An overview of Marrakech – Part 6

Places not to miss – continued,

The Souks

Marrakech’s earliest inhabitants made their living from trading with the Africans from the south and with the Spaniards who came from the north 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 partly a history lesson and partly an endurance test to see how long you can resist the constant attention of all the sellers trying to persuade you that you really must buy the items that they have.

North of Jemaa El Fna is one huge area of tightly packed industry within the dozens of narrow alleyways. They are all lined with shops the size of cupboards selling cloth, leather, metalwork, brass lanterns, carpets and jewellery. Each area is dedicated to a single item, so a street might be packed with nothing but sellers of leather slippers and another with vendors of glazed pottery. Whatever you do don’t fall for the sellers’, “Hey my friend, for you I give special price”, it will be special; especially high. It always pays to haggle, these people have done this all their life. So offer a price you would be happy paying, stick to it and then walk away. Even if you are not buying it is a great experience.

You will get lost in the souks but don’t worry about it. The alleys are narrow, winding and constantly branching with almost no memorable landmarks. However, the total area covered by the souks is small and you are never more than a few minutes’ walk back to Jemaa El Fna. Also, remember that the local sellers are very friendly and will always point out the way.

You can go on guided tours or hire your own personal guide, however in my opinion a guide to the souks is really not necessary. Although the souks are a warren, the area is not too large and it’s never that hard to find your way back to some familiar landmark. If you do go and any guided tour just remember that the “best places” your guide will lead you to are only best because they are offering your guide the highest commissions.

With all this in mind the rest of this section is split into two parts. The first is a guide to the areas of the Souks and what you will find for sale in each of them. If you really don’t want to buy something that will stay in the back of a cupboard when you get home then the second part will be of more interest. Here you can find out about all the interesting place in the Souks that are not trying to sell you something.

There are also some interesting places to stop for something to eat or drink.

So let’s start with the areas of the souks.

Continued in part 7