The souks of Marrakech are often a highlight for visitors. Indeed, the lively atmosphere, the bargains, the pleasure of haggling and the awakening of the senses make them a major reason to discover the Red City of Morocco.
History of the souks of Marrakech
A souk is the name given to an Arab market. Traditionally an open-air market, on which locals relied for their basic necessities, a souk was frequented by street vendors who passed through once a week, once a month, or at other infrequent times. However, Marrakech's strategic location in the heart of Morocco meant that many traders passed through the city every day.
Since the city was located on important trade routes, people passed through here from the north, south, east and west. Goods came to Marrakech from all over Morocco, from surrounding African countries and from further afield. Merchants often travelled on camels or donkeys, usually with a heavily laden caravan.
The large number of traders visiting Marrakech is one of the main reasons why the medina has so many gates; access to the main part of the city was made easier for traders. The Bab Doukkala Gate, for example, was used by traders from El Jadida, northwest of Marrakech, and the surrounding areas. The large gates of the medina opened early in the morning and closed every evening. Traders who arrived late had to spend the night outside the protective walls. Those who arrived on time usually slept in mosques, or fondouqs – dwellings for traders and their animals. The commercial action took place in Jemaa el Fna, the city's main square, where many vendors offered an array of goods.
Development of the souks of Marrakech
As the local population grew, vendors began to hold small souks near the main communities. Using donkeys, camels, and carts to navigate the labyrinthine streets of the medina, shopping areas close to homes made it easier for locals to shop. Thus, convenience also increased the number of items purchased. Originally, neighborhood souks mainly sold basic necessities.
Small neighborhood souks gradually expanded as more and more traders saw the opportunity to increase their sales. Many of these souks grew so much that they merged with neighboring souks.
Local artisans often lived and worked in close proximity to others in the same trade. Communities of artisans developed, hence the traditional presence of certain souks dedicated to particular goods. People sold their goods in or near their workshops. This is why visitors today will still find separate areas in some souks, for example in the carpet souk near Rahba Lakdima.
How to navigate the souks?
Unless you stay fairly close to the network of streets that branch out from Jemaa el Fna, it’s very easy to get lost in Marrakech’s souks. Narrow alleyways, with overflowing goods that wind into narrower passages with even more goods, can all start to look the same. Many are also covered, making it even harder to get a good idea of where you are.
Walking around the souks with a local guide is the best way to explore, if you are worried about getting lost, especially if time is of the essence. Make sure the guide is licensed.
If you are exploring the souks independently, having a map is essential. Take a paper map from your accommodation or print one from an online source. You can also use GPS on your mobile devices. Most major streets are marked with signs indicating their names. If you can’t easily spot street signs and landmarks, such as mosques and monuments, walk through the busiest areas until you find a sign or landmark. Or, walk until you are outside and can see the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque as a reference point.
Ask for directions
Getting lost is usually part of the fun of exploring the souks of Marrakech. If you start to panic and really need to ask someone for directions, try to approach families or women, rather than younger men. While this is not dangerous, it is much more common for younger men to offer to take you to where you want to go in a friendly manner. While this may seem like a blessing, it often ends with a substantial “tip”, which may also lead you to several stalls, where the “helpful” stranger tries to take a commission on a sale, along the way.
Another option is to go to a small store and ask for help. Store owners usually can't leave their premises and are less likely to try to guide you in exchange for payment. Of course, you can also ask someone to call your accommodation to come and get you, if you're in a pinch.
Shopping in the souks of Marrakech
Faced with the wide variety of objects on sale in the souks of Marrakech, some people choose to travel with an empty suitcase, ready to stock up on slippers , poufs or small items to offer.
Pottery stalls are plentiful: tagine pots of all sizes, serving plates, soup bowls, and small taggins holders are particularly common. Jeweled glassware and decorated teapots can find pride of place in your home's dining room.
Brightly colored, aromatic spices are often what comes to mind first when you imagine the souks of Marrakech.
Traditional woven Moroccan rugs and handmade Berber boucherouite (carpet) are proudly displayed on many stalls. Colorful lamps and lanterns hang from the rafters and surrounding doorways.
Leather goods are often a popular choice among visitors, including wallets, belts, bags, shoes, and other items handcrafted in the city. Looking for new pieces for your wardrobe? Marrakech’s souks offer clothing in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from t-shirts, shorts, and jeans to traditional kaftans and djellabas (robes). Islamic clothing, such as abayas (robes) and head coverings, is also abundant. Grab a pashmina to complete an outfit. Balghas (Moroccan slippers) are a common sight, as are fine silver jewelry, art objects, shisha pipes, accessories, traditional musical instruments, toys, unique souvenirs to buy in Marrakech, and more.
Tips for staying safe in Marrakech
As with most places where lots of people congregate, pickpocketing and bag snatching can be a problem. Tie up your bags and hold them securely. Make sure your wallet is in a safe place – not in your back pocket!
Haggling is an essential part of shopping in the souks. Be light-hearted and friendly when negotiating. However, if you can't agree on a price, you can walk away.
Constant calls and attempts to attract buyers can get a little tiring after a while. Take a break and head to a coffee shop to get some rest.
Other related activities to practice in Marrakech
Visit the tanneries of Marrakech to discover how leather is worked, before being transformed into objects that will then be sold in the souks. Observe in their workshops the different artisans who sew, hammer, chisel, sculpt, cut and apply their know-how.
In the evening, discover the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el Fna, admire the various monuments and ornate gates located around the souks, taste the local delicacies of the food vendors. The sweet and tasty orange juice of Marrakech is not to be missed. Also check out our article on the do's and don'ts of your visit to Marrakech
