Marrakesh is entwined with miles of markets and shopping districts. The souks, or market stalls, are teeming with handmade slippers, leather goods, toys, spices, preserved foods, animal skins and any other item deemed necessary for the average Moroccan citizen's daily life. In Marrakesh, Djemaa el Fna, is the largest and most famous market in Morrocco. For those looking for a break in the shopping mania, dancing cobras and fire eating entertainers are dotted around the main square of the Djemaa el Fna your your entertainment. Most people visit the Moroccan markets for the shopping and bargains. What most visitors don't realize is that the price first listed is never the "real" price. Bargaining is a way of life in Marrakesh, so don't feel like your taking money away from the shopkeeper. Read on to learn how to bargain at a market in Marrakesh.
Find a map of the souks (or shops) from your hotel or tour group. The dirt roads throughout the souks are like a maze and are not easily navigated.
2
Walk the markets to find the items you would like to purchase. If you are looking for leather slippers, find three souks that carry them and ask their prices. The vendor is going to give you his price and you can reply what you want to pay for them. Do not feel bad about offering a low price. The shop keeper knows you both will meet at a point in the middle.
3
Find the lowest that vendor will go and visit the next stall carrying those slippers. Most often, the price will start at a similar level. Start bargaining with that vendor and see where his bottom price is.
4
Go to your last vendor and start the bargaining again. Once you have gone to each vendor, go back to the vendor who had the best price and your favorite item. When you return, most often, you can renegotiate where you left off. You may only get five dollars off, but you will end at a better price.
Tips & Warnings
Ask other tourists staying at your hotel or riad what they paid for their product. Many people don't know where to start in the bargaining, so asking someone what they paid is a good starting point.
Shop keepers may follow you out of the stall. This is normal. But be wary if a vendor follows you down the road. Find the police or stop into a cafe to make sure all is safe.
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