What is a Souk?

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Are you planning to shop in a market on your next trip to Marrakech, Morocco? Well look no further because this is your ultimate top ten tips to navigate the souk. I am sure you are thinking, 'No, I want to know about the markets in Marrakech, what is this souk word?' Don't worry, I got you covered! 

Did you know Kate Spade's 2017 spring collection was inspired by the the fashion found in the Souks of Marrakech! Well Mariposa Skies has been one step ahead of the fashion trend. After wandering in and out of the souks, I found amazing fashion that is handmade right there in Morocco. But before you get excited and jump on that plane for a souk shopping spree, there are some tips and tricks you should know before you go.

'Know before you go' is my motto and I always say it is a good idea to know a little history about the market place you shop in as well and it is no different for the souks. It also allows you to appreciate the place a little more. So here is a little history 101 on the souks. 

What is a Souk?

A souq or souk is a marketplace. They can be found all over Northern Africa and even Western Asia. The souks were originally known as an open-air marketplace. Typically they were outside the city centers at places where travelers could stop on their long journeys and the merchants were able to display their merchandise for sale. Arriving caravans in the cities were often times infrequent and being as such a souk was set in place to include cultural festivals and social events.  This deeming the souks as a major social function for the city or town it took place in.

A souk was not only a place that serves the community in a commercial way, but historically the souks have always been a place of gathering and meeting for the people. Fast forward to now, many of the souks are now located in the urban city centers.*

The souks are typically divided into sections depending on the types of products the merchants sell. They are most commonly are within narrow streets and named after the product that is being sold. Examples would be the gold souk, spice souk, fabric souk, leather souk and so forth. More permanent souks, such as the one in Marrakech, also have sections for money exchange, services, and selling durable goods-aka fashion!

You may be asking yourself, 'Well if all these different souks have specific places they sell, wouldn't there be competition among shop owners?" You bet! This is done on purpose to not only promote competition between the sellers but to help the consumer-you and me- to easily compare prices from shop to shop.*

10 Tips to Navigate the Souk of Marrakech

Now that you know a little background on the souks, navigating them is another story. The souks in Morocco and in particular Marrakech, can be really confusing. Whether you are buying something or simply trying to walk through them, it can be overwhelming!  To help you in your endeavor, here are Mariposa Skies' top ten tips to navigate the souks of Marrakech, Morocco.

Before entering the souks, there will be many tempting experiences to be had in the Plaza Jemaa el Fna. This is the plaza where everything begins, it is your gateway into the souks and where to start with my first tip. So here it goes...

Tip #10: 

The first thing to be aware of are the women offering to give you a beautiful henna tattoo. Please note, they are great at what they do and have no qualms about walking up to you, starting a conversation and before you know it your getting a henna tattoo whether you like it or not. You may be totally ok with having this experience, but it is not for free and the price they charge is very steep. How do I know? Well, it totally happened to me. If you don't want a henna tattoo be sure to keep your hands close to you. The henna women are the greatest hustlers I have seen thus far in my travels- and I say that with the utmost respect.

Tip #9:

When entering the maze that is the souks, at the very least make mental notes of where you are. I would even go as far as taking pictures on your mobile or camera of the overhead signs or the shops on the corners when the paths split. You can get lost quite easily!

Tip #8:

If you do get lost, ask any of the shop owners for help finding your way back to where you need to go. Shop owners are your best bet when asking for directions.

Tip #7:

If you are worried about getting lost, simply go straight in and straight out. It will negate any worry of not being able to find your way out of the maze that is the souks.

Tip #6:

STAY TO THE RIGHT! This one is an unwritten rule while navigating the souks. Simple enough, however you will find yourself wandering. Remember- the souk is a marketplace as well as a place of work. Many people are coming in and out and not all of them are on foot. There are small trucks, motor bikes that zoom past, as well as mules with carts. Be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine.

Tip #5:

Haggling 101: Start at offering 50% to 60% less than what the shop owners offers. Yes, it may be low balling it and some may act like they have taken offense, but it is all part of the experience. They will counter your offer-don't worry- and that is where you want to be. It starts the conversation.

Tip #4:

Please remember, while haggling for the price, always be respectful and smile. Many shop owners want to generate a connection with their customers. They are the ones you want to buy your items from.

Tip #3:

Sometimes when you don't have enough money with you because you will buy so many wonderful things, it can actually give you an upper hand. This was never done intentionally on my part, but many times stating "This is all I have" will get you the price you want. There was one time when I felt terrible for not having enough money after negotiating my price, so I started to walk away embarrassed. The shop owner literally ran after me and said he would give it to me with what money I had left. Please note: Do not to do this on purpose in order to get a ridiculously low price. Always be respectful of the shop owners and remember they have to make a living too!

Tip #2:

To get the best deals, go deep into the souks in the late afternoon- between 3pm and 4pm. Not many tourists or even locals go very deep into the souks. The shop owners are very eager to make a sale. Other shops that are located near the entrances get so much business from tourists that their prices are many times more expensive for that simple fact- the location of the shop.

Tip #1:

Some shop owners will ask you to come back the next day for some Moroccan Mint Tea. Ladies, please note, they are not trying to hit on you; this is part of the experience as well. It is a sign of good faith; say yes and get out of your comfort zone. It will lead to having a wonderful experience of true Moroccan culture and generosity. Read more about this experience and see how it changed my perspective in Tea Time in the Souks.