Top Shopping Marrakech

There are three main shopping areas in Marrakech to consider: the souk in the medina; the new town, or Gueliz; and Sidi Ghanem, the industrial zone. The industrial area is where many of the designers have their ateliers and really is only worth visiting if you are looking to custom order from specific artisans based there or want to buy in bulk. In the souk, you will find the traditional crafts of Morocco from rugs and wrought iron lanterns to Berber jewelry and leather goods, including a hundred variations on the baboush slipper.

In recent years, a number of stylish French and Italian expats have opened boutiques where they sell Moroccan made fashions and housewares with a more Western sensibility. A few of these are scattered in the souk but most are in the new town, where they have set prices (i.e. no negotiating as you must do in the souk) and a calmer boutique atmosphere than the souk

Word of warning: For decades, western visitors have been brought to the souks with guides who helped them navigate the alleyways and negotiate prices. In fact, until a few years ago, browsing the souk unaccompanied meant being hassled non-stop by sellers. The tourism board has eliminated hawkers but it is still customary for guides to take you shopping (and they do get a cut from the shop owners). While this practice may offend Westerners, it is a part of the Moroccan culture and frankly, it helps to know someone who can steer you away from the trinket dealers and to the better dealers and it is unlikely you could pay any less on your own.

The best shops for fashion and house wares are those listed below, many of which have set prices anyway and any guide will bring you to them. For serious shoppers, those who either want to buy a lot or who are in the fashion or decorating business or who simply are willing to pay a fee for an expert to accompany them, there have been some wonderful personal shoppers who we could steer you. One of our favorites, for instance, has escorted Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker and many U.S. and European fashion designers through to the best rug wholesalers and custom kaftan creators. However, the official guides’ service has recently prohibited them from operating. If you are interested in such assistance, contact our Bookings Team.

Melissa’s all-time favorites:

• Al Kawtar for linens
• Au Fil d’Or for cashmere jackets that are great for traveling
• Bazar Jouti and Al Matjar for carpets
• Boutique Bel Hadj and El Abidi Nasser Eddine for jewelry
• Beldi and Bouriad Karim for traditional kaftan/cover-ups
• Akbar Delights and Boutique Fadila El Gadi for upscale embellished kaftans
• Lalla for bags
• Chez Zoe for terry towels and kids’ tasseled robes
• Atika for suede slippers
• Michele Baconnier and Moor for accessories and home wares
• Mustapha Blaoui for furniture
• The souk for gifts like straw bags, Berber jewelry and more
• The shop at the Majorelle Gardens has a great selection from the best shops in the city.

Another favorite spot in the medina is the Souk Cherifa, where a number of boutiques are located in the second story courtyard space just below Terrasse des Epices. Look for Baboucheshop, Sissi Morocco, Lalla, Hanout and Zaaz.