Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa
4
Points of Interest & LandmarksFlea & Street Markets
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This is the entrance to the outdoor market and food court of the city center.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Mark H
    Sawbridgeworth, United Kingdom33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One visit is simply not enough!
    If you come to Marrakech then several visits to the square are a must. It changes throughout the day and is just filled with life. Never felt uncomfortable just really uplifted! Having a drink on the many rooftop terraces to people watch is incredible… a small number sell alcohol too but whether it’s a margarita, a mint tea or a water the views are stunning. By day it’s lively, by night it’s exciting. Music, storytelling, food … be prepared to have a few coins when watching performers and you may even be invited to take a seat!!! Chose to take a wider berth of the performing monkeys and snake charmers but hey … this ain’t Kansas Toto!!! Whatever time of day… if you can take the time to be still during the call to prayer you will be immersed… as a firm Christian, the call to prayer became both an alarm clock and a very spiritual moment … what a great world we live in!!! Not sure? Just go and experience it.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written March 20, 2023
  • DiviFilius13
    Salzburg Region, Austria194 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stand No. 51
    The fruit and juice dealer No. 51 (Chez Khalid) is the best in the square. The only polite guy, who doesn't want to rip you off. The juice was very tasty for fair price. We came here every day during our holidays. I can only recommend!
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 21, 2023
  • LexiV
    Cleveland, Ohio919 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wild Square
    This is an area that you simply cannot miss when visiting Marrakesh. Yes, it's crowded and dirty, and you're going to get hassled, but you can always escape to a rooftop cafe and watch the chaos from above. The ATM with the best rates in the area is right on the square (sort of toward Koutoubia) and a new museum just opened up in the old bank building, which is well worth anyone's time. I purchased a huge box of fancy and delicious cookies to take home here from a stall and shopped a bit. Of course, always bargain down from the asking price. You can get your picture taken with costumed characters and pick up a tuk-tuk if you don't want to walk back to your room. Also, watch where you're going; I was taking a video on my last day and almost stepped on a cobra!
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written March 27, 2023
  • TB.
    277 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic Spot, but the animals are not treated well.
    This is popular tourist stop. It's crazy at night with large numbers of people, food, activity, and and quieter during the day. Snake charmers have sewn the mouths shut of the snakes. They let them starve to death then go get new snakes. Avoid the snake charmers and monkey handlers. They are sadly abused.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 31, 2023
  • MikeLinda23
    Llandudno, United Kingdom434 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great holiday in Marrakesh
    Great place to experience life in Marrakesh. Lots of positives- locals want your trade obviously but we never felt hassled or uncomfortable. Only negative- the monkeys- why do tourists keep having pics with these poor creatures? End it/ban it!!
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 10, 2023
  • Mer21maid
    826 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Boring
    Not sure about the hype of Jemaa el-Fnaa? It is really just a big, half-empty square with no shade and the occasional sleepy vendor or snake charmer? For me it is just a square you cross on your way somewhere else. Nothing to see or do at Jemaa el-Fnaa.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 15, 2023
  • WanderingOttersons
    Denver, Colorado1,380 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Come here several times to take it all in
    This place is fantastic. Unlike the traditional medinas of tight and winding streets, this large square offers an open sight line to so much. During the day, it is busy with a lot of activity and open stands but at night this place REALLY comes alive. All the food stands move in to open up around 6pm, more vendors come out and (apart from during Ramadan), the locals flood in as well. It is filled with energy and a vast amount of people. At the north end of what was empty ground space just a couple of hours before is about 20-30 food stations, all with the grills and large pots making food to order and warming up the soups that were created in homes just hours before as well. So many food options I don’t know where to start. Definitely make sure you pick a place and sit down for some food. Most of them have exactly the same things, so I don’t know if there is much difference. We got directed to a specific stall by a local friend (but another local we were with went to a different one – it's really just preference and who you know for the locals). Around these food stalls is stands of fresh fruits and nuts and then around those is more vendors with their good displayed on the ground. Live Berber music and drums fill your ears as does the din of all the people. At night, it will become hard to get around the main square and you will be called by vendors from every direction trying to get your attention to their stall. Keep your head on a swivel as there is just SO MUCH activity. We were told when we arrived to be really aware of pickpockets but honestly, we spent 4 weeks in and around this square and never even had a small moment of worry – doesn't mean you shouldn’t be aware. Also be aware of some more aggressive tactics that can be there (though again we saw none of this). If you are taking photos or video of any performer or stall – they will expect you to pay them for that. Be aware of the live animals and know that if you get one of them on you for photos (fortunately not the cobras), there is an expected fee for that as well. There are also several bars (most bars don’t serve alcohol) and restaurants with terraces all around the square so take some time to sit and watch from above as well.
    Visited March 2023
    Written April 26, 2023
  • randall524
    Centennial, Colorado17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An evening at the square
    A must see for anyone visiting Morocco. While there are many tourists, that only makes sense as it is so interesting to see. We went on our own and had no problems. Every type of vendor imaginable, along with acrobats, monkeys, snake charmers and many restaurants from which to watch this famous place.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 17, 2023
  • Heli P
    Helsinki, Finland6,406 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bargains and eager traders
    Traders arrive in the afternoon with carriages selling popular leather sandals as cheap as 30 dirhams a pair. The local artisans are feverishly producing new articles so old stock must go. The stalls bordering the square usually have higher asking prices and more arrogant shopkeepers than those in the depths of the proper souk. Fresh herbs like rosemary, mint and sage make a nice souvenir and are sold near cafe Argana.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 28, 2023
  • Lise H
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Assault on the senses
    The square is somewhat quiet in the day but the evening is crazy with the sounds of the street entertainers and smells of the food stalls. Considering the crowds I felt perfectly safe walking around. Watch out for the guys with the monkeys, they jump on your shoulders and then demand payment for having your photo taken
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 13, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles53,299 reviews
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16,798
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8,691
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2,558

3DMatrix
London, UK297 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Jemaa el-Fnaa is Marrakech's main square and located in the medina. It is definitely worth exploring for the sights, sounds and smells. There's an energy/vibe/buzz that's quite brilliant. It's best to go with a guide or a local, failing that, I'd recommend that you just walk through observing and minimizing interactions. You definitely need to have your wits about you and keep all your possessions safe. In addition, keep your focus as you'll be bombarded by locals trying to sell you something or asking you to come take a look at this or that.

When done exploring you can head over to one of the upper floors at Cafe de France to get a better view of the square, though beware the staff are a bunch of twits (I have a separate review).
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TravelNTed
Clearwater, FL259 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Good natured hawkers have started to cross the line. Walk along the food stands and you'll be blocked, grabbed, and pushed around by the vendors. Terrifying for the unsuspecting, annoying for the knowing. The performers, monkey handlers, snake charmers, and henna are almost as bad. Even without a camera in hand, expect to be confronted and physically held while they demand money for even a passing glance. Save the time and hassle, go to a nearby terrace cafe and avoid the square.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Salisbury,UK
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
Best seen at night but be careful when you stop to watch people as they will demand payment especial those singing and the snake charmers who will try and drape a snake around your neck. The food stalls are amazing but we did not feel comfortable eating at them. Beware of the henna ladies as they will grab your hand and start painting you without asking and then want payment. A great atmosphere and quite unique. Very noisy and crowded so keep your wallets and handbags secure. I loved it but my wife found it intimidating.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krzysztof Topolski
Krakow, Poland13 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Tourist trap. It's impossible to walk from one side to another without being annoyed by people asking or forcing their service on you. If you are not hungry then avoid the eating area in the middle like fire. Otherwise you will be swarmed by mean men with menus. Also the portions are small and they will bill you for things you didn't order like the sauces or bread. The snails are overpriced and often a half of them is empty. The juices seem like a good deal but you don't see them making it and after comparing them with the juices from nearby streets it's likely that they add water in them. Unless you want a picture with a monkey or a snake avoid those men at all costs. They will put the animal on your head and make you pay them money. There are many rumors about the tattoo ladies, but none of them is the real reason to scare me off like the fact that they are doing it with a friggin syringe. Do it at your own risk. Keep in mind that taking pictures or shooting videos of the entertainers will most likely make them ask you for money. After two nights we decided to just use this square as navigation and we were walking fast rounding it just to get past it. It's worth going there at least once to get a feel of the craziness, after that it's up to you.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve B
Alford, UK106 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
You get what you expect when you wander into the central square of Marrakesh. A complete buzz with everything from snake charmers to spice sellers everywhere.
You will be approached by A LOT of people trying to ‘help’ you with directions or as being a guide. Politely decline and throw yourself in.
Just a comment - the latest scam is where your ‘hotel waiter’ comes up to you and introduces themselves with offers to help. Seems obviously suspicious when written down, but first time it happens it feels much more real. Good for them though, all part of the fun of Marrakesh.
By the way if you want a medium sized Tarjine, don’t pay more than 120DH, that was the walk away price.
Written January 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Auster L
Toronto, ON Canada252 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This local market has thousands of stalls selling everything, from everything touristy to local household uses, food and spice. It may feel overwhelming for a tourist to negotiate the labyrinth of alleyways, but this is exactly the fun of visit. The place is safe and people are always helpful to point you back to the Square if you should lose your orientation. To bargain seems to be the culture in Morocco, however, this is the part I hate most. This is just a total waste of time for the shop to raise the quoted price just for play that game of bargaining. Some shops do play this game a bit too aggressively, such as blocking your way of exit, coercing for a deal.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chiara M
Liverpool, UK47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
..That I 100% recommend - during the evening.
During the day I did not see much, excpet poor monkeys chained in order to entertain tourists or the "famous" snake charmers, but I guess is because I did not spend enought time in order to get something else.It is from the sunset that I got the most cool feelings though. There were people, in different spot, dancing and singing very loud with a lot of different instruments (be aware, if they see you are taking photos, they will come quick to you asking for money), people playing games and people playing music, women trying to sell you hennea tattoo every 2 minutes or so, all spaced out with lantern stalls, that added that magic Moroccan touch. I have loved it! Only, do not go there in case you are having headhache lol
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SMO2015
Canada1,875 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
My husband and I visited this infamous square several times over our visit in Marrakech. The pace, the throngs of people, the entertainers, the colourful wares are a feast for the senses. Be wary of taking photos, be mindful of surroundings, and assure your prices in negotiating anything. Otherwise a fantastic experience, day or night.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Samsams
Birmingham, UK11 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Couples
From the square you can get into the Medina, the souks and view the mosque as well as take a horse and carriage ride if you wish. It’s quiet in the mornings but gets very busy by late afternoon.. there are stalls selling cheap fresh juice, plus small stalls selling almost everything. There are restaurants and cafés all around the square where you can sit and have a great cheap meal and watch all of the events going on in the square. It is where the snake charmers, acrobats and monkeys on chains will be found late in the day, they were all arriving just as we left...
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

buffybally
Halton, UK64 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
We came to run the annual marathon in Marrakesh. I wouldn't recommend anybody to come here. The local people selling souvenirs along the endless alleyways are aggressive, they will shout to you to get your attention or even grab you by the arm and try and get you to enter the very small "shops". Once you've answered or even so much as looked in their direction they aggressively insist you enter into a barter over an item. If you say no, or try to walk away they will shout after you until you are out of earshot, or in some, albeit not isolated incidences, they will actually chase after you, shouting "HEY! YOU! HEY!" and insisting you buy the item. The constant stream of mopeds and motorbikes going too fast down the alleyways with no consideration for pedestrians (I was hit twice) and the fog of blue-grey exhaust fumes and the noise of a loud farty mosquito as they push past you is not condusive
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Jemaa el-Fnaa - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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