Getting around
What are the best rooftop terraces in Marrakech?
- For the square
- Le Grand Balcon
- For style
- Nomad, Café des Épices
- Time it
- Golden hour / sunset
- Note
- Most are alcohol-free
Quick answer
The best rooftops overlook Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks for golden-hour views of the square, the Koutoubia and the Atlas. Favourites include Café des Épices / Nomad on Rahba Kedima, Le Grand Balcon (Café Glacier) for the classic square panorama, and terraces like Kabana, Zeitoun and Café Kessabine. Time your visit for the sunset call to prayer.
Where to go for the view
For the postcard view straight over Jemaa el-Fnaa, the terrace cafés on its edge — above all Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier — look down on the whole spectacle as the stalls light up. For a more designed vibe, the cluster around Rahba Kedima (Nomad, Café des Épices, Terrasse des Épices) serves food and drinks with rooftop views of the medina rooftops and distant Koutoubia. Newer spots like Kabana (near the Koutoubia) add cocktails and music.
Making the most of sunset
The magic hour is the two hours before sunset, when the walls glow ochre and the layered call to prayer rolls across the rooftops. Arrive early to grab a rail-side table, order mint tea or a meal, and stay for the light. Note that most medina terraces are alcohol-free — for a sunset cocktail, head to a licensed hotel or Gueliz rooftop. A sunset rooftop tour lines up the best terraces for you; see more in attractions.
Related questions
Where is the best rooftop view of Jemaa el-Fnaa?
Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier on the south side of the square has the classic bird's-eye view over the whole of Jemaa el-Fnaa — spectacular at dusk when the food stalls light up. Go early to get a front-row table.
Can you get cocktails on Marrakech rooftops?
On most medina terraces, no — they're alcohol-free, serving mint tea, juices and food. For sunset cocktails, head to licensed rooftop bars at hotels or in Gueliz and Hivernage, such as Kabana or hotel sky bars.
What time is best for a rooftop in Marrakech?
The two hours before sunset — the light turns the medina golden and you'll hear the evening call to prayer across the rooftops. Arrive early for a good table, as the best terraces fill up for sunset.