Place Moulay Hassan
Essaouira's vibrant central square, alive with music, dance, and the pulse of Moroccan life. A true sensory experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music sessions begin
Place Moulay Hassan
Best Time
Live music sessions begin
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Essaouira's vibrant central square, alive with music, dance, and the pulse of Moroccan life. A true sensory experience.
"This is the true heart of Essaouira, a place that never sleeps. "
🎯 Catch the Daily Music
Don't miss the live music sessions that start daily at 3:30 PM. Feel the rhythm!
☕ Relax at a Café
Grab a mint tea and people-watch for hours. It's the essence of Essaouira.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Daily Dance Floor
Place Moulay Hassan
Experience spontaneous street dance sessions with infectious rhythms and pure freedom.
Ocean Breezes and Mint Tea
Cafés surrounding the square
Sip mint tea at a café and watch the vibrant life of Essaouira unfold before you.
Medina Gateway
Edge of the square
Step directly from the square into the captivating, narrow streets of Essaouira's historic medina.
Port Proximity
Near the square
Smell the ocean and witness the bustling activity of the nearby fishing port.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Rhythmic Heartbeat
Timing is Everything for Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the Daily Music
Don't miss the live music sessions that start daily at 3:30 PM. Feel the rhythm!
☕ Relax at a Café
Grab a mint tea and people-watch for hours. It's the essence of Essaouira.
🚶♀️ Explore the Medina
The square is your gateway to Essaouira's charming, artistic medina streets.
🌊 Near the Port
Enjoy the sea breeze and the sights and sounds of the active fishing port.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the Daily Music
Don't miss the live music sessions that start daily at 3:30 PM. Feel the rhythm!
☕ Relax at a Café
Grab a mint tea and people-watch for hours. It's the essence of Essaouira.
🚶♀️ Explore the Medina
The square is your gateway to Essaouira's charming, artistic medina streets.
🌊 Near the Port
Enjoy the sea breeze and the sights and sounds of the active fishing port.
🎶 Embrace the Vibes
Let the music and energy of the square wash over you; it's a place of freedom.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Place Moulay Hassan is celebrated as the vibrant, beating heart of Essaouira, offering a constant stream of people, music, and sensory delights. Visitors rave about its lively atmosphere, the spontaneous dance sessions, and the opportunity to simply relax at a café and soak in the authentic Moroccan spirit. It's seen as an immersive experience rather than just a tourist spot.
"This is the true heart of Essaouira, a place that never sleeps. There's always something happening here; it's full of people, music, and scents. This isn't a monument you just look at – it's a place that you truly experience.
From one side of the square, you enter the narrow streets of the medina, and from the other, you can smell the ocean and see the port. You can sit in one of the many cafés, order a mint tea, and just watch the scene for hours. You'll see vendors, fishermen returning from their catch, and tourists from all over the world wandering about.
It has a great, lively atmosphere. It's the essence of the city in one spot. You absolutely have to sit there for a while and soak in the vibe."
Rob “BOBY” K
"In the evening, Essaouira's medina transforms into a lively tapestry of sights and sounds. The whitewashed walls and blue shutters glow under the setting sun, casting a serene ambiance. Street performers fill the air with music, while the scent of grilled seafood from the bustling port mingles with the salty breeze. Locals and visitors alike stroll along the ramparts, enjoying panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean as the sky transitions from golden to twilight hues. The city's vibrant nightlife emerges, offering cozy cafés, rooftop bars, and intimate music venues, making Essaouira a captivating destination after dark."
Abdelkabir BOUDRARI
"Walking through the vibrant streets of Essaouira's Medina was like stepping back in time. The whitewashed walls, blue-painted doors, and narrow alleyways create a captivating atmosphere that blends history with artistic flair. Local artisans display their handmade crafts and paintings, giving the area a unique bohemian vibe.
The bustling markets are full of life, with vendors selling colorful textiles, intricate pottery, and fresh produce. The coastal breeze and the scent of spices make wandering through the maze-like alleys a sensory delight. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic ramparts, which offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Essaouira is a perfect blend of culture, history, and creativity – a must-visit for those seeking an authentic Moroccan experience."
Alfred Ng
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place Moulay Hassan is the main square in Essaouira and is easily accessible on foot within the medina. If you're arriving in Essaouira, taxis can take you to the edge of the medina, and from there, it's a short walk.
There are places named Moulay Hassan in both Rabat and Essaouira. This guide focuses on the vibrant Place Moulay Hassan in Essaouira, known for its lively atmosphere and music. 
Essaouira is accessible by bus from major Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Agadir. If driving, there are parking areas outside the medina.
Parking is generally available outside the medina walls of Essaouira, as vehicles are restricted within the historic center. You'll then walk to the square.
Yes, Place Moulay Hassan is a pedestrian-friendly square and the heart of Essaouira's medina, perfect for exploring on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Place Moulay Hassan is a public square and is free to enter and explore.
As a public square, Place Moulay Hassan is accessible 24/7. However, the liveliest atmosphere and music performances are typically in the afternoon and evening.
There are no entrance fees to visit Place Moulay Hassan. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere without any cost.
Yes, the square is open at night and offers a different, magical ambiance with dim lights and a tranquil feel.
Daily music sessions often start around 3:30 PM, but spontaneous performances can occur throughout the day and evening.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant street dancers, the surrounding architecture, and the lively café scenes. The proximity to the port also offers great shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Be respectful if photographing performers or individuals, and ask permission when appropriate.
Late afternoon and early evening offer beautiful golden hour light and the most dynamic activity, perfect for capturing the square's energy.
While many performers welcome photos, it's always polite to ask for permission or offer a small tip if you're taking close-up shots.
Drone usage may be restricted in public areas and near the coast. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Numerous cafés and restaurants surround the square, offering everything from traditional mint tea to fresh seafood and Moroccan cuisine.
Don't miss trying fresh seafood from the nearby port, or enjoy local specialties at the surrounding eateries.
Absolutely! Many cafés around Place Moulay Hassan serve delicious Moroccan mint tea, perfect for people-watching.
While the square itself is more about atmosphere, you can find various food stalls and vendors in the nearby medina and port area.
Look for smaller local eateries or snack stalls in the medina for more affordable options compared to the cafés directly on the square.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring the kids to enjoy the sights and sounds, and perhaps grab an ice cream or a sweet treat from a nearby vendor. The proximity to the port also offers an educational opportunity to see fishing boats and marine life.
🎶 Music & Dance Enthusiasts
You'll witness a beautiful display of uninhibited movement and infectious rhythms, with Gnaoua music often filling the air. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the local music scene and perhaps even join in the dancing. The energy is described as 'crazy' and full of positive vibes, making it an unforgettable experience for any music lover.
🎨 Art & Culture Seekers
Use the square as your launchpad to explore the medina's art galleries and craft shops.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Soul of Essaouira: Music and Dance
Visitors describe an infectious energy where people of all backgrounds come together to dance freely, without rules or judgment. This lively atmosphere is deeply connected to the spirit of Essaouira, a city known for its artistic flair and bohemian vibe.
A Hub of Activity: Connecting to the City
The square itself is a lively stage for daily life. Cafés line its perimeter, offering perfect vantage points to observe the constant flow of people – vendors, fishermen, and tourists alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit