Jemaâ El Fna, Marrakesh

Could Marrakech be itself without Jemaâ El Fna square? This huge contemporary square located in the center of the Medina is not only the biggest tourist attraction of the city but it also contains lively heritage. The rhythmic life of the square grows as day goes on. At the beginning of the afternoon, tourists can take pictures of snake charmers and the water-carriers wearing traditional costumes (don't forget the tip). Then come the dancers, musicians, storytellers, acrobats, magicians, and even plant-medicine men to light up the square. At dusk, food stands overrun the square and the air is soon full of the aromatic steam and smoke of the Moroccan specialties. Festivities last late into the night and don't forget to tip the artists that you appreciate. The square became a UNESCO Oral Heritage site in 2001. Even though the name means assembly of the deaths in Arabic, nothing is more lively than Jemaâ El Fna square. Try observing the animated square fr om a terrace of one of the coffeehouses that surround it while drinking a mint tea.