Marrakech Souks Shopping Guide: What to Buy, Where to Find It and How to Bargain
Marrakech's souks are a network of covered lanes north of Jemaa el-Fnaa, each traditionally specialising in one craft: leather, lanterns, spices, carpets, metalwork or textiles. The best buys are babouche slippers, lanterns, rugs, ceramics, argan products and leather. Bargaining is expected: start well below the first price, stay friendly, and only name a price you are willing to pay.
How the Marrakech souks are laid out
The souks begin at the north side of Jemaa el-Fnaa. The main spine is Souk Semmarine, a wide covered street of textiles, souvenirs and antiques, which splits further north into Souk el Kebir and Souk el Attarine. From these arteries, smaller lanes lead to the specialised souks. Signage is limited and the layout is a web rather than a grid, but most lanes eventually lead back to the square or to the Ben Youssef area in the north.
| Souk / area | What it sells |
|---|---|
| Souk Semmarine | Textiles, kaftans, souvenirs, antiques |
| Rahba Kedima (spice square) | Spices, herbs, baskets, straw hats, "Berber pharmacy" remedies |
| Criée Berbère | Carpets and rugs (historically a slave auction place) |
| Souk el Attarine | Brass, copperware, perfumes and spices |
| Souk Cherratine | Leather bags, belts and poufs |
| Souk Haddadine | Ironwork and lanterns made on site |
| Souk des Teinturiers | Wool dyers; skeins drying overhead |
| Souk Smata | Babouche slippers in every colour |
What to buy in the Marrakech souks
Rugs and carpets
Morocco's rugs are its most famous craft: Beni Ouarain (thick cream wool with dark lines), boucherouite (recycled textile rag rugs), kilims and Azilal rugs with bright patterns. Prices vary hugely with size, age and quality; a small new rug might cost approximately 800-2,000 MAD, a large quality piece many times more. Check knots and dyes, take your time, and never feel obliged to buy after being served tea. Most shops can arrange shipping.
Babouches
Traditional leather slippers, pointed or rounded. Expect approximately 80-250 MAD depending on leather quality and embroidery.
Lanterns and metalwork
Pierced brass, copper and iron lanterns cast beautiful patterns. Small ones travel well; large ones can be flat-packed or shipped.
Ceramics
Tagines (decorative or for cooking; ask which), plates and bowls, many from Safi and Fes. Wrap them well.
Argan oil and beauty products
Buy from cooperatives or reputable shops. Culinary argan oil is toasted and nutty; cosmetic oil is unroasted. Pure oil is not cheap; very low prices suggest dilution.
Spices
Ras el hanout, cumin, saffron and dried rosebuds. Buy saffron only from trusted sellers, as fakes are common.
Leather goods
Bags, poufs and jackets. Check stitching, and note that leather smells strongly when new.
How to bargain in the souks
Bargaining is part of the culture and is expected for most goods, but it should be friendly, not a fight.
- Browse first. Look at several shops to get a feel for price and quality before you engage.
- Let the seller name a price. The first figure is often two to three times what they expect to accept, though it varies.
- Counter low but reasonably. Many visitors start at around a third to a half of the first price.
- Meet in the middle, slowly. Smile, joke, take your time. Mint tea is hospitality, not a commitment.
- Be ready to walk away. It is the strongest move; often you will be called back.
- Keep your word. Once you name a price and it is accepted, it is poor form to back out.
Buying several items from one shop usually gets a better overall price. Paying in dirhams in cash is simpler; some larger shops take cards, sometimes with a surcharge.
Fixed-price alternatives
If haggling isn't for you, the Ensemble Artisanal on Avenue Mohammed V, near the Koutoubia, is a government-backed crafts centre with generally fixed prices and artisans at work. It is also a useful place to benchmark prices before shopping in the souks. Several concept stores in the medina and Gueliz also sell contemporary Moroccan design at marked prices.
Common traps and how to avoid them
- "The tannery is this way" / "the souk is closed": strangers leading you somewhere will expect payment and often commissions on purchases. Politely decline.
- "Berber market only today": a classic line to hurry you into a shop.
- Guides with commissions: unlicensed guides may take you only to shops that pay them. Licensed guides should respect your wish not to shop.
- Fake antiques and "silver": treat "antique" claims with scepticism unless you know the subject.
- Heavy items: check airline baggage allowances before buying tagines, lanterns or rugs.
When to shop
Most shops open from about 09:00-10:00 until 19:00-20:00. Mornings are calmer and sellers are often more flexible with the first sale of the day, considered good luck. Some shops close for Friday midday prayers. During summer, the covered souks are shadier than the open square but still hot in the afternoon.
Handy phrases for the souks
- Salam alaikum: hello (reply: wa alaikum salam).
- Bshhal? how much?
- Ghali bzaf: too expensive.
- La, shukran: no, thank you; the most useful phrase of all.
- Ghir kanshouf: I'm just looking.
A few words of Darija, even badly pronounced, usually earn a smile and a friendlier negotiation. French is also widely spoken by shopkeepers.
Customs and export tips
Keep receipts for larger purchases. Genuine antiques and certain cultural goods may be subject to export restrictions, and your home country's customs allowances apply on return. Check the current rules before travelling.
Shop smarter with a local guide
For a first visit, a guide helps you find your way, understand the crafts and set price expectations, without pressure to buy. Our guided walking tour of the Marrakech medina and souks, led by a licensed guide, visits the workshops of metalworkers and dyers and ends with free time, from €25 per person. Before you go, read our guides to Jemaa el-Fnaa and the best things to do in Marrakech.
Book a medina walk with a local operator
Ouirgane Marrakech Guide is a Marrakech-based operator running its own city tours. Reserve your Marrakech souk and medina tour now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Browse more city tours and culture or message us on WhatsApp at +212 606 957 514.
Comments (0)