Going shopping in Morocco is yet another cultural activity that the country offers. Even if you are someone that can’t stand afternoons spent shopping, you’ll understand that it’s a great way to get to know the country.
The colours, aromas and picturesque ambience of the souks will leave you completely captivated. Shopping is one of the country’s main attractions, because Morocco is a true paradise for crafts. Want to know what are the must-have items to buy? Or the souks that you cannot miss? Well, read our guide on ‘cheap, cheerful and charming’ shopping in Morocco, with some good tips on the art of haggling.
Must-have buys in Morocco
The traditional markets or souks of Morocco are the true beating heart of the country. Normally situated close to the main square, the life that revolves around the souk is like a town in itself.
Just wandering around the many narrow shop-lined streets and enjoying the experience for the senses is worth the effort itself. If you fancy buying something, it’s best to be clear about what you are interested in. Otherwise, you may come away with bags full of things that you will probably never use.
Leather and footwear
One of the main materials that you will see is leather, which is used for different items. The leather, which comes mainly from goats and camels, is handcrafted. You can choose from wallets, bags and backpacks in a range of sizes, as well as jackets and trousers. Quality and durability are the material’s main characteristics. If you would like an original souvenir, opt for traditional leather slippers.
Rugs
Still on the subject of crafts, rugs are another fantastic item available in souks. It’s almost impossible not to notice the colourful Berber textiles when in Morocco. Rugs here are known as kilims berebers and the beautiful pieces are woven by hand. Sizes and materials come in a wealth of different options and prices vary according to their authenticity and the intricacy of the design.
Sweet treats, spices and general food
One opportunity not to be missed is shopping for local foods. Delicious sweet treats made from almonds and honey, such as gazelle horns or ghoriba, make a fantastic gift. In terms of dried fruit, highlights include dates and figs. Moroccan olives come dressed in a special, slightly more spicy seasoning. Spices, meanwhile, are key to the country’s cuisine, so take the opportunity to pick up some of the well-known ras el hanout blend. Green tea, couscous, honey and preserves are also available at the markets.
Beauty products and cosmetics are another essential thing to buy when in Morocco. Argan oil is one of the mainstays of the country’s beauty industry, as well as being edible and having healing properties. Known as the healing gold of the desert, it is used in creams, emulsions, serums and gels and has innumerable benefits. Be sure to try the magic lipsticks, which change colour according to the temperature of your lips and are hydrating and natural. We also can’t forget Berber kohl, the long-lasting eye make-up, or henna, the reddish dye used for beautiful temporary tattoos. Rose-scented perfumes, orange blossom extracts and musk are also available at Moroccan cosmetics stalls.
Handmade ceramics, such as the famous blue pottery of Fez, wonderful Berber silverware, wooden items, mosaics, medicinal plants and even fossils – the wealth of items available to buy in Morocco will leave you speechless.
Useful tips for haggling
Once you have decided to buy one of the attractive products on sale in the souks, it’s then time to haggle. When the shopkeeper starts asking for a high price, the normal thing to do is mention the good quality of the material in question. In this tug-of-war, everyone has a role to play. As the buyer, it is best not to show your true intentions at first, diverting attention to other items, and, above all, touching them to check how they feel.
You have to get into the game a little, because haggling is fun in itself – a taste of Moroccan culture and an experience to be had. It is likely that many will offer you tea. Don’t start by saying the price you want to pay and, of course, don’t give the impression you are carrying a lot of money.
A good way to find out the right price is to divide by two or three the initial price offered by the shopkeeper. A smile and friendly conversation also goes a long way. But don’t chat too much if you are not going to buy anything in the end. It shouldn’t be a fight, but rather a tactful conversation. Once you come to an agreement, don’t then refuse, because it could offend the seller. Make it seem as if you are familiar with the prices involved and don’t get too excited about the item in question.
Morocco’s main souks
The souks of Marrakesh
The souk of Marrakesh is one of the biggest attractions when it comes to shopping in Morocco. Situated within the medina, it consists of an extensive network of streets where vendors are grouped according to the products they sell. Don’t miss the spice souk or the dyers’ souk filled with colourful hides hanging out to dry. It is best to go early in the morning.
The souk of Fez
You will need to be full of strength to go to the souk of Fez, which has over 7,000 narrow streets. In Fez, the souk is divided into various sub-souks with different names: Henna (cosmetics), Attarine (spices), Bellagine (wood) and Chemainne (dried fruit and nuts), among others. The real spectacle awaits in the tanneries area of Chouwara, home to one of Fez’s most iconic images. There, you can observe the pits filled with natural dye and watch the leather craftsmen hard at work, as well as buying something, as long as you can put up with the stench.
The souk of Tangier
Tangier’s Grand Socco is the heart of the city’s medina. In the souk the old city merges with the new city, in a unique fusion of architecture. In addition to the many stalls and cafés, just off the square of the Grand Socco are the beautiful Mendoubia gardens, a real oasis of peace amid the hustle and bustle of the shopping district.
The souk of Tetouan
Tetouan’s souk is one of the most traditional souks that you will find. Unsurprisingly, Chefchaouen’s souk is a beautiful shade of blue. The souk in Meknès boasts a striking main street covered with wooden beams. And, finally, Essaouira, the Pearl of the Atlantic, also has its own vibrant souk. In Morocco, it certainly seems to be the case that ‘variety is the spice of life’.
