Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy

Shopping in Morocco: What to Buy

It’s almost hard to return home from a trip to Morocco without bringing back some very remarkable keepsakes to share with loved ones. From Moroccan rugs to Leather jackets and Berber jewelry; here is a detailed guide for shopping and what to purchase in Morocco Retail Therapy in Morocco

Moroccan “Souk” Markets

One of the best things to see and do in Morocco is to explore the souks. You may feel like you’ve stepped into The Arabian Nights as you navigate the maze of winding lanes and alleys selling exotic wares. Every town and hamlet in Morocco has its souk for shopping, no matter how small: towns such as Fez and Marrakech have whole districts jammed with souks, each one specialized to a specific trade, while smaller settlements have a weekly general market. Below are just a few of the best weekly souks in Morocco where you may get unique gifts and mementos:

Visit Agadir on Sunday, Ifrane on Sunday, Moulay Idriss on Saturday, Ouarzazate on Sunday, Tafraoute on Wednesday, Taroudannt on Thursday and Sunday, Tinghir on Monday, and Zagora on Sunday (Wednesday & Sunday).

Negotiations in Morocco

In a market where numerous goods are created by hand, the value of any given commodity will vary according to its level of craftsmanship. Therefore, negotiating is a method of establishing a fair price, and not just a means through which a merchant may make more money off of certain customers than others. To acquire the greatest price for your shopping in Morocco; nevertheless, you must get to know the market by browsing in different stores and inquiring the pricing of identical things.

Approaches to Successful Bargaining

Find out how much anything costs before making a purchase offer in Morocco, and then make an offer that’s around half as much as you were planning on paying. The proprietor will seem shocked at the insultingly cheap price and talk at long about the high quality of the craftsmanship, but will finally recommend a lower price. Of course, you’ll try to lowball the seller by claiming financial hardship and mentioning that you found a cheaper alternative, but you’ll probably wind up offering somewhat more than you did initially. The ideal spouse would seem impatient and try to get you to leave. This playful back-and-forth will continue until a price is agreed upon by both parties. You may need many cups of mint tea and at least half an hour of your time if the object is valuable like a carpet, leather jacket, or silver teapot. Morocco tours 8 days

Principal guidelines for negotiating in Morocco

When you are shopping in Morocco, keep in mind these two rules:

Never give a price that you aren’t willing to pay or start haggling over something you have no intention of really buying.

If you prefer not to negotiate, visit the local Ensemble Artisanal, a state-run crafts store that has predetermined pricing (ask at the tourist office for the closest one) (ask at the tourist office for the nearest one). You may get a feel for the variety of handmade goods out there, as well as an estimate of their respective pricing, by perusing this section. (The souks will have more options and somewhat cheaper costs.)

Carpet haggling is thirsty work, so have a glass of mint tea on me.

Shopping Tips for Morocco

Tips for Buying Carpets & Rugs in Morocco

A common characteristic of Moroccan rugs and carpets is a thicker pile and a looser weave of bigger knots than is typical of Persian or Turkish carpets. Rabat, Marrakesh, and Meknès all sell some of the best examples of Moroccan culture and design, but those from Rabat are the most prestigious and pricey. The carpet souk in Azrou is also highly recommended for its selection of miniature woven carpets called killims, which are traditionally produced in the villages of the Middle Atlas Mountain.

Accessories You may get stunningly gorgeous chunky Berberi jewelry made of silver, amber, and semi-precious stones for a fraction of the amount you would spend at home. The cities of Taroudannt and Tiznit, as well as Essaouira, are great for bargain hunting. Viajes a Marrakech

Most tourists come to Morocco specifically to shop for leather goods. Made from goatskin, morocco leather is very supple and finely grained, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications including bookbindings, desk sets, portfolios, wallets, purses, and gloves.

In addition, leather items such as coats, purses, and luggage are all rather fashionable right now. Agadir is the place to get your hands on custom-made, high-end leather apparel. A pair of babouches, traditional Moroccan leather slippers, is another popular souvenir to bring home from the country.

Metalwork:

A copper or brass tray with exquisite, decorative hammered motifs can be found in many Moroccan shops, and when paired with a tiny folding wooden stand, it becomes a practical and aesthetically pleasing side table. You may make mint tea in a teapot made of silver, pewter, or even aluminum; the shape is just right for the tea’s delicate flavor.

It is recommended that you shop for high-quality pottery in the cities of Fès, Meknès, Salé, Safi, and Marrakech. Though the traditional memento is a conical couscous dish, there is a vast variety of souvenirs to choose from. From sleek contemporary dinnerware to elegant vintage display pieces. Morocco is a great place to shop for pottery.

In the souks, you may find an abundance of fresh herbs and spices that any serious chef would be foolish to pass up. Saffron in particular is inexpensive when compared to Western standards, and you shouldn’t forget to ask for the’shopkeeper’s pick,’ a fascinating mixture of 13 herbs and spices known as ras el hanout. Tour del Marocco

Cedarwood is used to make scented jars, boxes, seats, and tables, all of which can be found in the Medinas of most major cities. Sandalwood (also known as thuya) is a local speciality in Essaouira, where it is fashioned into a variety of games and decorative items, including chessboards, inlaid tables, backgammon sets, and polished jewelry boxes. Get them straight from the artisans.

If you go shopping in Morocco, I hope you have a pleasant experience.

Do you want advice on where to shop and what to purchase in Morocco? Do you need any more advice before you visit Morocco? Feel free to contact me via this comment section.