Souks or Markets in Morocco
Morocco’s amazing Souks and markets are an important part of Moroccan life and one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Each town has its own souk quarter; large cities such as Fes and Marrakech have labyrinths of individual souks (each filling a street or square and devoted to a specific craft); and in the countryside, there are hundreds of weekly souks, held on a different day in each village in the region.
- Souk Marrakech
- Souk El Had d’Agadir.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa.
- La Nouvelle Medina Polizzi.
- Le Souk de Oujda. Flea & Street Markets. …
- Rue Bab Doukkala Market. Flea & Street Markets. …
- Chouara Tannery.
- Essaouira Fish Market.
- Marche central d’El Jadida.
- Marche Alhad
The souk is the general meeting place of the city and village; neighbors gather there to share the latest gossip, to keep up with the latest news from their country and the world; they go shopping but also to show, chat, and observe. It’s a truly exciting and passionate environment.
When choosing Morocco as a vacation destination, it is critical to spend several days there to truly understand the soul of the country.
Understanding Morocco’s Souks
When the first souks appeared in Morocco, they were simply small areas outside of the city where merchants could display and sell their wares. However, as cities grew in population, so did the souks. Souks are now an important part of Moroccan culture, serving as the social heart of any large Moroccan city. Some souks are seasonal or annual, while others, such as Marrakech’s Djemaa El Fna market, are known for snake charmers, storytellers, musicians, and dynamic acrobatic events.
Beyond being a place of life, a souk is a place where feelings explode like olfactory fireworks.
First and foremost, it is a place of smells. That is what strikes you the most when you first enter a souk; it is without a doubt the intoxicating and unique combination of scents. You will experience the senses in every corner of the local markets, from fresh mint to the many spices, and the smell of grilled meat or fresh fish.
It’s all very colorful, with the multi-colored rainbow stalls, and the shading of fabric, pigments, and carpets. Select one of our best Morocco tours and enjoy the experience of visiting a souk in one of Morocco’s cities.