Shopping In The Souks.

A guide to shopping in the medina.

There is everything that you could possibly dream of buying in the wonderful souks of Marrakech.

As you meander through the maze of colourful alleyways, be prepared for a complete overload on the senses.

From beautiful jewellery to exotic spices, leather goods, and Morroccan lamps and ceramics.

It’s all here crammed into the narrow alleyways, calling out to be bought and taken back home with you.

Skilled craftsmen are busy at work, and you can find areas dedicated to creating and selling different things.

There is a place for leather goods, a place where metal workers make beautiful Moroccan lamps and metal sculptures and areas where wooden things are handmade.

The art of rug weaving is also  demonstrated.

It’s a lovely experience watching the locals making their wares to sell, and there is the opportunity to have a go at making things yourself, such as a pair of babouches.

Berber rugs hang proudly around the medina.

Each colour and pattern is a feast for the eyes, everyone telling a story of the villages where they were made.

Argan oil and morroccan black soap, orange blossom oil, and gardenia float past you on the gentle breeze.

The smell is so fragrant in the souks and only shattered by the smell of the motorcycles as they drive through.

Wooden boxes ornately decorated with mother of pearl, chess sets, and traditional toys and teapots tempt you as you search for the perfect souvenir to take back for your family and friends.

The soft furnishings such as cushion covers made from cactus silk are eye-catching and colourful.

Then there’s the nuts, sweets, and pastries for sale.

Moroccan sweets are a delicacy, and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice.

The medicinal herbs and spices are a cacophony of colours and fragrances.

Fresh olives with a hint of spice pop with colour.

Beautiful paintings and prints of traditional Morroccan doors, Amazigh people and camels crossing the Sahara desert are displayed around the walls and hung proudly from shop doorways.

For people who love to shop until they drop like me, the souks in Marrakech are a dream come true.

However, it’s not always a breeze shopping in such a densely packed area.

The souks do get incredibly busy with tourists.

You constantly have to dodge motorcycles, donkeys, and vendors with carts.

You may also get lost, but that’s all part of the charm of shopping in the souks.

You will find your way out again eventually.

So, I recommend that you fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every minute of it.

It’s unforgettable..

It will invoke the spirit of camel caravans and ancient trade routes from centuries ago in you.

It’s the perfect way to fully delve into the wonderful culture of Marrakech.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you enjoy the souks.

First of all, pace yourself.

The souks are very busy and can feel slightly chaotic at times, especially in the heat.

Stop regularly for a drink and rehydrate.

Rest for a while, and have a spot of lunch in a rooftop cafe. There are plenty inside the souks.

Be prepared to haggle. It may seem daunting at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it.

Stay vigilant, and keep your wits about you.

Marrakech is a safe city, but pick pocketing can happen just like anywhere else in the world.

In crowded, narrow streets, keep your possessions safe in a closed bag at the front of your body.

If you’re lost, look for signs above your head pointing you back to Jamaa El Fna.

Having an orange sim is useful but may not always work in the denser parts of the souks.

If you need help, ask a shop vendor. They’re usually more than happy to help you, but be aware of opportunists who may lead you somewhere else.

Don’t be tempted to accept directions from locals who may lead you to a friend or family members’ shop so that they can get commission if you buy something.

You may struggle to get away, and you may find yourself seated and drinking mint tea before you know it.

Take time to shop around and walk away if you don’t think you’re being offered a fair price.

You will often find yourself being called back, and a realistic price can be reached.

If not, the same items will most likely be found for sale elsewhere in the souks.

Exercise patience.

Remember, this is someone’s livelihood, and it’s a different culture to what you may be used to.

Wages are not very high for most people in Marrakesh, and tourists with money to spend are fair game for boosting the take-home salary of most vendors.

Although the souks can often feel overwhelming, they are an unforgettable shopping experience in Marrakech.

You will be dazzled by the number of weird and wonderful items on display.

The lively atmosphere, pulsing energy, and vibrancy will stay with you a long time after you have left this fascinating city.