Souk Kimakhin (Musical Instruments) Marrakesh
Discover handmade ouds, percussion, and string instruments in Marrakesh's vibrant musical souk. A must for music lovers!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Souk Kimakhin (Musical Instruments) Marrakesh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed browsing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover handmade ouds, percussion, and string instruments in Marrakesh's vibrant musical souk. A must for music lovers!
"Fascinating place - mainly strings and percussion, but with a few wind instruments."
🎯 Verify Instrument Quality
Don't hesitate to ask to try instruments and ensure they are tuned and in good playing condition.
💰 Be Prepared to Haggle
Negotiate prices respectfully, but be aware some sellers may be firm on their pricing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Handmade Ouds
Various shops within Souk Kimakhin
Discover intricately crafted ouds, the heart of Arabic music. Many are handmade and offer a unique sound.
Traditional Percussion
Souk Kimakhin stalls
Explore a vibrant array of drums and other percussion instruments, perfect for adding rhythm to your life.
Unique String Instruments
Specialty instrument shops
Beyond ouds, find other fascinating stringed instruments, some unique to Moroccan culture.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Souk Kimakhin
Authenticity and Haggling
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Verify Instrument Quality
Don't hesitate to ask to try instruments and ensure they are tuned and in good playing condition.
💰 Be Prepared to Haggle
Negotiate prices respectfully, but be aware some sellers may be firm on their pricing.
🧐 Look Beyond the Main Souk
For higher-quality instruments, explore smaller shops surrounding the main souk area.
🎶 For the Music Lover
This is a must-visit for anyone passionate about handmade musical instruments.
Musical Instrument Souk Info Please
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Verify Instrument Quality
Don't hesitate to ask to try instruments and ensure they are tuned and in good playing condition.
💰 Be Prepared to Haggle
Negotiate prices respectfully, but be aware some sellers may be firm on their pricing.
🧐 Look Beyond the Main Souk
For higher-quality instruments, explore smaller shops surrounding the main souk area.
🎶 For the Music Lover
This is a must-visit for anyone passionate about handmade musical instruments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Souk Kimakhin offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Moroccan musical instruments, with many visitors praising the handmade craftsmanship. However, some reviewers caution about the quality and playability of instruments, advising thorough inspection and noting that some shops may be more focused on aesthetics than sound. Haggling can be a part of the experience, though some sellers may be firm on prices.
"I checked this store before i go in order to take a look for a morrocan ud .. i visited it on June 2025 .The guy he was working over there he gave me a totally untuned ud to play-try , the instrument had no sign of the creator, the guy didn't know or didn't want to tune it for me and more or less he told me to leave. Unprofessional music store. Dont loose time over here if you want a quality instrument. Somebody buys a music instrument not because it looks pretty, he buys it because it sounds good. Your only job like a music store is to have them ready for play and try. Otherwise you are considering the customers idiots and you will never attract musicians. Marrakech finally doesn't have any tradition for quality ouds. Try Casablanca or Agadir. For sure don't try this store."
Pëtr Rob
"Fascinating place - mainly strings and percussion, but with a few wind instruments. Bought this after trying it and it's sister for a while, got plenty of spare reeds! I forgot to ask the name of the instrument - can you help me?"
Charles Gaskell
"If you are a music lover, you need yo stop at this shop and view their hand made Instruments.absolutely amazing."
Dino Michetti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Souk Kimakhin is located within the bustling medina of Marrakesh. The best way to reach it is by walking through the main souk areas, following signs for musical instruments. Taxis can drop you near the medina entrance, but you'll need to navigate the narrow alleyways on foot.
While the medina can be a labyrinth, look for signs indicating 'musical instruments' or 'Souk Kimakhin'. It's a specialized souk, so dedicated signage should guide you.
GPS can be unreliable within the dense medina. It's best to ask locals for directions or rely on visual cues and signs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to explore Souk Kimakhin. It's an open market, and you can wander through the stalls freely.
Souk Kimakhin generally follows the opening hours of the Marrakesh medina, typically open from morning until evening. However, individual shop hours can vary, so it's best to visit during daylight hours.
No advance booking is necessary for visiting Souk Kimakhin. It's a public market.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
You'll find a variety of traditional Moroccan and Arabic instruments, including ouds, violins, mandolins, banjos, and various percussion instruments like drums.
Quality can vary significantly. While some shops offer handmade, high-quality instruments, others may sell imitations or decorative pieces. It's crucial to inspect instruments carefully and ask questions.
Yes, you should absolutely ask to try playing the instruments. Ensure they are tuned and in good playing condition before making a purchase.
Haggling is a common practice in Moroccan souks, including Souk Kimakhin. Be prepared to negotiate prices respectfully.
While specific shop recommendations are scarce, travelers suggest looking for smaller, dedicated shops around the main souk for potentially higher-quality items.
📸 📸 Photography
It's generally acceptable to take photos of the instruments and the general market atmosphere. However, always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of shopkeepers or specific items if you're unsure.
Late afternoons offer beautiful, atmospheric lighting as the sun begins to set, creating a magical ambiance for your photos.
There are no official restrictions, but be mindful and respectful of the vendors and their merchandise. Avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🎶 Musicians and Collectors
Consider visiting Casablanca or Agadir if you're looking for a wider selection of Western instruments or if you find the Marrakesh market too focused on decorative pieces. However, for authentic ouds and traditional percussion, Souk Kimakhin remains a compelling destination.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Remember to be respectful when taking photos. While general shots of the souk are usually fine, always ask permission before photographing individuals up close. Capture the textures of the wood, the gleam of the metalwork, and the expressions of the artisans to tell a compelling visual story.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Instrument Selection
When evaluating an instrument, particularly an oud, pay close attention to its construction and sound. Don't hesitate to ask the vendor to play it for you, or if you're musically inclined, try playing it yourself. Ensure it's properly tuned and produces a clear, resonant tone. Some travelers have reported encountering untuned instruments or unhelpful staff, so a bit of due diligence is key to finding a gem.
Remember that prices for certain instruments, especially Western ones, might be comparable to or even higher than in Europe or North America. However, traditional instruments like the oud can sometimes be found at competitive prices, making the search worthwhile for collectors and musicians alike.
Navigating the Souk and Haggling Culture
Haggling is an integral part of the shopping experience in Moroccan souks. When you find an instrument you're interested in, don't be afraid to negotiate the price. Start with a lower offer than you're willing to pay and work towards a price that feels fair to both you and the vendor. While some sellers may be reluctant to negotiate heavily, a polite and friendly approach usually yields results.
Be aware that some visitors have noted that sellers can be reluctant to negotiate, so patience and a good sense of humor are valuable assets. Remember that the goal is to find a beautiful instrument at a price you're happy with, while also respecting the vendor's livelihood.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit