Jemaa el-Fnaa square in Marrakech is a place that has been famous for its craziness for centuries. Since many years Marrakech entertains its visitors with many activities, music, snake charming, monkey show, acrobats and much more. Follow David on his adventure on getting some henna tattoo in Jemaa el-Fnaa and how he interact and stays close to the snake charmers in Marrakech.
Dar Zaman represents a glimpse of the Marrakech of centuries gone by, incorporating modern day comforts within a historic Moroccan framework.
The riad is situated in the popular district of Sidi Ben Slimane, close to the famed Dar Zellij restaurant and Dar Yacout. Tucked away at the end of a peaceful cul-de-sac away from the regular tourist trail and street noise, it’s easily accessible by taxi and is an easy 10 minute stroll to the Medersa Ben Youssef, Marrakech Museum and entrance to the main Souks area. The main square of Jemaa el Fnaa, with its fire eaters, jugglers, snake charmers and ancient story tellers is just 15 minutes away.
All bedrooms have adjoining shower rooms, beautifully finished in polished tadelakt to cocoon guests into complete relaxation.
The terrace is delightful and offers the opportunity for sunbathing and lounging surrounded by olive, lemon and palm trees, hibiscus and jasmine, with views over the Medina rooftops to the Koutoubia Mosque and on a clear day, stunning views of the majestic snow capped High Atlas mountains.
Food lovers are well catered for at Dar Zaman. Breakfast is a relaxed affair with a mixture of freshly baked pastries, Moroccan pancakes, locally made yogurt and fresh orange juice served whenever, wherever.
Dar Zaman is a perfect hideaway for couples wanting a romantic break in this enchanting city. Alternatively it can be hired out as a whole; ideal for celebrations and groups of friends.
29 Derb Bouelilou, Sidi Ben Slimane
Marrakech Medina – Morocco
Phone
+44 (0) 20 7570 0336
contact@hipmarrakech.com
Jemaa el-Fnaa square UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most interesting places in Morocco. This centuries old meeting point of musicians, dancers, acrobats, snake charmers, etc… is indeed a spectacle by itself.
Don’t forget to visit this amazing place by night, maybe even go to the top of the nearby terrace cafes and enjoy an upper view of the square.
Djemaa el Fna offers you all types of drinks in the dozens of street cafes where you can relax and read your book and drink a coffee.
But, if you want to try the real thing, you should try fresh orange juice in one of many orange juice stalls.
You can also drink a hot mint tea, one of the things Morocco is famous for.
Also, if you want to warm yourself from the inside, you can drink of the local aphrodisiac tea selling on the small tea stalls facing the Koutoubia.
Djemaa el Fna square view from the top of CTM cafe is one of the best places to view the square from above. You have to pay or drink something to go inside.
The orange juice stalls in Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech are a must! Each orange juice costs around 3 Dirhams, so… why not to drink two glasses?!
From around 6:30 pm until late night, part of Djemaa el Fna square transforms itself into a temporary open-air restaurant with hundreds of small stall restaurants serving all types of food, if you want to find cheap restaurants in Marrakech this is the best solution.
These restaurants are one of the “must do” things about Marrakech. Try Aicha Restaurant Number 1. For those with strong stomach, maybe you can even try the smoky snail stalls. There are several people selling Moroccan pastries and cookies for 2 Dirhams.
Djemaa el Fnaa Snake Charmers in Marrakech are probably one of the most exotic show Djemaa el Fna has to offer.
This ancestral profession has lost its actual charm in Marrakech as snakes don’t dance to the sound of the pipes. Still, you can see some pretty dangerous snake species fooling around with the snake charmers.
Snake charmers tease real cobra snakes, which are actually out of venom and probably without teeth.
This is not OK in terms of animal rights, these snakes are exploited, venom emptied, and drugged just to please the visitors. Photos will be asked for money.
You will definitely not get bored at Djemaa el Fna. If you’re a music lover, you’ll be able to enjoy several musicians spread into different groups all along the square.
Tourist are asked for a small contribution, grab a couple of coins with you and you’ll be ok. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get the exact day the acrobats will come to the city and you’ll enjoy a fantastic show with young boys doing some impressive acrobatics.
The bands of Djemaa el Fna street musicians perform local Berber music. You will probably be invited to sit and enjoy the music. Some coins expected.
Acrobats performing street stunts and acrobatics at Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech is one of the most fantastic human show in the square.
Djemaa el Fna is full of people. Always. As a major tourist spot, Marrakech has lots of people which their job is to entertain you. Either those street water sellers, snake charmers, acrobats, monkey owners, henna women tattooists, etc…These people pass their lives in Djemaa el Fna just for you to enjoy the city and give it a certain exotic feeling.
Meet the Djemaa el Fna street snake charmer and musicians, the Gnawa street musicians and the street water seller for example. These are some of the many types of people you can actually meet in Djemaa el Fna main Square in Marrakech.
It has been like this for centuries, and, this special characteristic and many other, made it possible to Djemaa el Fna and Marrakech to be included into UNESCO World Heritage protection back in 1985. Meet the people, and expect to give some money in return if you make pictures of them (yes it least 10 Dirhams but never 100 Dirhams! Yes watch out those guys are tricky!).
