Petit Socco and Medina Souks

The Petit Socco, or Souk Dakhel, is the small square at the heart of the medina, historically a crossroads for sailors, writers and smugglers and now ringed with cafes such as Cafe Central. Souks fan out from it: narrow lanes of leather and babouche sellers, textile and blanket shops, lanterns, ceramics, spices and everyday clothing. The medina is smaller and calmer than Fes or Marrakech, so the pressure from touts is lower, but shops on the square itself charge tourist prices and side streets give better value. Babouche slippers cost MAD 60-150 (~$6.40-16), woven blankets MAD 150-500 (~$16-53) and brass lanterns from MAD 100 (~$11). Quality varies, so check stitching, leather smell and weight, and ask where an item was made. Bargaining starts at about 60 to 70 percent of the first price. Cash dirhams are standard, although larger shops accept cards. Visitors usually combine the souks with the Kasbah and the Rue es-Siaghine on one half-day walk.