Treasure Hunting in the Souks and Shops of Marrakesh

How to find the Souks of Marrakesh

“Follow the small road out on to the big street then turn right towards the big square…” Clutching our hand drawn map, thoughtfully provided by our Riad host, Josef, we follow his directions to the Souks of Marrakesh.

On route we pass roadside shacks, stalls selling all sorts, donkeys pulling carts of merchandise and a lot of motorised bikes. The smell is a mixture of spices, meat, flowers and the occasional hint of petrol. People are going about their busy lives, chatting to stall owners, shopping for dinner, making their way to work.

Arriving at the Souks

We arrive at the first stalls of the souks. Despite being armed with hints and tips from our pre-trip research, nothing could have prepared us for this spectacular chaos. We have been transported back hundreds of years to a time where trading and bartering was mainstream. The narrow, cobbled alleyways are packed with tourists, locals and vendors as we make our way aimlessly through the maze of merchandise.

After about 20 paces we are sucked into a stall by a simple question, “Do you know what this is?”. We do not. This booth is selling spices, fragrances, argon oil and teas. The colours and smells alone would have drawn us in. But the patter and curiosity of Idir, the stall owner, is hard to ignore. We chat for a few minutes and he explains he is of Berber background. He shows us some traditional Berber recipes and beauty regimes and requests to buy my sister for the price of 16 camels. However, I don’t think my baggage allowance would accommodate that. We make our purchases and move on.

Practical tip

If you’re not interested in buying anything remain polite, say no and continue walking.

Lunch in Marrakesh

Ambling through the lanes we see intricate lanterns, colourful rugs, silver teapots, wicker baskets, larger furniture items, fresh fruit, spices, birds, all sorts! The smell of the spices reminds us that its lunch time. We leave the souks in search of some authentic cuisine – authentic, but not too adventurous. Chicken tagine, khobz (a traditional Moroccan bread) andmint tea, followed by a hefty portion of baklava, provides fuel for the rest of the day.

Practical Tip

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous to eat, try the stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa for dome traditional street food.

Exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa

Heading towards the “Big Square”, Jemaa el-Fnaa, we begin to realise that it is far more than that. Here we find street performers, snake charmers, pet monkeys, restaurants, cafes, stalls and it feels like the hub of the city. After a couple of laps we need a break from the splendid pandemonium and take refuge in a cafe. With a seat on the terrace over looking the square, and another refreshing mint tea, we can people watch for hours.

Practical Tip

If you photograph the performers they do expect a small donation. So be sure to carry some change with you.

Shopping in the Artisan stores of Marrakesh

Our next stop is an artisan store near our Riad in the Medina. Complexe Artisanal is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave that shines and glistens as soon as you enter. There is literally too much for the eyes to take in and we stand gazing for several seconds before remembering to put one foot in front of the other and begin exploring. We spend hours looking at carpets, tea pots, furniture, jewellery, scarves, carved wood, spices and so much more. The assistants are so helpful but in no way pushy which is a nice change from the persuasive stall owners of the souks. Other shoppers are also walking around gazing in wonder at the merchandise piled from floor to ceiling. Despite being a busy store it is quiet and peaceful and we can take our time to look around.

The Ensemble Artisanal at the other end of the Medina is also worth visiting. Here there is a mixture of government sponsored stalls and small stores. This is a great place fore apprentices learn their trade and sell goods at fixed prices.

Practical Tip

If you are planing on shopping at the souks, we would recommend going to one of the cooperatives first. This will give you an idea of prices you should be paying and quality you should expect. Try Complexe Artisanal, Ensemble Artisanal or Cooperative Artisanale Femmes De Marrakech which are all located centrally.

Return to our relaxing Riad

Several hours later, we emerge from the glistening treasure trove with a few pieces of our own to take home. Our senses are exhausted from the workout they have had today. We slowly wander back to our Riad for some relaxation. The Dar Massai is in the centre of the Medina but is an oasis of tranquillity. Relaxing by the pool, with yet another mint tea, listening to the birds chirping overhead is the perfect end to a fascinating and eye opening day.

More Information

• For Morocco tourist info click HERE
• Take a look at our post about Beauty in the Atlas Mountains

Have you visited Morocco? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Or maybe you already use some of these products! Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!