Souk El Had Agadir: opening hours, days, what to see and tips
In short: Souk El Had in Agadir is closed on Mondays; the hours found run Tuesday to Saturday roughly 08:00-20:00, with a shorter Sunday per one source (until 14:00), but sources disagree, so check on the spot. Entry is free and prices are negotiable. It is in town, reachable by petit taxi from the seafront. Souk El Had ("the Sunday market") is Agadir's big traditional market, often described as one of the largest in Morocco. Its covered alleys gather spices, argan oil, pottery, babouches, carpets, fruit and vegetables, hardware and clothes. It is where locals do their shopping, calmer and less touristy than the souks of Marrakech: prices are often closer to what residents pay, but haggling remains the rule.
Highlights
The main entrance
A large plain gate opens onto the market. Note it from the street: inside is a maze of alleys numbered by sector, and it is easy to get lost. Take a photo of the gate you came in by.
The inner gates
Several gates, such as Bab Demnate, open onto different sectors of the market. They serve as landmarks for finding your way.
Spices, argan and local products
Stalls of spices, argan oil, amlou, black soap and herbs make the best souvenir buys. Compare two or three shops before buying: advertised prices vary a lot, and a product labelled "organic" or "cooperative" cannot always be verified. For argan, ask to taste or smell.
Crafts, carpets and babouches
Pottery, leather poufs, babouches and Berber carpets are found in the craft section. For a carpet, allow time to negotiate; start very low and be ready to walk away.
Practical info
Tips
- Come in the morning, when stalls are fresh and it is cooler. Keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket. Bring small dirham change. Haggle with a smile: a first offer around half the asking price is customary. Politely decline offers from an improvised "guide". The market is closed on Mondays and on some religious holidays, including Eid.
How to get there
In the city of Agadir, about fifteen minutes from the seafront by taxi. By petit taxi: ask for "Souk El Had" and insist on the meter. To combine with a wider outing, see Agadir: the complete guide and where to stay in Agadir. For a day out, an excursion to Taroudant is another market idea.
Opening hours
Nearby
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