Usual hours by type of shop
- Medina souks: generally from about 9am to 7pm or 8pm, every day, Sundays included. Many shops open later in the morning in winter and stay open late in summer. No hours are posted: each trader decides. Details on souk Semmarine and in our Marrakech souks.
- Ensemble artisanal: fixed-price shops on avenue Mohammed V; see the Ensemble artisanal page for hours.
- Guéliz shops: usually from 9:30 or 10am to about 8pm, with a midday break for some small traders.
- Shopping malls: open every day, generally 10am to 10pm (sometimes later at weekends); see for example the Menara Mall.
- Supermarkets: open every day, from about 9am to 9 or 10pm.
- Banks and administrations: closed on Saturday and Sunday. To change money at a weekend, see our guide to money and tipping in Marrakech.
Sundays
Unlike many European countries, Sunday is not a closing day in Marrakech: souks, shops, restaurants and malls are open. Only banks, administrations and some small workshops are closed. The official weekend is Saturday and Sunday, but trade does not stop.
Fridays
Friday is the day of the main midday prayer. From about noon to 2:30pm, some traders in the souks and in local neighbourhoods pull down the shutters or open late; some stay closed all afternoon. Department stores, malls and Guéliz boutiques work normally. Plan souk shopping for the morning or late afternoon, and keep midday for a break or lunch.
Public holidays
Civil and religious holidays set closures. Official 2026 dates include the Unity Day on 31 October (created in 2025), the Green March on 6 November and Independence Day on 18 November; the Throne Day falls on 30 July, and religious holidays follow the lunar calendar, confirmed a few days ahead by the authorities. On a public holiday, banks and administrations close; the souks partly close on the day of Eid al-Adha and the day after. For the feast of the sacrifice and its consequences, see our guide to Marrakech during Eid. Malls usually open, sometimes with shorter hours.
During Ramadan
During the month of Ramadan, hours shift: many shops open later in the morning, close at the breaking of the fast (at sunset) and reopen in the evening until late. Cafés and restaurants often open their terraces after sunset. Our guide to Ramadan in Marrakech details the changes. Alcohol shops follow their own rules, described in alcohol in Marrakech.
Sales
Morocco has a consumer protection law (31-08) that provides a framework for sales, but according to the Moroccan press its provisions on sales are not applied for lack of an implementing decree: there is no national official sales period as in France. In practice, big chains and malls announce promotions around January and in summer, and small shops display "sales" all year round.
- In the souks, there are no sales: prices are negotiable in every season.
- In malls, promotions are announced on the spot; compare the crossed-out price with the earlier one.
- On starting prices: a promotion is only a good deal if the original price was real. Compare with other shops before buying.
Tips for organising your shopping
- Morning is the best time in the souks: quieter lanes and craftsmen at work.
- Keep the end of the day for Guéliz boutiques and malls.
- Bring cash in dirhams for the souks; bank cards are accepted mainly in big chains.
- To know what to buy and at what price, read what to bring back from Marrakech.
