Casablanca, economic capital and mosaic of cultures, has revealed another facet of its identity through its markets. Places of life before being places of commerce, they will offer you a plunge into the local flavors, crafts and daily life of the city. From the historic heart of the city to the souks of solidarity, here’s our selection of the 6 best markets, followed by other addresses to explore if you have more time. Always with our useful tips in pictures!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Casablanca’s best markets: tips
In Casablanca, we believe the markets are a must for experiencing the local charm of the destination.
But there’s much more to see in this city and its surroundings: see our guide. The markets are also among the things to do!
If you only need to do 3, we recommend it:
- Marché Central – Casablanca’s most famous market, designed by architect Pierre Bousquet in the early 20th century.
- Marché du Maârif – the cosmopolitan embodiment of Casablanca’s fascinating duality between tradition and modernity
- Marché des Habous – a blend of Moroccan traditions and colonial influences away from the hustle and bustle of the city
1. Marché Central – The historic heart
Why visit? Our review
In our opinion, this 1919 architectural gem is much more than just a market – it’s a Casablanca institution! Imagine elegant Moorish arcades housing a symphony of colors and smells: freshly caught fish glistening on ice, stalls overflowing with juicy fruit, colorful flowers and the scent of spices. The bustling atmosphere will instantly immerse you in authentic Moroccan daily life, far removed from the tourist circuits. Between 2 purchases, the terraces of the troquets invited us to observe this urban ballet while savoring a mint tea or a steaming tajine.
Don’t miss out:
- Its rotunda dedicated to seafood products
- Local painters exhibiting between the aisles
- Restaurant L’Étoile Centrale facing the market for authentic Moroccan cuisine
Useful tips
- Neighborhood: Sidi Belyout
- Tour duration: 1h to 3h if you have lunch on site
- Type of market: fish and fresh produce market in a historic building
- Difficulties and PRM access: wheelchair and stroller access, arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a choice, no toilets.
- Access: tramway line 1, Marché Central stop
- Parking: Parking on rue Chaouia, difficult to park in adjacent streets as they are often full.
- Interesting to see with children (local products, artists, on-site dining, cultural and historical interest).
- Full adult fare: free admission, payable products and catering on site
- Opening hours: open Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 6pm (except public holidays), open Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4:30pm and Friday from 8:30am to 3pm.
- Link to the official website here
- Let yourself be tempted by a culinary tour of the market with tastings and lunch!
Discover our article dedicated to Casablanca’s Central Market very soon.
WHERE TO STAY IN Casablanca
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Casablanca (coming soon)
2. Marché du Maârif – Le Contemporain
Why visit? Our review
The adorable Maârif market embodies that fascinating duality of Casablanca that we felt during our stay – a city where tradition and modernity constantly dance together. Nestled in the heart of a cosmopolitan neighborhood, this market offers a smooth transition for those wishing to learn about Moroccan souks without the sometimes intimidating bustle of older markets. The market’s more open-plan layout and mix of busy businessmen and women, curious expatriates and local families create a different atmosphere. After your shopping spree, take a break in one of the surrounding cafés to savor your purchases or observe the urban ballet of Casablanca. It’s the perfect way to gradually and comfortably immerse yourself in contemporary Moroccan culture. It’s the perfect getaway for travelers seeking to understand how the urban Maroc combines heritage and modernism on a daily basis.
Don’t miss out:
- A variety of local and seasonal food and cosmetic products
- Flower market moved to the intersection of Rue Normandie and Boulevard Bir Anzarane
- A truly accessible neighborhood
Useful tips
- Neighborhood: Maârif
- Tour duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Type of market: neighborhood food market, with a few artisanal food and cosmetics stalls
- Difficulties and PRM access: wheelchair and baby carriage access, arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a choice, beware of slippery tiled floor, no toilets.
- Access: no public transport in the immediate vicinity, plan to come on foot, by cab or by car.
- Parking: complicated, but possible in the surrounding alleyways (bring change for security guard), several pay parking lots within walking distance (Maârif market, Ben Omar Center, Twin Center).
- Interesting to see with children because of the variety of food and cosmetic products, and the friendly shopkeepers who sometimes offer them products to taste (fruit, sweets, etc.).
- Full adult price: free access, paying products on site
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Link to the official website here
3. Habous Market – L’Authentique
Why visit? Our review
Pushing open the doors of the Habous district, you’ll step back in time to a Maroc of yesteryear, preserved from the onslaught of modernity. Designed in the early 20th century, this district is a masterpiece of urban planning, subtly blending Moroccan traditions with colonial influences. Here, under finely carved arcades and in cobbled lanes, craftsmen and shopkeepers perpetuate ancestral know-how. You can even watch potters, calligraphers and blacksmiths at work! The scents of incense, tanned leather and honeyed pastries guide you through this labyrinth, where every turn reveals a new marvel: bookshops housing manuscripts and numerous works, hammered copper stalls, embroidery workshops… A haven of serenity in the heart of Casablanca’s frenzy. The food market, and in particular the large Habous olive market, can be found a little further down Rue Souk Jdid (formerly known as “Marché de Jemaâ”).
Don’t miss out:
- Craftsmen at work and their creations
- La Pâtisserie Bennis Habous
- Al-Mohammadi Mosque and Dar Al Ala Museum of Andalusian Music
Useful tips
- Neighborhood: Habous
- Tour duration: 1h to 2h, allow more time if you have lunch in the area
- Market type: craft and local products market, halfway between souk and craft center
- Difficulties and PRM access: wheelchair and stroller accessible depending on the area, arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds and have a choice, avoid Fridays, arrive around 10-10.30 a.m. on weekdays, no toilets.
- Access: tramway line T3 (Habous stop) or line T2 (Derb Sultan stop), about a 10-minute walk away, by official cab (red in Casablanca) or VTC.
- Parking: possible in the adjacent streets, particularly near the Casablanca Administrative Court or on the Murdoch Park side (bring change for the car guard or parking meter depending on location).
- Interesting to see with children: calm, clean medina atmosphere, Habous bookshops, traditional patisseries, observation of potters, metalworkers or calligraphers at work. However, a short visit (1h max.) is recommended for young children.
- Full adult price: free access, paying products on site
- Opening hours: food market from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. every day. For other shops, opening hours vary from day to day. Be particularly careful on Fridays, the day of prayer, when opening hours are restricted and punctuated by the call to prayer at midday (some shops close on Fridays and open on Sundays).
- Link to the official websitehere
Discover our article dedicated to the Habous district.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
4. Derb Ghallef market – The labyrinth
Why visit? Our review
Welcome to the Derb Ghallef district in the heart of Casablanca! Here, we’ve witnessed the metamorphosis of a traditional market into a technological temple. You’ll see that this is no mere souk, but a well-thought-out ecosystem where the latest electronics rub shoulders with the most ingenious repair techniques. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleyways between clever traders, thrift shops and antique dealers… Derb Ghallef is also a playground for bargaining enthusiasts, where the art of haggling has become a national sport. As part of the 2020-2030 plan, the area is currently being refurbished and its shops brought up to standard. The renovation project will also include an underground parking lot, a mosque, a public garden and an area reserved for artisans. The central food and farmers’ market is a 15-minute walk from the Derb Ghallef streetcar stop, just past the Benbrik traffic circle on Boulevard Bir Anzarane.
Useful tips
- Neighborhood: Derb Ghallef
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on the type of purchases planned
- Market type: flea market and popular bazaar, central farmers’ and food market
- Difficulties and PRM access: narrow streets, arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds, very difficult to get around in a wheelchair or baby carriage, wear good shoes and comfortable clothes, bring cash in dhs (MAD), no toilets.
- Access: tramway line T1 (Derb Ghallef)
- Parking: difficult but possible on the boulevards and adjacent lanes (bring change for car guards), open pay parking on the right in the extension of the boulevard after the food market.
- We don’t recommend going there with children, as it’s too busy and labyrinthine, and there are hundreds of shops.
- Full adult price: free access, paying products on site
- Opening hours: vary from shop to shop, but avoid Fridays, which are marked by prayer times. The central food and farmers’ market is generally open every day from 9am to 6pm.
5. Marché solidaire de l’Oasis – L’Engagement Féminin
Why visit? Our review
Imagine a place where every purchase tells a story and can transform lives. We liked the Marché Solidaire de l’Oasis because it represents an innovative and committed facet of contemporary Maroc. This project brings together under one roof the treasures created by hundreds of women artisans from the 4 corners of the country, members of local cooperatives or economic interest groups. The place spoke to us because each display is a window onto the Moroccan terroir – from the Rif mountains to the far reaches of the Sahara. Here, you’ll see that the social and solidarity economy is not just a concept, but a tangible reality where transparency and fairness are the watchwords. As we wandered through the harmoniously laid-out aisles, perfumed with the scent of spices, we took a trip to Maroc rural. Handmade slippers, woven garments, leather accessories, cedar wood objects, honeys, spices, seeds, medicinal plants, wrought-iron furniture, argan oil, olive oil, copper lamps and silver platters… Another way of contributing directly to the empowerment of women and the preservation of craft techniques, some of which are thousands of years old! Ethical and aesthetic shopping that makes sense.
Don’t miss out:
- Argan oil (from the thousand-year-old argan tree, endemic only to Maroc), weaving, pottery, natural cosmetics
- Over 5,000 products at producer prices
- A showcase for the social economy
Useful tips
- Neighborhood: Oasis
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interests
- Type of market: fair trade market
- Difficulties and PRM access: photography not permitted inside, fully PRM-accessible with slope, elevator, wide aisles, shopping cart to seat a child, no toilets.
- Access: tramway line T1 (Gare Oasis stop) then cross the tunnel under the station
- Parking: possible in the adjacent lanes or pay parking lot at Oasis Station, bring change for car guard or ticket machine
- Interesting to see with children to show them the diversity of handicraft practices and materials in the world of crafts. Maroc
- Full adult price: free access, paying products on site
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 10pm
- Link to the official website here
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
6. Marché du Stade – Popular atmosphere
Why visit? Our review
To capture the true soul of Casablanca, nothing beats an immersive experience far removed from tourist clichés! This popular underground market, which beats to the rhythm of the neighboring Complexe Mohammed V (stadium), is the pulse of the city. There’s no staged folklore here for foreign visitors, just the raw, real life of ordinary Casablancans. You’ll find that prices are set for locals, conversations flow in “darija” (Moroccan Arabic dialect), and the stalls overflow with fresh produce destined for the family dinner table. We felt that the atmosphere was transformed on soccer match days, when fans and vendors come together in a contagious effervescence, amidst the smells of grilled meats and chants of encouragement. Game days are very festive, but we recommend that you remain vigilant at such times.
Don’t miss out:
- Brochettes, juices, sandwiches on match days
- Low-priced displays of vegetables, meats and spices
- The contagious energy of fans on match days
Useful tips
- Neighborhood: Maârif
- Length of visit: 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interests
- Market type: food market
- PRM access and difficulties: fully PRL-accessible with slope to go up and down from basement, flat floor inside, wide aisles.
- Access: no public transport in the immediate vicinity, the nearest streetcar stop is Derb Ghallef, a 10-minute drive or 35-minute walk away.
- Parking: possible in the adjacent alleyways (except on match days when the area is blocked off and difficult to access by car), bring change for car guard or ticket machine
- No particular interest for children
- Full adult price: free access, paying products on site
- Opening hours: daily from 9am to 9pm
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Other markets in Casablanca
In this section, you’ll find other markets in Casablanca that we’d like to mention.
Médina market (avenue des FAR)
It’s a lively neighborhood market on the edge of the medina, within walking distance of the city center. Here, the offer is simple but authentic: fruit and vegetables, clothes, shoes, small everyday items… Prices are affordable, and the popular atmosphere gives a nice glimpse of everyday Casablanca.
Derb Sultan market
This huge neighborhood market is nestled in one of Casablanca’s oldest working-class areas. You’ll find absolutely everything here: electrical appliances, clothes, spices, household goods… in a dense, colorful and lively atmosphere.
CIL market
Here you’ll find a quieter, well-organized neighborhood market, popular with residents of the Oasis and CIL neighborhoods. The offer is geared towards fresh produce: tidy greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers and a few delicatessens.
Bouskoura weekly souk
Located some twenty kilometers from the town center, this large rural souk is usually held on Sundays. You’ll find fruit, vegetables, live animals, medicinal herbs, farming tools… in an atmosphere typical of the Moroccan countryside.
DISCOVER Casablanca
- What to do in Casablanca (coming soon)
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
Our advice for all markets
- Have change ready in dirhams (dhs – MAD), especially in popular markets.
- Always ask the price before you buy, and don’t hesitate to negotiate in non-food markets, but always with respect and moderation.
- We recommend that you don’t insist if you don’t like the price, as this may be perceived as a bad idea. We think it’s only fair to pay the price necessary to support local crafts and agriculture.
- Avoid the hottest hours (1pm-3pm), except for quiet periods.
- Keep your valuables close to your body, even if the markets are generally safe.
- Wear good walking shoes and comfortable clothes.
Frequently asked questions
Can we negotiate prices?
Yes, in non-food markets (handicrafts, clothes…), negotiation is commonplace, but always with respect and moderation. In food markets, on the other hand, prices are fixed but affordable.
What should I wear to visit the markets?
Dress conservatively and comfortably (avoid short or see-through clothing). This is not a religious place, but respectful dress is appreciated.
Is it secure?
Markets are generally safe during the day, especially the more touristy ones. As everywhere, be careful with your personal belongings and don’t take valuables with you. Avoid secluded alleyways if you’re on your own after dark.
DISCOVER Casablanca
- What to do in Casablanca (coming soon)
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
