Shopping in Morocco is merely one more cultural pastime. Even if you are one of those people who hates afternoon shopping, you will realize that it is an additional chance to learn about the nation.
You will be completely enthralled by the souks’ vibrant colors, enticing scents, and gorgeous ambiance. One of its biggest draws is shopping because the nation is a haven for artisans. Would you like to discover what the absolute must-haves are? Or the must-visit souks? Learn how to bargain with our unique recommendations in our guide to “excellent, nice, and cheap” shopping in Morocco.
Even though it is now possible to buy anything from anywhere in the world thanks to department stores, Morocco has a great attraction and a great advantage in that it has a rich local craftsmanship with picturesque and richly decorated items, which we are not used to seeing in our home countries or at least at the same price. Shopping is one of the greatest attractions of Morocco.
Morocco can boast of a wide selection of magnificent handicrafts, unusual and unique pieces, the persuasive force of Moroccan merchants, negotiating and the charm of spices, as well as the rich colors of the gorgeous pieces, making it impossible not to succumb to the temptation to buy. Morocco has many skilled artisans. Don’t forget that handicrafts contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
There are many artisan cooperatives, and small shops and workshops where you can see the work and expertise of these artists are frequent.
The greatest attraction of a location is often found in its most basic or essential elements; you can get lost for hours in souks filled of artifacts, trinkets, antiquities, and various rubbish. There is no need to have money or go with the intention of purchasing something; simply walking and observing is an experience for the senses that should not be missed.
Leather is a popular material that is used to make leather goods. The leather is crafted by hand, primarily from goat or camel hide. Handbags, purses, and backpacks of various sizes, as well as jackets and slacks, are available. This material’s major characteristics are its quality and endurance. Choose the traditional babouches for a truly unique keepsake.
Carpets, another handicraft, are a treasure in the souks. It is impossible to visit Morocco without noticing the vibrant Berber garments. Berber kilims are magnificent hand-woven carpets found in Morocco. Sizes and materials can be as diverse as you like. The price will vary depending on their validity and the complexity of the design.
If at all possible, I recommend purchasing in small Berber settlements in the Atlas Mountains. They are typically manufactured by women during the winter, when working in the fields and earning a living from agriculture is impossible. You will be helping a family’s livelihood while also adding value to this art.
This is one of my favorite features. A necklace, a pair of earrings, or even a bracelet arrives on each visit. There are so many options for Arab and Berber jewelry that it can be tough to choose. Berber silver jewelry is once again recommended. The medina of Marrakech is ideal for this type of shopping, as it has a large number of stores. Once again, you must employ the skill of bargaining and consider the weight of the ornament you wish to purchase.
Morocco’s gold is argan oil. One of the best Moroccan purchases. It is a natural product derived from the crushing of the seeds of the Argan Spinosa tree, which grows primarily in the country’s southwest.
Argan oil cultivation and production have a very long tradition in Morocco, making it the best spot to obtain it. It is known for its potential in cosmetics, medicine, and cuisine. However, ensure that the product is of high quality and has been certified by AMIGHA – the Moroccan Association of Geographical Indication of Argan Oil. Essaouira is quickly becoming a popular destination for buyers.
Spices are an important aspect of Moroccan culture as well as food. High-value spices can be found in all medina, in elegant and colorful displays. You have to enjoy them because they are easy to travel and inexpensive.
Ras El Hanout, a blend of cardamom, nutmeg, star anise, saffron, pepper, and sometimes ginger, is the foundation of many traditional Moroccan meals and one of the mixes available for purchase.
Ceramics are a source of color in the souks. Plates, bowls, cups, and decorative pieces are just a few samples of what can be found.
You must wrap them carefully for shipment, lest we go home and discover that the piece we worked so hard for is shattered. Where should I shop? Fes’s medina, as it is well known for its pottery and decorations.
Another ancient Moroccan practice is the production of etched metals. Much of the work is done on decorative items, but it may also be seen on more functional items such as teapots, platters, and jewelry. The artifacts I’m referring to are hand etched and may be found in Fes’ medina. Bronze, silver, or copper can all be used.
When purchasing, ensure that the piece has been hand-engraved rather than machine-engraved. The former will always be more valuable, and you should keep an eye out for “pigs in a poke” deals.
A classic coat with a pointed hood. It can be embellished with embroidered or printed patterns. This clothing allows you to take highly colorful photographs in Morocco. And it may be the safest apparel to wear on Morocco’s streets at night. More than half of the locals dress in this style, making it simpler to pass for one of them.
Prices begin at $15. Richly adorned versions fashioned from premium fabrics that resemble evening gowns are significantly more expensive.
Bringing Aladdin’s lamp home? Yes, indeed. Especially since Aladdin “lived” in North Africa, somewhere between Tunisia and Morocco, according to scientists. Trays, classic teapots with long curled spouts, jugs, copper cups, lampshades… all inspired by Arabian legends. A teapot for two people costs $10.
Traditional ceramic cooking tools are a useful souvenir. Moroccan households and restaurateurs cook meat with nuts and veggies in a true ceramic tajine without colors. It keeps the flavor and aroma of the vegetables from fading and keeps moisture from evaporating. It also allows you to cook delicious, tender meat according to a Moroccan recipe. The older the tagine, the better the dish, according to the locals.
Tajines are available at marketplaces and retailers. New ones cost $5, while special ones cost over $1,000. Choose simple unpainted models if you intend to cook meat. The primary use of painted tajines is decorative.
Tourists can buy wine despite the country’s anti-alcohol legislation. The wine departments of the major supermarket chains have been relocated away from the main sales area. A wide variety of wines can be obtained in specialized wine stores and Carrefour wine departments.
It is worthwhile to bring “gray wine” (Gris) from Morocco, which is solely produced there. Although the technology is comparable to that of Pinot Grigio, there are certain variances. A nice bottle of Gris wine costs 70 DH.
Cactus seed oil is a natural and soft oil that is good for all skin types and ages, making it an ideal oil for home usage. Cactus seed oil is exceedingly expensive and not readily available to the public due to its relatively low production capacity, which requires 3 million seeds to extract 1 liter of oil.
The majority of cactus seed oil brands on the market were developed in Morocco and are primarily sold in Europe and the United States. Honey is a specialty of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains and is made from a variety of stamens, resulting in a range of colors. Because Morocco is rich in orange tree honey, it is advised to purchase honey from the pistil of an orange tree or the pistil of a date palm.
The “queen of essential oils,” Moroccan rose oil, requires between 3000 and 5000 kg of roses to refine 1 kg of rose oil. Moroccan roses are larger and more vibrant than regular roses. The oil has a light yellow color and an aromatic character. When heated to hand temperature, it can transform back into liquid form after forming a thin layer of bright rose wax crystals on its surface at low temperatures.
Moroccan rose oil can be added to cleansers, creams, eye creams, masks, body washes, or shampoos to help with sleep, headache relief, mood-lifting, and the release of tension and other negative emotions. It also has a firming effect on the skin and can soothe inflammation, contraction of the microvasculature, swelling, and other skin problems.
Rabat: embroidery and carpet
Casablanaca: leather goods and carpet of Mediouna
Meknes: woodwork and mosaics
Fes: blue pottery of Fes, copper plateaus and leather work.
Marrakech: leather work (slippers, briefcases, jackets, pants, coats…), spices and Berber carpets.
Safi: potteries
Taza: Berber Benhaddou carpets, jewelry & marquetry.
Essaouira: woodwork (boards, sculptures, plateaus,… in thuya), Berber jewelry.
Look for handicraft complexes, which are located in practically every city, where you can discover handicrafts at a decent price and good quality if you’re looking for something specific.
Regarding costs, it is very typical to be informed that “this is present” and that “it is handcrafted” if something is pricey. The tourist must also play a part by perusing the carpets, fabrics, and any other items that do not reveal our true purchasing intentions. The tourist must deceive the shopkeeper by touching and feeling the leather to determine whether it is sheepskin (lower quality) or goatskin (better quality) so that he can see that you are aware of what you are purchasing.
Bargaining in Morocco is an amusement, a sport, and a game that requires a sense of humor, wit, subtlety, cunning, cold-bloodedness, and a lot of patience. You can bargain for more than 10 minutes for a tiny item of only 20 euros, but if we’re talking about products worth more than 60 euros, don’t be afraid to haggle. You will almost certainly be invited for a cup of tea. As a general rule, you should not show much interest in the chosen thing, stroll around the store looking at other items, and, of course, you should never state the price you want to pay or appear to have a lot of money at first.
In Morocco, haggling has developed into a tourist attraction in and of itself. It contributes to the hospitality of the Moroccan people and maintains the kingdom’s favorable reputation as an inexpensive destination. However, there is a lot of skepticism toward this form of commerce on the other hand, especially among individuals who subsequently find they paid quadruple of the three stores in one store.
Divide the first price asked by the merchant by two, or even by three, until a fair price is found.
Do not converse with the vendor for an extended period of time without purchasing anything.
Do not back out of an arrangement; doing so might be quite upsetting to the merchant.
Keep smiling at all times
Bargaining is not a death match with the merchant, it should be a subtle means of weaving a social bond.
Never be overly enthusiastic about an item since you’ll end up paying far more than it’s worth.
To show that prices are known to some extent.
Never claim that it is significantly less expensive than in Europe.
If you wish to buy without bargaining, it is feasible to do so, in artisan cooperatives, and in stores that show “set prices”. You won’t be ripped off there, but don’t expect to find the best deal of the century either.
As in all nations, the export of works of art, antiques, or other specific riches (such as fossils) must be pre-approved. Some animal species are also safeguarded. Do not buy turtles, geckos, or other animals since, first and foremost, these animals have little chance of living outside of their own territory, and it also encourages a commerce that gradually eliminates these species.
When it comes to shopping in Morocco, the souk of Marrakech is a major player. It is located within Medina and is a large network of streets where dealers are organized by the product they sell. Do not miss the spice souk or the dyers, which are vibrantly colored and have the skins hanging to dry. It is advisable to go first thing in the morning.
Because there are over 7,000 lanes that extend across the Fes souk, you will need to travel fully supplied with forces. The souk in Fes is separated into various sub-zocos with different names, such as Henna (cosmetics), Attarine (spices), Bellagine (wood), and Chemainne (nuts). The true spectacle awaits you in Chouwara’s tanners’ district, one of Fez’s most renowned postcards. Consider the pits full of natural colors and the hard work of the leather workers, and then buy something if you can stomach the scent.
Tangier’s Great Souk is the hub of the city’s medina. The old city mixes with the new in this one-of-a-kind architectural combination. In addition to the countless vendors and cafes, the gorgeous Mendoubia Gardens lie just off the Grand Socco square, a wonderful oasis of serenity amidst the noise and bustle of shopping.
Tetouan’s souk is one of the most traditional you’ll discover. Chefchaouen’s souk is, of course, tinged with a gorgeous blue color. Meknès’ Souk features an outstanding main street covered in wooden beams. The Pearl of the Atlantic, Essaouira, too features a thriving souk. Of course, “variety is the spice of life” makes sense in Morocco.
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By starting with our travel blog on Morocco, you can discover the most significant Moroccan facts and traits. On our blog, women can find out more information on traveling to Morocco. The travel company Vacations In Morocco offers travel blogs from Fes, Marrakech, Casablanca, and many other locations.
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