"Ramadan Nightlife" by Madison Mustafa
During Ramadan in Morocco, there is a shift in the regular functioning and daily routine of Moroccan society. While stores, cafes, and restaurants close during the day when they would usually be open, night is when the usual bustle of Rabat comes back. Nighttime hours end up being from after Iftar to midnight. It is during these hours that Moroccans enjoy a plethora of activities, becoming a country without curfews or bedtimes.
Interruptions to Daily Routines
With the new hours of operations, there can be a lot of confusion during the first week of Ramadan. To begin, cafes and restaurants are strictly closed, so it may be difficult to find places to study. My suggestion is to either get a library card or work at the beach/in gardens. However, there are some cafes that stay open, or are open without drinks and food for people to study, like Simple Coffee. Secondly, and most importantly, the tram does not run during iftar so it is suggested that you get where you need to be beforehand, otherwise a taxi is your only option. However, the streets are often empty about an hour before and after iftar so it’s not safe to be out. Overall, most businesses change their hours of operation during Ramadan, so it is important to check before you go out.
Nightlife: Cafes
A favorite pastime after Taraweeh prayers is to go to cafes for coffee and desserts. Cafes such as Awal offer board games and other fun activities along with good vibes. Other cafes offer iftars if you need a place to eat while traveling. Cafes that are more Western require reservations for iftars.
Nightlife: The Medina
The medina is very popular and crowded during Ramadan, though shops usually open after the Taraweeh prayer. You can shop for clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and juice, coffee, desserts, and snacks. When visiting the medina at night, it is important to keep track of the time, as things begin closing around midnight and the tram stops running. Tram line 1 stops at midnight (although sometimes the last train arrives earlier) and Tram line 2 stops at 23h.
Nightlife: Concerts and Events
If you can only choose one thing to do during Ramadan, go to a concert. There are a variety of concerts offered, including the extremely popular gnaoua. At these concerts, be prepared to dance and sing along and enjoy yourself. Other events include game nights and craft lessons like pottery making. Overall, Ramadan in Morocco is such a unique experience that contrasts greatly from anything I’ve ever experienced during Ramadan in the United States.
Madison Mustafa is a Psychology, French, and Women’s Studies student at St. Mary’s College of Maryland and studied abroad in the Spring 2025 on Amideast’s Regional Studies in French program.
