Beatrix Montes
As a predominantly Islamic country, Morocco's relationship with alcohol is a complicated one. While alcohol is not illegal, it is also not a prominent part of daily life for most Moroccans, and there are strict rules about where and how it can be consumed. In Marrakech, buying beer is easier than in the rest of the country, with a number of licensed bars and restaurants, and specialist shops selling alcohol.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alcohol Legality | Alcohol is not illegal in Morocco. |
| Public Drinking | Drinking alcohol in public is illegal. |
| Alcohol Consumption by Locals | Alcohol consumption goes against Islamic law, so most locals don't drink. |
| Alcohol Availability | Alcohol is available in licensed bars, restaurants, hotels, and clubs. |
| Alcohol Purchase | Alcohol can be purchased from specialty liquor stores, wine shops, and some large supermarkets. |
| Alcohol in Medina | Alcohol is not sold in shops within Medina, but there are a few licensed restaurants and bars that serve alcohol. |
| Beer Options | Moroccan beers include Casablanca, Flag Speciale, Stork, and Flag. |
| Wine Options | Morocco produces red wines, including Château Roslane. |
| Liquor Options | Local hooch, known as Mehia, Mahia, or Majia, is distilled from dates or figs but should be consumed with caution due to lack of quality control. |
| Duty-Free | Alcohol can be brought into Morocco, with a limit of 1 litre of spirits and 1 litre of wine per person. |
| Alcohol Prices | Alcohol prices in Marrakech are generally higher compared to other places. Cocktails range from MAD100-180, beer is around MAD50, and a glass of wine is MAD50-100. |
What You'll Learn
Buying beer in Marrakech: supermarkets and specialist shops
Although Morocco is an Islamic country and alcohol is rarely consumed by Moroccans, it is not illegal. In fact, Morocco produces its own beer and wine. However, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public, so it should only be consumed in licensed bars, restaurants and hotels.
If you're looking to buy beer in Marrakech, you can do so in licensed places such as luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. These establishments usually have licences to serve alcohol to tourists.
You can also buy beer in supermarkets such as Carrefour, Champion, Label Vie and Atacadão (formerly Metro). However, the selection of products may be limited. For a wider range of options, consider visiting specialist liquor stores or wine shops in the city.
Gueliz, Marrakech's modern district, tends to have more shops offering alcohol than traditional neighbourhoods. In the new districts of Gueliz and Hivernage, you'll find several specialist shops that sell alcohol, but they close at 8 pm. Any taxi driver will be able to direct you to these shops.
If you're looking for a specific type of beer, it's worth noting that most international brands are available in Morocco, along with the domestic brands Flag, Stork and Casablanca.
Overdraft Beer Runs: Chase's Policy Explained
You may want to see also
Buying beer in Marrakech: drinking in public
Drinking alcohol in public is illegal in Morocco, and it is recommended that you only drink in licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels. It is also advised that you avoid being drunk in public, as this could be deemed offensive to the local people, who mostly abide by strict Islamic non-drinking principles. You may also be putting yourself in danger by being intoxicated in a foreign city, especially one where scam artists are abundant and it is easy to get lost.
If you are looking to buy beer in Marrakech, you can do so in licensed places such as luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. These establishments usually have licenses to serve alcohol to tourists. Supermarkets such as Carrefour or Acima also have alcohol sections, but the selection may be limited. For a wider range of options, you can visit specialty liquor stores or wine shops in the city. The Gueliz district, Marrakech's modern district, tends to have more shops offering alcohol than traditional neighbourhoods.
Buying Beer at the Swamp: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Buying beer in Marrakech: local bars
As a predominantly Islamic country, Morocco's licensed bars, restaurants, and hotels that serve alcohol are limited. However, there are still plenty of places to buy beer in Marrakech, especially in the city's modern district, Gueliz. Here are some local bars where you can purchase beer:
- Le Trou au Mur: Located in the heart of the Medina, this restaurant is part of the beautiful boutique hotel, La Farnatchi. It offers a quiet atmosphere with delicious Moroccan food and alcoholic drinks.
- Le Marrakchi: Found in the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square, this restaurant serves beer and wine. It offers a fantastic view of the square, making it a convenient spot for a drink after exploring the souks.
- Narawama: Centrally located near Jemaa el-Fnaa, Narawama offers a unique dining experience with belly dancers, local singers, and musicians every evening. They serve traditional Moroccan and international dishes, along with alcoholic drinks.
- Cafe Árabe: This restaurant, located next to Le Jardin Secret in the Medina, offers a chilled atmosphere with delicious pizzas and Moroccan wine. Reservations are recommended for the rooftop dining area.
- DarDar Rooftop: A popular spot with incredible food, cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere. They also have DJ sessions in the evenings.
- La Salama: Known for its beautiful aesthetics and fantastic views of the city, La Salama offers a happy hour deal on wine, beer, and Aperol Spritz between 4 pm and 6 pm.
- Kosybar: An outdoor local secret with stunning views overlooking the market square. They offer tasty food and cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Cantobar: A vibrant spot for dancing, karaoke, reasonably priced drinks, and fantastic cocktails.
- Lotus club: A ritzy cabaret with live entertainment and creative cocktails. It can be relatively expensive.
- Palais Jad Mahal: One of Marrakech's trendiest restaurants and bars, featuring live belly dancing and other entertainment.
- Kechmara: A quirky, trendy rooftop bar and restaurant serving carefully crafted food and cocktails with fantastic views of Gueliz.
- Montecristo: An international restaurant with a bar, an indoor club, and a Sky Lounge. They host daily parties from 7 pm to 5 am.
Buying Beer on Sundays in Macon, Georgia: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
Buying beer in Marrakech: buying alcohol during Ramadan
Alcohol is available in Marrakech, although it is a predominantly Muslim country and drinking alcohol goes against Islamic law. As such, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public in Morocco, and you should only drink in licensed bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs. It is also advised that you do not get drunk in public, as this could be deemed offensive to the local people, 99% of whom abide by strict Islamic non-drinking principles.
If you are staying in a riad or an Airbnb, it is advised that you ask permission before purchasing alcohol and bringing it back to your room, as these are people's homes and private property.
During Ramadan, it is advised that you do not eat or drink in public. Foreigners are allowed to do so, but as it is the holiest month of the year, it is respectful to refrain. Alcohol is served and sold during Ramadan, but you may need to be discreet when buying and consuming it. Some places may stop selling alcohol during this time, and staff in supermarkets may ask you to hold and scan the bottle, as they are not allowed to touch it. You may also need to present your foreign passport when purchasing alcohol, as locals are not allowed to buy it during Ramadan.
If you are looking to buy alcohol in Marrakech, you can find it in licensed places such as luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. These establishments usually have licences to serve alcohol to tourists. You can also find alcohol in specialist liquor stores and large supermarkets, such as Carrefour, Champion, Label Vie and Atacadão. The Gueliz district, Marrakech's modern district, has more shops that offer alcohol than the traditional neighbourhoods.
Midnight Beer Runs in Taylor, Texas: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Buying beer in Marrakech: alcohol-serving restaurants
Although Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is not available everywhere, there are still many places in Marrakech where you can get wine, beer and spirits.
If you're looking for alcohol-serving restaurants in particular, here are some suggestions:
Café Arabe
Café Arabe is located opposite the Secret Garden in the northern part of the Medina. It has an expansive rooftop, making it a lovely spot to watch the sunset. You can get a bottle of local red wine here for 130 dirhams, which comes with olives and breadsticks. They also have an Italian-Moroccan dinner menu, although some say the food is a tad bland.
Kozybar
Kozybar is situated by the entrance to El Badi Palace and has a two-level rooftop with a view over the Palace and the Atlas mountains beyond. It's a great place to enjoy a sunset drink. A bottle of wine here costs 160 dirhams and comes with a bowl of olives.
La Salama
La Salama is located in the Gueliz, or 'new town', area of Marrakech. Head here for happy hour between 4 pm and 6 pm, when you can get two-for-one deals on wine, beer and Aperol Spritz.
La Pergola
La Pergola has a rooftop bar, although only one small seating area has a view of the sunset. The cocktails are decent, and they host live jazz sessions in the evenings.
Le Trou au Mur
Le Trou au Mur is a quiet restaurant with wine, located in the heart of the Medina. It forms part of the beautiful boutique hotel, La Farnatchi. The M'rouzia (slow-cooked beef marinated in ras al hanout and honey) is highly recommended.
Le Marrakchi
Le Marrakchi is the only alcohol-serving restaurant in the central Jemaa el-Fnaa square. The food and drinks are said to be pretty average, but it offers a fantastic view of the square.
DarDar Rooftop and Cocktails
DarDar has gorgeous decor, speedy service and exceptional food and cocktails. Try the chicken pastilla and the 'Kech' Mojito. They also have DJ sessions in the evenings.
Narawama
Narawama is centrally located near Jemaa el-Fnaa and puts on a show every evening with belly dancers, local singers and musicians, starting at 9 pm. Their menu caters to all, with everything from traditional Moroccan to Thai dishes.
Kabana
Kabana is a restaurant-cum-bar with loud music and DJ events during the high season. The drinks here are strong—a rum and coke was served three-quarters full with rum! Reservations are recommended.
La Sultana
La Sultana is a peaceful five-star hotel in the southern part of the city, near Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs and the Kasbah. It has a rooftop and poolside bar, where cocktails come with nibbles.
Al Fassia
Al Fassia, located in the new town, serves alcohol and has a nice authentic Moroccan vibe.
Le Jardin
Le Jardin is located in the Medina.
Dar Donab
Dar Donab is located in the Medina.
Dar Moha
Dar Moha is located in the Medina.
Le Tobsil
Le Tobsil is located in the Medina.
Le Foundouk
Le Foundouk is located in the Medina.
Where to Buy Crow's Nest Beer?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are a few options for buying beer in Marrakech. You can find it in licensed places such as luxury hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as in some supermarkets like Carrefour, Champion, and Label Vie. For a wider range of options, you can visit specialty liquor stores or wine shops in the city, especially in the Gueliz district.
Yes, it's important to be mindful of local laws and cultural sensitivities when consuming alcohol in Marrakech. Alcohol consumption goes against Islamic law, so it's best to consume alcohol only in licensed establishments. In addition, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public in Morocco, and being drunk in public may be deemed offensive to the local population.
Some recommended places to buy beer in Marrakech include the Victoria Drink Store and the Carrefour, Champion, and Atacadao supermarkets. For drinking beer, popular spots include the bars Kabana and Dar Dar, as well as the restaurants and cafes Cafe Arabe, Kosybar, and Le Marrakchi.
