Jemaa el-Fnaa: The Heartbeat of Marrakesh

Getting There

• Walking

  From the Hivernage neighborhood, begin at the intersection of Avenue Mohammed VI and Rue de la Liberté. Head south on Rue de la Liberté until you reach the end of the street. Turn left onto Avenue Mohammed VI and continue walking until you reach the roundabout. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Avenue El Mouahidine. Follow this road for about 1 kilometer until you reach the entrance to the Medina. Once you reach the Medina walls, follow the signs towards Jemaa el-Fnaa, which will take you through winding streets and alleys. It’s a lively area, so keep an eye out for signs and ask locals if you need assistance. The entire walk should take about 25-30 minutes.

• Taxi

  If you prefer not to walk, you can take a petit taxi from Hivernage to Jemaa el-Fnaa. To do this, find a taxi stand or hail a taxi on the street. Ensure you tell the driver 'Jemaa el-Fnaa' and confirm that they will use the meter. The fare should be around 20-30 MAD (Moroccan Dirham), depending on traffic and time of day. The drive usually takes about 10-15 minutes, but it can take longer during peak hours.

• Horse-drawn carriage (Calèche)

  Another charming way to reach Jemaa el-Fnaa is by taking a horse-drawn carriage, known as a calèche. You can find them near major hotels in Hivernage or along Avenue Mohammed VI. Negotiate the price before starting your journey; it should be around 50-100 MAD for a ride to Jemaa el-Fnaa. The ride provides a unique way to see the city, and the journey should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.