Morocco is a dazzling destination with something for everyone! And if you are looking for shopping, you are in for a treat. With a diverse retail landscape, shopping in Morocco is an experience that goes far beyond a simple transaction. From the bustling street markets to artisanal workshops and modern luxury malls, Morocco offers an ultimate shopping experience for every kind of traveler. In this blog, we will discover the best places to shop and everything else to make the most of your journey. Ready for a colorful shopping adventure in Morocco? Let’s get started!
11 Places for Shopping in Morocco for Unique Finds and Local Crafts
Here’s a list of the best places for shopping in Morocco where you can anything and everything:
1. Souq Semmarine, Marrakesh
Located in the heart of Marrakesh Medina, Souk Semmarine is indeed the most iconic shopping destination in Morocco. With a history dating to the 11th century, it is the largest market in the country. Here, you can find everything from leather goods, babouche slippers and clothes to spices and intricate metal lanterns. Upon stepping into the market, you will hear sellers calling out to customers, see stalls filled with colorful goods and smell spices in the air. Negotiate for the best prices on goods, but make sure to use polite language.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 9 PM, Daily
Best Time to Visit: Late Afternoon and Evening
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Souq Semmarine
- Visit in the morning to enjoy quieter lanes and browse stalls before the crowds arrive
- Try traditional Moroccan snacks and mint tea at rooftop cafés in the area
- Explore the alleyways with hidden workshops, unique shops, and artisan crafts
- Take a horse-drawn carriage ride in Jemaa el-Fnaa square and watch street performances
2. Souq des Teinturiers, Marrakesh
Commonly called the Dyers' Souq, Souq des Teinturiers is one of the most picturesque spots for shopping in Marrakesh. Walking through this traditional market feels like stepping into a living color palette, with vibrant wool and fabrics hanging in the open to dry. This souk was established around the 16th century and has been home to dyers and weavers ever since. Located in the middle of Medina, the Souq is not very large but just one long street with a few side lanes. Shops and stalls in the market sell scarves, carpets, and woven goods crafted by hand. Take time to see and learn how wool and fabrics are dyed into beautiful colors like red, blue, and yellow using traditional methods.
Visiting Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – Closed
Best Time to Visit: Morning
Tips for Shopping in Souq des Teinturiers
- Most shops in the souq are small and may not accept credit cards, so carry enough cash
- Enjoy bargaining for your purchases, but offer fair prices
- Morning visits are ideal for quieter atmosphere
- Explore narrow side lanes for hidden shops beyond the main lane
Suggested Read: Desert Safari in Morocco: The Ultimate Adventure Guide
3. Souq Cherifia, Marrakesh
If you are looking for a relaxed and contemporary shopping experience in Morocco, head to Souq Cherifia in Marrakesh. Founded in 1990s, this small, multi-level shopping arcade in the bustling medina offers a curated selection of goods from some of the best modern Moroccan designers. The mall is filled with small boutiques selling high-quality items including locally designed products that you will not find even in the main souqs. Visitors can buy stylish clothing, modern leather bags, jewelry, artistic home decor and traditional handicrafts.
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning for quieter experience
Insider Tips for Shoppers in Souq Cherifia:
- Weekdays are less crowded and ideal for easy explorations
- Shops have fixed prices for products, so always ask for the final price before negotiating
- Ask shopkeepers to explain how items are made or what makes them special
- Some shops may not accept credit cards so bring cash in Moroccan Dirham
4. Sidi Ghanem, Marrakesh
Just a short drive from Marrakesh city, Sidi Ghanem is a vibrant design district known for its modern shops and artisan workshops. It started to develop as a creative area in the early 2000s. The industrial quarter is home to many showrooms selling furniture, home decor, clothes, art, and crafts made by local designers. Unlike the souqs in Marrakesh Medina, Sidi Ghanem has wide streets lined with large buildings that are easy to explore on foot or drive through. Some popular spots to explore in Sidi Ghanem are Salima Abdel Wahab, Henry Cath, Keros, Natus and Fenyadi.
Visiting Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sidi Ghanem:
- Stop at a café or bakery in the area before continuing the shopping
- Ask shop owners to explain the stories behind their goods and designs
- Carry cash in Moroccan Dirham for smaller purchases or workshops
- Visit on weekdays as most showrooms are open and there are lesser crowds
Suggested Read: Morocco Travel Guide: Best Restaurants, Cafes & Attractions to Explore
5. Morocco Mall, Casablanca
Seeking a luxury shopping experience? Head to Morocco Mall in Casablanca, situated along the Atlantic coast. Covering an area of about 250,000 square meters, it has been the largest shopping mall in North Africa since 2011. The mall has over 350 outlets, including stores of international and luxury brands like Dior and Zara, dining joints, and a big supermarket. It’s the place to go for fixed-price fashion, electronics, cosmetics and everything else you need. The mall also has a small amusement park, a massive indoor aquarium, a movie theater, and a musical fountain that puts on a magical show every evening.
Visiting Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon or early evening
Things to Do in Morocco Mall:
- Watch a movie at the IMAX Cinema inside the mall
- Enjoy rides, games, and play zones at Adventureland
- See colorful fish and even ride a glass elevator through the large indoor aquarium
- Savor Moroccan and international food at various cafes in the mall
6. Fes el-Bali Souq
Shopping in Fes el-Bali Souk is like stepping back in time. This historic souq within Fes el-Bali medina was established in the 9th century and has now grown into a maze of narrow streets with hundreds of small shops and stalls. It is divided into special areas dedicated to leather, metalwork, and ceramics. The area stretches for several kilometers and is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world. Here, visitors can buy spices, leather goods, carpets, copperware, traditional clothes, and handmade crafts.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Insider Tips for Shopping in Fes el-Bali Souq:
- Keep personal items close and zipped from pickpockets
- Bargain politely for the best prices on your purchases
- Wear modest clothing and good walking shoes
- Always ask for permission before photographing people or stalls
Suggested Read: Top Cafes in Morocco with Best Views and Great Atmosphere
7. Souq Jdid, Essaouira
Souq Jdid is a local market in the medina (old city) of Essaouira, Morocco. It was developed in the 18th century when Essaouira was built as a port town. The name means 'New Market', but it is now a traditional spot where both locals and visitors shop. The market is not very large but is filled with stands selling fresh produce, spices, baked goods, kitchen tools, clothes, and everyday items. It is a lively and friendly place, where you can see daily Moroccan life and buy basic goods at fair prices. The market is covered in some sections, so you can visit even during rain.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 8 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning and late afternoon
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Souq Jdid, Essaouira:
- Try fresh bread and Moroccan pastries from stalls for an authentic taste experience
- Learn about local products from vendors
- Wander through all parts of the market to find unique goods and better prices
- Visit in the morning when the area is less crowded and stalls are full of fresh goods
8. Quartier Habous, Casablanca
Known as the New Medina, Quartier Habous is a historic shopping neighborhood in Casablanca, Morocco. It was built in the 1930s during the French colonial period to provide a modern version of a traditional souq. The area is not very large, but it has several main streets and small squares boasting a peaceful atmosphere, white buildings, and beautiful arches. It is lined with shops selling books, clothes, leather goods, spices, sweets, and handcrafted products. The area is particularly popular for its excellent selection of pastries, olives and custom-made jellabas and caftans.
Visiting Hours: 9 AM to 7 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Things to Do in Quartier Habous:
- Attend special events, pop-up markets, or seasonal promotions hosted at the mall
- Indulge in beauty and wellness treatments at the salon
- Watch the latest movie at Megarama Cinema
- Enjoy ice skating at the Skating Rink for a cool break after shopping
Suggested Read: Top Things to Do in Morocco for an Incredible African Voyage
9. Anfaplace Mall, Casablanca
Set along the Ain Diab Corniche, Anfaplace Mall is a modern shopping center in Casablanca, Morocco. Opened in 2013, the mall covers an area of around 36,000 square meters. It houses more than 90 stores, including international and local brands, as well as restaurants, cafés, and a supermarket. There is also a cinema and play area for children, making it a good spot for families to spend a fun day after shopping. The mall is known for its open layout and elegant design by Sir Norman Foste, which provides an easy access to the beach right outside. People come here to shop for clothes, shoes, electronics, and to enjoy meals with a sea view.
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or evening
Tips for Shopping in Anfaplace Mall
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for quieter shopping and shorter lines
- Relax on the nearby beach and savor a delicious meal
- Explore Moroccan clothing and accessory stores for unique finds
10. Marina Mall, Casablanca
Marina Mall is a modern shopping center located in the Casablanca Marina area. It opened in 2016 and covers about 43,000 square meters. The mall has more than 100 shops, selling clothes, shoes, electronics, and household goods. There are also many cafés, restaurants, and a supermarket, making it a good place for families and visitors. Marina Mall is known for its clean, bright design and beautiful views of the marina and the sea. It has both indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and enjoy.
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon or early evening
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Marina Mall:
- Plan your shopping trips on weekdays or early in the day to avoid crowds
- Visit the port and famous Hassan II Mosque nearby
- Check for pop-up markets or cultural events happening during your visit
Suggested Read: Top Places to Visit in Morocco for an African Adventure
11. Silver Market, Essaouira
Also called the Jewelry Souk, Silver Market is a well-known shopping area in the old medina of Essaouira, Morocco. This market has been active since the 18th century when the town was a busy trade port. The market features narrow streets lined with small shops selling handmade silver jewelry, old Berber designs, and decorative items. You can find rings, necklaces, bracelets, and silver teapots, all crafted by local artisans. The market is a favorite for both visitors and locals looking for unique gifts or traditional jewelry in a relaxed setting.
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon
Things to Do in Silver Market Essaouira
- Dive into the history of the market from shopkeepers
- Learn about the traditional process of jewelry making in Morocco
- Try Moroccan pastries and mint tea at a nearby café
- Stroll the narrow streets and soak in the vibrant atmosphere
Morocco offers one of the most unique and rewarding shopping experiences on the planet. From buying vintage Berber carpets in centuries-old souqs to browsing the latest collection from designer boutiques, shopping in Morocco is a journey that delights the senses and connects you directly with the country’s rich cultural heritage. For a seamless trip, choose one of our Morocco tour packages that take you through the top shopping spots and attractions in the country. Book now and get ready to write a magical story in Moroccan land!
FAQ’s - Shopping in Morocco
Prices of handcrafted items in Morocco vary wildly depending on quality and location. A small leather pouf might cost 150-300 MAD, while a pair of quality babouche slippers could be 80-150 MAD. A small, hand-painted ceramic bowl could be as low as 30 MAD, while a high-quality, medium-sized Berber rug can range from 1500 to 5000 MAD or much more.
Yes, bargaining is an integral part of Moroccan shopping culture in the souks and markets. The first price offered is rarely the final price. A good rule of thumb is to counter with about 50% of the asking price and work your way to a mutually agreeable amount.
Major markets in tourist areas of Morocco are generally safe for solo travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of petty theft, as you would in any other crowded place.
Yes, you can make credit card payments at modern boutiques, larger cooperatives like Art Naji, and malls in Morocco. However, shops and stalls in markets of Morocco rarely have card machines, so carry cash in Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Local markets of Fes (or Fez) and Marrakesh are best for buying traditional carpets and leather products like bags, shoes, belts, and babouches.
There are generally no restrictions on exporting textiles or modern crafts in Morocco. However, exporting genuine antiques and items of significant cultural or archaeological value is strictly regulated and requires special government permission.
While visiting traditional souks in Morocco, it is expected to wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. In modern shopping malls like the Morocco Mall and Marina Mall in Casablanca, the dress code is much more relaxed and Western-style clothing is common.
Berber rugs, leather goods like bags and babouches slippers, argan oil, spices, ceramics, and lanterns are some popular souvenirs to buy in Morocco.
