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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Mandy Sinclair

With more than 2,500 stalls and shops crammed into a labyrinth of narrow streets, which in turn are also rammed with people, donkeys and mopeds, it’s easy to feel intimidated in the souks. Don’t be. Virtually every type of trade and craft is being practiced here; there are blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, carpet sellers, purveyors of magic potions and natural cosmetics, fruit and vegetable traders and many more.

To visit the souks is to experience the real heart of this ancient city. There are other souks in Morocco but this is one of Morocco’s liveliest and most special.

How to haggle

Haggling is expected, and part of the fun, so play along. Rule one is never to accept the first price. As a general rule, pay a third to half of the original asking price.

Rule two is be prepared to walk away. (Stallholders will also often run after you and accept your closing bid). Stalls sell a lot of the same goods, so never buy from the first place you see something. If you did get the best price – you can always come back.

Rule three is don’t get angry or frustrated. If the sales pitch gets overly zealous, just smile and walk away.

What to buy 

The best souk buys include Moroccan kilims, bedspreads and cushion covers, teapots and coloured glass tea sets, silver jewellery, kaftans, leather ottomans, perfume bottles and babouche (Moroccan pointy-toed slippers).

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The souks start their sprawl from the centre of the Medina, on the main square, to the north and east of Jemaa El Fna (the main square).

Go first with a guide to appreciate souk daily life – craftsmen, weavers, hole-in-the-wall bakeries, tanneries – and to get tips on the best stores. Return again later to shop.

Most stalls can be relied upon to package and send goods home, but anything remotely breakable will not survive the rough handling of Morocco’s postal service.

Few things are certain in life, but getting lost in the medina is one. Young local boys will happily help you find your way out, but be sure to pay them a small tip.

When to do it

Shops and stalls within the souks are generally open daily from 9-1pm and 3-7pm, though many are closed on Friday afternoons.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Marrakech Hidden Sights And Souks - Half Day Tour

Marrakech Hidden Sights And Souks - Half Day Tour

Marrakech

Discover the Hidden Sights And Souks : including historical quarters and their food markets, bakeries, hammams, fountains, artisan workshops...

$25 | Rating 4.31 / 5 [19 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

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Marrakesh Souks Half-Day Tour

Marrakesh Souks Half-Day Tour

Marrakech

The Minimum Number of Travelers : 2 Travelers By visiting Marrakech, a walk to the souks is a must, whether you are in search of a bargain ...

$26 | Rating 4.81 / 5 [22 ratings]

Website >

Tour supplied by:

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Souks of Marrakech: Private Shopping Tour

Souks of Marrakech: Private Shopping Tour

Marrakech

The Minimum Number of Travelers : 2 Travelers Are you looking for normal shopping for small souvenirs and basic needs? Are you leading a r...

$26 | Rating 4.72 / 5 [11 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech Private Tour

Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech Private Tour

Marrakech

The souk of Marrakech is a maze of appealing colors and handmade products. You'll have the assistance of an expert local city guide to find ...

$30 | Rating 4.81 / 5 [279 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel du Tresor

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.3 miles]

Idiosyncratically decorated in vintage mid-century furniture, this little treasure is Marrakech’s best budget riad.

Official star rating:

Riad El Fenn

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]

Trendy boutique hotel in Marrakech’s old city, an easy walk to the medina’s palaces and souks, with the lively Jemaa el Fna just five minutes away.

Official star rating:

Riad de Tarabel

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]

A classy, colonial-style boutique hotel with an exquisite spa, set in the atmospheric Dar El Bacha quarter of the medina.

Official star rating:

Riad Antara

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]

A chic, minimalist riad in the heart of the medina, complete with an on-site hammam, roof-top bar and heated courtyard pool.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Jemaa El Fna

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.1 miles]

UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

Website >
Overview >

Hot-air balloon flights over Marrakech

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]

Float high over dramatic, arid landscapes and look down into traditional Berber villages – a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a spectacular landscape.

Best for ages: 10+ | £150 | 5+ hours

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Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Interior of ornately-tiled museum with Moroccan carpets on display
Experience

Dar Si Said Museum

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.6 miles]

An impressive 19th-century palace with intricate Byzantine designs, Dar Si Said is home to a huge collection of artworks, instruments, arms and some of the oldest artifacts in the city.

Best for ages: 18+ | £3

Website >
Overview >
Fez-wearing cafe worker in front of wall covered in tin jars
Experience

Bacha Cafe

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]

Nestled inside the Dar el Bacha palace, Bacha Cafe is elegance at its finest. Coffee recommendations are suggested based on time of day, and are best accompanied by a treat from the cake counter.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Tiled interior courtyard of a riad (traditional Moroccan home) with plants and a fountain
Experience

Photography Museum

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]

Tranquil Medina riad housing an interesting collection of photographs documenting Moroccan life from the 1870s-1950s, that gives the best insight into life in the city before tourism arrived.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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Overview >
View of Marrakech on a clear day from rooftop cafe
Experience

Rooftop cafe of Photography Museum

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.8 miles]

A high terrace provides panoramic views of the medina, including the Atlas Mountains in winter months. Time a visit with when the muezzins call the prayer from the surrounding mosques for additional Arabian atmosphere.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

Website >
Overview >