Marrakech Souks
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Shop,
Must-Do Experience,
People Watching,
Popular with Locals,
Market
The souks (covered markets) of Marrakech form the teeming, bewildering sub-conscious of the city, a vast network of alleyways pierced periodically by shafts of sunlight. Each souk has a different specialty, be it rugs, leather goods, spices, metalwork or clothing. Haggling is compulsory; the first price the merchant mentions is usually a fanciful multiple of what they actually expect. French is handy but money talks and the traders know it often speaks English.
Sales gambits range from simple shouts to elaborate showcase routines served up with steaming tea. If you want to explore your luggage allowance you’ll find one of the largest assortments of carpets in the world, while more portable gift suggestions include filigreed tea glasses, distinctive pointed leather “slippers”, brass lanterns, serving platters, chess sets and baskets.
Latest Reviews
Review by Shenali T, March 2013
Doing what: Marrakech Discovery Tour
For those who are unsure to wander the souks and medina alone, this is the perfect tour for you to familiarise yourself with the place!
We covered so much, had lunch at an AMAZING restaurant where an Alfred Hitcock movie was filmed and covered so much of Marrakech's top 10 places of interest.
Review by carly b, December 2012
Doing what: Marrakech Discovery Tour
The tour was brilliant. Excellent value for money. The day was from 8.30am to 6pm and it had a 3 course lunch included. Cannot beat the value. The tour guide was very knowledgable and informative and made the tour very enjoyable and educational. A must as you will get lost in the souks by yourself!
Review by Tracy S, November 2011
Doing what: Marrakech Discovery Tour
After a blip in our original planned schedule, this tour was great. I did not think there was too much walking. Had our 9 year old with us and she never got bored. she enjoyed the stop at the government sponsored craft shop--the women let her work the loom. Lunch was very good and filling. I wouldn't buy from the gov't shop. There are really nice markets away from the main touristed souk (closer to the Koranic school) that have really nice and better priced carpets, tea pots.
Practical Info
The souks start at the northern edge of Djemaa el Fna. Once you’ve entered it's best to simply wander the narrow, labyrinthine alleyways at will, and if you exit where you entered consider it a lucky bonus!
