Marrakesh Feature

If you tire of the haggling in the souk but still want to pick up a bargain, try visiting a fondouk. These were originally storehouses, workshops, and inns frequented by merchants and artisans on their journeys across the Sahara (known as caravanserai in the Middle East), and are still in use today. Some of them are used as overnight dormitories, particularly by Berber merchants bringing carpets and other goods from surrounding villages; others are staffed by artisans at work on goods destined for the market. They're easily recognized by courtyards full of junk, usually with galleries on upper levels. Fondouks always keep their doors open, so feel free to look around. Because you deal with the artisans directly, there's less of a markup on prices. There are a couple of fondouks on the Dar el Bacha as you head towards the souk, and on Rue Bab Taghzout by the fountain known as Shrob ou Shouf ("Drink and Look").