Bazaar
Bazaar occupies a multi-level space on Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali, one of Gueliz's central roundabouts. The ground floor has a bar and lounge seating. The rooftop terrace, which is the main draw, overlooks the square with views across Gueliz's low roofline. The terrace has hookah, cushioned seating, and a DJ booth that operates on weekends. Music ranges from chill house during early evening to more energetic commercial tracks after midnight. Cocktails cost 80-150 MAD (7.40-13.90 EUR / 8-15 USD). Beer runs 40-60 MAD (3.70-5.55 EUR / 4-6 USD). Hookah is 80-120 MAD (7.40-11 EUR / 8-12 USD). No cover charge. The crowd is international and mixed, with European tourists, Moroccan professionals, and long-term expats sharing the space. The vibe is casual by Marrakech standards.
What to Expect
A relaxed rooftop bar that doesn't try to compete with Hivernage's clubs. The terrace atmosphere on a warm evening, with hookah smoke drifting and low-key music playing, hits the right note. The indoor sections are standard bar-lounge. The crowd is approachable and diverse.
Laid-back, social, and unpretentious by Marrakech standards. The rooftop carries the experience.
Chill house and lounge early evening, commercial dance and Arabic pop later. DJ sets on weekends.
Casual to smart casual. Jeans and a decent shirt work. No one is checking your shoes. The rooftop is relaxed.
Early evening drinks and hookah. Pre-club warmup. Anyone who wants a rooftop without Hivernage prices.
Cash and cards accepted.
Price Range
Cocktails 80-150 MAD, beer 40-60 MAD, hookah 80-120 MAD
≈ EUR 3.70-13.90 / $4-15
Hours
Daily 6 PM to 2 AM, DJ sets Fri-Sat from 10 PM
Insider Tip
Grab a rooftop table early on Friday evening. By 9 PM the terrace fills and you'll be standing. The hookah is better than the cocktails. If the rooftop is full, the ground floor bar is quieter and actually better for conversation. The staff speak French and some English.
Full Review
Bazaar fills a gap in Gueliz's nightlife that the area needs: a place where you can show up at 7 PM, sit on a rooftop, smoke hookah, drink at reasonable prices, and figure out the rest of your evening from there. It's not trying to be a nightclub. It's not trying to be a fine-dining restaurant. It's a bar with a good terrace.
The rooftop is the clear selling point. The view isn't dramatic (Gueliz doesn't have a skyline to speak of), but the open air, the warm evening temperature, and the ambient lighting create a comfortable setting. The cushioned seating areas work for groups, and the bar-height tables along the railing suit couples or smaller groups.
Drinks are competent. The cocktails follow standard recipes without much creativity. The beer is cold. The hookah is well-prepared and comes in multiple flavors. If you want an interesting cocktail, this isn't the place. If you want a cold beer and a hookah on a rooftop, it delivers.
The DJ sets on weekends are adequate. The music stays at a level that allows conversation until about 11 PM, after which it ramps up. The rooftop never fully transforms into a club, which is actually a strength. People who want to dance head to Hivernage. People who want to keep talking stay at Bazaar.
Service is casual and occasionally slow when the rooftop fills. Getting a waiter's attention can take effort on busy nights. The staff are friendly and speak French fluently with some English.
The main limitation is the venue's ceiling. It's a mid-range bar that does mid-range things. It won't deliver an unforgettable evening, but it won't disappoint either. It's reliable.
The Neighborhood
Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali is a major Gueliz intersection. The roundabout has several restaurants and cafes. The area is well-lit, centrally located, and easy to find. Other Gueliz bars are within walking distance.
Getting There
A short walk from anywhere in central Gueliz. By taxi, it's a 10-15 MAD ride from the train station area. From Jemaa el-Fnaa, 20-30 MAD. Tell the driver Place Abdel Moumen; they all know it.
Other Venues in Gueliz
Le Comptoir Darna
Iconic Marrakech restaurant and bar with live belly dancing, a dimly lit interior, and a crowd that mixes tourists with wealthy Moroccans. The atmosphere peaks after 10 PM when the entertainment starts.
Cafe du Livre
Bookshop-bar on Rue Tariq Ibn Ziad. A rare combination of cold beer, good wine, and actual books. Draws expats and educated Moroccans. Low-key atmosphere with conversation-level music.
Grand Cafe de la Poste
Colonial-era brasserie on Boulevard El Mansour Eddahbi. High ceilings, art deco details, and a terrace that fills for evening drinks. French-Moroccan cuisine. Popular with business travelers and older tourists.
Kechmara
Modern bistro and gallery space on Rue de la Liberte with a rooftop terrace. Art exhibitions rotate monthly. Good cocktails, European-Moroccan fusion food, and a creative crowd.