Marrakech is the heart of Morocco, the city every traveler wants to visit (in fact it often suffers from overtourism), a gem waiting to be discovered. At any time of day, from dawn to dusk, you’ll be captivated by places full of life, tradition and popular spirit.
And speaking of sunset, in this article I want to tell you about the most typical places to enjoy the sunset in Marrakech. Although the city’s buildings and homes aren’t particularly tall, you can climb onto the rooftops of some bars and restaurants and look out over the Medina, the most authentic mirror of majestic Marrakech, or over other parts of the city, to admire twilight scenes that capture travelers’ eyes and hearts with a unique beauty that’s hard to put into words.
If you’re planning a vacation in Marrakech to be enchanted by everything it has to offer, don’t forget to treat yourself to a relaxing moment on one of the most typical rooftops, watching the sunset while sipping good green tea and enjoying one of Morocco’s many traditional dishes. A lovely way to take a break from the lively souks.
From the most colorful sunset to the old town waking up, from winding paths to crowded alleys, every corner can be admired from the rooftops of the Red City. Of course, in many cases you shouldn’t expect postcard-perfect views, but get ready to open your eyes to the city’s truest soul, which shows itself raw and unfiltered to those who choose to visit.
Sunset from the rooftops of Marrakech
1. DarDar Rooftop
One of the most sought-after places to watch the sunset in Marrakech is the DarDar Rooftop Restaurant. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna Square and close to many of the city’s main sights. Besides the sunset, the DarDar rooftop offers an unbeatable view of the Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest structure in Marrakech.
Not to mention the quality of the food, a culinary experience you shouldn’t miss, in a truly inviting atmosphere. Enjoying a sunset cocktail or a delicious Moroccan dinner with the DarDar Rooftop as your backdrop will make the end of your day in the heart of Marrakech truly unforgettable, in a little corner of cool and calm.
2. Kabana
Tucked away in the heart of the Medina is Kabana, the trendiest rooftop in Marrakech. Its large outdoor spaces let visitors spend a pleasant evening wrapped in the colors of the Moroccan sunset, in a fresh, cosmopolitan atmosphere. From here, too, there’s a wonderful view of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, one of the unmissable landmarks on the city’s skyline.
After sunset, the Kabana rooftop turns into a bar where you can listen to music and dance.
3. Argana Restaurant
If you want to enjoy the sunset from the rooftop with the best view of Jemaa el-Fna Square, the nerve center and cultural heart of Marrakech, head to Argana Restaurant. It has been there since 1970, making it a landmark for travelers from all over the world. This café-restaurant serves all kinds of homemade Moroccan dishes as well as international cuisine. The atmosphere is friendly and family-like, which is why I also recommend it to families with kids.
4. Terrasse des Épices
Another really lovely rooftop, this one overlooking the city skyline, is Terrasse des Épices, an open-air café and restaurant (in winter there are heaters next to every table, don’t worry!) and one of the most popular in Marrakech. It’s in the heart of the Medina and is one of the trendiest spots in town.
In the evening it opens just in time for the sunset view, perfect for an evening with friends or family in a calm, relaxing setting, with extraordinarily warm hospitality, under the Marrakech stars. From here you’ll also see the majestic Atlas Mountains and the nearby minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque.
The cuisine is a mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean, and of course Marrakech’s most famous specialties are on the menu.
If you have a sweet tooth (and oriental sweets have always been central to Moroccan cuisine), don’t forget to go two floors down from the restaurant, where you’ll find a delightful pastry shop, the Pâtisserie by Terrasse des Épices, famous for its handmade sweets made from traditional recipes.
5. Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier
The last Marrakech rooftop I want to tell you about, and one you should head to if you want to watch the sunset during your city tour, is Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier. You won’t have trouble finding it, because it’s one of the two largest café-restaurants on Jemaa el-Fna Square (the other is the Hotel Restaurant Café de France).
It’s a venue in perfect Moroccan architectural style, with high ceilings and an original design. Up on the roof you’ll find a long terrace always crowded with tourists and locals: a perfect way to take in the square from above and watch the many musicians, magicians, acrobats, fakirs and snake charmers performing for passersby.
Lisa
