Money & etiquette
Can you drink alcohol in Marrakech?
- Legal?
- Yes, for tourists
- Where
- Licensed venues, hotels
- Buy
- Carrefour, Acima, shops
- Not sold
- Souks, the square
Quick answer
Yes — although Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol is legal and available to tourists in licensed restaurants, hotel bars, rooftop bars and nightclubs, and sold in some supermarkets (Carrefour, Acima) and dedicated shops. It is not sold in the medina's souks or on Jemaa el-Fnaa, prices are high, and you should drink discreetly and never in the street.
Where you can drink
Plenty of Marrakech restaurants, riads, rooftop terraces, hotel bars and the clubs of Gueliz and Hivernage are licensed and serve beer, wine and spirits, including good Moroccan wines. Many medina riads will also serve a drink to guests. To buy your own, the big supermarkets have alcohol sections and there are specialist wine shops in the new town — bring the bottle back discreetly in a bag.
Where and when to be careful
You won't find alcohol in the souks, on Jemaa el-Fnaa or in most cheap local eateries, and drinking in public spaces is both illegal and disrespectful. Prices are high by local standards because of tax. During Ramadan, sales are restricted — supermarket alcohol sections often close and fewer venues serve — though tourist hotels usually still cater to guests. Drink where it's clearly accepted and keep it low-key elsewhere.
Related questions
Where can I buy alcohol in Marrakech?
At larger supermarkets such as Carrefour and Acima (they have a separate alcohol section), and at dedicated wine and liquor shops in Gueliz. Carry it discreetly. You can't buy alcohol in the medina souks or on the main square.
Can you drink alcohol during Ramadan in Marrakech?
It's restricted — many supermarket alcohol sections close and fewer restaurants serve during Ramadan out of respect. Tourist hotels and some licensed venues usually still serve guests, but be especially discreet and never drink in public.
Is it disrespectful to drink alcohol in Marrakech?
Not in licensed restaurants, bars and hotels, where it's completely normal for tourists. It is disrespectful — and illegal — to drink in the street or public squares. Keep drinking to appropriate venues and stay discreet elsewhere.