Morocco is world-famous for its street markets. Discover the most popular markets to visit in this incredible country, and experience the true culture of Morocco.
Visit the Best Markets in Morocco
Morocco is a country that’s rich in cultural history and an abundance of natural beauty. From the deserts to the mountains, Morocco is home to a range of landscapes that will take your breath away.
Morocco also has some of the most vibrant and colorful markets in the world. The souks (or markets) are one of the highlights of any trip—an opportunity to escape the hustle-and-bustle of cities like Marrakesh or Fez and immerse yourself in a totally different way of life.
If you’re planning to travel from India to Morocco, make sure you get the right travel documents for your trip. Once you have what you need, you’re ready to explore Morocco’s incredible array of markets.
I went to Morocco last year for work, but during my free time, I did a bit of sightseeing, which was obviously quite enjoyable. The most fun part were the people, who mixed Arabic and French together just like we do Hindi and English here in India! In fact, the bazaars of Morocco were quite like those in Agra too (perhaps owing to the Muslim influence?).
Either way, whether you’re looking to explore the exotic markets for some souvenir shopping or trying a hamam, you’re in the right place for a bazaar guide. These markets will be your go-to for getting a few jars of olives (which are very cheap and fresh BTW), obtaining the authentic black soap, or buying some French books (Shilpa had asked me to buy a few children’s books to practice her French), here’s a list of the best markets in Morocco to visit.
1.Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech is a must-see when you visit Morocco. It’s the most famous square in the city, which acts as an eclectic marketplace and meeting place for both locals and tourists.
The square is always full of life. There are many street performers, including snake charmers, acrobats, and musicians who play traditional instruments. There are also food vendors and shops selling souvenirs.
2. Rue Bab Doukkala Market in Marrakech
The market is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a little adventure and want to get away from the touristy areas of Marrakech. It’s located near Jemaa El Fna Square, but it’s far enough away that you’ll feel like you’re getting away from all the crowds.
The market is full of locals and vendors selling everything from spices to clothes, shoes, and home goods. The atmosphere here is more relaxed than at other markets in the city because there aren’t many tourists around.
3. Central Marche in Casablanca
Central Marche is a must-visit in Casablanca. It’s a great place for shopping, eating, and just enjoying the atmosphere.
The market is huge and has everything under the sun—from clothing to furniture to electronics. There are also lots of restaurants and cafés where you can sit down and enjoy a typical Moroccan cuisine.
4. Souk El Had in Agadir
Souk El Had is an open-air market in Agadir. It’s known for its wide variety of goods, including clothing, spices, and jewelry.
Souk El Had is a great place to shop for souvenirs or gifts you can bring home with you after your trip to Morocco. There are also plenty of restaurants serving up delicious Moroccan food that you can enjoy while browsing the shops.
5. Souk el Attarine in Fez
Souk el-Attarine is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Morocco. The souk is located in the medina, which is the old part of Fez.
This market has got a lot of great little shops and stalls, as well as some larger stores. You can get everything from clothes and shoes to spices, jewelry, and leather goods at this market.
6. Chouara Tannery in Fez
Chouara Tannery in Fez is a living museum of Moroccan leather-making. The tannery is one of 3 in Fez, and this is the largest.
In addition to the tannery itself, visitors can also take a tour of its grounds, which includes a museum dedicated to educating people about the history of tanning in Fez and how it influences daily life in Morocco.
7. Souk el Henna in Fez
The Souk el Henna (also known as the Market of Dyers) is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Morocco. It’s not only a great place to buy henna, but also a rich cultural experience for visitors.
If you’re looking for an authentic Moroccan experience, Souk el Henna is your place. The market is filled with stalls selling everything from spices to hand-made jewelry, and the smells will make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time.
8. Fish Market in Essaouira
The Fish Market in Essaouira (Marche aux Poissons) is one of the most famous attractions in Morocco. It’s a great place to visit if you want to buy some fresh seafood, but it’s also just a fascinating place to explore.
There are dozens of stalls selling fish, shellfish, and other marine creatures, as well as spices and cooked dishes made from these ingredients.
9. Souk in Had Dra
Had Dra is a small town in the north of Morocco, and while it’s not as well-known as some of its neighbors, it’s still a great place to visit.
The Souk in Had Dra is a market that sells products from all over the world. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for something unique, or if you just want to shop around and see what’s out there.
Abhishek Sareen is a management professional with over 16 years of experience in brand management. He completed his Executive Education from IIM-A in 2016. He has worked in diverse areas like marketing, e-commerce, international business strategy and business consulting.
He is a passionate cyclist and has participated in several endurance races involving of mountain biking like MTB Himalaya, long distance road biking, triathlons and marathons. In his free time, he enjoys behavioral psychology, economics and chess. He also has an interest in geopolitics and noir films. He is also an advisor at Shilpa Ahuja Digital Media. He can be contacted at [email protected].