Marrakech is one of the most lively cities I’ve ever experienced and it’s so exhilarating—especially the Marrakech nightlife scene! Not only is it the most bustling city in Morocco, but I would go as far as to say that it’s one of the most bustling cities in the world.
The bustle just looks different.
Traveling to a new country can bring so many questions, like what to do? Which places to go? Who to meet? What to eat? Where to stay?
And with so many things to do and so much information being thrown at you, it’s challenging to sift through and make sense of everything.
My travel guide is here to help!
Heading to Marrakech, Morocco? Book Marrkech’s top activities through GetYourGuide:
I want you to experience Marrakech nightlife like a local so that you can get the most out of your trip. From traditional performances at Djemma el Fnaa to belly dancing to modern clubs, there’s something for everyone in Marrakech.
So let’s jump into my guide to Marrakech nightlife: what to do and where to go!
Marrakech Nightlife: What to Do and Where to Go
The Old City
Marrakech has been split into two parts as the city has grown. The old city still retains its middle east charm, with winding alleys, elaborate architecture, and vibrant souks.
I loved spending time in the old city during the day, getting lost in the maze of streets, shopping for souvenirs, and sipping on mint tea.
But at night is when the old city comes to life!
The main square, Djemma el Fnaa, is transformed into a hive of activity with snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and other street performers.
I was in food heaven making my rounds through the stalls of mouth-watering cuisine, sampling everything from traditional tagines to crepes.
The best time to be here was right before sunset as it transitions from day to night. You’ll see so many visitors around and a lot of locals who come here with their families to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells.
I realized that finding a good cocktail or even a beer was a little harder than I anticipated. Alcohol is not as common in the old city and many locals stick to non-alcoholic drinks like fresh juices or Moroccan tea.
But, you know me—I always find something!
Le Salama Restaurant and Lounge
Looking for that traditional happy hour overlooking the old Medina?
Le Salama Restaurant and Lounge is the perfect spot. With its outdoor terrace and views of the old Medina, it’s a great place to catch up with friends or enjoy a few cocktails before your night gets started.
As the sun sets, many people enjoyed smoking hookahs and sipping on two-for-one cocktails at happy hour. It was a good time, to say the least!
I loved their specialty cocktails that mix traditional Moroccan flavors like mint and dates with vodka, rum, or whiskey.
With belly dancers, live music, and local DJs playing, this felt like the true Moroccan experience.
Kabana
Another option in the old town is this newer bar/lounge/club called Kabana. It has quickly become a hot spot, it was full every time I passed it.
The vibe here is modern and sleek, with a great selection of drinks, beats from local DJs playing every night, and an outdoor terrace overlooking the city skyline.
If it’s the weekend, I highly recommend making a reservation—I’m not kidding when I say this place gets busy! If you can’t make a reservation for the evening, they’ve got a delicious brunch menu that I heard is to die for.
The New City
Think trendy cafés, art deco restaurants, hotels, and nightclubs.
The new area in Marrakech is striving to make a name for itself in the bustling nightlife scene. Hivernage and Gueliz, two districts situated on the western side of downtown Marrakech, are known to offer some of the best experiences one can find when it comes to late-night activities.
After having dinner in the medina or a few of those two-for-one cocktails, I highly suggest making a trip to these two neighborhoods. You’ll find European-inspired bars and clubs that will make your evening out even more memorable!
In this area, you’ll have many different options for drinks, music, and entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a quiet evening out or an all-night party, you’re about to find it!
I felt extremely safe and welcomed in this area, even late into the night, but like with anything, travel with caution.
Secret Room Marrakech
I love clubs that bring an exclusive vibe, and Secret Room Marrakech is just that. This club is for VIPs only and features international DJs, a dance floor with lasers and lights, two bars—and more!
It’s like the little sister of club 555 as they are both owned by the same company, but Secret Room is not as crowded and maintains its exclusive atmosphere.
The drinks are a little pricey but that’s to be expected since it’s in an upscale district in Marrakech. The music was fantastic and it was hard to leave!
You’ll have a variety of House, RnB, and Hip-Hop music playing all night long, and it’s the perfect place to get down and let loose! The crowd is a little bit older which is perfect for those looking to avoid the college party crowd.
Theatro
If you couldn’t tell from the name, this club was a former theatre and has now become one of the most popular nightclubs in Morocco.
Experience the most spectacular performances every weekend at Theatro—featuring incredible dancers, acrobats, and more!
This venue is always full of international and local DJs spinning their edgy beats while Gnawa musicians bang on drums in a captivating remix. It’s such a unique experience and one I highly recommend while in the city.
Despite us being in Morocco, the prices here are more a reflection of the rates in North America. Typically, entrance fees start at around twenty dollars, and if you want a table with bottle service, that could cost up to one hundred dollars.
Montecristo
Had your fill of late-night parties and want something a little more low-key? Yeah me, too!
Experience a unique night out at Montecristo, an elegant restaurant with a rooftop terrace in the Gueliz neighborhood.
Enjoy drinks and music under the Marrakech sky with a stunning view of the city. This is one of the perfect spots to relax after a long day, and enjoy some jazz music with friends.
But if you’re anything like me after a cocktail or two all of a sudden I no longer want a chill night in, oops!
Luckily, here you can change your mind and dance late into the night as this venue transforms from restaurant to nightclub offering one of the most exciting parties around town.
Comptoir Darna
Comptoir Darna was one of my fav nightlife experiences in Marrakech! Their food is fantastic and the shows are too fun.
We had reservations around 8:30 pm, and the belly dancing shows don’t start until around 10:30 pm so we took our sweet time with drinks and then dinner.
Things get super lively with live music, belly dancers, and ladies balancing a tray full of candles on their heads! Get up and dance with them, they love audience participation.
While you’re here, order the lamb mechoui—it’s a Moroccan specialty and the best we had during our trip.
Le Churchill Bar
The award for the most unique bar in all of Marrakech goes directly to this place—Le Churchill Bar.
It’s located inside La Mamounia (yes, the one from Inventing Anna), so be sure to dress to impress as they take security and their dress code seriously. No shorts, tennis shoes, or flip-flops for guys. For ladies, wear a dress and you’ll be fine.
Named in tribute to the British Prime Minister after his visit, Le Churchill Bar transports guests back to the 1930s with its opulent decor featuring leopard-print carpeting, red leather walls, and lively jazz music.
Although it looks like we just stepped into a time machine, everything else here is very modern and will not disappoint.
If anything, you’ll be begging to come back!
Enjoy their incredible cocktails and delicious high-end snacks like caviar, foie gras, and oysters.
555 Famous Club
Dance the night away at this famous club with multiple dance floors, an outdoor terrace, and a lively atmosphere.
It’s going to be one of those nights you’re telling people stories about for years to come! Picture laser shows illuminated across the walls, plenty of room to dance, and techno bumping by incredible guest DJs.
Depending on the night, you can enjoy live performances from talented artists and take in the stunning starry sky from comfortable rooftop seating.
Borj Al Arab
Now I know when traveling it can be hard to plan to be in certain destinations on the weekend and clubbing or partying can be a last priority when galavanting around the world.
So, if you’re in Marrakech during the week, then no problem, I still got you, girl!
Borj Al Arab is the perfect spot for you. With an inviting vibe and full of upbeat people, this premier nightclub offers an unrivaled ambiance to make your weeknight out feel like it was Friday.
This club is renowned for its exhilarating cabaret performances, and it’s advised to book your seats in advance since the house often fills up quickly.
This is the perfect night of entertainment that’ll leave you feeling thoroughly entertained!
Babouchka
Did somebody say cocktails?
And not just any cocktails, Moroccan-themed ones!
Baboushka is where you go to experience the perfect blend of modern and traditional. The atmosphere here has a unique touch to it and the drinks from their cocktail bar are exquisite.
I loved this place, as you will see some people dressed to the absolute nines while others are in everyday regular wear. This is a place you come to escape the outside world and be yourself.
I only stayed for a few drinks but this place is banging out beat after beat until 5 AM—if you’re ready to dance until the sun comes up, then this is your spot!
Normally, I’d include Pacha Marrakech on this list of things to do, but unfortunately, it closed in 2020 and has yet to reopen.
That’s it for me, I hope you enjoyed exploring Marrakech nightlife. There’s something here for everyone, so no matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, from traditional performances to modern clubs, Marrakech has it all!
Planning a trip to Marrakech? Check out my other Marrakech guides here!
Exploring the Souks of Marrakesh: Everything to Know Before You Go
The 7 Most Incredible Riads in Marrakesh
6 Epic Day Trips from Marrakesh
The Perfect Two-Week Morocco Itinerary
The Best Time to Visit Morocco: A Complete Guide
7 Epic Things to Do in Merzouga
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Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
