Marrakesh Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

Marrakesh Nightlife

After the heat of the day, the city comes alive with activity from the backstreets of the Medina to nightclubs in the five-star hotels. Bathed in the light of a million stars with a balmy breeze cooling down the sun-drenched streets and pungent scent of spices mixed with tobacco and coffee, nowhere embodies the term “Arabian Nights” like Marrakesh.

Nightclubs and Discos

Most all of the four- and five-star hotels have bars and nightclubs in them. There are a few that are stand alone clubs that usually come with a floor show as well as dancing. One of the more popular ones is Fantasia Chez Ali, which combines dinner with non-stop visual eye candy during every course. In the Medina you’ll find few options for actual alcohol consumption, but there are a scattering of spots like the Chesterfield Pub inside the Hotel Nassim that’s mostly visited by ex-pats.

The Gueliz district is completely westernized, with modern new buildings, some upscale bars and pubs, organized street shops, fast food places and high energy nightlife. Theatre Royal is located in this district, along with the two casinos within walking distance.

The Medina

The absolute center of nightlife in Marrakesh is the old walled off Medina and the heart of it is Djamaa el Fna–the square is filled with street artists, musicians, and storytellers everywhere. There are lots of food and drink stands on the square (no alcohol) and the place has a magical feel to it that is like no place else in the world. Surrounding Djamaa el Fna is the souk. The vibrant colors fill the stalls, selling everything from exotic spices, Argan oil, lamps, real Berber carpets, and handmade pottery. Grab a juice from one of the many stands and wander the makeshift streets in this open air marketplace.

Wherever you go in Marrakesh, stop for just a moment and take it all in with all your senses. Marvel at the sights of tall glass and steel buildings next to minarets that are hundreds of years old. Let the scent of the night assault you with the mix smells emanating from the street cafes and hookah bars. Try a new taste sensation with a cup of strong coffee sweetened with cinnamon and brown sugar. Feel the tile work around the riads and fountains in the squares. Gaze up at the night desert sky filled with stars as you feel the wind that has blown across the palms in this oasis for thousands of years. This is nightlife in Marrakesh.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about nightlife in Marrakesh.