DK Travel : Marrakech : The Souks

The Souks

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Marrakech’s earliest inhabitants made their living from trading with the Africans and with the Spaniards who came by sea. Luxuries like gold and ivory came from the south, while leather, metalwork and ceramics were sent north. Even today, trade continues to be the city’s mainstay, with thousands of craftsmen eking out an existence in the maze of souks that fill much of the northern half of the medina. A trip to the souks is part history lesson, part endurance test – to see how long you can keep your purse in your bag or your wallet in your pocket.
You will get lost in the souks. Alleys are narrow, winding and constantly branching, while landmarks are few. However, the area covered is small and you are never more than a few minutes’ walk back to Jemaa El Fna. Locals are friendly and will point out the way. Café Arabe, near the Souk des Teinturiers, and Café des Epices in the Rahba Kedima are both great places to relax with a mint tea and a light snack. More on places to shop in and around the souks. More on fondouks.

Top 10 Features

1. Rue Semarine

The main route into the souks is via an arch just north of Jemaa El Fna and along this perpetually busy, sun-dappled alley. Shop owners along Semarine attempt to entice with a miscellany of robes, kaftans, carpets and antiques.
2. Souk El Kebir

2. Souk El Kebir

Straight on from Rue Semarine, this is the heart of the souks. It’s a narrow alley that lurches from side-to-side and up-and-down. It is lined by dozens of the tiniest shops – barely a person wide – each overflowing with goods, particularly leather.
3. Souk des Babouches

3. Souk des Babouches

Every shop and stall here sells nothing but brightly-coloured, soft-leather, pointy-toed slippers known as babouches.
4. Souk des Tapis

4. Souk des Tapis

Earlier an auction place for slaves, this souk is now crowded with a number of carpet sellers.
5. Souk des Teinturiers

5. Souk des Teinturiers

Sheaves of freshly dyed wool are hung from ropes strung across one particular alleyway for a vibrantly colourful scene.
6. Souk des Ferronniers

6. Souk des Ferronniers

Multiple hammering sounds fill the air in the medina’s medieval parts where the ironworkers create furniture, lanterns and other items.
7. Fondouks

The fondouk is an ancient hostelry for travelling merchants built around a courtyard. Most are now gritty workshops.
8. Souk El Khemis

Entrepreneurs renovating riads scout this flea marketto the north of the medina for unusual items of furniture.
9. Souk El Bab Salaam

9. Souk El Bab Salaam

This covered market serves the nearby mellah quarter with everything from food and spices to caged birds.
10. Rahba Kedima

10. Rahba Kedima

This open square is home to sellers of dried scorpions, leeches and other bizarre substances and objects for use in sihacen, or black magic.

Practical Information

You will get lost in the souks. Alleys are narrow, winding and constantly branching, while landmarks are few. However, the area covered is small and you are never more than a few minutes’ walk back to Jemaa El Fna. Locals are friendly and will point out the way. Café Arabe, near the Souk des Teinturiers, and Café des Epices in the Rahba Kedima are both great places to relax with a mint tea and a light snack. Medina Many shops in the souks are closed on Friday