10 Best Markets to Visit in Morocco

Morocco is an African country brimming with historical relics and breathtaking natural beauty. From the eye-catching natural beauty of the Sahara, Atlas Mountains, and Atlantic beaches to the vibrant Arabic and Berber cultures, Morocco has everything to offer. But what distinguishes Morocco is its vibrant souks and markets. These markets are a paradise for lots of big shoppers and unusual ways to get a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of local Moroccans. Here we recommend the top ten Moroccan markets and souks you can't miss during your trip. It will be a memorable part of your journey to visit these markets and souks, which are bright with local colors.

Jemaa el-Fna Square

Perched on Marrakech's southwestern edge, Jemaa el-Fna Square is quite an energetic market outside of the Berber souk in the city. Acclaimed as "Sleepless Square", the square was included in the list of world cultural heritage sites because it can date back more than 1,000 years. The central square is connected with labyrinths of streets and alleys that fill shops, stores, and food stalls. The nighttime gives Jemaa el-Fna Square a more vibrant charm. The market serves as a playground for visitors, artists, and children.

Jemaa el-Fna Square

All the stalls are stacked with different varieties of items, like handicrafts, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and leather goods, which can stunningly dazzle your eyes. Some attractions on the square include storytelling and snake dancing. Traditional local dishes like tagine and snail soup are a fascination that you must try. Don't forget to browse and shop the shelves for something interesting. You can enjoy a nightlife with a beguiling Arabic flavor in the square.

Souk El Had d'Agadir

The indoor retail market is located in the center of Had Dra, away from Agadir. Souk El Had opens every Sunday. So don't miss a visit if you travel near the city. It is less known than other large markets in Morocco but pleasantly less crowded with hundreds of tourists at any one time. Browsing and shopping in the souk is the best way to experience the local lifestyle. Souk El Had has everything you want for necessities, souvenirs, or gifts. There are hundreds of vendors and stalls that sell all sorts of items, from local spices and fresh produce to textiles, carpets, furniture, and cosmetics. The souk comes alive early in the morning with cow and tortoise auctions, as well as other animal transactions. Besides, some cake and snack shops are well worth a try. Whether you are a frequent shopper or not, you're sure to spend a day in this tranquil souk.

Marrakech Souk

Marrakech, the Berber Land of God, is home to many souks of different sizes and fame. The souks of Marrakech are one of the highlights of traveling in Morocco. The well-known Jemaa el-Fna Square serves as the entrance to these souks in Marrakech. Located in the heart of the city's old town, they are spread over several kilometers. Like other markets in the country, you'll find everything from spices and carpets to pottery and jewelry in the souks of Marrakech.

Marrakech Souk

Leather products are a feature among a variety of items. You can get some quality leather items like bags, jackets, and pants. Significantly, haggling with the vendors may be a beneficial attempt to get good-quality bargains. The souks are open from 8.30 a.m. until 9.00 p.m., and some of them are closed on Friday. Whether or not you intend to make a purchase, the souks will cause you to lose track of time.

Essaouira Fish Market

Essaouira is the best-known tourist attraction in Morocco. It enjoys a good reputation for picturesque beaches for windsurfing. The city is also home to one of Morocco's most popular souks, the Essaouira Fish Market. The market was a former fortified seaport in the 18th century and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Essaouira Fish Market is full of customers each morning when fishermen begin selling freshly caught fish. Fish stalls will soon fill the market. There are many fish spices on display. You will be surprised to find sharks and long, skinny redfish on offer. Local restaurants help you grill the just-bought fish and make it into delicious grilled dishes served with Moroccan salad and tea. You may have a good time exploring the market in a hospitable atmosphere.

The Medina in Fes

"Medina" means city in Arabic, and it refers to the historic ancient town in Moroccan. The Medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is crisscrossed by a labyrinth of winding, narrow streets and alleys. Strolling through these maze-like paths may be challenging, but it will give you a great surprise to find stalls thickly dotted in almost every corner of the area.

The Medina in Fes

The souk is divided into different sections, each specializing in a particular type of product. These sections have handicrafts, leather goods, carved wood products, ceramics, and all sorts of foods. In addition to the full-on purchase, visitors can admire the city's historical sites like palaces, mosques, and fountains. You'll have fun shopping and gravitate toward the ancient charms of Medina.

Place Seffarine

Place Seffarine is a small square in the old city of Fes. Since modern times, the square has undergone extensive renovations, and now it has a pleasant fusion of quaintness and fashion. With a history of about 1500 years, Place Seffarine is renowned for its long tradition and all kinds of metal products. It is a wonderful spot for cookware and utensil shopping. You can explore the Copper Beaters Souk in Place Seffarine to see a dramatically wide range of metal products like teapots, tagines, pans for boiling, and other frequently-used utensils and more. A fascinating part of visiting the souk is watching how blacksmiths pound copper and brass to produce all sorts of metal products. You'll get a lasting impression of the sounds of tapped copper beaters, which have been a major feature of Place Seffarine.

Rue Bab Doukkala Market

Rue Bab Doukkala is, like no other, a busy and fascinating market in Marrakech. If you're up for a different view from the cityscape, having yourself in Rue Bab Doukkala Market may be a good option to relax. The place is a busy meeting point for vendors, merchants, locals, and visitors. It is interesting to see a very mixed group of individuals bargaining with each other. The exotic market boasts a huge host of stuff for sale, including lamps, copperware, baskets, local spices, and fresh produce. Locals are a large part of the customer base for daily necessities. The market provides a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of authentic local lifestyles. But prices of the goods may be falsely expensive sometimes, so remember to learn about the actual local price of any products in advance of haggling so that you may get the things you want at a reasonable price.

Souk el Attarine

Souk el Attarine is referred to as the souk of spice traders. "Attarine" means spice traders in Arabic, specifically referring to the spice market. Established in 1240 AD, the souk is renowned for its long tradition. It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1979 and now becomes a popularly busy market in the old city of Tunis. Only spices and scents were sold at the market at first. Today, the market is full of an overwhelming abundance of goods. You can find everything for sale, including porcelain cookware, mirrors, amber, beauty products, and locally famous jasmine and rose water. Here you can buy quality and affordable local-specialized perfumes and cosmetics. Additionally, it will enhance your interest in this old city to visit a certain number of historical monuments: Al-Zaytuna Mosque, Khaldounia, or Madrasa Al Asfouriya in the souk.

Marche Central

The French Marche Central means Central Market in English. Marche Central is located on Muhammad V Boulevard, in Casablanca. The marketplace was built in 1917 and receives attention for its cultural and historical significance. Apart from its characteristic Neo-Mauresque architectural style and large gateway, the market holds attraction with a huge variety of stuff for daily needs. Produce like herbs, spices, and fruits are a common sight in the market. Fishermen can be seen selling fresh seafood such as shark meat and oysters under the octagonal center cupola. The daily harvest is displayed in a circle around a pathway. Also, you can pick out beautiful bouquets, basket handicrafts, or nostalgic photographs and posters at some boutiques. Several restaurants may be found in the market. They serve as an excellent place where tourists and locals like to stay for lunch.

Henna Souk

Visiting the Henna Souk is a must for tourists traveling around the Medina of Fes. Everyday hustle and meetings take place in a small square. This souk is one of the oldest trading spots in the Medina. The souk evolved from several small stalls that gathered near a hospital to sell henna and pharmaceuticals. Nowadays, the Henna Souk has developed well, with its product lists expanding from henna and pharmaceuticals to black soap, perfumes, cosmetics, homewares, and other local specialties. The place is also characterized by a distinctive therapy that is used to cure the patients musically. A wide variety of local items may be beyond your imagination, but keep in mind bringing rose water, a featured local product, back home. Try to bargain with the seller, and you may get many of your favorite products for a fairly reasonable price.

Local, dynamic markets and souks have become an essential part of Moroccan life. If the country's iconic natural scenery and ancient architecture have left you speechless, perhaps the mixed forms of local markets can give you a more special treat while experiencing Moroccan daily life. They are a treasure trove of many varieties of things. Each market has its own charm and is worth a visit. If you want to learn about more markets and souks in Morocco, contact us. We're happy to share the latest news with you. We'll help you plan your trip around Morocco and individualize your itinerary based on your needs. Whether you're looking for local handicrafts and souvenirs, village color and animation, or Berber lifestyles, Odynovo guarantees that you will find something special in one of them.