Jamaa al-Fna is the main square of the Medina in Marrakech. It is the life and soul of Marrakech. If you’ve never experienced anything similar, it will be very intimidating at first and may even be off-putting. However, it will be addictive enough for you to want to go back.
The Main Square
As soon as you enter the area it will feel like you have entered a whole new world. It is fairly lively during the day, but the real action starts as soon as it gets close to sunset; you’ll witness vendors, beggars, tourists, children, women, men, snake charmers, singers, dancers, barbers, tooth extractors, painters, Quran reciters and probably whoever else you can think of doing there thing living life to the fullest. The noises, the madness, the hustle and bustle is just mesmerising and strangely addictive.
While you’re in this part of the Medina, make sure you check out the orange juice – this’ll be the best orange juice you ever have! Also, make sure you take a stroll down the street food row; I say stroll, it will be anything but. You’ll get vendors from each and every (yes each and every) stall come up to you and try and pull you in. The funny part is they’ll use proper British accents (southern and northern!) and throw out cringe one liners like “cheaper than the Aldi” and “who killed Stacy Slater?” (I know… what!?).
Mashwi Alley
This section of the Medina is a must. Here, you’ll find three dishes that are special and unique to Marrakech. You cannot leave Marrakech without checking out the offerings on this street. Unfortunately, most do. How can you find it? As you explore the market alleys, if and when you see sheep heads and tanjia pots on display, you’re in the area.
Get lost
This is the best way to experience the magical alleys of the markets of the Medina. Just go where your eyes and heart takes you. You WILL get lost, but don’t worry, embrace it and enjoy it. You’ll discover some gems that you will probably never find again! You’ll also encounter ‘helpful’ people trying to give you directions – it is best to avoid them as they will probably want to take a fee for their ‘services’.
Tea shop with a view
Sip wonderful local tea with a view of Jamaa al-fna – this is a must especially during the early hours of the day. Get the best seat in the house and a birds eye view of the vendors and stalls setting up for their busy evening. It is a strangely relaxing experience just watching them do their thing. All while you sip on some famous Moroccan tea of course.
