Where do locals buy spices in Marrakech instead of the souks?

Locals in Marrakech generally buy spices from ordinary neighbourhood grocers and the food markets away from the tourist souks — places like the market areas around Bab Doukkala or in the newer Gueliz district — where prices are fixed and far lower. The photogenic spice pyramids in the main souk are aimed at visitors and priced accordingly.

A regular local spice merchant (attar) or a grocery will sell you cumin, ras el hanout, saffron and the rest by weight at everyday rates, without the tourist markup or the hard sell. You won’t get the theatre, but you’ll get honest quality and price.

If you prefer the atmosphere of the souk, that’s fine — just haggle and buy modest amounts. For real value, though, follow where Moroccan cooks shop, or ask your riad which nearby grocer they use.