn’t long before we caught the scent of grilled meat, which meant we were near Jemaa el Fna.
The assault of the hawkish dinner slingers soon began from the stalls of fresh food and grills lined up under white tents. Each had one man responsible for coaxing patrons to their tables. “But you look like you are starving,“ one said as we pushed past him. We were searching for the highly recommended stall number 100.
We found it and immediately sat down, earning a small round of applause from everyone who worked there. Their charm was fictitious and obviously made for the crowds of foreigners. But it worked, and more people took seats around us.
Our waiter led us up to the buffet of fresh, uncooked food so that we could pick out what we wanted. We ordered a round of mixed brochettes, veggies and sausage. I had asked our waiter about a pastry dish, and he said it was traditional pastilla, filled with chicken and almonds. I didn’t order it, but it mysteriously showed up at our table with the rest of the spread anyway.
It was all SO delicious.
Even the pastry thing (which, I learned later, is more traditionally made with pigeon meat). It was garnished with sugar and cinnamon, which made it quite sweet for a chicken dish, but it was amazing.
While we ate, we enjoyed music from unrecognizable instruments just beyond. Several men pushing very large white carts walked past and tried to sell us a variety of desserts just as we were tucking into our grilled meat. More applause as more people sat down. The whole area was an electric whir of sounds, smells and activity.
We left quite full, and I commented that I wished we had carried a sign that said “We-just-ate-don’t-bother-us!” because we were immediately being guided to various stalls as we walked past. “Demain,” most of them insisted when we refused, “Come back tomorrow!”
A couple of more aggressive men put their arms around Pete: “Mon frere, mon frere, remember me tomorrow!” Another saw the Canadian flag on our backpack and yelled out, “Jim Carrey!” as we walked past.
Tips for Visiting the Marrakech Night Market
- Getting there. Jemaa el Fna is in the centre of the Medina, and most riads are within a 5–15 minute walk.
- Go at night. The market runs all day, but after sunset is when the food stalls appear, the performers set up, and the atmosphere becomes the kind you don’t forget. Arrive around dusk to catch the transformation.
- What to eat. There are MANY stalls, and stall number 100 is a long-standing recommendation. The fresh food is cooked right in front of you, with the theatre of the square all around. Be sure to order the brochettes. The pastilla (a sweet-savoury pastry of chicken or pigeon, almonds, and cinnamon) is traditional and well worth trying. Freshly squeezed orange juice from vendors around the square is excellent and inexpensive.
- Bargaining. Fixed prices are the exception in the souks, not the rule. Start lower than you’re willing to pay, stay friendly, and don’t be afraid to walk away (it’s the most effective negotiating tactic there is).
- For women travellers. Unwanted attention in the souks and around the square is a reality, whether you’re solo or with a partner. Dressing modestly (shoulders and knees covered), staying close to your travel companion, and moving with confident, purposeful body language all help. If someone makes you uncomfortable, ignoring them and walking into a crowd is usually the most effective response.
- Safety. Jemaa el Fna is busy and well-lit until late, with tourist police patrolling regularly. Pickpocketing in dense crowds is the main risk (it happened to me once, but all he found was a fuzzy mitt!). Keep bags in front of you and your phone out of your back pocket.
- Be cautious with photography. Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, as some may not appreciate it. Some shopkeepers may also request a small tip for allowing photographs.
- Watch for snakes. Yes, snakes. You might encounter charmers with their snakes, which is a traditional sight in Jemaa el Fna. A lady staying at our riad told a tale of her teenage son being surprised by a man who draped a snake around his neck without warning. After much imploring to have it removed, the man then demanded payment for the experience. Such men and their snakes are speckled throughout the markets (most commonly near the food stalls); keep a careful eye out to avoid them (unless, unlike me, you want that experience).
Where to Stay Near the Market
After leaving the medina down one of the side streets, silence quickly takes over. There are a variety of places to stay near the center, and we loved our time at Riad Linda (it’s only a 5-minute walk from the market). It combines traditional features, including tadelakt and zellij tiles, with modern amenities. Each room is air-conditioned, Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there is a great rooftop terrace.
Marrakech Tours
If you’d feel more comfortable wandering the Marrakech night market with a guide, that’s understandable. Not only can you learn more about local history, but there’s also less of a chance you’ll get lost! This small-group tour looks like an excellent option (and one that we’ll probably take when we return, in order to learn more about the area).
Marrakech is such a great base to explore the surrounding Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and more. Some highly recommended tours are outlined below:
- This award-winning day tour will show you the best of the Atlas Mountains and the Three Valleys. In an air-conditioned vehicle, you’ll reach remote mountain locations, walk to local Berber villages, and even stop for a camel ride!
- One of the most popular things to do from Marrakech is take a hot air balloon ride! Enjoy aerial views of the Atlas Mountains, and when you land, a tasty breakfast of Berber dishes.
- If you want to visit the Sahara desert, expect a 2 to 4-day excursion, but trust us, it’s very worth it and will give you once-in-a-lifetime experiences. This three-day tour from Marrakech offers a full slate of Moroccan experiences! You’ll drive through the Atlas Mountains, visit the 11th-century kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, see the Valley of the Roses, the Dades Gorges, and more. From the town of Merzouga, you’ll ride a camel into the Sahara and spend the night at a Bedouin camp.
FAQs About the Marrakech Night Market
What is the Marrakech night market called?
The main night market in Marrakech takes place at Jemaa el Fna, the central square of the old Medina. The name translates roughly as “Assembly of the Dead,” and is a reference to its origins as a site of public punishment under the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century. It is now a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site and the cultural heart of the city.
Is the Marrakech market safe at night?
Yes, Jemaa el Fna remains busy and well-lit until late, and tourist police patrol the area regularly. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and avoid unlit side streets after midnight.
What should I eat at the Marrakech night market?
Grilled brochettes, merguez sausage, harira soup, and pastilla are all worth trying. Freshly squeezed orange juice from vendors around the square is excellent and very inexpensive.
Is bargaining expected in the Marrakech souks?
Yes, haggling is a normal part of the experience. Most prices in the souks are not fixed. Start lower than your target price and negotiate from there; walking away is always a legitimate tactic.
What is the best time to visit the Marrakech market?
After sunset. The square is active during the day, but the evening is when the food stalls appear, performers take over, and the atmosphere peaks. Arriving at dusk lets you watch the transformation happen.
How do I get to Jemaa el Fna?
It sits in the centre of the Marrakech Medina. Most Medina accommodation is within walking distance. From the Ville Nouvelle, a petit taxi to the square’s edge takes around 10 minutes.
Pastilla is my favorite Moroccan dish ever. Such a surprising sweet taste! There used to be a Moroccan restaurant in London that had the best pastillas I’d ever tasted, but it has closed down since. Pastillas would probably be a good enough reason for me to visit Morocco one day – even though it means I have to get used to chaotic markets!
I loved eating in the market at night…it was a really interesting experience! The food was amazing. I like the pics you were able to sneakily get-so many great colors. However, I think I got anxiety from all those motorbikes…I was convinced I was gonna see someone get run over!
I am REALLY excited (& now a little nervous about snakes) to experience this when I’m there in 4 weeks!
Seriously, though, I’m not scared of snakes but if anyone puts one on me I will hiss at him!
having heard about Morocco and these night markets for so long, I really can’t wait to go someday. Love the neatly stacked spices and description of the quiet when leaving.
I still want to know how they get the spices stacked like that!! An evening in the markets really is quite an experience.
Good point! Have seen quite a few spice pyramids but very few people maintaining them…
And what would happen if the wind picked up? That’s what I’d like to know. 🙂
It seems an interesting adventure you’ve had there…. For me this is natural as I am originally from Tunisia, and it’s almost the same as in Morroco… But it’s interesting to see the point of view of a foreigner travelling in the kind of country I know…. Thanks for sharing with us
Our time in Morocco was just that – an interesting adventure! I knew that for our night market experience I just wanted to write a step-by-step occurrence of all that happened to give people a real feel for what it would be like. Interesting to hear it is quite similar to Tunisia, I hope to make it there someday too!
Great shots of all the food in the Marrakech market. I just remember seeing a million stalls selling snails
Snails, and sheep heads! I wish I had gotten a picture of those…
Ah, I am reliving my time there with this post! I spent three days in Marrakech and it was really difficult. The market, the medina, the constant need to feel on-guard was really tough for me. I wrote about it here if you want to check it out … http://www.dtravelsround.com/2010/08/03/thoughts-from-a-riad/
Yes, I couldn’t handle much more then that either, even with Pete. I think he got tired of me clutching on to him so furiously as we walked the streets (especially to avoid the snakes!) LOVED your post on your experience – such vivid descriptions!
Ciao Dalene and Pete, I’m the father of the “snake boy” you referred to in your post, we are currently in the countryside of Tuscany, quite a different environment to where we last saw you in Morrocco. Your post brings back fond memories of the “Madness of the Marrakech Medina” and the peace and tranquility of Riad Linda. Looking forward to hearing about your camel trekking experience.
Martin! So nice to hear from you! Yes, thanks to your family for that inspired piece in our story! Glad to hear all is well in Tuscany, hope the weather isn’t too rough for you. 🙂 Our camel trek was such an awesome experience, posts on that coming up shortly! Give our best to your family please. 🙂
Wow that sounds crazy and amazing at the same time… I love the pictures! It remembers me a little of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul but more hectic and bigger!
I’ve heard that Istanbul’s is crazier! Hmmm…will be there in March so will have to compare!
Wow…All the information I need to navigate a Moroccan market and a fantastic pick-up line to try on my wife later on tonight!
Possibly your most educational post ever!
Haha Steve, yes, let me know how that line works with your wife! Didn’t quite do that dude any favors. 🙂
Great reporting – I could hear the noise, smell the spices and the foods, see the people milling around.
Thank you Marcia! 🙂
You’re welcome, Dalene.
Can’t wait to see what you’ll cover today. And what photos you’ll have to sneak to take. Hahaha!!
I smiled when I read that ’cause I’ve done that so many times, especially if I think they might say no if I asked.
Though the market looks busy, it looks clean and tidy. I understand why you were avoiding the snake persons. I enjoy watching them in the distance but I am not a big fan up close since I don’t want to take chances as well. The things they are selling in the market sounds interesting especially the food. I like the shots you have taken and they look delicious.
Thanks Donna! Yes, they were fairly clean and tidy. And even though we went to stall 100 (as a recommendation), I think most of the stalls would have done fine, they all do look quite clean with fresh food. And the food was so good!
Talk about sensory overload! What a fun experience. I’ve only been to Tangier and Asilah, but am really interested in heading to Marrakesh.
Sensory overload – exactly. Can only be done in small doses! I wish we had spent more time in Tangiers on our way down.
I love how the lights made the market attractive. I prefer visiting there at night as well. It is cooler and less dusty. I love the photos of the selection of food. They are just how I remembered them.
It was COLD at night this time of year! But still the best time to visit the markets – it just comes alive, and the lights do add to the atmosphere.
Really enjoyed your description of Jemaa el Fna at night – I was there a couple of months ago and it is a total assault on the senses.
There is a real energy about the place. I was pleased to see that not everything was put on just for the benefit of visitors (street theatre, musicians etc). It’s one of those places that you really have to experience.
I agree Jack, although it does seem fairly touristy at times, the energy and atmosphere still just have to be experienced. I really loved it (minus the snakes).
I understand the fear of having a snake placed around your neck. Too bad about the leering men. The market itself sounds exciting, and the riad delightful.
The riad was our haven away from all the craziness (it was SO remarkably quiet), which is needed after all that excitement in the markets.
Awesome photos guys, of course you know I love any and all food photos. The spices look incredible.
I wish I could have seen how they stacked the spices that way. Some had completely perfect peaks.
The snake thing is pretty scary and creepy, but I’d love to experience the energy of the night market in Marrakech sometime. Great photos.
Of course I am sure I was greatly overreacting, but I know I would have screamed like a school girl and put on quite a show. We normally walked quite a wide berth of the medina to stay away from that, but to eat there we had to risk going right through it! Still worth it though! 🙂
If it’s in a market cooked on a stick, it gets my vote.
That’s a pretty broad statement!! I don’t think I could say that, it has to be a recognizable meat! 🙂
I’m not going to lie.. I have eaten some weird stuff following this principle…
Haha, I believe you! I leave that sort of thing to Pete, instead I am the cultural drink connoseur. 🙂
I still have yet to visit a night market on my travels. This one looks full of energy (and good food).
The food was really, really good. And the night markets are definitely worth experiencing – although I have to say that our one visit was probably enough!
Great post! I had an experience of such snake madness whilst in a busy market in India. The result was a very un-ladylike barrage of loud swearing!
Snakes aside, Marrakech looks amazing. I’d love to visit one day.
All the best 🙂
Oh Fiona – that would have been me FOR SURE. I even walked around brandishing our tripod as a weapon, just in case! 🙂
I can’t believe they’ll put a snake around your shoulders and then make you pay to remove it! That’s just… wow. In those types of situations I never pay out of principle, but having a live snake on you ups the ante….
With all due respect to the defenseless snakes, that poor sucker woulda been dead had he been draped around my neck.
I do love markets but they do exhaust me terribly. I would have welcomed the silence for sure. <3
They do get AWFULLY exhausting. Especially when having to be on alert for creepers like snakes. If it wasn’t for that, I think we would have gone down every night.
wicked photos! 🙂
I went back to the night market in Marrakech in September, and I forgot how delightful it was in all of its sights and sounds and smells (minus the snakes).
Ah, if only there were no snakes, I would have relaxed and enjoyed it a bit more I think! But it was still a pretty cool experience.
Visiting night markets is one of my favourite things to do when traveling. This certainly looks like a place I’d enjoy checking out.
We have been to no other night markets so have nothing to compare it to! But I am sure you would enjoy it.
This was probably one of the coolest market encounters I’ve read about. Love it being from the personal perspective.
That mountain of spices is AWESOME.
I loved those spice mountains too. I was tempted to sneeze by one and see what happened. But I didn’t.
I’ve heard about Morocco and these night markets for so long, I really can’t wait to go someday. Love the neatly stacked spices and description of the quiet when leaving.
The stacked spices everywhere were quite a sight to see. Loved them!
Now you got me thinking… Snakes around my neck? God no! We are supposed to book our flight to Marrakesh tonight! Do these snake guys act during the day to? I’m having second thoughts.
Laura, they are easy to avoid. If you just make a wide berth around the market you will easily avoid them. When in the market, just keep a lookout for them. I don’t think they will do it if they could see you would be freaked out by it.
You seems to have fun there and morocco are hiding a lot of thing and surprise there, like small street with local and market! I loved it
On the strength of your blog (but I guess mostly because a goal is better than none!) we headed to Stall 100 in the market – and really loved it 🙂
Yay!! So glad you loved it! There are so many stalls there, I am sure that the vast majority of them are good. But, like you, we went to stall 100 just because someone said so. 🙂
I know it’s very different but somehow this night market reminds me a little bit of the ones we went to in South East Asia, in Taiwan or Thailand for instance. I loved them not so much for the amount of uncooked meat and fish on display that sometimes smelt too much for me, but for the colours, the people walking around, the hustle and bustle of the whole thing.
The story about the snake scared me though, I touched and held a huge snake ones, but that didn’t help me to get rid of my uneasiness around them, I still have plenty of work to do 🙂
Such an assault on the senses! Loved your descriptions, beautiful photos! Moving Morocco to the top of my list…