Medina Market — Attraction in arrondissement de Sidi Belyout مقاطعة سيدي بليوط

There are mixed emotions about this place, and mostly that was because of 1 guy who decided who would be our guide, which I didn't understand at first. About the place. This is a huge market with lots of shops. You can buy here anything you need - 1 big stop shop. This market is behind high walls. There is a 5 minute walk to an old Medina as we were told. I would suggest visiting this place, but preferably with someone who knows the area and who is 100% trustable. The short story happened to us. At the gates before entering my husband and were discussing something about the place in English, said few words in Russian. 1 guy was passing by, and he asked what we were doing, said 2-3 words in Russian, and he spoke good English. He said he has a Shop in this bazar, and was going there, and till the shop he can wall us through and guide is toward old Medina (which was our original goal to see). So he started walking in the 2 steps in front of us, and would stop to wait for us, meanwhile was talking about the place and asking about us a bit. My husband got suspicious, I was trying to calm him by saying the guy is just going to his shop. I had an expensive phone in my hand. I was making some videos and taking some pictures. Farther we walked, shops disappeared, narrow streets started, some suspicious looking locals were sitting on the streets. When I say Narrow street that means 3-4 normal size people can fit if they line up. That's when I got scared. I instantly hid my phone, and took my older phone into my hands in case if we were about to get mugged, at least I was ready to say bye to my older phone. I started panicking. Now I started telling my husband to stop following the guy. We walked some more, we saw shops of another bazar or same bazar from another side. We were relieved. Then again, narrow streets, some locals standing, and our appeared to be guy said that this Old Medina started. It was just narrow streets with hanging from top baskets, lamps and something else. He said we can some pictures and we will go back which we did. So the way back was the same, but at least we knew he was ok guy, but we asked him to take us to shops. We wanted to go to a crowded place. He took us to some shop where they sell arogan oil, we didn't buy. We said our taxi was waiting, just take us back to the gates. He did. Thanks, Allah. He asked for money. We honestly didn't have any dirhams. We had some saved to taxi driver who was with us all day. We had agreed rate with him, and didn't have any spare. So my husband told him that he (the guy) volunteerly started giving us a guided tour we didn't ask for. We thought he was going to his shop. We said we have no money with us, and gave him $5 older looking bill. He seemed to be a little upset, but we just ran to our taxi. That French and Arabic and Zero English speaking taxi driver was the safest guy for us in Casablanca))) we were so happy to see him))))))) We didn't see the place I had in mind to see, but at that moment, whatever we saw was enough for us)))))) So please be very cautious when you go in or bring some whim you trust and know the place. I don't have much media coverage because I was scared most of the time, and photos and videos were taken on 3 different devices. I don't have pics of those narrow streets I was talking about. So here are some of them.

Casablanca, ...

I'm from the US and have visited every major city and a few smaller cities in Morocco. I came to this market looking for a leather jacket. All the store owners in Casa were easier to deal with than most cities I've been in; less pushy, not angry if I don't buy anything (unlike Rabat especially), less scams and nonsense. My only problem was when I entered the market, a guy asked me what I was looking for and he said to go to the left and offered to walk me there. I've been through the tour scam several times so I told him thanks but I had to get something but I'll go later and left the area briefly. I came back and a different guy said "You're looking for a jacket?" S*. This guy followed me telling me where to go; told him I didn't need help. "No problem I'm not a tour guide. I work with the leather stores." He led me to one store and then I thought he was gone. I exited the store and he was waiting there. He refused to leave my side and kept walking with me to all the leather stores, waiting each time. ll I knew more or less where they all were already anyway; just needed to know left or right when I entered. In the end he says "I help you. Now you help me!".

I'm so tired of having a guy like this tag along every time I go shopping. So much so that I doubt I'll be returning to Morocco. How do you have a giant market like this with no security, no police, no law. A stranger comes up to you touching your hands, arms, shoulders, pulling your arm, grabbing your stuff out of your hand offering to carry it. "No problem my friend. No problem". I know Moroccans from other cities deal with this too.

The city needs to wake up and post security or police at these places. Until then, I'll do my vacations and spend my money somewhere else. I recommend the same to everyone until the city...

The Medina Market in Casablanca offers a vibrant and immersive experience for those looking to explore the heart of Moroccan culture. Nestled within the Old Medina, this bustling market is a treasure trove of traditional goods, from handmade crafts and textiles to aromatic spices and local delicacies. The lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out their best prices and the scent of fresh mint tea wafting through the air, makes for a truly authentic shopping adventure.

One of the market’s highlights is its selection of artisanal products, including beautifully woven carpets, intricately designed lamps, and handcrafted leather goods. Bargaining is a common practice, and those with a knack for negotiation can walk away with fantastic deals. The narrow, winding alleys of the Medina add to the charm, revealing hidden gems at every turn.

While some travelers mention that the market is smaller and less diverse than those in Marrakech or Fez, its intimacy makes it a more relaxed shopping experience. For those seeking high-quality souvenirs in a more structured environment, the nearby Habous Quarter (New Medina) is a great alternative. However, for an authentic taste of Casablanca’s historic trade culture, the Medina Market is a must-visit...