If you’re heading to Morocco, then you’re going to want to check out the local souks. These local markets are amazing for finding souvenirs and tasting the local food!
Of course, nothing beats mingling with the locals too, and that’s where visiting the souks offers an experience like no other.
So, to fill out your travel itinerary and point you in the right direction, here are 10 amazing souks to visit in Morocco!
Need we say it? The best souks are found in Marrakech – the heart of Morocco. This bustling walled city offers countless souks around every corner, with lots to see, taste, and take home for bargain prices.
One of these must-visit Marrakech souks is Jemma el-Fnaa, or Djemaa el-Fna, which is home to the main marketplace.
You’ll find everything here from food vendors to souvenir stalls, plus lots of other tourists – so you won’t feel out of place!
2. Souk El Attarine
Fez is a UNESCO world heritage site. If that’s not enough of a reason to visit it, the local marketplace, Souk El Attarine, is, as it boasts more than 9000 alleys to explore, all with craft stalls and local traders selling a wide range of interesting goods.
From artisan crafts and handmade souvenirs to local spices and incense, Souk El Attarine is a great place to shop and stroll. It’s also worth taking your camera along, as the architecture in the area is simply stunning.
3. Essaouira Fish Market
If you love seafood, then you’ll love Essaouira Fish Market – a bustling market in Essaouira, where you can pick up fresh catches straight from the local fishing port. It’s also a great place to eat, with vendors that will grill the fish right in front you.
If you’re on a tight budget, perhaps the best thing is that it’s cheap to eat at Essaouira Fish Market. There’s a lot of mouthwatering seafood to choose from, however, so you might find it difficult to decide what to buy!
4. Souk Sabbagine
Souk Sabbagine is also located in Marrakech, and it’s a well-known market for its dyed fabrics.
For fashionistas and accessory lovers, this is a market that shouldn’t be missed, as it offers lots of unique clothes and accessories to take home or give away.
In addition, you’ll also find rugs, carpets, and blankets at Souk Sabbagine. The fact that the items are handmade is another reason to grab a souvenir here, as there’s nothing more authentic than handmade crafts!
5. Soulk El Had d’Agadir
Another popular market in Morocco is the Souk of Agadir, which tourists flock to from all over the world.
The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, and there’s plenty to take in and buy, from fresh produce and local spices to fabrics, handmade crafts, and fashion.
As a result, there’s not much you won’t find at Souk El Had d’Agadir. It’s open six days a week (Tuesday to Sunday), so there’s also no reason to skip it! For a real cultural experience in Morocco, this market shouldn’t be left unvisited.
6. Had Dra Souk
You can find the Had Dra Souk in Had Dra, not far from both Essaouira and Marrakech, and it’s well worth it if you like agriculture. This Sunday market has cattle auctions and fresh produce to buy, plus many other agricultural products on sale.
What’s also great about the Had Dra Souk is that it’s a lively market where you can watch the locals in action. This makes it one of the most authentic-feeling markets in Morocco, especially since not many tourists choose to visit it.
7. Rue Dab Doukkala Market
Rue Dab Doukkala Market, located in Essaouira, is open from morning to midnight, which is ideal as it offers so much to see and buy.
It can get quite busy, but it’s not a bad thing if you want to mingle with the locals and experience the market culture first-hand.
Spices, fresh produce, clothes, accessories, homeware – there’s no shortage of items to find at this souk, which is one of the most popular in Morocco. There are even a few local tourist activities to do, such as cooking workshops and guided food tours.
8. Souk Chouari
Souk Chouari is another souk to find in Marrakech that’s teeming with local artisans. This market specializes in carpentry, woven items, and furniture, so there’s a lot to see here even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
At Souk Chouari, watch the local artisans in action as they craft wooden furniture, pottery, decorations, and homewares in traditional Moroccan style. Pick up something unique for your home, or simply admire the locals hard at work!
9. Souk Des Bijoutiers
Souk Des Bijoutiers in Marrakech is known as the “jewelry souk”. Wealthy locals used to go here to buy the best Moroccan jewelry, and, although that’s not the case anymore, the souk has kept its appeal as a prime shopping hub for handmade jewelry.
So if you love accessories (especially exotic handmade jewelry), Souk Des Bijoutiers is the place to go.
From necklaces and bracelets to rings and earrings, there are lots of stunning pieces to browse and buy, perfect for spoiling yourself.
10. Souk Chérifia
For tourists, exploring the souks can be a little intimidating – especially when they are at their busiest.
If that sounds relatable, then Souk Chérifia in Marrakech is the best market to visit first, as it offers more of a shopping mall vibe with market-style goods to buy.
Most items are more expensive, as a result, however it does usually mean the quality is also better.
It’s not as loud and lively as a local market, but it is the most ideal shopping experience if you want something quieter and more organized!
Final Thoughts
And that wraps up our list of the 10 most amazing souks to visit in Morocco. These markets boast beautiful artisan crafts, bargain souvenirs, and lots of local food to taste.
Each market above also offers a vibrant atmosphere, plus the perfect chance to mingle with the locals!
