Are there rooftop bars in Marrakech?

Rooftops are, in my opinion, the signature Marrakech evening. The city is low-rise and the light at dusk is extraordinary, so a terrace at sunset, with the Koutoubia minaret glowing pink and the snow-capped Atlas on the horizon, is hard to beat. There are two distinct kinds, and it helps to know the difference before you go.

In the modern districts of Hivernage and Gueliz you'll find proper rooftop cocktail bars: hotel terraces with pools, DJ sets, full bars and a stylish crowd, plus a few standalone lounges that have become Marrakech institutions. These are where you go for a sundowner, a glass of wine or a cocktail with mountain views, and they typically run from late afternoon into the night. Dress smart-casual; some of the hotel rooftops have a polished door.

In the medina itself, the rooftop story is different and just as lovely. The cafes and restaurants ringing Jemaa el-Fna have terraces that look straight down over the square's nightly spectacle, perfect for a mint tea and people-watching at golden hour. Many of these medina rooftops are alcohol-free, but a number of upscale riads and licensed restaurants do serve wine and cocktails on their terraces, so I match the venue to what each guest wants.

A few practical notes. The best tables go fast at sunset, so I book ahead for the popular rooftops. Bring a light layer, because once the sun drops the air cools quickly, especially outside summer. And if alcohol matters to you, mention it when reserving, since the medina-versus-new-city distinction catches people out. Either way, an evening that starts on a Marrakech rooftop is an evening that starts right.