Week in Marrakech

Djemaa el Fna

Attraction | "Marrakech's Main Square"

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Jamaa el Fna square is a must-see for any visitor to Marrakech. Chances are you couldn't come here without at least passing through it without even trying. It's very much the center of the Medina and even deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Located between the souk market area and the Koutoubia Mosque, this main square is a huge hub for locals and tourists alike. Filled in the day-time with stalls of plants, fruits, snake charmers and monkey handlers, one could spend an entire day just taking in the sites. People watching is at a prime here - from all the people on motorcycles, carts, and donkeys trying to get where they're going to all the pedestrians trying to stay out of their way!...Read More

Jamaa el Fna square is a must-see for any visitor to Marrakech. Chances are you couldn't come here without at least passing through it without even trying. It's very much the center of the Medina and even deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located between the souk market area and the Koutoubia Mosque, this main square is a huge hub for locals and tourists alike. Filled in the day-time with stalls of plants, fruits, snake charmers and monkey handlers, one could spend an entire day just taking in the sites. People watching is at a prime here - from all the people on motorcycles, carts, and donkeys trying to get where they're going to all the pedestrians trying to stay out of their way!

The perimeter of the square is lined with various cafes, restaurants, and market stalls - all with vendors and hosts trying to pull you in. The noise here can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, but just take your time and don't feel rushed.

For a real taste of the local culture, come back to the square after sunset for a new type of night-time party. The entire center of the square is filled with food stalls by evening, all piping out aromatic smoke from their cookers and fry pans. Walking through the rows of numbered booths can seem chaotic. We steered clear from those too pushy for our taste and instead looked for booths where the picnic tables out front were filled with locals and the hosts didn't seem to need to scream for people to enter - as there were already plenty of customers.

Take a seat, and choose several of the a-la-carte menu items of typical cuisine. Pay the nominal fee and enjoy an outdoor meal from paper plates while watching the non-stop action around you. Story-tellers come out at night as well on the square with the locals huddled around to hear legends passed down through generations. Snake charmers and monkey handlers stick around through the evening as well, so if you didn't get a photo in the day - you'll have plenty of opportunities after night fall! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 24, 2025

Djemaa el Fna
Medina Quarter
Marrakesh, Morocco

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Terrasse des Epices

Restaurant | "Great Atmosphere. Horrible Customer Service."

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During my week in Marrakesh I happened upon two locations of Terrasse des Epices. I had one good experience and one not so good. The first day I was mainly looking for a little cafe to stop for tea during a time of shopping in the souks of the Medina and happened to find the Terrasse which is in the center of the souks by the square of spices and straw goods.It looked quite inviting with the open-air duel leveled seating with timed mist-sprayers which went off overhead to cool off the guests. I was there with two other friends and we immediately were seated at a small table on ground level. Most of the guests in that room seemed to just be ordering small snacks, desserts, and coffee or tea...Read More

During my week in Marrakesh I happened upon two locations of Terrasse des Epices. I had one good experience and one not so good. The first day I was mainly looking for a little cafe to stop for tea during a time of shopping in the souks of the Medina and happened to find the Terrasse which is in the center of the souks by the square of spices and straw goods.

It looked quite inviting with the open-air duel leveled seating with timed mist-sprayers which went off overhead to cool off the guests. I was there with two other friends and we immediately were seated at a small table on ground level. Most of the guests in that room seemed to just be ordering small snacks, desserts, and coffee or tea. We had a few glasses of the famous Moroccan mint tea and were waited on patiently, with no rush to vacate our table but instead encouraged to enjoy our time. Our server even took a photo of us all before we paid (the very fair and moderate price) before leaving. Overall this cafe felt very nicely run, nicely decorated, and clean...somewhat catering to Europeans.

A few days later we made a big reservation for our entire group at another location of the Terrasse des Epices which is in another quarter of the city and quite a bit larger. WE were ushered in and brought up to the upstairs seating which was the covered perimeter of a large terrace. Very beautiful setting which seemed above and away from the chatic and noisy city. Initially we were very impressed and as we lounged on the low couches surrounding our table, the large straw lanterns hung above our heads and cooling mist was being sprayed lightly on the diners.

We all ordered an array of couscous and tagine dishes as to experience the traditional tastes. The food was excellent, as were the drinks. This is where my good review of this location must end.

Our service was extremely slow and with three separate servers all giving us different stories, specials, and prices - our ordering was hectic and confusing. We were given fixed price meal prices with only a meat choice, but since there were over half our group as vegetarians we asked for a vegetarian substitute. Our servers said no problem. But when the bill came we were charged much more for the vegetarian plates (with only 1 course each - and obviously cheaper to prepare than the meat) than the meat plates with 3 courses. We spoke to the manager on end, and he refused to listen to our concerns or work with us in any way. Our Moroccan guide told us he'd had this issue before and the owners are French and don't really understand customer service or care about preserving the reputation of Marrakech. Because of this we will not be going back.

Terrasse des épices
15 Souk Cherifa, Marrakech, Morocco
(0524) 375 904
http://www.terrassedesepices.com/ Read Less

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on October 24, 2025

Terrasse des Epices
15 Souk Cherifa
Marrakech, Morocco

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Le Tanjia

Restaurant | "Dinner with a Side of Belly-Dancing"

Quote:

Located in the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, the restaurant Le Tanjia is a beautiful stop for an evening in the city. I was leading a group for the week and we made reservations at La Tanjia for a dinner...with a side of belly-dancing! If you're looking for a beautiful setting, nice traditional food, a little alcohol (as not all restaurants serve this), and some entertainment, then be sure to stop here. Ask them the time that the belly-dancers will be performing when you make a reservation - usually it's around 9:30pm. Even if you don't make it for the show there are live traditional musicians performing upstairs as well. We had a long table on the upper level which is a love...Read More

Located in the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, the restaurant Le Tanjia is a beautiful stop for an evening in the city. I was leading a group for the week and we made reservations at La Tanjia for a dinner...with a side of belly-dancing!

If you're looking for a beautiful setting, nice traditional food, a little alcohol (as not all restaurants serve this), and some entertainment, then be sure to stop here. Ask them the time that the belly-dancers will be performing when you make a reservation - usually it's around 9:30pm. Even if you don't make it for the show there are live traditional musicians performing upstairs as well.

We had a long table on the upper level which is a lovely covered terrace with a nice view over the streets below. It's a very intimate and cozy atmosphere with a mix of modern and traditional Moroccan design. Our servers were friendly, and the manager on duty was an amazingly helpful women who spoke great English. Prices are fair, although there are cheaper options around, but consider the atmosphere and live show comes along with it.

The dancers arrived mid-way through our meal, and I believe they travel between a few different restaurants each evening. Suddenly the live music stopped and a new track was put on the speakers as the lights dimmed even further and up the stairs came a scantily clad woman shaking her hips! It was great fun to watch her go from table to table and the crowd really participating. Of course, the dancers work for tips, so have a few bills handy. After the first couple dancers another lady came out with a big tray of lit candles on her head - dancing and balancing the entire time. She even picked a couple people from our group to try out the balancing act themselves.

I'd recommend a stop at Le Tanjia for a fun night out - and one with plenty of atmosphere!

Le Tanjia
14, Derb J'did - Hay Essalam (Mellah) | Medina, Marrakech, Morocco
212 (0)524 38 38 36 | www.letanjia-marrakech.blogspot.com/ Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 24, 2025

Le Tanjia
14, Derb J'did - Hay Essalam
Marrakech, Morocco

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Les Bains de Marrakech

Attraction | "Top Spa Spot in Marrakech"

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On the last day of a week-long stay in Morocco, I was ready for my spa appointment at the famous Les Bains de Marrakech. Located on the edge of the historic Medina center and Kasbah quarter of the city, I'd heard only rave reviews of this spa and was so excited to go.On arriving, I walked through a narrow little alley that suddenly became quite beautiful with the doorman greeting me and a welcoming entrance into the beautifully decorated lobby. As are many places in Marrakech, the decor was very intricate and exotic with bright colors and detailed patterns along the walls, carpets and ceilings. The serene entrance put me right at ease and ready for a relaxing time away from the chaotic cit...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 24, 2025

Les Bains de Marrakech
2 Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou
Marrakech, Morocco
212 24 38 14 28

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Peacock Pavilions

Hotel | "A Luxury Oasis in the Desert"

Quote:

Wow! That's the first word that comes to mind when thinking of an experience at Peacock Pavilions. I'm lucky enough to be able to host EAT.PRAY.MOVE Yoga Retreats at this amazingly beautiful location - and really can't say enough about how wonderful the place, the owners, the service, and the entire experience really is.Everyday oooh's and aaaaahhh's were heard just walking around the property and admiring all the amazing design elements, not to mention the unbelievable food and service that we receive at every meal. You can't ask for a more beautiful stay in Marrakesh with some of the nicest people. All your needs are taken care of here, and how amazing it is to feel like you have your ow...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 24, 2025

Peacock Pavilions
Kilometer 13, Route de Ourzazate
Marrakech, Morocco

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Marrakech Journals

Week in Marrakech

Djemaa el Fna

Terrasse des Epices

Le Tanjia

Les Bains de Marrakech

Peacock Pavilions

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