The souqs of Marrakesh are a lot like a mall. But a very arabic, and somewhat medieval mall. There is some system in this madness, however. Here we would like to give you a few hints regarding where to find what in the Medina.
Starting from the Jma el Fna, there are two major lanes going north. Coming from the Jma, you have the Rue Mouassin on your left, and the Rue Souq Smarine on your right. Along these you will find many touristic shops and boutiques, most of them will be specialized in either carpets, leather, silver or antiques. These are just resellers.
When you look more closely and go into the side streets you can find the different trades. Going north on the Rue Souq Smarine you find the following trades: Textiles, Wool, Apothecary stalls (on Rehba Qadima), Carpets, Jewellery and Leather. After the Leather souq, you are almost at the Almoravid Koubba and it is time to turn right. Now you find blacksmith, carpenters, dyers and slipper makers. This is where prices are really low since you are quite a way from the Jma.
The streets are a bit dirtier here, and people are really at work, so sparks may be flying. This is both the place to get the best bargains, and the place to have a unique experience.
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Boutique Lac Iriqi
Boutique Lac Iriqi offers for purchase some of the finest Berber carpets, ceramics, and finely made silver merchandise in Southern Morocco.
Morocco's history and the story of Moroccan weaving begin with the Berbers, the indigenous people of North Africa who had inhabited Morocco for centuries before the arrival of the Arabs. Their weaving traditions live on in the carpets sold here.
bookingurl: www.berbertours.net
PC: 45900 - Zagora
email: [email protected]
address: Ave. Mohamed V
tel: 212-68-51-50-87
Moroccan Lamps
Moroccan lamps have become en vogue over the last past years. You can buy them pretty much all over the place, but to get better prices it is worthwhile to venture a bit deeper in the Souqs. Starting from the Jma al Fna, head for the Ben Youssef Medersa and turn left. Now you are close to the area where the lamp-makers work, and where bargaining is real rather than for show.
Magical Herbs
Most of the shops selling herbs are centered around the Rahba Kedima, near to the Jma. Although most of the shops just sell normal herbs (mostly to tourists), and have the dead lizards and frogs just for the looks of them, there are some true magicians here. They are hard to spot and they are not interested in selling souvenirs — ask a local if you want a serious recommendation.
Carpets
Generally speaking Morocco is a good place to buy a carpet, but Marrakesh isn't the best place in Morocco. Smaller, less touristy places have lower prices, but Marrakesh has the advantage of having the biggest choice. Buying a carpet is an experience. Allow at least half a day to sip tea, discuss regions and patterns, and haggle your way to a price both you and the seller can live with.