The souks are one of the great pleasures of Morocco — and one of the most intimidating for first-time visitors. Here is what is worth buying, what things should cost, and how to bargain politely and enjoy it.
What to buy
Leather
Babouches (slippers), bags and poufs, mostly from Fes and Marrakech. Check the stitching and the smell: good leather smells of leather, not chemicals.
Rugs and blankets
Beni Ourain (cream with black diamonds), Azilal (colourful), kilims and handira wedding blankets. Ask about wool vs. cotton and look at the back: hand-knotted rugs have visible knots and small irregularities.
Ceramics
Blue and white from Fes, green from Tamegroute, hand-painted tagine dishes. Cooking tagines are unglazed inside; decorative ones are painted.
Argan oil and cosmetics
Culinary argan oil (roasted, nutty) and cosmetic argan oil (clear, light smell). Buy from a women’s cooperative when possible. Also: black soap, rose water, ghassoul clay.
Spices and food
Ras el hanout, saffron (expensive — beware of very cheap “saffron”), cumin, dates from Erfoud, amlou spread.
Metal and lanterns
Brass and copper lanterns, engraved trays and teapots. Remember weight and fragility for your luggage.
Wood
Thuya wood boxes from Essaouira, with their distinctive smell and grain.
How to bargain (without stress)
- Look around first. Check prices in 2–3 shops before buying.
- Ask “combien ?” and smile. The first price is a starting point, not an insult.
- Offer around half. A common pattern is to settle around 50–70% of the first price.
- Stay friendly. Humour works better than hard negotiation; tea may be offered — accepting doesn’t oblige you to buy.
- Be ready to walk away. If your price is realistic, you will often be called back.
- Decide your maximum before you start and stick to it.
- Don’t bargain if you don’t intend to buy. Agreeing on a price and leaving is considered rude.
Fixed-price alternatives
If haggling is not for you, look for cooperatives, Ensemble Artisanal state-run craft centres, and concept stores where prices are marked. You pay a bit more but the quality is controlled.
Practical tips
- Carry small notes; sellers “never” have change.
- Take a photo of your riad’s location: the souks are a maze.
- Ignore “the souk is closed today” or “let me show you the tanneries” from strangers in the street.
- For rugs and big items, ask about shipping — reputable shops arrange it with tracking.
- Check customs limits in your country for food and plant products.
Useful words
Salam alaikum (hello) · Bshhal? (how much?) · Ghali bezzaf (too expensive) · La, shukran (no, thank you) · Safi (ok, done)
Want to shop with someone who knows the good workshops? Our guides in Marrakech and Fes can take you to trusted artisans — read the best things to do in Marrakech and our Morocco budget guide, or WhatsApp us: +212 606-957514.