Souk Semmarine
The backbone of the souks: the great covered alley that links Jemaa el-Fna to Ben Youssef. More touristy and pricier than the trade alleys that branch off, but this is how you enter, and the light falling through the reed screens is worth the look. The real tip is to follow it and then turn into the specialist souks on either side.
History & context
Souk Semmarine is the backbone of the Marrakech souks: a great covered alley that starts at Jemaa el-Fna and runs north, towards Place Rahba Kedima, Souk el-Attarine and, further on, Ben Youssef. Overhead, the reed screens drop a distinctive striped light.
It is the busiest axis, and the most touristy: fabrics, babouches, lanterns, jewellery and souvenirs line up along it, at higher prices than in the trade alleys. The alley continues under the name of Souk el-Kebir.
The reflex to take: follow Semmarine to find your bearing, then head into the specialist souks on either side, where you find more workshops and where bargaining is easier.
The artery you come in by, and the thread you follow to keep from getting lost.
What to see - the highlights
The covered alley
The main artery and its striped light through the reed screens: fabrics, babouches, lanterns and jewellery follow on from each other.
The trade souks
On either side, the specialist alleys - dyers, coppersmiths, babouche makers, blacksmiths - where prices drop and the interest rises.
The bearing point
Semmarine links Jemaa el-Fna to Place Rahba Kedima and to Ben Youssef: the axis from which you explore everything else.
When to go
Shops open, alley still walkable before the crowd.
Dense crowd in the main alley at peak hours.
Covered alley, in shade even in summer.
Visitor tips
Around 10am or late afternoon, outside crowd hours.
Buying at the first stall: prices on the artery are the highest.
- Follow the alley, then turn into the trade souks: that is where prices drop and it gets more interesting.
- Bargain every time: the opening price is often two or three times the real one.
- Keep your bearing. Semmarine is the axis. As long as you find it again, you are not lost.
Location & access
You enter from Jemaa el-Fna, through the souk arch. The alley runs north, towards Place Rahba Kedima and Ben Youssef. On foot only.
