Medina Souks
أسواق مراكش
A labyrinthine market north of Jemaa el-Fnaa, organized by trade: leather, copper lanterns, carpets, spices and dye works. Haggling and getting lost are part of the fun.
أسواق مراكش begin at Souk Semmarine, the main street on the north side of Jemaa el-Fnaa, and stretch north for several kilometres of covered alleys. It is Morocco's largest traditional market. Each trade has its own area. Semmarine main street focuses on textiles, babouche slippers and souvenirs. Souk el-Attarine sells spices and perfume. Souk Haddadine is the street of blacksmiths and copper lanterns, with sparks flying everywhere. Souk des Teinturiers (the dyers' street) is hung with freshly dyed wool and silk thread, making it the most photogenic spot. Souk Cherratine is the leather area. Rahba Kedima (Spice Square) sells herbs, Berber cosmetics and woven baskets. The Criée Berbère was once a slave market and now holds carpet auctions.
Must-buy list: argan oil (look for co-operative labels), leather cushions, Berber carpets, copper lanterns, tagine pots, saffron and Moroccan mint tea sets.
Bargaining rules: start at about one-third of the asking price, haggle as you walk, and don't feel bad about not buying. Don't follow anyone who offers to guide you unprompted. Motorbikes and donkey carts pass through the alleys, so step aside.
The easiest route is to enter through the north gate of the square and walk north to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, then loop back through the Souk el-Khemis area. The whole loop takes 2–3 hours. If you get lost, follow the crowd south, or ask a shopkeeper “Jemaa el-Fnaa?” and they will point you back. Shops generally open 09:00–20:00 and close briefly at midday on Fridays for prayers.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–20:00 (partly closed at midday on Fridays)
Nearby sights
- Le Jardin Secret
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Maison de la Photographie
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Dar El Bacha – Musée des Confluences
- Dar Si Said Museum
- Bahia Palace