Souks are traditional open-air markets and bazaars common to Middle Eastern and African countries. They can be found throughout Morocco and offer a wide variety of goods from jewellery, textiles and spices to handcrafted items and food as well as branded, almost genuine, clothing.
For the uninitiated Souks can seem overwhelming but they are really just a place of business and a fantastic experience of every day life and somewhere you can pick up not just a bargain but some interesting gifts for friends and family or items for the home.
Which Souk should I visit in Marrakesh?
The most famous and popular is Souk Semmarine. Its off the main market in the Medina and has a huge range of goods and a really lively atmosphere. You can access it off the main square Jemaa el-Fna and just follow the maze of alleyways all with rows and rows of artisan shops selling their wares.
What hours are they open?
Souk Semmarine is generally open between 9am and 9pm daily however some shops/stalls may close for a few hours in the afternoon or on Fridays for prayers.
In the summer months of July and August it may be best to visit in the mornings or late evenings as it can get very hot in the narrow and crowded alleyways.
What can you buy at the Souks?
What can’t you buy! The Souk is full of everything you could imagine from tiny stalls no wider than one person selling fridge magnets to larger air conditioned branded clothing and jewellery stores. Anything from pastries to pottery, leather goods, bags, shoes, lamps, hand woven mats and carpets, simple souvenirs and trinkets, hand crafted lamps to spices, nuts, fruit and vegetables. The Souk is a place of sights, sounds and smells and has to be experienced.
Can you haggle?
Yes, its almost expected that you will be negotiating on the price in the Souk and although definitely not a science you could look at paying a third or sometimes even half of what the goods were originally offered at.
Some people chose to do the ‘pretend to walk away and get called back’ trick to seal the deal but of course it’s what you feel comfortable with paying and doing. For many items which are cheap to buy anyway you may prefer not to haggle over a few pounds or dollars.
Are they safe?
Like any busy city centre almost anywhere in the world keeping a close eye on your personal belongings is necessary and being in the Souk is no different. You just need to be constantly alert for small motorbikes, carts and bicycles that can whizz through the alleyways. Take your time and give them right of way and you will be fine.
