Souk Semmarine: the main artery of the Marrakech souks

Updated on October 8, 2026

Souk Semmarine is the covered lane that starts on the north side of Jemaa el-Fna square and opens the Marrakech souks. Wide and shaded by reed screens, it is the backbone of the whole network: the other souks branch off it, and it is easy to find your bearings here. Its name comes from the "semmarine", the cloth and clothing merchants, and today it sells mostly textiles, kaftans, babouches, leather poufs, pottery and souvenirs. It is the busiest and most touristy part of the medina: ideal for a first taste, less so for demanding craft purchases.

Highlights

A landmark lane for the whole medina

From the square, the lane climbs north under cover. Halfway along it splits: the Rahba Kedima (spice square) leads off one side, souk Attarine the other, and further on the lanes of the ironworkers and the dyers. If in doubt, come back to Semmarine: walking south brings you back to the square.

Textiles, babouches and poufs

The first shops mostly sell fabric, clothes, babouches and leather poufs. Prices are not displayed: compare several shops before making an offer. For specialist trades, carry on to the dyers' souk or souk Haddadine, which are more authentic.

Practical info

Tips

Pedestrians share the lane with bicycles, mopeds and carts: keep to the right and stay alert. The first metres from the square are the most expensive and the pushiest; prices drop a little as you go deeper into the souks. A smiling "no thank you" is enough to decline, and an offered tea commits you to nothing. Politely refuse any young man who offers to guide you or says a street is closed: it is a known scam, described in our scams to avoid in Marrakech. Keep your phone and wallet in a closed pocket. For the specialities of each souk and the rules of bargaining, see our Marrakech souks and what to bring back from Marrakech.

How to get there

North side of Jemaa el-Fna square, Marrakech medina. On foot: the souk entrance is a few steps from the square, opposite the Koutoubia; follow the covered lane north. Taxi: no cars enter the souks; get dropped at Jemaa el-Fna, then walk. See also our medina guide.