Souk MARKET — Local services in Marrakesh Prefecture

In general, souk (or souq) is the name given to an Arab market.

As Marrakesh had a strategic location at the heart of Morocco, many traders passed through the city every day ( and this explains also why the medina has so many gates; access to the city was made easier for merchants travelling with heavily laden caravans)

As the local population grew, vendors started to hold smaller souks close to main communities. Then the smaller neighbourhood souks gradually grew and many souks expanded so much that they merged with nearby souks.

Local craftsmen started to work close to each others in the same trade, giving birth first to communities of artisans and, later, to souks dedicated to particular goods.

It’s very easy to get "lost" in Marrakesh’s souks as the narrow alleyways can all look very similar but do not worry .. getting lost is generally part of the exploring experience.

One advice, not to forget: if you need to ask somebody for directions, try to approach shop owners, families or females rather than young men. While not dangerous (?), it’s pretty common for younger males to make a friendly offer to escort you to where you want to go. Although this might seem like a blessing, it often ends with you paying a substantial "tip" (in our case, the police intervened to arrest this "kind" young man, who in seconds turned from a hungry wolf to a crying sheep)

Finally, remember haggling is key ! The art of haggling is integral to the culture of...

Our visit to Souk MARKET during the early April holiday season in 2024 with my family was a mixed experience, prompting me to leave this three-star review.

On one hand, the market provided us with a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Moroccans, offering an indirect but immersive experience of their way of life. The bustling atmosphere, vibrant colors, and diverse array of goods showcased the rich culture and traditions of Morocco, making it a memorable cultural immersion for us.

However, our enjoyment was tempered by the persistent overpricing tactics and attempts to take advantage of tourists. While we appreciated the opportunity to witness authentic Moroccan life, it was disheartening to encounter vendors who saw tourists solely as potential targets for overcharging. This behavior left us feeling somewhat disillusioned and dampened our overall experience.

In conclusion, while Souk MARKET provided us with valuable insights into Moroccan culture and lifestyle, the prevalence of overpricing and unwelcoming tactics detracted from our enjoyment. It's a worthwhile visit for those seeking cultural immersion, but be prepared to navigate through the challenges posed by some vendors' overzealous...

This is a vibrant, busy market & a must if in Marrakesh. You need to be aware of what you are paying & what you want. Haggling is a must. Do not accept the first price - go half price (or more) & haggle to what you want to pay. If they don’t accept your offers, move on as lots of shops sell similar items. Be wary of the street food/fish/meat/water etc as it can make tourists unwell. It’s easy to get lost - keep Jemaa-el-Fnaa (main market square) as your bearing. We did not experience any issues there…no pickpocketing etc, but be vigilant. I recommend not being ‘shown where to go’ by locals as this will lead to a ‘friends shop’ where there will be a strong expectation to buy something of high value. It can be difficult to get away without a purchase. Taxis’ will also divert into friends shops - be vigilant. Nb: I would recommend the ‘Le Jardin secret’ (see my other review) whist...