R'cif Market

R'cif Market is a food market in the lower part of Fès el-Bali, the old medina of Fès in Morocco's Fès-Meknès region, centred on the Bab R'cif area along Boulevard Ahmed Ben Mohamed. Unlike the craft souks higher up the medina, it is a working neighbourhood market where residents buy fresh produce, olives, meat and street snacks. Stalls sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, piles of olives and preserved lemons, spices, bread and herbs, and a camel butcher is one of the sights of the market. This sets it apart from generic shopping, because almost nothing is aimed at tourists and most goods are priced for local households. Vendors are mainly local traders, so the ratio of authentic goods is very high, and there are few trinkets. Bargaining is mild and mostly applies to larger purchases, while small items are bought at stated per-kilo prices. Payment is in Moroccan dirhams cash only in practice, and tax refunds do not apply. Morning is the busiest time, with crowds, deliveries and bargaining at full pace, and visitors are advised to arrive before 10am for the best selection. The atmosphere is noisy and crowded, with carts, motorbikes and porters passing through. Street snacks and small stalls selling bread, fried foods and mint tea give a chance to eat on site. The must-visit corners include the olive stalls, the spice and herb vendors, and the camel butcher, which is clearly marked by a camel head displayed outside. Visitors should keep valuables secure in the crowd and ask before photographing stallholders.