Harira: The Iconic Soup of Jemaa el-Fna
Harira at Jemaa el-Fna: tomato, lentils, chickpeas and spices. Prices, where to try it on the square, sides (dates, chebakia) and the recipe explained.
The blog
Tips, good deals & stories
Everything you need to make the most of Jemaa el-Fna square: our practical guides, anti-scam tips and favourites, updated regularly.
Conseils Featured
The 10 Scams of Jemaa el-Fna Square (and How to Avoid Them)
Surprise paid photos, forced henna, fake guides, inflated bills… Here are the 10 most common scams on Jemaa el-Fna Square and our concrete tips to visit with total peace of mind.
Gastronomie 
Gastronomie The Best Street Food in Jemaa el-Fna: 10 Specialties to Try
Jemaa el Fna street food: what to eat on the square? Skewers, tanjia, snails, harira, msemen, orange juice... our top 10 specialties, where and how to enjoy them.
Pratique Jemaa el-Fna During Ramadan: What Really Changes
Jemaa el-Fna during Ramadan: shifted hours, the ftour atmosphere, evening harira, what closes by day, respecting the fast, and practical tips for visitors.
Pratique Jemaa el-Fna Off-Season: Scorching Summer, Cool Winter and Rainy Days
Jemaa el Fna in summer (+40°C), in cool winter or under the rain: when to come, how to stay hydrated, what to wear and where to shelter. Practical weather tips.
Pratique How Much Does a Visit to Jemaa el-Fna Cost? The Price Guide (2026 Budget)
Jemaa el-Fna prices 2026: meals, orange juice, henna, photos, taxis. A guide to typical rates in MAD and euros, budgets by traveler type, and anti-scam tips.
Que faire The Koutoubia from Jemaa el-Fna: the Unmissable Neighbour
The Koutoubia Mosque, 8 min from Jemaa el-Fna: 12th-century Almohad minaret, history, access, gardens and the best time to photograph it in Marrakech.
Que faire Jemaa el-Fna at Night: Marrakech's Great Living Show
Jemaa el Fna at night: atmosphere, food stalls, Gnaoua musicians, opening hours, the best rooftop terraces and tips to experience Marrakech's legendary square.
Pratique When Is the Best Time to Visit Jemaa el-Fna?
When to visit Jemaa el-Fna? The best time by hour (late afternoon and evening) and by season (spring, autumn), with a table plus anti-heat and anti-crowd tips.
Conseils 20 Things to Know Before Visiting Jemaa el-Fna
20 things to know before visiting Jemaa el-Fna: free access, best time to go, cash only, paid photos, henna, scams, dress code, airport transport and safety.
Culture & histoire The Macabre History of Jemaa el-Fna: Executions and Displayed Heads
The history of executions at Jemaa el-Fna: a place of public justice from the 11th to the 19th century, heads on pikes and the link to the 'assembly of the dead'. A rigorous account.
Gastronomie Orange Juice at Jemaa el-Fna: Prices, Tradition and Smart Tips
Jemaa el-Fna orange juice: typical prices at the numbered carts, freshly pressed vs. pitcher, variations (grapefruit), small extra charges to avoid, and hygiene tips.
Culture & histoire The Water Sellers (Guerrab) of Jemaa el-Fna: Morocco's Red Icon
The guerrab, the red-clad water seller of Jemaa el-Fna: his history, goatskin flask, copper cups and how to photograph him (prices, rules).
Conseils Monkeys and Snakes at Jemaa el-Fna: The Animal Welfare Question
Animal welfare at Jemaa el-Fna: the reality behind Barbary macaques and snakes, the heritage-vs-ethics debate, and how to visit the square responsibly.
Conseils The Art of Haggling at Jemaa el-Fna and in the Souks: A Practical Guide
Haggling in Marrakech is a cultural code, not a scam. The 40-50% rule, proven techniques, where to negotiate, useful phrases and the mistakes to avoid.
Pratique Marrakech Airport to Jemaa el-Fna: Taxi, Bus 19 or Transfer?
Marrakech airport to Jemaa el-Fna: bus No. 19 (~30 MAD), petit taxi (70-150 MAD) or private transfer. Times, prices, scams to avoid and a comparison table.
Pratique Where to Stay Near Jemaa el-Fna: Riads, Hotels and Neighbourhoods
Where to stay near Jemaa el-Fna: a riad in the medina or a hotel in Gueliz, views over the square, budget, night noise and luggage access. The full guide to choosing.
Conseils Visiting Jemaa el-Fna as a Solo Female Traveler: Safety and Tips
Visiting Jemaa el-Fna as a solo female traveler: the real safety picture, street harassment, how to react, what to wear, going at night. Practical, reassuring advice.
Que faire The Souks Around Jemaa el-Fna: What to See, What to Bring Home, How to Haggle
Guide to the souks around Jemaa el Fna: Semmarine, spices, dyers, leather, carpets. What to bring home, sample prices, the art of haggling and how not to get lost.
Conseils Jemaa el-Fna with Kids: The Family Guide to a Successful Visit
Is Jemaa el-Fna good for kids? What they love, evening precautions, when to go, family dining, strollers and accessibility. A reassuring family guide.
Culture & histoire Jemaa el-Fna and UNESCO: Intangible Heritage Explained
Jemaa el-Fna and UNESCO: the 2001 proclamation, 2008 inscription, tangible vs intangible heritage, Juan Goytisolo's role, and what is actually protected.
Que faire Jemaa el-Fna at Sunset: Marrakech's Magic Hour
Jemaa el-Fna at sunset: why it's the magic moment, where to stand, seasonal timings, the light on the Koutoubia and our best photo tips for the golden hour.
Conseils Photographing Jemaa el-Fna: Best Spots, Timing and Rules to Know
Photographing Jemaa el Fna: the best rooftop spots, golden hour timing, smartphone settings and the rules to respect (paid photos, performers, animals).
Que faire The Best Terraces Overlooking Jemaa el-Fna: A Comparison
The best terraces overlooking Jemaa el-Fna: Café Glacier, Café de France, Argana, Zeitoun. Prices, sunset, and tips for landing the perfect table.
Gastronomie Tanjia Marrakchia: The Signature Dish of Marrakech to Taste
Tanjia marrakchia: recipe, ingredients (lamb, cumin, preserved lemon, saffron, smen), the slow hammam-oven cook and where to taste it near Jemaa el-Fna.
Gastronomie Eating Snails (Babbouche) at Jemaa el-Fna: The Foodie Guide
Jemaa el-Fna snails: taste babbouche and its spiced broth with thyme, licorice and anise, how to eat them with a pin, the price, the virtues and hygiene.
Conseils Henna at Jemaa el-Fna: prices, designs and the danger of black henna
How much henna costs at Jemaa el-Fna, how to bargain with the neqqachate, avoid forced henna, and above all spot black henna (PPD), which is dangerous for your skin.
Culture & histoire The Storytellers (Hlaykia) of Jemaa el-Fna: An Endangered Oral Tradition
The storytellers (hlaykia) of Jemaa el-Fna: the halqa, the repertoire of tales, the decline of the art, what UNESCO protects, and how to attend a session.
Culture & histoire The Gnaoua of Jemaa el-Fna: The Trance Music That Bewitches the Square
The Gnaoua of Jemaa el-Fna: origins, guembri, qraqeb, the lila ritual, 2019 UNESCO listing and the Essaouira festival. How to experience this trance music.
Que faire Snake Charmers of Jemaa el-Fna: History, Myth and Ethics
The snake charmers of Jemaa el-Fna: the Aissawa brotherhood, the flute myth, the ethical reality for the reptiles and photo prices. Everything you need to know.
Que faire Jemaa el-Fna in One Day: The Hour-by-Hour Itinerary to See It All
Jemaa el-Fna in one day: an hour-by-hour itinerary from morning to night, with souks, the Koutoubia, rooftop terraces and sunset. A practical, inspiring plan.
Conseils Is Jemaa el-Fna Worth It? An Honest Take (No Sugarcoating)
Is Jemaa el-Fna worth it? An honest, balanced take: tourist trap or must-see? The pros, the cons, who will love it and how to truly enjoy it.
Culture & histoire What Does 'Jemaa el-Fna' Really Mean? The 3 Theories Behind the Name
The meaning of Jemaa el-Fna: assembly of the dead, mosque of annihilation, or of the world's end? Arabic etymology and the story of a name born in the 17th century.