Are there bars and clubs in Marrakech?

Marrakech surprises people, it genuinely has nightlife. The catch is geography: alcohol and clubs live almost entirely in the ville nouvelle, the modern districts of Hivernage and Gueliz, plus licensed hotels and a number of riads. The walled medina around Jemaa el-Fna is largely alcohol-free, so a "night out" usually means a short taxi from your riad to the new town.

For drinks, I point guests at hotel rooftop bars and dedicated cocktail lounges in Gueliz, which range from sleek and minimalist to lush garden terraces. Many of the city's famous restaurant-bars combine dinner with a DJ and a chic crowd, blending Moroccan decor with international cocktails. These dinner-and-lounge spots are where most travellers feel happiest, glamorous but not overwhelming.

If you want a proper nightclub, Hivernage delivers. There are large, high-energy clubs with international DJs, bottle-service tables and a mixed crowd of Moroccans, Gulf visitors and tourists. They open late, around midnight, and go until dawn, with cover charges or minimum spends at the bigger names. Dress sharp; these venues take their door image seriously.

A few honest pointers from years of arranging this. Nights start late, so eat first and pace yourself. Always agree a return-taxi plan, as getting back to the medina at 3am can be a hassle. And manage expectations: Marrakech nightlife is stylish and fun, but it is a destination for atmosphere and dinner-with-music more than a hardcore clubbing capital. For that, Casablanca is livelier.