The old souk in the centre of Sebha is the most atmospheric part of the town — a covered market of narrow alleys where vendors sell dates, dried chillies, spices, fabrics and household goods in the traditional Saharan style. The pace is slow and the trade is mostly local: this is not a tourist market but a working one, where the people of Sebha buy their food and goods.
A small gold souk sits adjacent to the main market and serves the gold jewellery trade that remains important in Fezzan's social life. The souk is most active in the morning and shuts down through the heat of the afternoon. Visiting in the cooler months (November to March) makes the experience considerably more pleasant.