The souks of Morocco are a feast for the senses and the perfect place to pick up a souvenir of your trip. This guide tells you what to buy, where, and how to haggle with a smile.
What to buy
- Berber rugs: each region has its own styles and colors. Ask whether they are natural wool and handmade.
- Leather goods: bags, belts and the famous babouche slippers. Fez is the leather capital.
- Ceramics: painted plates and tagines from Fez and Safi, or the green pottery of Tamegroute.
- Lamps and lanterns: pierced brass or colored glass, beautiful in any home.
- Spices: cumin, ras el hanout, saffron and cinnamon. Buy them whole or freshly ground.
- Argan oil: culinary or cosmetic. Buy it from women’s cooperatives rather than street stalls.
- Rose products: rose water and creams from the Valley of Roses.
- Thuya wood: handcrafted boxes and objects from Essaouira.
How to haggle
- Haggling is part of the culture and is done with good humor.
- Ask the price calmly and offer a much lower amount; the final price usually ends up somewhere in the middle.
- If you are not convinced, say goodbye politely: often they will call you back with a better price.
- Always pay in dirhams and carry small notes.
Tips
- Don’t feel obliged to buy just because you accepted a tea in a shop.
- If you buy something large, such as a rug, ask about shipping it home.
- A local guide can take you to trusted workshops and cooperatives.
Recommended trips
- Tours from Marrakech
- Tours from Fez
- Day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech
- 10-day tour from Fez to Marrakech
Travel with Vamos a Marrakech
Our local guides will accompany you through the souks of Marrakech and Fez. Write to us and we will plan a tailor-made trip for you.