Shopping in Marrakech
Shopping is an absolute delight in Marrakech, although bargaining is essential. A good tip is to start at 20% of the asking price and negotiate your bid from there.
Key areas
A good place to buy carpets is Souk Zrabi, but be prepared to spend hours drinking mint tea, head shaking, sighing and smiling as rugs and carpets are unrolled. If you want fixed-priced rugs, check out Ben Rahal (Rue de Liberté).
Handmade copper and silverware, silk or cotton garments, wooden articles and jewellery can be found at L'Orientaliste (Rue de la Liberté). There are many small jewellers near the Mouassine Mosque.
For leather, Place Vendome (141 Avenue Mohammed V) is a good bet if quality matters more than price. Chic boutiques cluster in Guéliz around Rue de la Liberté, while Rue Yogouslavie is dotted with hidden galleries. For sartorial and accessories elegance, step into the wonder that is Akbar Delights (7 rue des Anciens Marrakchis).
Markets
Leading off from the northern edge of Jemaa el-Fna are the winding alleyways of the souks, the vast, crowded central market of Marrakech, where visitors can pick up anything from slippers to spices. Popular souks include souk Semmarine (for fabrics and souvenirs), souk Larzal (wool or clothing, depending on the time of day), souk Zrabi (for carpets), souk Cherratin (for leatherware), souk Smata (for Moroccan slippers), and souk Haddadine (for lanterns and metalworks).
Beware of strangers who want to help you find your way or take you to a specific shop – decline politely. Our recommendation is to hire an official guide if you prefer to explore the souks safely.
Shopping centres
For those who prefer fixed-price items, check out Ensemble Artisanal (Avenue Mohammed V), a small shopping mall, and Centre Artisanal (Rue de La Kasbah), which specialises in souvenirs and a wide range of handicrafts.
Opening hours
Shopping hours in the medina usually start around 0900. In Guéliz, shops are usually open Monday to Saturday 0930-1230 and 1530-1900. Some shops are closed on Sunday.
Souvenirs
Handwoven Berber carpets, lanterns, babouches (Moroccan slippers), djellaba (a loose hooded robe), spices, and handicrafts are just some of the best buys in Marrakech.
Tax information
VAT is 20% in Morocco. Visitors can claim back VAT on certain purchases if they ask for a Tax Free form and an official receipt. Not all purchases are eligible so it is best to check with the store first.
