I won’t lie, the thing I was most excited to do on my last trip? Shopping in Morocco. If you can’t tell, I enjoy shopping and have gone on some of the most amazing shopping tours in India.
Before I went I hadn’t researched what to buy in Morocco and how much to pay. It would have also been helpful to know which city I could find things at better prices, SO I’m going to share what information I gathered over my little under 2 weeks in Morocco.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Know Before You Go Shopping in Morocco
Morocco is a really easy trip if you’re visiting Europe, especially if you’re in Spain! Check flights on Kiwi and see if you can snag a cheap one and hop over.
You can always take a tour to make traveling easier (and to free up some mental energy for haggling). GAdventures has some longer tours and Viator has some smaller tours.
Definitely get travel insurance just in case! I always recommend World Nomads.
To be on the safe side, and, of course, to save some money, take out cash beforehand. Morocco uses the Dirham, but euros and US dollars are accepted.
Morocco Travel Guide
- How to Dress in Morocco (for general tips on how I dress boho chic, check here)
- 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Morocco
- What Food to Try in Morocco
- 2 Week Guide to Morocco
- Where to Stay
Just know, shopping in Morocco is NOT like India
I have shared about the hassling we had in Fes and how aggressive some shop owners were. It’s not quite like India. In India, if I am lied to (saying something in copper when I’m not dumb and can see it is brass…) I say, “No, you’ve told me a lie this is brass.” They cop to it. In Morocco, they flip out on you and actually go nuts yelling at you and will deny to the death. Don’t bother or waste energy. Just walk away from people who are outright lying too much. Here are some tips on haggling in markets
SHOP THIS LOOK
Cool Things to By in Morocco
Leather Poufs
There are many varieties of leather and some are terrible. You can get camel, goat, or sheep. Some are very thin and poor quality. You’ll have to make sure you get the good one. You can do this by feeling for yourself. Don’t just take their word for it.
There are usually two different sizes. I paid $14 for a small size and $20 for a large. When you buy together you can get even better deals.
Rugs
This is the biggie! It’s what people come to Morocco for. The big white rugs are from wedding ceremonies, but not often antique as you might be told. They make them look aged. For a very large beautiful white fringe sequin rug the best deal we got was $60 on one in Fes.
We had people actually yelling at us and calling us liars when we tried that price in Marrakesh.
Often when I was interested in a patterned rug but not enough to buy, they would take the price down to $40 when they had said 4,000 Euro to start with.
shoes are sol sana, see a similar pair here
Pillow covers
The rugs are made into pillow covers, both the white sequin and the patterned ones. I spent about $12 on two patterned ones. You can get them for $10 if you buy more.
The sequin fringe ones, I got for $10 each. They are a decent size. Here’s one below with my cat.
Baskets
Baskets are AMAZING here. I bought 3 large ones with sequins and 2 medium size ones. For the medium, I paid $6 and for the large sequin, I paid $14. I didn’t buy all these together, so got these rates even with buying just one. Like everything on this list, it takes some time to negotiate and get the going rate.
Pom Pom Clutches
They had these little burlap looking clutches big enough to fit a Kindle inside. They come in some amazing colors (mint green, peachy pink, mango orange) on them with pom-poms, tassels, and trimmings. I got them for $3 a piece. Why the eff I didn’t buy more it’s BEYOND me… maybe because there are so many things to buy in Morocco!
Etched Copper
These were pretty expensive, as copper usually is. They engrave and hammer brass, copper, bronze, and aluminum plates and cups. Anything really! They will sometimes lie about what the metal is. It’s pricey, heavy, and I didn’t personally want anything except small copper cups. Turns out, I can get them much cheaper in India and so I have.
Antiques
Not much of an antique shopper. Have been warned a lot of it is fake. It seemed every other shop was an antique shop. I didn’t really go inside many.
SHOP THIS LOOK
Leather Slippers
You can get the leather slippers you see all around at least for $6 or less, as I got mine for that price. They are super soft and have sequins on them. You’ll find a lot of different colors, and they’re all quite comfortable.
Argan Oil
This comes from roasted seeds which are grown in southern Morocco. You can get argan oil anywhere. I’m sure you’ve heard of Moroccan Oil and similar hair brands, so you can get this straight from the source. It is very cheap per bottle but beware a lot is fake and just veggie oil. Buy it at the pharmacy!
Perfume
Like here in India, they can make copies of famous perfumes at a cheaper rate. I didn’t enquire the price on this but imagine it would be very inexpensive.
Lanterns / Lights
Couldn’t find a photo of the famous lights, but did find one of the cloth ones. Oh, man did I want a brass lantern! I wanted a sitting one, hanging one, wall mounted ones… but they are heavy and the prices just weren’t good. Small ones for the wall were getting down to a low price of $20 when I know in India they are less. I skipped this.
Tea sets
You’ll drink a lot of mint tea here. It’s often served in a tiny glass with some detail etched in. You can buy the sets. I didn’t ask price but again, it’s just glass so shouldn’t be much.
Curated shops
So, you’ll see some of these curated shops that are selling the best bits of everything. The prices are a lot higher. I avoid these. I would rather look myself. The shops are organized and so inviting, but definitely do some shopping first before buying in these.
Moroccan Spices
Are you surprised to hear the spices can be fake? Saffron especially. I’m not into spices, but of course, this is a huge souvenir for some.
Ceramic Pots
Tagines are the famous food here, and they are served in a pot you’ll come to recognize. You can buy it of course! It’s only terracotta I think? At least it looks like it.
If you buy them glazed, but beware it could be with lead paint and if you heat it and eat out of it / drink out of it… well you know- NOT GOOD!
The small ones that are painted are great for sugar or even a butter dish.
So, there we have it! These are the things I wound up buying while shopping in Morocco! Have fun on your trip! If you want a guide for the market here is the top-ranked shopping tour for Marrakesh:
- Private tour of Marrakech market can be booked here.
- The next best site for tours, Get Your Guide, didn’t have anything worth booking for this one.
Pin for later!
A few years ago, I went to Marrakesh with a friend just before Christmas and we filled our suitcases with gorgeous goods to decorate our new flat with. I loved the souks and, although I hate having to bargain, we got better at it with practice!
yes it takes some time to feel comfortable haggling!
I love this post, it is really helpful!
Pretty sure I would buy way too much!
Thanks for all of the advice! Shopping in Morocco was not easy, especially because I was on such a short trip. When I go back, I’ll be better prepared…and I’ll get some of those leather shoes this time!
I wish I had gotten an extra pair of the shoes :/
Absolutely love the colours around Morocco! A pompom clutch and rug are things I’d love to buy. Incredible X
Yep wish I had gotten more pom pom clutches! Will have to go back :)
I just discovered your blog and I’m obsessed! I have read so many of your posts over the past couple days. I had already wanted to go to India before, but now I am dying to go! But first I will be in Morocco, so thanks for the tips :D
I only travel with carry on luggage, but I feel like I would need regular luggage for when i go to Morocco!
Oh definitely!
Hi Rachel. Did you shop for baskets in Fes or Marrakesch?
Marrakesh! :D
Hi Rachel, where did you get the pillow cases? Was that in Fes?
I think it was Marrakesh actually – ughhh I can’t remember now!!
Wow! You must be really good at negotiation! I am Moroccan and I never got the prices this low. Bravo! I prefer paying more and save my self some energy and hassle and it’s still a lot cheaper than similar articles in high street stores. But still, I am really impressed girl!
I have been living in India for over four years, so very use to negotiating – but I found Moroccan men to be angrier when sales didn’t happen so I actually didn’t work to negotiate too hard.
Hi this was an greta read☺️ what is the carpet size you bought and the actual price? Because will be in morocco in couple of weeks and what a large carpet and where is it cheaper fes or marakesh for shopping?
Hi
I’m traveling to morocco in a couple of weeks
I love the clothes that you bought
I’m first staying in Fez before Marrakech where will I find silk clothing etc
Nicola
Thank you so much for the tips! I’ll be in Morocco tomorrow and hoping I can get a few small things on my trip. Your pictures are beautiful!
Thank you and I hope you have fun shopping!
My biggest regret is not getting those lamp shades in Chefchaouen… But I will go back. A promise to myself. I learned a lot I am wiser hehe
Lol shoppers regret is so real … haha
Thanks for the tips, just about to go out and do some serious shopping in Marrakech, you have been so helpful! X
Awesome Gabby, hope you get some great deals!
Hi Rachel, your article is a life saver. Planning to visit Morocco with hubby and we have been there before but after reading your article ,i feel like i am no longer a stranger to the place.
So happy to hear that – have fun with your hubz!
Enjoyed your article, I am thinking about going and I love to shop! How do get the poufs to normal size ,they all see flat ?
In Morocco, many people fill them with shredded newspaper. I filled mine with old clothes and throw-off pieces of textiles I had laying around.
Hey there, great article! I am just starting to plan a trip here in August and love to shop while travelling. Do you have any advice on mailing items home from Morocco? We will be mainly be in Marrakech. Thanks again for a great write :>
Hey Laura! I didn’t mail anything home – although all the shops offered that service. I would imagine it’s like here in India, where they use a courier and you pay a smaller rate through the store since they ship in bulk through the same courier, which would be cheaper than if you just rocked up to FedEx (if that even have it in Marrakesh). They can arrange shipping rugs, pillows, everything back home for you! They always said “the more you buy, the cheaper the shipping” lol
Wonderful, thank you! So excited!
Hi theres quite a number of expats who live in Morocco because they fell in love with all this so theres actually a lot more accurate information around…but first Id say get a car and get independent and drive to places around Morocco, dont just shop in Marrakech though if you only have time for other than that then fair enough…there are great places to shop all over Morocco eg Agadir for Argane, Esssouira for art and Thuya wood, Marrakech and Taroudant and Fez for leathergoods, Taroudant for silver, Tafraoute for local style babaouche and argane.
When you get to know Morocco and Moroccans there are much more finely tuned tips such as buying tagine dishes away from the marrakech medina…the heavy duty ones are the ones to cook with, the light weight decorative ones for serving only or for salads or sweets etc, for buying going outside the medina or way down the back of the medina, particularly if looking for those big metal lamps, or even better go to the weekly souks such as Telouet on wed or thurs or Asni or Tabant in the Ait Bougoumez valley, Taroudant which is an even better place to shop for everything such as kaftans, silverwork, leather goods such as shoes, bags and pouffes…lamps heat the leather with the flame from a match or firelighter and check the smell, avoid if it stinks.
Taroudant also has asunday souk on the outskirts.
Tafraoute is a great place to buy specially designed babouche the locals wear,for about $15. Also good for Argane and amloul.
Argane oil is never cheap.
There are also good coops in Agadir.
Stating that white rugs are used in weddings…the particular ones that are are called hanbels not rugs. Otherwise white rugs are beni ouarain rugs new or old, theres lots of new ones being priced way over the top when they actually dont cost much to make.
Its the old ones that are expensive.
You can buy rugs direct from ladies that make them when youre out visiting places such as Imlil, Tamtatouche…youll see them being washed or out on rocks or bushes drying..do some negotiating to buy a carpet from a family in a remote area who need money rather than a shop that gives lots of profit to the travelling carpet dealers and a pittance to the women who make them, or they are supplied from the production line commercial centre of Taznakht that supplies same looking carpets to shops all over morocco for tourists who dont know snything about the traditions and culture of rugs in morocco.
The Imilchil 3 day marriage festival souk 20km out of Imilchil is a great place to buy direct from women. Being out in the mountains people are pretty poor out here. Take socks and scarves and intersting school supplies to give away while youre out in these areas.
Also sorry i was meant to add that in a number of towns that has an Artisan Ensemble…Marrakech has one, Chefchaouen has one..they are government run so prices are set and theres no haggling or hustle so you can get an idea of prices and quality. Sometimes you can get cheaper in the souks haggling but at least you know what is sbout the right price, especially textiles. The artisan ensemble in Chefchaouen is a really good place to buy textiles.
hi Angela, you seem to have some information reguarding the co-ops, do you know where to find the basket weavers? i’d prefer to buy directly from those that do the work, rather than shopkeepers,,, any information would be appreciated.
Angela, could you suggest the best city/market to shop for a traditional women attire (considering price!)? Also, where can one buy white wedding rug (beni ouarain) for the best price? specific city and market/place would be helpful. Maybe you could write what’s appropriate price for locals for both items?
thanks a lot! your comments were the most helpful!
where did you buy the baskets in Marrakesh? Do you have the store name?
No I don’t but there are DOZENS you will be overwhelmed with options!
Noted. I just loved the display of all of the baskets in your photos and I was not sure if these were taken at a place particularly known for baskets. I will be going in December looking for baskets in particular — and I am prepared to be overwhelmed! :-)
Loving this article. I sent you a message on instagram as well. What part of the souks in fez do you reccomend? I went to the tannery today and they wanted 70usd for a small pouf. I had hired a guide and caught on quick he did not have my best interest in mind. I fly out tomorrow afternoon so hopefully tomorrow morning will be succesful. Shopping for a pouf, a rug, wedding blanket, gloves and maybe a pair of shoes. All on a shoestring budget. Thank you again for this article,saved me from gettinf super ripped off!
Do you think that it is still possible to get rugs in Fez for a similar price that you paid? I’m heading to Morocco in February and I am considering getting a rug if the price is reasonable. What can I expect to pay now compared to when you first visited? Also, did you have trouble bringing the rug home? (Duties?)
Hi Rachel, I am planning to purchase some pouffes and a rug or blanket. I want to buy them in the last city before flying home so that I don’t have to haul around my goods on my 2 week trip. Would you recommend doing my shopping in Fes, or Marrakesh (considering price, quality, variety)? I can leave from either city. Thank you!!
I have this same question! Heading to Fes and Marrakesh and interested in the same products. Leaving Friday — what do you think?
Hey thanks for your post. Did you visit the market in Agadir by any chance? If so, what was it like in comparison to other markets you visteed?
You quote prices in US$. Did you take US$ or did you use Dirham? I am traveling in November and was going to load a travel card with US$ not linked to my bank accounts and then withdraw at the airport and at larger cities.
Unless the prices are labeled on the products you are buying you should never pay the first price you been told as bargaining is a part of the Moroccan culture . Very helpful article with beautiful pictures ! thanks for sharing
Thank you for the great article. This may be a stupid question, but can you buy Persian rugs in Morocco? More of the purple/red ones?
Thanks!
Great article but take the emphasis off getting the best deal and getting a bargain ! Travel is also about giving back to communities buy directly from the artisans . Respect the hours of work that goes into a handwoven textiles and pay the maker not the middleman. I have lived in Morocco for 20 years and advise think about what you are willing to pay for the workmanship . The I want to get everything for a steal approach encourages ripoffs and copied souvenirs from China
I love your blog, Rachel! So much great information