Marrakech Rooftops: My Favourite Spots for an Unforgettable Sunset

Dear travellers, dear friends of Villa Soukarya,

There is a moment in the day when Marrakech changes its face. Late in the afternoon the light softens, the ochre walls turn pink and then copper, and the call to prayer rises from the Koutoubia while swallows circle above the rooftops. There is no better place to experience it than a terrace high above the city. That is why, when my guests ask me what they must not miss, I almost always answer: "Go up on a rooftop at sunset."

Here are the places I recommend — ones I know well and that my guests thank me for — along with a few practical tips to make the most of them.

Why Marrakech's rooftops are a show of their own

The medina of Marrakech is a low-rise city: houses and riads turn inward toward their courtyards, and the terraces form a vast plateau of flat roofs from which the minarets rise. From a terrace you take in this unique landscape at a glance: the Koutoubia, the hidden alleys, the bustle of the souks below and, on clear days, the snow-capped outline of the High Atlas on the horizon, especially in winter and spring.

At sunset, everything comes alive. Jemaa el-Fna square fills with the smoke of grills and with musicians, the lights come on one by one, and the city slips into its nightlife. Watching this transition from a rooftop, with a mint tea or a fresh juice in hand, is one of the most memorable experiences of any stay.

Around Spice Square: the soul of the medina

The small Rahba Kedima square, also known as Spice Square, is in my view the best place to start. It is home to several lovely terraces, just a few minutes' walk from Jemaa el-Fna.

• Nomad: spread over several terrace levels, serving light, creative modern Moroccan cuisine. This is the address I suggest to those who want to stay for dinner after sunset. Book ahead — tables are in high demand.
• Café des Épices: simpler and more relaxed, with a panoramic terrace overlooking the square. Ideal for a late-afternoon break with tea or juice in a very local atmosphere.
• La Terrasse des Épices: tucked above the Cherifia souk, it is a true haven of calm above the busy souks, with shaded alcoves. Perfect for a late lunch that stretches into the evening.

The advantage of this area: you can combine an afternoon in the souks with a climb to a terrace just as the light turns golden, with no long journey in between.

Facing Jemaa el-Fna: the square as a stage

To watch the great square wake up at nightfall, nothing beats the Grand Balcon du Café Glacier. The bird's-eye view over Jemaa el-Fna is striking: from above you see the food stalls being set up, the circles of storytellers and musicians, the rising smoke. The place is simple and very busy; you usually need to order a drink to access the terrace. Arrive early to get a front-row seat.

For a more stylish drink: pool, DJ and cocktails

Some of my guests prefer a more festive or refined atmosphere. Two medina addresses fit the bill:

• El Fenn: the rooftop of this renowned riad-hotel looks out over the Koutoubia, with a pool and loungers. The mood is both elegant and relaxed — the place to come for a sunset cocktail.
• Kabana: right next to Jemaa el-Fna, a rooftop cocktail bar with DJ nights. The perfect spot to kick off an evening with friends.

Good to know: not every rooftop in the medina serves alcohol. If it matters to you, check before you go.

In Gueliz: the modern city from above

If you are staying or spending the afternoon in the modern Gueliz district, the Sky Lounge at The Pearl hotel, on Avenue Mohammed VI, offers panoramic views from the top floor, over the medina on one side and the Atlas on the other. It is a very comfortable alternative, with easier car access than the medina's alleys.

My tips for a perfect sunset

After years of advising guests, this is what I always tell them:

• Check the sunset time on the day: it varies a lot between winter and summer. Aim to arrive 45 minutes to an hour beforehand.
• Book when you can, especially at weekends and in high season. The best tables, along the edge of the terrace, go quickly.
• Bring a light sweater from October to March: as soon as the sun disappears, the temperature drops noticeably, especially up high.
• Carry some cash for small cafés and tips, even though many places accept cards.
• Plan your way back: after dark the medina's alleys can be confusing. Agree on an easy meeting point with your driver, such as a medina gate or a car park.
• Respect the surroundings: some terraces overlook homes or mosques. Discretion with photos and modest dress are always appreciated.

Planning the ideal day from the villa

Here is the programme I often suggest, which works just as well for families as for groups of friends:

1. A quiet morning at the villa: breakfast, the heated pool, a round of golf at Amelkis for enthusiasts.
2. Early afternoon: head to the medina, about twenty minutes away by car. Our van with driver service drops you as close as possible and spares you the parking question.
3. Afternoon: stroll through the souks, visit a palace or a madrasa, buy spices on Rahba Kedima square.
4. Late afternoon: climb up to one of the rooftops above for the sunset.
5. Evening: dinner in town, or back to the villa where our in-house cook can prepare a tagine or couscous to enjoy by the pool.

What if the best rooftop were… yours?

I admit it with a touch of pride: some of my guests, after an evening in the medina, tell me they prefer the end of the day at the villa. The 120 m² private terrace of the Master Suite, the 1,700 m² tree-lined garden and the open view over the Amelkis golf fairways offer another kind of show: a vast sky turning orange, with no crowds or noise, and the Atlas as a backdrop on clear days.

My advice: alternate. One evening on the medina rooftops for the city's energy, one evening at the villa for calm and privacy. It is this contrast that makes a stay in Marrakech unforgettable.

To check Villa Soukarya's availability and arrange your transfers to the medina, visit the Booking page. I will be delighted to help you plan your most beautiful Marrakech sunsets.