The souks of Marrakech's medina form a sprawling maze of covered lanes, each devoted to a different craft. This is still a living workplace where artisans shape leather, metal, and wood the way their ancestors did.
Finding your way through the maze
The souks are traditionally organized by trade: textiles and babouches near Souk Semmarine, the Dyers' Souk, the Tanners' Souk near Bab Debbagh, ironworkers around Souk Haddadine, spices near Rahba Kedima, pottery near Bab Ghmat. Don't expect a precise map to work — orient yourself using landmarks like the Koutoubia, and ask for directions when needed.
The art of haggling
Bargaining is the rule — first-quoted prices are almost always inflated, sometimes two or three times the value. Offer around a third to half of the asking price, then let the back-and-forth play out. Keep it friendly: haggling in Marrakech is a social game, not a confrontation.
Several things are worth buying: authentic argan oil, well-stitched leather goods, hand-knotted Berber rugs, hand-painted ceramics, loose spices. Watch for loose stitching or a strong chemical smell, signs of poor quality.