Things To Do
in Souq Sebt Says

Souq Sebt Says is a traditional weekly Saturday market (souq sebt) held in a small town in inland Morocco where farmers, artisans and traders gather to sell produce, livestock and handmade goods. The market is lively and colorful, offering a strong sense of rural Moroccan life, local Amazigh (Berber) traditions and seasonal agricultural produce. Visitors find narrow lanes of stalls, bargaining, and food vendors serving simple regional dishes, set against a backdrop of olive groves and low hills.

The location is best for travelers seeking authentic market culture, close encounters with local people, and a slower, rural pace rather than polished tourist infrastructure.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore the Market
morning
:

Start your journey by diving into the vibrant atmosphere of Souq Sebt Says, where the air is filled with the aromas of spices and fresh produce. Wander through the bustling stalls, engaging with local vendors and discovering unique handicrafts. Allow yourself to savor the rich culture and tradition that shapes this market as you explore its myriad of offerings.

afternoon
:

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding area to experience the traditional Moroccan architecture and stunning landscapes. Visit nearby historical sites to learn more about the region's significance and its impact on Moroccan heritage. Engage with locals and perhaps join a workshop to understand the art of traditional crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy café where you can relax with a traditional Moroccan mint tea and watch the world go by. The ambiance transforms into a magical evening with the sounds of laughter and conversation filling the air. Enjoy the moment as you reflect on the day’s adventures, planning for the experiences still to come.

day 2
Culinary Discoveries
morning
:

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast of local pastries and freshly brewed coffee at a nearby café. Take a culinary tour to learn about the ingredients that make Moroccan cuisine so unique, and visit local farms for a farm-to-table experience. Engage with chefs who are eager to share their secrets and love for their culinary traditions.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, partake in a cooking class where you'll prepare classic dishes like tagine and couscous under the guidance of a master chef. As you cook, you'll learn about the cultural significance of each ingredient and dish. Enjoy the fruits of your labor together with fellow participants in a communal meal, enhancing friendships over good food.

evening
:

As night falls, venture to a local restaurant for a traditional Moroccan feast. Enjoy live music and dance while you savor a medley of flavors, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the region. Allow yourself to be immersed in the festive atmosphere, creating memories that are as flavorful as the cuisine.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
Coffee or mint tea$0.50-2
🛏️Mid-range hotel / guesthouse (per night)$25-60
🚕Short taxi or grand taxi ride$1-8
🥖Market produce (per kg / typical items)$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic, lively rural market experience with strong local culture
  • Excellent opportunities for photography and meeting artisans
  • Fresh seasonal produce and traditional home-cooked food
  • Lower cost travel and immersive cultural interactions
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
  • Basic accommodation and healthcare options nearby
  • Rural roads can be rough and public transport infrequent
  • Market days can be crowded and bargaining required
  • "Salam Alaikum" - Peace be upon you (hello)
  • "Shukran" - Thank you
  • "Bslama" - Goodbye / go in peace
  • "Besh-hal?" - How much?
  • "Lahmam?" - Is there meat?
  • "La shukran, bila l-lahm" - No thank you, without meat

Places to Visit in Souq Sebt Says

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Lanes

The narrow alleys of the Saturday souq are filled with colorful produce, textiles and activity — ideal for candid portraits, spice piles and atmospheric street scenes in the morning light.

Livestock Pens

Areas where goats, sheep and cattle are traded provide striking rural images of animal-herding traditions and animated bargaining scenes.

Olive Groves and Hills

Surrounding landscapes with terraced fields and olive trees offer wide, pastoral vistas at sunrise and sunset for golden-hour photography.

Local Workshops

Pottery, weaving and leather workshops are great for close-up shots of hands, tools and craft textures — always ask permission first.

Tea and Café Corners

Small café terraces and tea-serving spots capture everyday social life with locals relaxing over mint tea and conversation.

Culinary Guide

Food in Souq Sebt Says

Cuisine around Souq Sebt Says follows rural Moroccan traditions: hearty stews, seasonal vegetables, freshly baked breads and strong mint tea. Dishes are simple and ingredient-focused, often using olive oil, preserved lemons, pulses and local herbs. The souq is the best place to sample fresh produce, street snacks and home-cooked meals served by family-run stands.

Souq Sebt Says Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Tagine

Slow-cooked stew made with lamb, chicken or vegetables often flavored with preserved lemon, olives, saffron and local spices. Found in family-run eateries and at market stalls prepared to order.

Must-Try!

Couscous

Steamed semolina served with a stew of vegetables and meat (usually on Fridays in some regions, but available locally); hearty and communal — ask for seasonal vegetable variants at local restaurants.

Harira

A warming tomato-and-lentil soup spiced with coriander and cinnamon, often served as a starter or during gatherings; available from vendors and home kitchens around the market.

Msemen and Baghrir

Flatbreads and semolina pancakes sold by street vendors for breakfast or snacks — enjoy with honey, olive oil or cheese.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Souq Sebt (Saturday Market)

The heart of local food commerce: stalls selling seasonal fruit, vegetables, olives, dried fruits, spices and local cheeses. Street vendors sell grilled skewers, flatbreads and hot tea; try a simple tajine or freshly pressed olive oil samples if offered.

Local Produce Alleys

Smaller market lanes where you can buy nuts, argan oil, preserved lemons and home-preserved olives — ideal for tasting and small purchases.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is Mediterranean-continental: hot, dry summers and cool, wetter winters. Rainfall is concentrated in autumn and winter months (roughly November to March), while spring and autumn are mild and pleasant. Nights can be cool year-round in inland and higher-elevation areas, so layering is recommended.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings matter: say 'Salam Alaikum' (peace be upon you) and respond with warmth. A handshake is common for men; some women prefer to avoid handshakes with men — follow their lead.

Dress

Dress modestly out of respect for local customs: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women; loose, breathable clothing is ideal.

Photography

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and elders. A small gift or showing the photo afterwards is often appreciated.

Bargaining

Haggling is expected in markets — be friendly, start lower than your intended price and expect a back-and-forth. Avoid aggressive bargaining and keep it sociable.

Right Hand

Use your right hand for eating, giving and receiving items when possible; the left hand is traditionally considered less clean.

Safety Guide

Safety

Souq Sebt Says is generally safe for visitors, but standard precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded market areas, keep valuables secure and avoid showing large amounts of cash. Rural roads may be narrow and lack lighting — drive cautiously, especially after dark. Respect local customs to avoid misunderstandings, and carry emergency contact information and travel insurance. Women traveling alone should be prepared for attention and dress conservatively to minimize unwanted remarks.

Tipping in Souq Sebt Says

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but modest; round up bills at cafés, leave small change (10-20 MAD / a dollar or two) for guides and drivers, and tip porters a small amount per bag. Service is not always included in smaller local establishments.

Payment Methods

Cash (Moroccan dirham, MAD) is king in rural markets; bring enough small notes and coins for purchases. ATMs may be in the nearest larger town — credit cards are accepted at some riads and restaurants but not at most stalls. Carry a mix of payment options and notify your bank before travel.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

One of the best times to visit: pleasant temperatures, blooming wildflowers and active markets full of fresh produce. Good for hiking and photography as landscapes are green and lively.

Summer

Days can be hot, especially inland — mornings are the best time for the market and outdoor activities. Expect fewer tourists in very rural areas, but bring sun protection and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Harvest season brings a rich variety of fruits, olives and vegetables to the market; temperatures moderate and evenings become cooler, ideal for cultural experiences and food-focused visits.

Winter

Cooler and sometimes rainy; higher elevations may be cold. Markets still operate but with seasonal offerings — pack layers and be prepared for muddy rural roads after rain.

Nightlife Guide

Souq Sebt Says at Night

Nightlife in and around Souq Sebt Says is low-key and community-focused: small cafés, tea houses and occasional live music or traditional gatherings in the evenings. There are no large clubs; larger nearby towns offer more nightlife options including bars and music venues. Evening social life often centers on family meals, communal events and cultural performances on special occasions.

Hiking in Souq Sebt Says

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Olive Grove Trails

Gentle walks through terraced groves and small orchards offering easy hiking, photography opportunities and insights into traditional olive cultivation.

Low Hill Ridge Route

A moderate loop across nearby low hills providing panoramic views of the market town, surrounding farmland and seasonal crops; best at sunrise or sunset.

Valley and Stream Walk

A scenic valley walk following a seasonal stream with pockets of vegetation and birdlife — particularly pleasant in spring after rains when the landscape is green.

Village-to-Village Pathways

Connective trails between neighboring villages that showcase rural life, small hamlets and opportunities to stop at family-run farmhouses for tea and conversation.

Airports

How to reach Souq Sebt Says by plane.

Fes–Saïss Airport (FES)

A regional airport serving Fes and the surrounding area; commonly used gateway for central and northern Morocco with flights to major European cities and domestic connections. From here, travelers typically take a bus, grand taxi or rental car to reach rural markets.

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Major international airport with many connections; suitable if combining a visit to the souq with time in Marrakech and the High Atlas. Ground travel times can vary, so plan transfers in advance.

Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)

The largest international airport in Morocco and a hub for long-haul flights. Useful if you are starting or ending a longer Moroccan itinerary and connecting by road or rail to reach the market region.

Getting Around

Walkability

The central market area is highly walkable on foot with narrow lanes and pedestrian traffic, but surrounding areas and villages require a vehicle or taxi for comfortable travel. Expect uneven surfaces, packed-earth lanes and occasional steps — wear sturdy shoes for exploring the souq and nearby paths.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Amazigh (Berber) Communities

Local Amazigh-speaking populations form a significant part of the community, preserving language, crafts and agricultural practices in the region.

Arab Moroccan Families

Arab Moroccan families engaged in trade, farming and services also live and work in the area; social life combines Arab and Amazigh cultural elements.

Traders and Seasonal Vendors

Market vendors and itinerant traders who come specifically for the souq day, selling livestock, textiles and produce — a dynamic, mobile demographic.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Morocco — local youth often play informal matches in fields and streets, and national football culture is strong.

Equestrian Traditions (Fantasia)

Traditional horse-riding displays and festivals (fantasia) are part of rural cultural life in some regions and can be seen at special events or celebrations.

Traditional Games

Local communities maintain traditional games and sports tied to seasonal festivals and social gatherings, often involving simple competitions and displays of skill.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the market town itself is light but streets can be congested on market days with pedestrians, pack animals and vendors. Regional roads may be narrow and winding; drivers use a mix of private cars, buses and shared 'grand taxis' for intercity travel. Public transportation to very rural spots is limited — renting a car or hiring a local driver provides the most flexibility.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Souq Sebt Says.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are generally available: vegetable tajines, couscous with vegetables, salads and breads. Explain preferences clearly — use the word 'bila l-lahm' (without meat) or point to vegetables. Shared kitchens may use meat broths, so ask vendors if dishes are meat-free.

Vegan

Vegan choices exist but are more limited; focus on vegetable stews, salads, olives, fresh fruit and breads. Confirm use of butter or eggs in breads and pastries before ordering.

Gluten-Free

Staples like couscous and many breads contain gluten; consider rice-based dishes, salads and grilled meats. Cross-contamination is common in local kitchens, so notify cooks and bring snacks if you require strict avoidance.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services and small clinics may be available in the nearest town, but advanced medical facilities and hospitals are located in larger nearby cities. Bring necessary medications, a small first-aid kit and arrange travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if you plan remote activities. Pharmacies in regional centers can supply common medicines.

Discover Morocco

Read more in our Morocco 2025 Travel Guide.

Morocco Travel Guide