Entertainment in Morocco

Top ChoiceEntertainment in Tangier

The brightest light on Tangier’s cultural scene, Cinema Rif is a combination art-house cinema, cafe and archive. Young locals come to soak up the ambience and use the free wi-fi in this well-restored art deco building. It shows both indie and mainstream films, mostly American, Moroccan, Spanish or French (with Spanish and American films often dubbed into Arabic).

Top ChoiceEntertainment in Tangier

This red-brick teahouse is so gorgeous and well decorated it may indeed be a museum. The walls are adorned with striking artwork and instruments from the owner's personal collection – even the bathrooms are stunning. After 7pm, the place fills with locals drinking tea, eating organic cookies and clapping to traditional live music. Who needs alcohol to have fun anyway?

Top ChoiceEntertainment in Casablanca

About to open at the time of research, this dazzlingly white, ubercontemporary structure designed by a Pritzker Prize–winning architect dominates one of Casablanca's most popular squares. The largest theatre in Africa, it's a multidisciplinary art space including two halls that will hold 2400 people, and a music space for 300. And it’ll be inclusive of the wider community, with performances projected on to the Place Mohammed V.

Entertainment in Tangier

Steps from the Kasbah Museum is an unassuming tiny cafe, but every night the place gets rocking with a free concert by Arabo-Andalusian fusion band Les Fils de Detroit (Sons of the Strait) who jam out with their ouds (tear-shaped guitars) and tambourines. The only beverage on offer is sweet mint tea. Donations are appreciated.

Entertainment in Tetouan

Every night starting around 8pm, young locals pull out their guitars and jam outside a cafe in the heart of the medina. The ambience is vibrant and the music soulful. Order a tea and don't be shy about pulling up a chair. Find it near the tannery and northeastern Bab Mkabar gate.

Top ChoiceEntertainment in Merzouga

The hypnotic rhythms of Gnaoua may be associated with Essaouira but in the tiny enclave of Khamila, 6km south of Merzouga, people have stayed true to their sub-Saharan African culture and traditions. Dar Gnaoua is home to the Bambara group; just drop in, there are always musicians on hand to perform to an enthusiastic crowd. A CD (Dh100) makes a great souvenir.

Entertainment in Essaouira

This beautifully restored medina mansion is the headquarters of the Association Essaouira-Mogador, and plays host to regular art exhibitions, cultural events and concerts throughout the year, including around the Printemps Musical Des Alizés festival. It also offers Arabic and French lessons and has a superb library. Check the notice board outside for upcoming events.

Entertainment in Casablanca

One of the city's must-see architectural gems, this two-tier cinema built in 1929 has been saved and restored to its former art deco splendour, including plush red seating. It's still a functioning single-screen cinema and popular concert venue, hosting everyone from classical orchestras to rock bands. Check the Facebook page to see what's on.

Entertainment in Rabat

Built in the 1930s, this lovely art deco building was a theatre before being restored and turned in to a cinema, cultural space and cafe. It shows Hollywood flicks and art-house films, and plays host to cinema clubs and various art-related events.

Entertainment in Medina

This restored house is the outpost for Institut Français in the medina. Check the schedule for interesting dance and musical performances in a beautiful and intimate setting. Turn from Batha into Derb Salaj next to Pharmacie du Maroc; the space is on a short dead-end where the street jogs left.

Entertainment in Meknes

A major centre for Meknes cultural life, this massive complex has a busy schedule of films, plays, concerts and exhibitions. There's also a garden cafe. If you're in town for a night or two, check the schedule to see what's on.

Entertainment in Meknes

Swing by this grand old cinema, built in 1938, even if you don't have time for a feature film – the sweeping mural along the staircase is a masterpiece art deco work. The adjacent pedestrian street is lively at night.

Entertainment in Gueliz & Ville Nouvelle

The French Institute in Marrakesh collaborates with local organisations, performers and visual artists to put on Moroccan-flavoured film screenings, exhibitions, performances and concerts at its base in Gueliz.

Entertainment in Ville Nouvelle

One of the city's major cultural outlets, scheduling touring and local artists and productions with, naturellement, a French bent. This location hosts lectures and movies in its auditorium.

Entertainment in Essaouira

This cultural centre hosts exhibitions, concerts and performances by Moroccan and French artists and musicians, along with art-house films. It also offers French-language courses for all abilities.