This is easily Marrakesh's main sight and a place where you can easily spend a couple of hours just walking around or watching the scene. Here, you will find all kinds of arts and all kinds of food in an entertaining setting. The square is what comes the closest to a place out of 1001 nights and is known for its snake charmers, henna tattooists and storytellers. The name can be translated as “assembly of the dead” and is the main entrance to the medina.
Djama El Fnaa sees action in the time from 8 am to 1 am. However, in the morning hours you will find life only in the cafés and restaurants around the square and a couple of stalls (mainly souvernirs and orang juice) catering for tourists. Artists arrive in the early morning and most food stalls do not open before 4 pm. If street food is your thing, you will not get disappointed! The soup for three Dirhams was great, other stalls offer traditional elements such as tajine or mint tea. Just be aware that when they are giving away extras such as olives or bread, they are not for free and will be added to the bill. Decline them friendly.
TIP: Besides throwing yourself into the action of Djama El Fnaa, go to one of the rooftop cafés (like Café de France) and see the scene from above. As the prices are higher here than elsewhere, consider coming to these places for a coffee or drink and come
Of course, you will be approached by vendors and touts which will try to get the best out of you: Your money. Among them, kudos to the orange juice sellers – they are not obtrusive and can sell you a good product for a fixed and more then fair price. Artists demand a small tip if you have been watching their show (10-20 Dirham per person is fine). Be aware that people such as snake charmers ask for money if you want to take pictures of them. Taking pictures without paying or even asking is a no-no and you might get an unpleasant surprise! I preferred not to engage with the snake charmers as snake charming is not the most animal-friendly activity and I do not like to be close to snakes anyway.