Journey Beyond Travel

The Art of Bartering for a Better Deal: Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is a city of variance. Though in a city of nearly two million people you will notice a steady, easy-going pace. No one is in a hurry. It is a city deserving of its great reputation and many flattering nicknames, and should definitely be part of your next Morocco vacation package.

Quick, which city would you rather visit: the “Pearl of the South,” “The Rose City,” or “The Jewel of the South?” Can’t make up your mind? Don’t worry: all three are actually just three of the many nicknames for the city as you can see in a Marrakesh, Morocco travel guide. Marrakesh is one of the most common destinations in any Morocco travel package, and for good reason. Marrakesh, once referred to as Morocco City—from which the country would actually take its name—is a city full of bustle, history, and a population that is generally very friendly towards tourists. This combination, along with Marrakesh’s excellent location, makes it a stop that every traveler should make during their time in Morocco.

The voices of vendors bargaining with buyers fill the air with a buzz...

Marrakesh is located in the southwestern part of Morocco, in the foothills that lead up to the High Atlas Mountains, and two hours away from the famous city of Casablanca. The city is not only the logical starting point for a trek into the famed Atlas Mountains, but the city itself is a popular destination because of its markets and many wares to offer tourists. Marrakesh is home to the second largest souk in all of Morocco, and its main city square is considered one of the busiest in the entire continent of Africa.

Marrakesh’s souk may be the finest example of the type of market place many foreign travelers seek out. The voices of vendors bargaining with buyers fill the air with a buzz, as bargaining is not only seen as a way of life for vendors in Marrakesh, but also as an enjoyable experience that applies to virtually every good that is for sale. While in some cultures the bargaining is fast and furious, with the vendor yelling one price and the customer another, often times bargaining in Marrakesh, and in much of Morocco in general, is enjoyed as a steady, unrushed way of interacting towards an ideal resolution that makes both the buyer and the seller happy with the arrangement.

The art of bartering is one you may want to figure out in a hurry since so much of the market culture in Marrakesh will deal just with that. A traveler can find all types of crafts in the city of Marrakesh. From high quality leather goods, particularly made of camel leather, to beautiful items made of local fabrics such as scarves or table clothes, which come in a variety of stunning colors. There are still copper craftsmen, as well as jewelers, and, of course, the famous Moroccan carpets. There are plenty of items available for the more adventurous travelers who may have a mind to go hiking or backpacking through the nearby High Atlas Mountains. At night, the Jmaa el Fna square will be crowded with both tourists and locals who come to hear storytellers and musicians, watch acrobats perform, and see outdoor vendors come out with fresh meat and other foods. This is the living image of old culture meeting modern times, of the sights, sounds, and images that truly gives travel its meaning.