Morocco’s old imperial city of Marrakech is known for its thronging souks packed with an array of wares, the lively Djemaa el Fna, and its historic sites, such as palaces, mosques, and madrasas.
A city that also boasts excellent museums and art galleries, charming parks, top-class spas, traditional hammams, and an abundance of places to sleep and eat, there’s something else that visitors should add to their itinerary: one (or more!) of the city’s excellent live performances.
Ranging from theatrical performances and cultural shows to dinner shows and displays of traditional dance and music.
Marrakech’s awesome live performances really help to bring the city’s rich culture and heritage even more to life. Plus, they are great fun!
Here are some of the best shows and performances to add to your Marrakech bucket list:
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Comptoir Darna
Often referred to as Le Comptoir by locals, Comptoir Darna is a long-standing restaurant and entertainment venue with something fun happening on every night of the week.
Split into three sections, guests can enjoy the restaurant, club, and patio, all with heaps of attitude and atmosphere.
Savor Moroccan dishes, like various types of couscous and tagine as well as méchoui lamb, as you listen to the beautiful sounds from the orchestra, located discretely on the grand staircase.
The Andalusian sounds, classical music, and typical Moroccan tunes are both soothing and invigorating. By 10pm dancers entertain diners, with both ballet and belly dancing. Dancers have been known to jump up on tables to really thrill guests!
In the club, gnawa performers keep things lively from Sunday to Wednesday, with captivating music and exciting moves.
Later, the dancers take over and the DJs play an eclectic assortment of music. The terrace is the ideal place to sip a cocktail and smoke shisha.
Fantasia at Chez Ali
Chez Ali is a true wonderland where people dine on delicious cuisine in Berber tents set in a palm grove.
The set menus include Moroccan harira soup to start and a choice of different tagines, lamb, or couscous for the main course, followed with fresh fruit and Moroccan pastries.
The food is tasty and the atmosphere is enchanting, but what really makes Chez Ali so popular is its awesome fantasia show.
The fantasia is a traditional Arab horseshow from North Africa, whereby riders are decked out in traditional clothes and charge on horseback while firing into the air with perfect precision.
As well as the spell-binding show of horsemanship guests can also watch awesome dancers and acrobats and listen to lilting folk music.
Djemaa el Fna
Each evening Djemaa el Fna is the scene of many small shows, with musicians, dancers, traditional water sellers, snake charmers and more to capture your attention.
The vibe is rather like being at an open-air carnival and there are many food stalls to satisfy your appetite as you wander around and take in the ambiance and sights.
With so many great options when it comes to live entertainment and exciting performances in Marrakech, you really will have lots of ways to fill your time and have a diverse stay in the majestic Red City.
Azar
Located in Gueliz, the sophisticated Azar combines an evocative blend of Moroccan and Middle Eastern vibes, with sultry hues, atmospheric lighting, and ornate details.
Begin your culinary treat with a wide assortment of hot and cold mezzes before sinking your teeth into delicacies like tagine, spiced fillet of fish, and the hearty mixed grill.
All dishes are made using fresh ingredients and arrive at the table beautifully presented.
Enjoy fresh air on the breezy terrace as you unwind with different types of shisha and a cocktail and listen to the upbeat tunes from the DJs in the Mezzanine Bar.
Each evening dancers entrance diners with their oriental allure. Between Thursdays and Sundays an orchestra plays in the background and from Sunday to Wednesday you can listen to the captivating melodies from The Player.
Narwama
With a stunning Moroccan-themed dining room and an airy outdoor dining area, Narwama is a great place for delicious food and a great show.
All senses are tantalised and the restaurant truly offers a sensory experience. In the heart of the medina the restaurant serves delicious Moroccan meals, some with an exciting twist.
There is daily entertainment, with acts from around the world. Guests are taken on a journey of enchantment as art, culture, and food spectacularly meet.
Royal Theatre
Opened in September 2001, Marrakech’s Royal Theatre is the city’s premier venue for artistic and cultural performances.
It has a large indoor opera house and an open-air theatre and hosts a variety of performances, ranging from plays and ballets to operas and live music.
Do note that most performances are in Arabic or French. The stunning building is worth visiting in its own right too, with handsome paintings and sculptures inside.
Malak Emeraude
Combining the modern and the traditional, and elements of rock chic, glamour, and eastern delights, Malak Emeraude takes visitors on a journey of the senses.
The creative chef serves innovative dishes that are full of flavour and the extensive cocktail menu also shows plenty of imagination.
Step outside onto the terrace to admire the great views of the Red City. One of the main reasons to visit Malak Emeraude is, however, for the exciting dinner shows.
The program is varied and may include gnaoua performers, live bands playing diverse genres of music, and exotic belly dancers clad in sparkly eye-catching costumes.
Epicurien
Located within the upmarket Es saadi Resort, Epicurien is a place where you will truly feel alive and bursting with energy.
The interiors are lavish, with rich mahogany furnishings, gigantic mirrors, plush textiles, and decadent chandeliers.
The international menu is tempting, with dishes like roasted sea bream, vegetarian lasagne, rib steak, and shepherd’s pie. And, to further add to a great evening, a live band plays energetic tunes to really get you in the party mood.
Dar Essalam
Dar Essalam is a truly sumptuous building, with various exquisite rooms to appeal to different tastes.
The oldest, and most refined, room in the restaurant is K’Dim, with striking ornamentations and dazzling Islamic art.
The Marjane Room features stunning mosaics and has a homey vibe. The Royal Room room boasts glorious décor and traditional architectural details, complete with a fountain and cupola.
The Bahja Room has attractive walls and ceilings. The cuisine served in each room is the same—delicious Moroccan meals with lots of taste and flavour. If you book in advance you can enjoy an exciting dinner show too.
Lotus Club
Located in Hivernage, the Lotus Club is another top place for an evening of great food and live entertainment. You can enjoy Moroccan dishes while being entertained by a diverse program.
Magicians sometimes make their way to the tables to astound people with tricks and there may be international music, gnaoua music, or something else entirely.
There are dancers too, but unlike other establishments that tend to favor belly dancers, the performers here are more akin to risqué burlesque artists.