Djemaa el Fna

It's extremely hard to stay away from Djemaa el Fna. Sitting at the center of the Medina, Djemaa el Fna stands as the city's main gathering spot. By day, the square hosts dozens of entertainers, from snake-charmers and monkey-tamers to storytellers and herbalists. By night, Djemaa el Fna fills with the aromas of piping hot couscous, grilled meats, and simmering vegetables from the food stalls. From the square, narrow alleyways lead intrepid shoppers through a maze of souks (markets), comprised of spice vendors and carpet sellers who will stop at nothing to get you to buy something. Here's a tip: Never settle for the original price. Half the fun of shopping around Djemaa el Fna is practicing your bargaining skills. Most hawkers will negotiate with you, but walk away if you encounter a stubborn seller.

Recent visitors praise Djemaa el Fna's bustling marketplace, but note that the constant flood of people may deter claustrophobic types. Travelers say that the key to enjoying the city is letting loose and going with the flow. According to one TripAdvisor user, "As long as you are not easily annoyed […] and take it in as part of what it is […] you will not regret it."

Djemaa el Fna welcomes visitors all day, every day, but individual vendors operate on different hours. While exploring this area, be mindful of your surroundings. Pickpockets are known to target unsuspecting tourists here, so watch your belongings.