The souks of the Marrakech medina are a maze on purpose — centuries of trade shaped these alleys, and getting a little lost is part of the experience. That said, a few basics make the first visit far less overwhelming.
Souks are traditionally organized by trade: you'll pass through the dyers' souk, the leather souk, the metalwork souk, and the spice souk in turn, each with its own smells, sounds, and specialties. Following the flow of one section at a time is easier than trying to see everything at once.
Bargaining is expected, not rude. A good starting point is offering around a third to half of the first price quoted, then meeting somewhere in the middle. Stay friendly — it's a conversation, not a confrontation, and most vendors enjoy the back-and-forth.
For genuinely local pieces, look for smaller stalls slightly off the main thoroughfares rather than the shops right at the entrances, which tend to cater more to quick tourist traffic. A guided walking tour on your first day is the easiest way to get oriented before exploring on your own.
