I knew, when coming to Marrakech, that the souks were going to be a top priority to discover. Souks are open air marketplaces that you find throughout Africa and the Middle East, and they originated when caravans arrived outside major cities to sell their wares. The tradition continues, but now you will find the souks the middle of this enchanting city.
You feel a tremendous amount of energy flowing when you visit the souks in Marrakech– people are bustling about, there are gorgeous colors all around you, and the goods for sale are endless…Among the items you will find are beautiful textiles, aromatic spices and perfumes, and carpets. There truly is a little bit of everything, so make sure you leave plenty of time to wander around the stalls to take in the romanticism and sensory overload from the decadent smells and colors you encounter at every turn.
When you find things you would like to purchase, make sure that you bargain for them. Souk owners are used to the negotiating process, so use your skills! After all it really is part of the fun of the experience. A great option to optimize your adventure is to hire a guide to navigate you to the best places in the souks to spend your durham (most souks do not take credit cards) and assist in the negotiations.
Myself and our guide “The Mayor” Khadija Benbourahel
For me, I couldn’t have lucked out more than to have come across Khadija Benbourahel of Morocco Private Experience. Khadija is a gem! You won’t find a tougher, more genuine, modern Morrocan woman in the medina. I call her “The Mayor of Medina.” She knows everyone and is fair, knows all the best places, and uses her soft, but firm touch to get you exactly the price you want for each treasure you wish to make your own. Her flexibility to accommodate your schedule is unmatched (she has a long list of VIP clients she has had to schedule and organize for their Marrakech adventures!)
A visit to the Marrakech souks is the perfect way to indulge your senses, so make sure you don’t miss them when you visit!
