Souk Semmarine (Semmarine Market), Marrakech

Located next to the city's main square, Jemaa al-Fnaa, the visually appealing Souk Semmarine is the largest market in the whole of Morocco, where traders have been selling goods for the past 1,000 years. If you're after colorful accessories such as authentic bags, shoes, or clothes, then this is the right place to wander around. The henna artists, hawkers and other locals trying to take advantage of tourists can get somewhat overwhelming, but that is all part of the experience.

Besides the colorful textiles and the fantastic smell of spices, another notable attraction inside Souk Semmarine are the shops selling lamps with intricate designs that really come to life when light is turned on in the evening. Lamp-making is a classic art in Morocco and the skill is passed down from one generation to the next. You will also find plenty of shops selling amazing selections of pottery, brass/metals, belts, and other genuine products; as a matter of fact, many of the goods sold here are manufactured onsite and have remained unchanged for centuries.

When shopping at Souk Semmarine, or anywhere in Morocco for that matter, you should haggle for a better price. While the concept of haggling may be strange for some Western visitors, it is actually a deep-rooted way of life for Moroccans. Shopping and haggling go hand in hand, so don't hesitate to secure a better deal. If the price is under 200DH, give half; if it is over 200DH, divide by 4. If they don't accept your offer, leave and go away – you'll find your stuff in another store.

Tip:
Stalls typically open between 9–10am and close around 7–8pm. In the middle of the day, temperatures can become a little too high for many, so the best times to visit are early morning / early evening. Also, be on your guard for scooters and avoid taking pictures of monkeys or snakes as their owners will 100% know that you have done it and will ask for money.