Marrakesh in 5 Shops: artisanal souvenirs and traditional Moroccan decor

In our series featuring 5 Shops, we highlight our favorite independent retailers in some of the world's most vibrant cities. From food markets to bookstores, vintage finds to homegrown designs, we've curated a captivating selection of local shops where you can discover unique items.

I vividly recall my first trip to Marrakesh, exploring the Medina with wide-eyed wonder, eager to fill my suitcase with treasures. I never imagined I would return, yet in 2019, I made the journey from the UK to Morocco to start a new chapter in my life. Ultimately, it wasn’t a car I filled; it was a home and a fresh beginning.

Shopping in Marrakesh excites me with its vibrant creativity and the chance to connect with artisans while purchasing handmade goods directly. The Medina is a treasure trove for exploring, browsing, and haggling. It features a wide variety of options, from traditional souk stalls to chic designer shops. For more unique and locally made products, Gueliz is another fantastic shopping area, but be sure to avoid the mainstream stores on the main boulevard in favor of charming independent boutiques tucked away on the tranquil side streets.

Unsure where to kick off your shopping journey? Here are five outstanding independent shops and markets in the city where you can uncover unique gems to take home.

Best for souvenirs: Caravan Serai

This new collective is your go-to destination for gifts and souvenirs from Marrakech. To locate it, start at the Dar el Bacha museum and stroll east for 250 meters down a quaint pedestrian street. There's no visible shop sign, and its hidden charm adds to the allure. Look for flowing fabric drapes above and then venture off a narrow alley into an open-air artisan market featuring a dozen stalls all under one roof.

It’s fresh, tidy, and well-organized, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of both small and large items, predominantly handcrafted rattan baskets, rugs, lanterns, ceramics, glassware, brassware, and quirky fridge magnets. Be ready to haggle over prices.

I can't resist the basket bags—they're lightweight, travel-friendly, handmade from natural materials, and budget-friendly. Depending on the style and intricacy, expect to spend between 150-250 MAD ($15 - $20).

A Guide to Bargaining in Marrakesh

Best for Local Design: Hanout Boutique

For stylish, chic, and contemporary Moroccan couture, Hanout Boutique is your destination. Owner and designer Meriem Nour, who studied fashion at Central St Martins in London, seamlessly blends the street style of the UK capital with Moroccan elegance, offering pieces perfect for both casual wear and special events. Picture exquisitely tailored skirts, shirts, flowing kaftans, and vibrant dresses crafted from silk, wool, and cotton.

Nour personally designs the garments for this womenswear label, and a skilled team of seamstresses brings her visions to life in a nearby atelier. Need adjustments before you take your items home? They can be sent to the atelier for quick tweaks, then delivered back to your accommodation the same day.

Prices tend to be on the higher end, with a kaftan dress priced around MAD1950.00 ($193).

Best for Vintage: Bab el-Khemis

For genuine thrift finds, make your way to the Bab el-Khemis flea market at the historic Bab el-Khemis Gate and start exploring! It resembles a car boot sale, where you can discover everything from pottery to brass items, glassware, and doorknobs. This daily market (closed on Fridays) has plenty of intriguing pieces, but you'll need to sift through some clutter to find the real gems.

If you're in search of vintage-inspired apparel, check out Warda la Mouche near the Djemma el Fna. While technically not pre-loved, the locally crafted items draw inspiration from 1960s and 70s Moroccan fashion, featuring kaftans embellished with handmade embroidery along with flowing blouses and trousers. The leather bags with kilim (Moroccan carpet cut-offs) details make delightful souvenirs or gifts, starting at MAD790 ($78).

Best for Books: Chatr

Bookstores are a rarity in Morocco, largely because storytelling is traditionally an oral art form. However, Librairie Chatr, established in 1965, stands out as one of the oldest bookstores in the city. It features two levels filled with books and stationery, with the upper floor devoted entirely to Arabic literature. The ground floor boasts a wide selection of Moroccan literature in English, French, and Arabic, alongside international classics and contemporary bestsellers (mostly in French, but some in English as well).

You'll find a solid collection of travel guidebooks, Moroccan road maps, and a second-hand table offering rare treasures at great prices. It's intriguing to browse through large coffee table books focused on Moroccan history and culture, as well as in-depth looks at various regions, including the majestic Sahara.

Best for Food: Barbe

Nestled on a serene backstreet in the upscale Gueliz neighborhood, Barbe is a beautifully curated deli and wine shop. Owners Adnane and his wife have traveled the globe and returned to Morocco to create this inviting space, featuring charcuterie, cheeses, and gourmet deli products, along with a breathtaking wine cave with a cork ceiling in the basement.

The store offers an excellent variety of artisanal Moroccan goods, making it perfect for gifts or personal treats, including herbal teas, spices, olives, honey, amlou (a Moroccan spread made from toasted almonds, argan oil, and honey), various nut butter spreads (starting at MAD70 / $7), and an extensive selection of some of Morocco's finest wines.

The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming; Adnane doubles as a DJ, so you can typically enjoy music and the inviting aroma of fresh Bloom coffee brewing as you browse.