Moroccan souvenirs and shopping in Morocco
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Much is written and said about shopping Moroccan souvenirs. Numerous horror stories of scammed travelers circulate on the Internet. We list everything you need to know about buying handicrafts in Morocco for you in this handy article.
In the medinas of the imperial cities, as well as in the small mountain villages of the High Atlas, crafts still play an important role for local economies. Handmade products, including carpets, ceramics and textiles are an important source of income for numerous families.
Shopping in Morocco is a vibrant and culturally immersive experience, offering a mix of traditional markets, artisanal crafts, and modern shopping centers. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Which Morocco souvenirs to bring home ?
Moroccan carpets are one of the most beautiful handmade carpets still being made today. The value of the colorful and unique carpets lies in the patience, love and craftsmanship with which they have been manufactured in Morocco for centuries.
Berber weaving techniques are passed down from generation to generation. The carpets have been woven by double-sided knots for many years. This special knotting technique is not only incredibly time-consuming, but also ensures that no two carpets are the same.
The carpets are colored with natural dyes from various plants and flowers.
Carpet weaving has a long tradition among Berbers in Morocco. Even today, many women in the remote mountain villages of southern Morocco are proud to make new carpets and are able to support their families financially by selling them.
Depending on the size and design, making a carpet can take months. These two factors also determine the price which ranges from a few hundred to thousand(s) of euros.
TIP: Did you know that it is also possible to have a carpet made completely to your specifications?
By purchasing a Moroccan rug, you bring a unique eye-catcher into your home, thereby also supporting this rich tradition and the proud women who make it with love.
As you stroll through the bustling souks, you will come across handmade pottery every so often: from the most beautiful plates to cute coffee bags, granola bowls, bottle holders and soap dishes. The selection is unseen and almost irresistible!
Want a truly unique piece in your interior? Then choose a beautiful handmade table in the most beautiful mosaic. This mosaic, called Zellige, is used as a pattern for tables and fountains, among other things. Each tile is carefully crafted by hand. It takes up to 10 years for an apprentice to be considered a true master tile maker.
TIP: Although the selection in the small stores in the souks is large, we recommend visiting a ceramics workshop just outside the city walls, during your tour of Morocco. Here you will see the craftsmen live at work, an authentic experience you can cross off your bucket-list. These workshops have the widest range of pottery: from small souvenirs to the most unusual decorative elements.
The leather tanneries of Fez and Marrakech have long been tourist attractions. Although it is best to hold a sprig of mint close to your nose or the smell will be unbearable, you will get a unique insight into the manufacturing process of leather products. Different types of animal skins are dipped in a bath of pigeon droppings to make them supple for production. The soft hide is then dyed and transformed into handbags, belts, colorful babouches, jackets…
A visit to the tanneries should not be missed on your tour of Morocco: you will find the most beautiful handmade leather products and this authentic experience will stay with you for a long time.
Morocco has a long tradition of turning raw copper into the most beautiful souvenirs such as lanterns, teapots and jewelry. In the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, you can see concentrated copper beaters at work who have been putting their heart and soul into their profession for years. Support these local merchants, whom you see at work live, by taking home a nice souvenir.
n addition to the many crafts and the special souvenirs produced from them, there are plenty of other souvenirs that should not be missing from your shopping list:
Jewelry: Berber silver jewelry is especially sought after.
Textiles: Scarves, kaftans, and other hand-dyed or woven fabrics.
Spices: ras el hanout, Moroccan spices are aromatic and unique.
Rose oil, rose water or other cosmetics coming from the Valley of Roses (Kalaat M’Gouna)
Argan oil: Produced primarily in the Essaouira region, it’s a must-buy for beauty and culinary enthusiasts.
Where can you buy handmade Moroccan souvenirs ?
Souks
Where to Go: Souks are found in almost every city, with the most famous being the Jemaa el-Fnaa market in Marrakesh, the Old Medina in Fez, and the souks in Tangier and Essaouira.
Although you will find numerous stores selling “handmade” souvenirs throughout the country and especially in the imperial cities, we recommend that you buy as little as possible from these merchants, unless they are very small purchases. This is because it is extremely difficult to say for sure whether these are handmade or these products were imported, especially if you are not a connoisseur.
If you plan to make large purchases, take a specialized guide with you, who will lead you to reliable sellers and help you buy your dream interior pieces at a good price.
TIP: In the imperial Cities, some “bazaars” were given a special label by the government. This label indicates that these stores sell only handmade products at a fair price. You can find all kinds of souvenirs in these outlets.
If you travel throughout Morocco with a private driver, choose to buy from local merchants in the South. These benefit financially by selling carpets, pottery or other souvenirs. This way you can take home a beautiful interior decoration with a nice anecdote attached and support a hard-working family.
Tips about shopping Moroccan souvenirs?
Artisan Cooperatives
- To ensure fair trade and authenticity, consider visiting artisan cooperatives. These are especially common in rural areas and cities like Fez and Essaouira.
- You can see artisans at work crafting pottery, weaving carpets, or making argan oil.
Modern Shopping Malls
- For a modern shopping experience, cities like Casablanca and Rabat offer shopping malls with international brands, cinemas, and dining options. Examples include:
- Morocco Mall (Casablanca): One of the largest malls in Africa, with luxury boutiques and local stores.
- Anfa Place Mall (Casablanca): Combines shopping with beachfront views.
Unique Shopping Experiences
- Tanneries in Fez: Visit the Chouara Tannery to see how leather is traditionally dyed and processed. Many shops nearby sell the finished goods.
- Herbal Shops (Apothecaries): These offer traditional remedies, essential oils, and perfumes.
- Street Stalls and Night Markets: Great for snacks, quick buys, and souvenirs.
What to Keep in Mind
- Cash is King: Many souks and smaller shops accept only cash, though larger stores and malls may take cards.
- Quality Checks: Ensure the authenticity of items like saffron, argan oil, and silver jewelry.
- Customs: Be mindful of customs regulations if you’re planning to bring home large quantities of goods, particularly spices or antiques.
How will my Moroccan souvenirs get home?
Your purchased souvenirs or decorative items are carefully packed and shipped with DHL. Upon purchase you will receive the tracking number, with which you can track the location of your purchase at any time. If you travel with us, we will relieve you of any worries and ensure that your purchase arrives home as quickly as possible.
