3 reviewed party hostels · from €11.00/night · Hostelworld rated
Essaouira’s nightlife doesn’t roar like Marrakech or Agadir, but that’s part of its charm. After sunset, the action shifts to rooftop terraces along Avenue Mohammed V and Rue Ibn Rochd, where backpackers and locals mix over live Gnawa music and cheap Moroccan beer. The hostel scene is small but tight-knit: most places are within a 10-minute walk of the Medina’s northern gate, Bab Doukkala, so you’re never far from the next impromptu jam session or mint tea refill.
Atlantic Hostel and Essaouira Beach Hostel are the usual hubs, with shared kitchens that double as pre-drinks spots. If you’re here in summer, expect things to heat up by 10 PM. In winter, the crowd thins, but the vibe stays warm: just don’t bank on club-sized parties.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
This traditional riad has earned legendary status amongst backpackers for its nightly live music sessions and vibrant artist community. Famous for communal dinners followed by authentic Moroccan music performances, Dar Afram isn't just accommodation—it's Essaouira's beating musical heart where travellers become part of the local arts scene and experience genuine Moroccan hospitality.
A creative sanctuary where jam sessions happen organically and artistic souls naturally connect. With musical instruments scattered throughout common areas and one of the highest terraces in Essaouira, this hostel attracts a sophisticated crowd seeking authentic social experiences over forced party activities.
Self-proclaimed "most fun hostel in Morocco" with a panoramic terrace overlooking the entire medina and Atlantic Ocean. This social butterfly central offers guaranteed party atmosphere with high-energy common areas designed for constant interaction amongst young, international travellers seeking authentic backpacker experiences and instant friendships.
How Essaouira's nightlife zones break down
The walled old town is the heart of Essaouira’s nightlife, with most bars and hostels clustered around Rue Ibn Rochd and Avenue Mohammed V. The streets are narrow and maze-like, but everything is within a 10-minute walk. The northern gate, Bab Doukkala, is the main entry point for taxis and buses.
A quieter village 3 km south of the Medina, Diabat is known for its beachfront clubs and hippie history. The walk along the sand takes 40 minutes, or you can grab a taxi for 30 MAD. It’s the place to go if you want late-night dancing without the Medina’s noise.
The fishing port is all about daytime energy: grilled sardines, fresh oysters, and seafood stalls. At night, it quiets down, but a few bars near the docks stay open until midnight. It’s a 10-minute walk from the Medina’s southern gate, Bab el-Marsa.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
This terrace bar above a guesthouse on Rue Ibn Rochd is where hostel crews gather after dark. Live Gnawa or reggae plays most nights, and the crowd spills onto cushions by 11 PM. A beer costs 35 MAD, and the staff don’t mind if you bring your own snacks. In summer, it’s packed until 2 AM. In winter, it’s quieter but still the best spot for sunset views over the Medina.
The closest thing Essaouira has to a late-night bar, OZO stays open until 3 AM on weekends. It’s a dim, Moroccan-style lounge with low tables and hookah pipes: expect a mix of travellers and expats. Cocktails are 60 MAD, and the music leans toward deep house or drum & bass. Find it tucked down an alley off Avenue Mohammed V.
A two-storey beachfront spot with live music most nights: usually acoustic or Gnawa. The ground floor is a restaurant (mains 80–120 MAD), while the rooftop bar draws a mixed crowd for sunset drinks. A beer is 40 MAD, and the wind can get fierce after 8 PM. Walk south along the beach from the port to reach it.
A wine bar hidden in the Medina, La Fromagerie serves Moroccan and French cheeses with local wines (50 MAD/glass). It’s small: just a few tables: so it’s best for small groups or solo travellers looking to chat with the owner. Open until midnight, but the crowd thins after 10 PM. Look for the blue door on Rue Chbanat.
The in-house bar at Essaouira Beach Hostel is the default pre-drinks spot for backpackers. Cheap beer (25 MAD), a pool table, and a courtyard that fills up by 9 PM. The hostel organises impromptu jam sessions: bring your own instrument if you’ve got one. It’s a five-minute walk from the beach, on Rue Ibn Zohr.
A beachfront club with a sand floor and palm-thatch roof, Sirocco plays house and techno until 4 AM on weekends. Entry is 50 MAD, which includes a drink. The crowd is mostly 20-somethings, and the dance floor gets packed after midnight. It’s 3 km south of the Medina: take a taxi (30 MAD) or walk along the beach if you’re feeling adventurous.