Souks & shopping

Shopping in the Souks

What to buy, where to find it and how to bargain without stress.

What to buy

Our Favourite Things to Bring Home

Argan oil

From the argan trees of the south-west. Women's cooperatives sell it for cooking (toasted) and for skin and hair (untoasted).

Rugs

Beni Ourain (cream with dark lines), colourful Azilal rugs and flat kilims. Many shops can ship them home.

Leather

Bags, poufs and babouche slippers, much of it from the tanneries of Fes.

Ceramics

The blue-and-white pottery of Fes and the painted plates of Safi. Wrap them well for the flight.

Lanterns

Metal and glass lanterns that throw patterns on the walls. Marrakech has whole streets of them.

Spices

Ras el hanout (the house spice mix), cumin, and saffron from Taliouine in the south.

Tea sets

A silver-coloured teapot and painted glasses, so you can make mint tea at home.

Our pick

[The thing you always bring back]

How to bargain without stress

  1. Ask the price, then offer much less. Bargaining is normal in the souks, and sellers expect it.
  2. Stay friendly and smile. It's a conversation, not a fight.
  3. Only start if you really want to buy.
  4. Be ready to walk away. The price often drops when you do.
  5. When you agree on a price, pay it and enjoy your new thing.

Don't like bargaining?

Go to an Ensemble Artisanal, the government-run craft centres in the big cities. Prices are fixed, and you can see what things cost before you head into the souks.

Tricks to watch for

  • "Guides" who walk you to a shop and get a commission on what you buy
  • "The tannery is closed today, follow me" or "this street is closed"
  • Argan oil or saffron that's much cheaper than everywhere else

A polite "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walking on usually ends it. More words in our Darija phrasebook.

Shop like a local

Our city guides list the shops we trust and what we paid.

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