Indicative prices and durations reported by guides and travellers; confirm at departure.

Why visit a rural souk

These markets show a different side of Morocco from the medina souks. Mountain farmers sell their produce there and buy what they cannot find in the village. Prices are often lower than in Marrakech, but this is not the place for souvenirs: people come mainly for the atmosphere.

Asni, on Saturday

Asni is the town at the gateway to the High Atlas, on the road to Imlil. The Saturday souk draws people from nearby villages. Shared taxis to Asni fill up fast that day, so leave early. Combine the visit with Imlil and a hike: see Imlil and Toubkal and the guide to the High Atlas from Marrakech.

Amizmiz, on Tuesday

Amizmiz is about 55 km south of Marrakech. Its Tuesday souk is well known in the region: farm produce, livestock, carpets, kilims and everyday goods. The town was affected by the 2023 earthquake; find out about the state of the road and the neighbourhoods before you go. For a nearby lake, see the Lalla Takerkoust outing in the High Atlas guide.

How to get there

  • Shared taxi (grand taxi): departures are from the station near Bab er-Robb, south-west of the medina, about 3 km from the gate; take a petit taxi to reach it. The grand taxi leaves when it has six passengers; you can also rent the whole car.
  • Driver or excursion: simpler if you want to combine market, village and lunch. Agree the price and route before leaving.
  • Return: taxis become scarce in the late afternoon; plan to be back before 4 pm or hire a driver for the day.

Behaviour and safety

  • Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Ask before photographing a person or a stall; some refuse or ask for a few dirhams.
  • Prices are not displayed and are bargained calmly. Carpet sellers remain pricier than local vegetable stalls.
  • Keep cash in small notes; there is no reliable ATM everywhere.
  • Avoid very hot days; the markets are held outdoors.

What to bring back

Spices, olive and argan oil, honey, walnuts, simple pottery, woven wool. Crafts are cheaper but less refined than those in the medina's shops. To choose and carry your purchases, see what to bring back from Marrakech and the list of Marrakech markets.

Which day to choose

  • Saturday: Asni, with a break in Imlil or lunch in the valley.
  • Tuesday: Amizmiz, for a rural market with fewer visitors.
  • Ourika Valley: for waterfalls rather than a souk, see the Ourika Valley excursion.