Visit the souks of Marrakech: a walk in the heart of the country's most beautiful traditional markets

If you visit Marrakech, don’t miss one of the city’s must-sees: the souks of Marrakech!

By visiting Morocco , it is unthinkable not to visit the souks Marrakech ! With more than 40,000 artisans, they are the most beautiful in the whole Maghreb. The souks of Marrakech are located in the Medina of the city, the historic heart. They were registered at UNESCO World Heritage.

Babouches, carpets, clothing, spices, nuts, olives and local dishes, the souks are a real treasure! Our first advice will be rather original: lose yourself! Forget your sense of orientation. Do not use any compass. This is only how you will make your experience particularly unique! When you are visiting the souks of Marrakech, keep one thing in mind: dare to venture into the smallest streets.

History of the souks of Marrakech

The history of the souks of Marrakech dates back to centuries. We have to go back to the foundation of the city in 1071. These daily markets were the rendezvous point with the inhabitants of the desert. They regularly came to buy or exchange food. The souks of Marrakech also allowed the caravans to replenish. At that time, the caravans crossed the desert. They needed to live to survive these trips.

When we talk about the "souks of Marrakech", we actually talk about 18 more or less independent markets. They are all located in the center of the old city of Marrakech. Each of the markets is divided into corporations. In general, we will find a souk dedicated to jewelry, another dedicated to vases, etc.

Over the centuries, the souks become increasingly important. At our time, they kept all their authenticity. Merchants continue to sell unique spices and handicrafts, even if some yield to ease by selling large-scale products. You will find more than 40,000 craftsmen in the 18 souks of the city. Another special feature: the wonderful small restaurants of the medina that offer unique dishes!

What to do and see by visiting the souks of Marrakech?

When you go visit the souks of Marrakech , wait until you're totally out of trouble! You will find an explosion of colours and smells. You will discover unique flavors in the midst of the various souks of craftsmen, whatever they are.

What are the most interesting souks in the eyes of tourists?

The souk Smata

This is a real must during your visit to the souks of Marrakech. The souk Smata is the one where you will find hundreds of babouche models of all colors, some more fancy than others.

Souk Cherratine

In this souk you will find all the objects and accessories made of leather. Here it is the temple of wallets, belts, bags, shoes and any other leather object.

The souk Ahiak

Ahiak specializes in clothing: t-shirts, jeans and dresses, or traditional clothing.

The souk Zrabia

Souk Zrabia is typical! It is the souk of articles such as carpets, vases, ashtrays or souvenir objects.

Souk Attatine

A true gourmet paradise, the souk Attatine is perfect. On site you will find all kinds of spices from all over the world.

Souk Dhabia

this souk specializes in various jewelry, be it necklaces, bracelets, earrings or any other jewel you might think of.

How to get to the souks of Marrakech?

The souks of Marrakech are located in the historic center of the city, called the Medina. The souks are scattered all over this area. You can reach them on foot in a few minutes' walk for most, or thanks to local buses and taxis. Nevertheless, you will have to go to the Medina, so you can go in a variety of ways.

By taxi

Knowing that traffic in Marrakech can quickly become chaotic, and that it is not advisable to travel by car if you are not accustomed to it, it is advisable to take a taxi to get to the medina and visit the souks of Marrakech.

You can go from all corners of Marrakech, all taxi drivers know the way to the medina. However, you should be aware that the price per kilometre costs between 0.8 euro and 0.75 euro depending on the company, where you go in the taxi and the driver.

By bus

Many buses go to the medina of Marrakech, from any part of the city. So you can take the line 2 which turns the medina, but also lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 66 and walk or take line 2 to get closer and visit the souks of Marrakech.

And if you have just arrived at the Marrakech airport, it is possible to take bus no.19 to the city centre in 20 to 25 minutes. All you have to do is go down to Arset El Bilk to visit the souks of Marrakech.

What budget should be provided during a visit to the souks of Marrakech and when to visit them?

Life in Morocco is much cheaper than in France. At the time of writing these lines, a euro is equivalent to just over 10 Moroccan dirhams. It is possible to find a meal for the equivalent of €4.50 (or 50 dirhams).

The budget to visit the souks of Marrakech cannot be defined for everyone. Some will fear for precious stone jewellery while others will be content with a simple visit. Nevertheless, you must remember that the entrance to the souks is free.

As for products, spices cost between 30 and 60 DH, almonds and nuts between 80 and 120 DH, quality clothing cost between 90 and 300 DH while items such as teapots, vases and other gifts cost between 30 and 150 DH.

It is therefore advisable to go there and visit the souks of Marrakech with a minimum of 300 dirhams to make the most of them, but you should know that in all cases you should not forget to negotiate! It is important to know that in Morocco, price negotiation is a real institution that also applies to foreigners. Note: Sellers often tend to increase their prices when dealing with foreigners.

With regard to the schedules, the souks are generally open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., but be aware that they are almost all closed on Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the great prayer, and also during religious holidays.