Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
Marrakesh Nightlife
Search:

Marrakesh Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

Marrakesh Nightlife

Reviews and photos of Marrakesh bars and nightclubs posted by real travelers and Marrakesh locals.
Marrakesh Map
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
Chez Ali: Feasting and Fantasia
  • Tip Rating:
  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on April 14, 2008
  • Marrakesh Page by suvanki
  • Fantasia, Chez Ali - Marrakesh
    Fantasia, Chez Ali
    by suvanki, 4 more photos
    The Chez Ali experience has been established now for over 25 years! This purpose built 11 hectare arena, a few miles from Marrakesh offers the chance to experience the sights and sounds of Moroccan musicians and dancers, while eating a 5 course meal in caidal tents.

    Afterwards, a mock up of a traditional Fantasia is held, with acrobatic horsemen, parades of horses, belly dancers, singers, fireworks, music and the sight and sound of charging horsemen simultaneously firing their rifles into the night sky!

    Most of the tour groups offer trips to this night time spectacle, well worth a visit!
    Yes, it is a tourist attraction, geared up for tour groups, but It's quite well presented.

    As it was January, it was quite cold. The caidal tented rooms are heated, but the Fantasia is held outside, so I was glad of my coat, gloves and warm socks!

    I'd dressed up a bit more than usual (It was my birthday, So I wanted to feel a bit smarter!)
    Some diners entered into the spirit of the night by wearing jellabahs and 'toureg' style head wear ( Don't know if they'd come prepared, or had bought these items on arrival)

    Photos taken as you arrive 20dh, but bring your own camera too!

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Live Music
  • Address: Chez Ali, Marrakesh
  • Phone: 212 44307730
  • Directions: On the Safi road. Large advertising hoardings point the way.
  • Website: www.ilove-marrakesh.com/chezali.html
  • Other Contact: chezali@cybernet.net.ma
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Marrakesh?

    Read reviews about Marrakesh Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Djemaa El-Fna - the busy main square at night
  • Tip Rating:
  • angiebabe
  • By angiebabe on October 6, 2007
  • Marrakesh Page by angiebabe
  • Marrakesh Nightlife
    by angiebabe, 4 more photos
    Here in this huge square in the medina is the focal point of Marrakech.

    Many would agree with Paul Bowles, (probably the bestknown foreign writer who lived in and wrote about Morocco, immersed in Morocco's literary scene for about 50 years) who had said that without this square and the spectacles that go on in it Marrakech would be just another city.

    Other than the souks this is where everything happens - not just the tourists here as the majority of the huge and lively crowd drawn here to entertain and be entertained are locals.

    Lively at any time of the day it largely comes into into its own from dusk - rows and rows of open air food stalls with cooking aromas and smoke filling the air, attendants jostling for customers.
    Here you will also find all sorts of entertainers each surrounded by spectators moving from one group onto the next - jugglers, musicians, story tellers, acrobats, snake charmers, performing monkeys - all trying to earn a few dirham for the show. In amongst this are the water sellers, henna ladies, knick knack sellers.
    On the outskirts are the orange juice and fruit wagon stalls, music stalls and the surrounding restaurants and rooftop cafes in which you can retreat to absorb the atmosphere from the distance.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Eating and Drinking
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Jamaa Al-Fna: Walk in Jamaa Al-Fna
  • Tip Rating:
  • johnsakura
  • By johnsakura on May 30, 2004
  • Marrakesh Page by johnsakura
  • morocco marrakesh - Marrakesh
    morocco marrakesh
    by johnsakura
    Just go for a walk on the main square and get crazy.
    This is a very special place full of confusion, action, everthing takes place on this square. Do you want a small taste? here it goes:
    horses
    motorcycles
    monkeys
    snakes
    flautes
    drums
    drums
    guitars
    acrobats
    gnawa musicians
    more monkeys
    dentists
    hundreds of moroccan people
    hundreds of tourist
    thousands of pick pockets
    undercover police force
    guides
    japanese
    40 restaurants
    10 snails street vendors
    50 orange juice street vendors
    craft shops
    clothes shops
    restaurants
    street book sellers
    music CD/tapes street sellers
    cars
    crazy people
    beggars
    hotels
    panorama hotels
    phone cabins
    female prostitutes
    male prostitues
    fire spiters
    bottle game
    street musicians
    berber people from the mountains
    magicians
    medicin men
    umbrellas
    more pick pockets

    do you need more?
    more oranges
    more monkeys
    more horses
    music
    lights
    people
    smoke
    intense
    smell of grilled meat
    smeel of cooked snails
    tea
    mint
    dates
    fire
    uff...
    just go there

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Other
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Djemma el Fnaa: Open air dining and theatre!
  • Tip Rating:
  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on April 14, 2008
  • Marrakesh Page by suvanki
  • Berber Musicians, Djemma el Fnaa - Marrakesh
    Berber Musicians, Djemma el
    Fnaa
    by suvanki
    I loved visiting Djemma el Fnaa at night. My first night in Marrakesh, I headed here first. I'd heard so many reports of this place, mainly good, some were warnings.

    I first went to The Argana cafe for mint tea, and a panoramic view of the square, before heading for the food stalls and enjoying my first meal at Aychas Number 1. (see my restaurant tips for more details)

    I then strolled around, soaking up the atmosphere and sounds. I felt quite safe wandering by myself. I stopped to watch a few of the musicians and storytellers. While I was watching one group, one of the musicians came over, and led me by the hand to sit at the side of the group. I was made to feel very welcome. Although I didn't understand the stories, I enjoyed this experience, and it made my first night in Marrakesh very special.

    I spent most of my evenings enjoying the music and atmosphere of Djemma el Fnaa.

    In winter it can be very cold. I was pleased I'd packed my winter coat, gloves and fleece hat. (I wasn't expecting that I'd be wearing them in Marrakesh though!)

    Dark clothes are probably best, as eating at the food stalls can result in spilt food..the benches are sometimes a distance from the table..if you're a shorty like me!

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Live Music
  • Address: Djemma el Fnaa, Marrakesh.
  • Directions: From the Koutoubia Mosque, cross Ave. Mohammed V, head up the road in front of you (the one with the caleches parked!). You'll soon be heading into this chaotic square!
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Al Menara -Reflets & Merveilles: Marrakesh's latest big show!
  • Tip Rating:
  • suvanki
  • Updated By suvanki on April 14, 2008
  • Marrakesh Page by suvanki
  • Poster for Al Menara - Marrakesh
    Poster for Al Menara
    by suvanki
    Although I intended visiting this attraction, I received conflicting information about opening hours etc, plus it was very cold at night, so in the end I decided not to visit.

    However, I thought I'd add this info, as it sounds quite impressive.

    So, according to the blurb- It's a 65 minute spectacle, which illustrates the richness and diversity of Marrakesh and Morocco, with important moments in the citys history being unveiled during 12 scenes.

    The backdrop is the 3 hectare Menara reflecting pool- (one of the worlds largest stages!)

    Highlights include approx. 50 dancers,acrobats, comedians and a horseback rider, who glide across the water, assisted by hi- tech special effects,water screens (where giant images and videos are projected) and a firework display.

    1st Dec - 31st March 1900hrs
    1st April -30th Nov 2200hrs

    250dh bleacher seating. free for under 12s accompanied by adult couple.

    See my Things to do tips for more info on Menara Gardens

    It's open air- so you might need a jacket unless in the summer.

    bleacher seating- so dress for comfort!

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Other
  • Address: Menara Gardens
  • Directions: Place de la Liberte (Ave Mohammed V) Down Boulevard El Yarmouk, turn onto Ave de la Menara, at the end is the entrance to the gardens, then a 5 minute walk.
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting Marrakesh?

    Read reviews about Marrakesh Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    Cinema Eden: could this be paradise?
  • Tip Rating:
  • iwys
  • Updated By iwys on May 22, 2007
  • Marrakesh Page by iwys
  • Marrakesh Nightlife
    by iwys
    This backstreet cinema, the nearest to Djemaa al Fna, inspired a famous Spanish book of the same name. It was also featured in London's Financial Times article on "Morocco's magical movie houses". This mud-walled building is definitely one of the weirdest cinemas I have seen anywhere in the world

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Hotel's terrace: Stay and relax on your hotel's terrace
  • Tip Rating:
  • johnsakura
  • By johnsakura on May 30, 2004
  • Marrakesh Page by johnsakura
  • morocco marrakesh - Marrakesh
    morocco marrakesh
    by johnsakura
    Every Hotel in Marrakesh has a terrace which will make your visit to the city worth it. Just sit down, relax read a book and order a mint tea. Another thing is that you can actually get to know travellers that are staying in the hotel.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Other
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Paradise: Nightlife in Marrakech
  • Tip Rating:
  • roza_hr
  • By roza_hr on October 15, 2003
  • Marrakesh Page by roza_hr
  • I didn't expect to see much of a nightlife in Marrakech - mainly because of it being a traditional Muslim country, meaning no alcohol etc.
    That's why I was surprised to find out there are over 200 nightclubs in Marrakech (est. population 600 000). At least that's what the hotel receptionist told us. Well, we went into one that he reccomended. Of course it had to be the most expensive one, which we realised as soon as we payed the entrance fee, which was around 8 euro. It was so much above the standard we knew it was not ment for everyone.

    The place itself didn't look anything spectacular, the decoration, the lightshow etc. The waiters and bartenders, however, wore bow ties and suits as if they were working in a high-class restaurant. On every table there was a bottle of mineral water, four glasses on paper coasters and popcorn and peanuts.

    I defined my mission in this earthly life to try every beer I come across of. Well we tried Morrocan beer but it was too sweet for us as we were of course used to more European taste. So we continued the night with Heineken, which was the most expensive beer I have ever paid, as we had to pay over 6 euro for a miserable 0,33 bottle.

    The music was also nothing extravagant: a mix of everything - pop, latino, r'n'b, hip hop, house, a few of their local hits, etc. Just like home.

    The Morrocan people, like all Arabs I suppose, are very good dancers and it was amazing to watch them. Its obvious that they have a great sense of the rythm.

    We were soon approached by a number of boys wanting to introduce ourselves and trying to impress us with stories of how they had a supporting role in "The Gladiator". Language barrier again represented the big problem as their English was anything but understandable, and unfortunately our French was even worse.

    I was only truly horrified by the statue of a huge penguin (!) which jumped me from behind the corner as I was trying to find the girls room.

    Well, when you are a blond European girl in an African country, you are invited everywhere regardless of the dress code. We dressed casual as we were working all day and had no problems going in, but felt like outsiders a little as everyone else was wearing designer clothes, full make up etc. Nevertheless, we were the attraction of the evening even though we tried to be invisible as the attention that was flattering at first made us feel somewhat paranoid as the evening went on.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Nightclub
  • Address: Htel Mansour Eddahbi
  • Directions: It's situated in medina (city centre), very close to the King's Palace
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Charly's Cabana: latin music
  • Tip Rating:
  • iwys
  • Updated By iwys on May 22, 2007
  • Marrakesh Page by iwys
  • Marrakesh Nightlife
    by iwys, 1 more photos
    Charly's Cabana is a good place to drink wine or beer. You can either sit at the front, in the garden patio, looking out onto the street or inside, where there is a large restaurant, serving the usual tajines and couscous, as well as pizzas. It is about the only bar, outside of the hotels, that stays open during Ramadan. The others such as the Taverne and Le Lounge, close down for the entire month.

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Eating and Drinking
  • Address: Blvd Mohammed Zerktouni
  • Phone: 044 430517
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Samovar: A Seedy Moroccan Pub!
  • Tip Rating:
  • Firestar24
  • By Firestar24 on May 22, 2006
  • Marrakesh Page by Firestar24
  • Marrakesh Nightlife
    by Firestar24, 3 more photos
    Oh my life this was so much fun! I don't think they were going to let me in because I just didn't look enough like a prostitute!!!

    We got lost trying to find The Chesterfield Pub from the guide book because we just wanted a drink. So, seeing the sign for Route 33 and lonely women in the bar (ahahaha!) we set off for a drink....

    We got absolutely wrecked, had a really good craic with the bar staff, got someone to run and copy me an Amr Diab CD to play, nearly saw a fight.....! Fabulous!!

    Full of Moroccan Men and plain clothes prostitutes and plenty of cheap bottled beer! It kind of reminds me of some of the sleazy little dens at home!

    Hahaha!!! Very reluctant to welcome women though - but will do with open arms if you're up for a laugh!

    Leave a Comment

  • Theme: Adult Spot
  • Address: Rue Mohammed El Bekal
  • Directions: Round the corner from the CTM office
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More Marrakesh Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 292 - Photos: 476
    Things To Do
    Tips: 708 - Photos: 1,512
    Nightlife
    Tips: 59 - Photos: 113
    Transportation
    Tips: 125 - Photos: 144
    Restaurants
    Tips: 250 - Photos: 397
    Shopping
    Tips: 112 - Photos: 156
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 93 - Photos: 163
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 70 - Photos: 47
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 78 - Photos: 59
    Local Customs
    Tips: 95 - Photos: 117
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 31 - Photos: 20
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 17
    General Tips
    Tips: 162 - Photos: 212
    Flights
    Tips: 15 - Photos: 0

    Best Marrakesh Travel Deals

    Morocco Vacation Packages
    Embark On An 8-Day Moroccan Adventure, Starting From $740!

    Experience Morocco
    Motor coach and private touring daily and weekly departures

    Marrakech Morocco Travel
    9-day cultural walking tours of Morocco-Fes & Marrakesh from $3395.

    Morocco Tours
    National Geographic Award Winner Custom Itineraries & Private Guides

    Morocco Tours Discounted
    Discounts on escorted Morocco vacations. Best price guarantee.

    Sponsored Links

    More Marrakesh Travel Deals

    Morocco Tours
    Group & Tailormade Tours to Morocco Marrakech, Fes, Atlas, Tangier

    Marrakech Hotel Deals
    Super fast, online confirmation Bargain Rates, Instant Reservations

    Morocco Adventure Tours
    Small Groups & Expert Guides Book Online. Download Free Brochure

    Sponsored Links

    Marrakesh Hotels





    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.