Though there aren’t any malls or large chain stores, Marrakech is still a shopping mecca for those who want souvenirs and unique crafts. The city is home to the largest traditional market in Morocco, as well as the busiest square in Africa (Jemaa el Fna). There are also many souks (markets) selling anything you can imagine.

Though the Jemaa el Fna is more of a performance center at night, there are vendors almost around-the-clock selling food, drinks, clothing and other souvenir-type items. If you are looking for a specific type of merchandise, try one of the souks , which are usually organized by product type. There is the Kimakhin for instruments, Hadaddine for metalwork and Siyyaghin for jewelry, just to name a few. Of course, Marrakech is famous for its tanneries, so a visit to the leather souk of el Kebir can be rewarding. When buying merchandise from these markets, remember that bargaining is expected. Prices for foreigners will almost always end up being higher than prices for locals, but the cost of the goods will still be much lower than for comparable items in developed western countries. Haggling over prices, however, is time-consuming, and shoppers should be prepared to spend a few hours in a souk when they go.