The Souk El Ghzel is Ghardaia's central market, a covered labyrinth of narrow stalls in the lower town where fabric, spices, silver jewellery, Saharan blankets, and carpet are sold under arched roofs. The market has been operating on this site for centuries and retains a genuine commercial character — most of what is sold is for local use, not tourists. The carpet and jewellery sections attract the most outside buyers.
The best time to visit is Thursday morning, when the weekly regional market brings sellers and buyers from across the M'zab Valley and surrounding areas. The everyday market operates daily but is quieter. Photography inside the market is possible but worth asking first.