Shopping in the Souks of Morocco is a unique and exciting experience that offers travelers the opportunity to purchase local hand made artisan goods along with a delightful array of Moroccan homewares, Moroccan rugs, Moroccan caftans, and clothing along with taking in the vibrant displays of exotic spices and food. No visit to Morocco would be complete without exploring the souks and medinas of Marrakesh, Fès, and Ouarzazate. Shopping in the Souks of Morocco is best done with a Moroccan guide who can provide insight into where you will find quality goods for reasonable prices.
Unlike shopping in the West, where people tend to visit local retailers, in Morocco a shopping trip involves visiting the old medina, and various souks (markets) within them that sell specific goods ranging from clothing, to fabrics, shoes, food, and rugs. Since most foreign currencies are strong in comparison to the Moroccan dirham, you can go on an extensive shopping spree and purchase various local Moroccan handicrafts such as Moroccan leatherwork, carpets, jewelry of silver, gold, and copper along with ancient embroideries, and basketwork.
Souks and markets are also a daily destination where locals shop for fresh meat, vegetables, household goods, and other items that Americans for example, purchase at Wal-Mart or Target. In the countryside, you can find large numbers of weekly souks (markets). A new alternative to souks in Morocco is Marjane, a Moroccan hypermarket chain, found in large cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, Agadir, Fès, Tétouan, and Tangier, Marjane is the “Moroccan Target” and sells a wide variety of items such as food, clothing, liquor, electronics, and other household goods. Whether or not you are a big shopper, visiting a souk is a cultural experience that should not be missed on a trip to Morocco.
