Shopping in Morocco is one of the highlights of a trip there, and our Morocco Shopping Guide tells you all you need to know, from where to shop to what to buy. Whilst finding great bargains and souvenirs is rewarding and exciting, it can also get tiring, so relax and recharge at one of the local Morocco restaurants. You can also find out what the local shopping is like in our Marrakech Shopping Guide and Fes and Meknes Shopping Guide.

Morocco Shopping Guide

Within the ancient walls of Marrakech and Fez lies the most extensive shopping area with an ambience that is centuries old. Veiled women go about with their daily activities while craftsmen and artisans pound intricate designs on brass sheets. The silence of the women and the echoes of the craftsmen pounding away in the labyrinth of alleys full of souks - it is simply a journey back in time.

Souks

For the ultimate shopping experience in Marrakech, head for the Jemaa el Fna. This is the central square in Marrakech behind which there is a souk that sells almost anything. The souk is full of narrow alleys where only donkeys and pedestrians are allowed and vehicular traffic is banned. Listen out for the cries of "barek" as this is a signal that a donkey laden with merchandise is on its way!

Souks are found in almost every city of Morocco and within them are the speciality souks that trade in one particular product. There are speciality souks for fabrics and clothing, ironwork, brass ware, meats and spices. Do visit the meat souk during the morning because here there are open air displays of live chicken, sheep feet and goats heads. But be warned - as the day progresses, the heat imparts a stench to the already stagnant air.

Set aside at least one whole to shop in Morocco. If you enjoy shopping and are good at bargaining, you may even want to keep a few days - for shopping in Morocco can be an exceptional experience. Here is a list of some of the best shopping options from the souks of Morocco.

Leather Goods

Souks across Morocco sell fine leather but the best in leather is to be found in Fez. Fez has a huge tannery that is one of the most photographed sites in Africa. It is also one of the smelliest places you can ever visit, because here leather is treated in multi-coloured vats that contain anything from lime to pigeon droppings! It is so bad that the guide will proffer you a sprig of mint to keep smelling as you go around the vats. The tannery boutique offers purses upwards of US$ 10, soft slippers or babouches that range between US$ 3 and US$ 25 and camel leather toys dotted with sequins for US $ 3 to US $ 5. Outside the souks, hawkers sell vividly coloured billfolds embossed with Moroccan designs.

Moroccan Carpets

Buying a Moroccan carpet can be a highpoint of a trip to Morocco. The range of textures, designs and styles is truly extensive. The most famous carpets in Morocco are the Berber carpets. These are handmade carpets with wool that is dyed in natural colours. Their colours range from the vivid and cheerful to the subtle and even faded. Do not miss the older antique Berber carpets.

Fez carpets on the other hand are knotted densely and carry intricate designs. Their quality is unmatchable and so is their price. Fez carpets are the most expensive of all Moroccan carpets. They carry a tag that indicates their quality.

If you want a slightly cheaper option, then there are kilims, which are beautiful rugs made from a combination of silk and wool. They are ideal as wall hangings.

Foods and Spices

Taking home food items from Morocco may not be a good idea. The quality is unpredictable and the efficiency of the preservatives is uncertain. Instead, you could take Moroccan spices. You can find many spices and spice mixes sold by spice shops in the medinas.

Morocco is also famous for olives. They come in a wide range of flavours from lemony, sour (which is the most popular) to wine and garlic. Morocco exports a large quantity of olives and every Moroccan loves his olives. However, do remember that the consistency and quality of olives throughout Morocco is not very consistent.

Metalwork

Morocco is well known for a wide range of goods made from bronze, silver and copper. The rounded platters made from copper are famous, but you can also pick up many other items that have intricate Islamic designs worked on them. While metal jewellery is available, it is not easy to find jewellery of good quality or intricate craftsmanship.

Woodwork

Woodwork items make good souvenirs and Morocco has a wide range of these. The best among the different types of woodwork are items made from Thuya wood of Essaouira. This wood has a very distinctive fragrance and beautiful burls on it. It is further inlaid with other types of wood and even silver. Choose from small boxes, carvings, chess sets, bowls and even furniture. Do shop for Thuya wood items from the craftsmen themselves if you are passing through Essaouira.

Clothing

Moroccan clothing is very fashionable and practical. Pick up a burnoose or jellaba to keep in tune with the local customs and climate. You may also need to pick up hats for they are essential to protect you from the heat. Straw hats are very reasonably priced. Do not miss the vividly coloured scarves. They are a bargain. Men can pick up fabric vests and decorative leather items, but do check the quality of the garments. While they may look good, the leather may be of a poor quality or the tailoring may be poor!

Tips for souk shoppers

1. Keep some Moroccan change with you as people expect to be tipped for photos. The expected rate is anywhere between 10 and 50 cents (1 DH to 5 DH).

2. Exchange currency only at banks and larger hotels and exchange only as much as you think you will spend. Do not exchange money on the streets. DH or dirham is the official currency with an exchange rate of around 10 DH = US $ 1.

3. Carry cash for souk shopping as credit cards are accepted only for bigger purchases.

4. Bargain because the vendors expect you to. You can start by quoting 1/3 rd of the mentioned price. Remain firm but friendly. If the shopkeeper does not respond then you have underestimated the worth of the product!

5. It is advisable to hire a licensed guide or take a Morocco tour through the serpentine alleys of Marrakech and Fez.

6. Friday is the holy day of the Muslims and most shops close at 12.30 p.m. It is advisable to avoid shopping on Fridays.

7. Take care of your belongings as there are pickpockets in the souks.

8. Souks, especially in Fez, are crowded, so brace yourself for some jostling and pushing!