Jemaa al-Fnaa | Marrakech Riad

Qu’elle est jolie, Jemaa al Fnaa

Qu` elle est jolie is a folk group usually to be found playing in the Jemma al Fnaa square opposite to the landmark Cafe France. Their best known song of the same name switches between Spanish, Berber, French and the Darija Moroccan dialect. The group was established in the early 1980s, and today usually comprises four or five […]

The Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia mosque was built in the 12th century under the Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur to be the crowning glory of his North African based empire, it is indeed today still the largest mosque to be found in Marrakech today. The structure stands 69 metres tall towering over the surrounding city, an impressive structure by any […]

Fishing for bottles

In the midst of Jemaa el Fna square every evening you can catch a group of locals in a circle doing something which at first looks rather peculiar, and on closer inspection still looks fairly peculiar, if perhaps somewhat more logical than previously. Most British people will be familiar with the fairground game of a […]

Food Stall #12 Jemma al Fnaa

As the call to prayer resonates throughout Jemaa el Fna a strange process starts to take place throughout the square, strange rectangular market stalls appear to pop up from nowhere in the centre of the square and within a few brief minutes the enticing smell of cooking Moroccan food wafting over the square can be […]

The Jewish community in Marrakech

The Jewish community has a long history in Marrakech and Morocco at large, indeed the history of the community stretches back to antiquity under the Roman empire following the dissolution of the Jewish state in 70 AD with Jewish people arriving after the destruction of the Jewish state. The Jewish people received relatively kind treatment under the sultans due […]

Food Stand 14, Mohammed El Krita, our favourite fish stall in the Jemma al Fnaa

The food stalls in the Jemma al fnaa square, Marrakech are many and varied and all just a short walk from your luxury Riad Hotel. Our favourite fish stall is number 14 Haji Mohammed El Krita. The title Haji indicated by the abreviation Hj shows that the owner Mohammed has undertaken the pilgrimage to Mecca. […]

Cafe des Epices, Rahba Kedima, Marrakech

The Cafe des Epices (Spice Cafe) is a charming inexpensive cafe located on the historic Rahba Kedima square just north of the main Jemma al Fnaa. Historically the Rahba Kedima was the Marrakech slave market, today it is a bustling showcase for a variety of crafts as well as a centre for herbalists and spice […]

Spicy tea in Jemaa al Fnaa, Marrakech

On the South side of the Jemma al Fnaa square between the night time food stalls and the crowded open space packed with performers is a row of spicy tea vendors. Each offers his own brew with exotic ingredients like Ginseng, Cardamon, Star Anis, Lemon Balm and Fenugrek. The competing recipes are proudly displayed, very […]

Harira Soup

Harira is a rich soup based on a red meat stock made with lentils and seasonal fresh vegetables. It is often eaten as part of the Ftour the ‘breakfast’ at the end of the days fast during the holy month of Ramadan. A stay in one of our traditional riads offers the opportunity to experience […]

Pharmacie de la Place, Jemaa al Fnaa, Marrakech

Pharmacists in Morocco can dispense many drugs, for example antibiotics, that would require a prescription in Europe. The Pharmacie de la place is conveniently located overlooking the main Jemaa al Fnaa square and has exceptionally helpful staff. There are many other chemists in both the medina and the new town. Your Riad staff will be pleased […]

Cafe Argana, Jemaa al Fnaa, Marrakech

Cafe Argana is located on the main Jemma al Fnaa square with panoramic views from the upstairs terrace, renowned as a particularly fine place from which to see the Marrakech sunset. The cafe was completely renovated following a tragic terrorist incident in March 2011. Remains a Marrakech classic » Explore the Jemaa el Fnaa […]

Chez Chegrouni, Marrakech

Chez Chegrouni is one of the most dependable restaurants in Marrakech. Located in the main square just to the North of Cafe France. You may be lucky enough to dine there while the owner, Mr Chegrouni, is there. A philosopher and business man simultaneously, he enjoys talking with his guests and is genuinely interested in […]

Marrakchi Restaurant, Marrakech

The Marrakchi is a well known and well loved restaurant situated next to Cafe France on the North West corner of the main Jemma al Fnaa square in Marrakech. We particularly like Marrakchi at night, ask for a window table, the view down to the square is stunning. The menu includes a variety of traditional […]

Cafe France, Jemaa al Fna, Marrakech

Cafe France is a Marrakech institution, located at the north west corner of the Jemaa al Fnaa it has been a meeting place and watering hole for Europeans since the days of the French Protectorate in Morocco. It was redecorated at the end of 2009 and inconveniently for the new visitor the Cafe France sign […]

Chleuh dancing-boys, Jemaa al fnaa, Marrakech

Around dusk in the north west corner of the Jemaa al fnaa the famous-dacing boys gather and start to perform. The dance and accompanying music will build to a crescendo many hours later. The cultural origins of this tradition lie in the fact that it would be considered innapropriate for women to put on such a performance. Visitors […]

Water Sellers in Jemaa al Fnaa

There are many sights and sounds in the vibrant Jemaa al Fnaa, the main square in Marrakech Morocco. One of the more curious is the sights of brightly dressed men moving throught the crowds (often ringing bells or callingout) carrying goat skin bags of water and brass cups. The explanation is that they are water […]

Seven Saints of Marrakech

seven saints of Marrakech