Keep Calm & Go Shopping in Marrakech.

Shopping in Marrakech is one of the reasons why so many visitors flock to the Red City. After all, shopping in the souks of Marrakech is world-renowned, part of any good Morocco itinerary, and it is not unheard of that travelers will buy a second bag just to get all their wares home. 

What to buy in Marrakech, how to navigate the Marrakech souk and some alternatives on how to go shopping in Marrakech in this post. 

Cool things when shopping in Marrakech

There are plenty of things to buy in Marrakech whether you are looking for home decor, kitchen supplies, or traditional Moroccan clothes. While certain areas in Morocco are known for certain products, you can usually find them all in the markets in Marrakech.

Some of the favorite Moroccan products include:

• Leather products like leather bags, belts, and bags.
• Djellabas, long and often embroidered kaftans.
• Ceramics – cups, plates, and tagines.
• Rose products like rose water, soap, and oils.
• Argan oil products for both cooking as well as body & hair.
• The infamous Moroccan mint tea, silver tea cans, and glasses.
• Saffron and other spices.
• Berber carpets made from camel, sheep, or goat hair as well as fabrics and hammam towels.
• Silver and metal wares like lampshades, trays, and jewelry.
• Moroccan food essentials like olives, amlou (an argan oil, honey & almond paste), and honey. 
• Woven bags and baskets. 

Souk Semmarine is the main market in Marrakech. In the souks, you will find over 3,000 stalls that sell you all of the above and more. 

Finding your bearings is not easy and the maze-like layout as well as some pushy vendors can make shopping in the souks a somewhat overwhelming experience. 

I recommend getting yourself a Marrakech souk guide or booking a guided tour to get an overview of what is sold where. 

Tipps for Shopping in Marrakech souks

• Ask your hotel or riad for a map, get yourself a Simcard with data so you can use Google maps, or download maps.me so you can navigate the souks at least a little. 
• Many shops depending on how much you spend will accept Moroccan dirham, Euros, US dollars, and even credit cards these days. 
• Shopping in Morocco also means haggling for a good price. Unless you visit the malls in Marrakech or a “proper” store with fixed prices, bargaining is all part of the game. 
• Don’t start the process unless you are actually interested in buying something. If a vendor and you can’t settle on a price that both parties agree on, fine, but don’t agree on a price and leave without purchasing. 
• Two things that usually help lower the price: paying in cash and showing the money or pretending to leave and feigning disinterest. 
• For larger items and food products check beforehand if you are allowed to take your purchases into your home country. Germans for example are only allowed to import one carpet duty-free. When in doubt you can always ask to have your spoils shipped back home – most shops are well equipped to organize shipping and packaging for you. 

Stores beyond the souks

While visiting the souks is definitely one of the things to do in Marrakech, I completely understand that it is not everyone’s cup of tea. Luckily there are some great other options where you can buy typical Moroccan products and go designer shopping in Marrakech.

20 Unique things to do in Marrakech.

Sidi Ghanem shopping is perfect if you are looking for the studios and warehouses of up-and-coming Moroccan designers. You will also find plenty of cool boutiques in the medina, in Gueliz, and in the stores of some amazing hotels and restaurants (check out the shop at Royal Mansour or at La Famille!). 

Here are some of my other favorite stores in Marrakech*:

• Amazonite – Vintage jewelry and the best Berber carpets. 
• Lrnce – Cool, modern pottery, fabrics, and carpets.

• Héritage Berbère – The address for the best essential oils, perfumes, and scented candles. 
• Moro on Rue Yves Saint Laurent – Organic skincare and Moroccan accessories for men, women & home. You can also visit their Marrakech shop online: moromarrakech.com
• The Moroccan Botanist – Beautiful ceramics, teas, and herbs that are available at the boutique in Jardin Majorelle. 
• Chabi Chic – Ceramics and Moroccan oils & spices. Their harissa is the best! They have a few locations around town with one concept store conveniently located on Rue Majorelle, opposite the Jardin Majorelle.

Jardin Majorelle. Blue oasis in Marrakech.

• Mustapha Blaoui – THE carpet shop in Marrakech. He also has traditional Moroccan ceramics, lamps, and an impressive collection of artisanal products from all over Africa and the Middle East. 

*Except for Mustapha Blaoui, all of these stores have fixed prices. Please don’t try to haggle with the prices!

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