If you know me, you know Marrakech market is one of my favorite places in Morocco, even as a Moroccan. I grew up visiting Marrakech quite regularly, and the market in Marrakesh was always a stop we had to honor. The colorful shoes, lanterns, poufs, rugs, and clothes, just a few gems sold in these lively bazaars, are like kaleidoscopes.
People—even locals—often spend hours lost in Marrakech markets, and I’m sure you’ll be one of them if you have time.
You’ll find Marrakech market near Jemaa el Fna, the main and liveliest square in Marrakech. We also call Marrakech Market, Marrakech souks. Souk is the Arabic word for market. Marrakech souks or Markets gather multiple sections, each specializing in a specific product: leather, jewelry, spices, rugs, furniture, you name it. The souks are accessible from three distinct Jemaa El Fna square locations.
My first recommendation as a local is to be patient when visiting the souk and avoid making a purchase. It’ll be hard – I know! – but this is the best way to explore the market and find the best marketplaces, workshops, or specialty neighborhoods.
Since many artisans’ storefronts double as workshops, you will see them hand-making their crafts from scratch. It’s beautiful to see and makes you value the product much more.
You’ll probably be excited to take pictures of artisans working on their traditional crafts. But hold your breath for a second before you take that picture. It is polite to ask for permission before taking a picture of someone in a Moroccan market, even though most people working there are comfortable with it.
Marrakech Markets: What to Buy
Many people forget that Marrakech markets are also markets for locals, and you’ll see plenty there. It’s not just a tourist attraction. Remember, this part of the city is not just a tourist attraction. That’s why it’s an exciting place to be, as you’ll get immersed in local culture and get as close to authentic traditional craftsmanship as possible.
What you buy in Marrakech markets will depend on what you like most and what’s worth getting. Leather products, lanterns, rugs, spices, clothing, jewelry, and other handicrafts that reflect Moroccan culture and design are a great place to start. If you’re staying in a Riad in Marrakech, look around and see what decorations they use; it can be a great source of inspiration.
You’ll also find inspiration in beautifully decorated restaurants, spas, and coffee shops.
There are now more and more imitation products in Marrakech souks: low-quality imported products sold as if they were handmade. So, make sure to double-check the quality of materials and handwork.
And most of all, huggle! Negotiating the price is part of Moroccan culture, so don’t hesitate. Always buy a product when you know you won’t get a better deal if you buy the same product where you reside. And don’t expect products to be very cheap, as it probably means they are made of low-quality materials.
If you’re planning to acquire a few handmade Moroccan products, and quality is important to you, then this Moroccan shopping guide will probably be helpful and give you the confidence you need to navigate these markets.
What if I Get Lost in Marrakech Markets?
The question isn’t if you get lost but how soon you’ll get lost. And don’t get scared; it happens to me, too, to this day, as souks are constantly renovated and changing.
Having said that, I totally get that this place can be too much for some individuals and make them nervous about getting lost. But hear me out; the possibility of getting lost is an exciting element of visiting Marrakech, so embrace it! The good news is that Marrakech markets are among the safest places to be in Marrakech and Morocco in general. You will always find your way out by following the signs pointing to Jemma el Fna, asking for directions with GPS, or asking a taxi driver for a short ride to take you back to Jamaa El Fna. You’ll always find your way back to where you started.
Other Important Things to Know About Marrakech Markets
While shoppers use foot traffic, vendors, delivery people, or even locals in the area might ride on motorbikes, donkeys, hand carts, and bicycles. You’ll hear from time to time someone yelling something in the Moroccan dialect (darija) like “ballak,” or “andak,” to warn you to get out of the road.
If you’re looking for some last-minute ideas for exploring the Marrakech medina market, consider these:
Products on the periphery of the souks are usually more expensive and overpriced, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. However, it’ll still be worth it if you’re short on time.
Look for restaurants surrounding the workshops for the most authentic and delicious food. This is where artisans and locals have their lunch. Quality is there, authenticity too, and prices are very fair; you won’t get luxurious seating as with other restaurants, but it’ll be worth it if you are an epicure and love tasty meals.
If you ever become disoriented, remain composed; do not show distress. Whether you follow the roads or ask for directions, you can always return to Jemma el Fna. If you ask for directions, ask an artisan or someone working in a workshop.
Salespeople often approach you to encourage you to look at their products. It’s acceptable to say “no, thank you” or ignore them without feeling bad. Avoid spending too much time in a shop if you’re not planning to buy anything. It’s okay to leave without making a purchase, but spend an acceptable amount of time browsing and asking questions without wasting artisans’ time.
For more tips on navigating Moroccan markets, check my Morocco shopping guide.
If you’re looking for authentic Moroccan products from local Moroccan artisans closer to home, check out my curated Moroccan shop section.
If you want to get the most out of your trip to Marrakech, this Marrakech guide will help you find everything worth seeing and doing in Morocco’s beautiful red city.
If you have a few days to spare while in Marrakech, I highly recommend taking a tour of the surrounding region. Tours can take as little as one day to a few days and will allow you to immerse in local culture and picturesque views of the Atlas Mountains and the desert. Here are the Marrakesh tours I have always recommended to my friends.
Happy shopping in Marrakech markets, and I hope your visit to the city will be grounding, refreshing, and inspiring!
