Shopping

Discover Morocco’s vibrant and exotic shopping world, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary trends. Morocco offers a unique and unforgettable shopping experience for travelers with its bustling markets, artisanal craftsmanship, and a kaleidoscope of colors and scents.

Medina Souks: A Shopper’s Paradise

• Explore the enchanting medinas (old city centers) of Marrakech, Fez, and Essaouira, where you’ll find labyrinthine alleys filled with a treasure trove of goods.
• Discover handmade rugs, intricate ceramics, dazzling lamps, and intricately designed textiles.
• Bargain to your heart’s content and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of these ancient marketplaces.

Traditional Souvenirs: Moroccan Keepsakes

• Bring home a piece of Morocco with traditional souvenirs like ornate tea sets, decorative tagines, and beautiful mosaic works.
• Handcrafted leather goods such as bags, belts, and shoes are also popular choices.
• Don’t forget to pick up some argan oil, known for its nourishing properties and unique to Morocco.

The Art of Haggling: Bargaining Tips

• Haggling is a cultural norm in Morocco, so embrace it with a smile and negotiate for the best prices.
• Be friendly and respectful during negotiations, and don’t be afraid to walk away if a deal doesn’t feel right.
• There are four steps to successful Moroccan negotiating:
  • First Price: That’s the price you’ll be given with a smile. It’s more of a suggestion (or wishful thinking) for the shopkeeper.
  • First Offer: Knowing how much you want to pay is essential. A good way to educate yourself is to stop by the Centre Artisanal (a government-run, no-haggle shopping plaza). The prices and quality are the price to beat, so make your first offer lower than what you’ve seen there.
  • The Yelling Phase: The shopkeeper will become outraged at the price you’ve offered and begin to toute the quality of the products and how he won’t make any money at the price you offered and will make a counteroffer.
  • Make or Break: As the asking price decreases, the offering price increases (but not past what you want to spend). At this point, you’d better be sure you want that item at the price you say because if the shopkeeper agrees, then you MUST pay the price you offered (it’s offensive not to).
• During serious big-ticket haggling, you’ll be offered mint tea from the shopkeepers, a gesture of goodwill during negotiations and a way to keep you longer. There’s a joke: every glass of tea adds $10 to the purchase price.

Fashion and Jewelry: Moroccan Elegance

• Admire the craftsmanship of Berber and Tuareg jewelry, often adorned with semi-precious stones and intricate silverwork.
• Don’t miss the vibrant kaftans, jalabiyas, and djellabas, traditional Moroccan garments with modern twists.

Artisan Workshops: A Glimpse into Craftsmanship

• On our guided tours, you’ll visit artisan workshops and witness the skillful creation of Moroccan goods.
• Learn about the art of pottery, weaving, metalwork, and woodworking from skilled craftsmen.
• Purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the artisans.

Markets by Region: Diversity in Shopping

• Explore the uniqueness of each region’s markets, from thuya wood and argon oil in Essaouira to hand-tanned leather in Fez.
• Discover regional specialties, like hand-painted ceramics in Safi or carpets in the Middle Atlas region.

Shopping in Morocco is an adventure in itself, where you can immerse yourself in this enchanting country’s rich culture, artistry, and history. Morocco offers a shopping experience that will leave you with not just souvenirs but lasting memories of a unique and diverse culture.