Marrakech is a sensory slap in the face. The heat that hits you as soon as you arrive at the airport, the heady smell of cumin, the shouts of the vendors in the souks, the vibrant colors of the fabrics... You don't just visit the Red City, you immerse yourself in it.
And frankly, it would be a crime to leave without a souvenir worthy of the name. But between the trinkets made in China and the genuine Moroccan handicrafts, you have to know how to sort. I spent several days deliberately losing myself in the souks, chatting with craftsmen and haggling over mint tea. Result: a list of 10 souvenirs I really recommend, with my tips for finding them, recognizing them and bringing them home without regret.
- Argan oil - Morocco's liquid gold
First rule of thumb: not all argan oils are created equal. Real, pure argan oil is cold-extracted from argan kernels and has a light, nutty fragrance.
- Culinary version Perfect for basting couscous, flavouring salads or spicing up tagines.
- Cosmetic version Moisturizing, repairing, it leaves skin soft and hair shiny.
💡 Quality tips On the label, look for the words 100 % pure. If it's cloudy, slimy or too fragrant, skip it.
📍 Where I found the best The cooperative Tounarouz, where women still press oil by hand.
💰 Suggested retail price: from 50 MAD per 100 ml.
- Les babouches - Handcrafted comfort that clicks
Visit Souk Smata, is an explosion of color. Entire walls lined with babouches, supple leather, golden embroidery...
- Hand-sewn models last for years and soften at your feet.
- Industrial versions are often rigid and smell of plastic.
💡 Field tips You'll have to negotiate, especially if you're taking several. In a quiet alley, I found three pairs for the price of two.
💰 80 to 200 MAD depending on quality.
- Berber rugs - A work of art under your feet
I'd gone away thinking, “No way am I buying a rug”... and I came back with one. Beni Ourain. The wool was so soft that I cracked.
- Visit Beni Ourain thick wool, neutral tones, black geometric pattern.
- Visit Rabati More colorful, often with diamonds and bangs.
💡 Tip Talk to the seller, ask which tribe wove it. Stories are part of the purchase.
📍 Souk Zrabi or The Golden Gate to avoid fakes.
💰 500 to 2,000 MAD. Always start at -50 % of the posted price.
- Spices - Marrakech by scent
À Rahba Kedima, The spices form perfect cones: bright red saffron, golden cumin, brilliant paprika.
- Saffron: expensive, but a small amount flavors an entire dish.
- Ras el hanout: signature blend for tagines and couscous.
💡 Storage tips Store in: airtight glass jars, away from light.
📍 Stalls with posted prices inspire more confidence.
💰 From 20 MAD per 100 g.
- Leather goods - Timeless elegance
Moroccan leather craftsmanship is centuries-old. In the Souk Cherratin, bags, belts, poufs, wallets...
- Soft leather, natural smell, regular stitching: that's good quality.
- Beware of leather that is too shiny, often synthetic.
💡 Tip If you see the craftsman working on site, it's a good sign.
📍 Max & Jan for a more contemporary look.
💰 From 150 MAD. Negotiate politely: -30 to -50 % is common.
- Moroccan lanterns - The glow of a thousand and one nights
These copper or brass lanterns, pierced with delicate motifs, transform any room as soon as a candle is slipped into them.
- Small for a cosy corner.
- Large for a patio or living room.
💡 Decorating tips A trio of small lanterns has more impact than a single large one.
📍 Souk Haddadine, near the Medersa Ben Youssef.
💰 From 100 MAD.
- Ceramic tagines - Beautiful and useful
At the Mellah market, dozens of colorful tagines line up.
- For cooking Choose a lead-free terracotta model.
- To decorate Let yourself be tempted by hand-painted motifs.
💡 Tip Many of the vendors show you how to cook inside, so you can learn on the spot.
💰 From 120 MAD.
- Silver jewelry - Berber and Tuareg radiance
Visit Souk Semmarine, Silver shines in the filtering sunlight. Massive bracelets, delicate pendants, turquoise-encrusted earrings...
- Ask for the hallmark that guarantees purity.
- Each piece is unique and handcrafted.
📍 Around Dar Si Said, real workshops still in operation.
💰 From 100 MAD.
- Kaftans - Travelling elegance
The Moroccan kaftan is grace in fabric. Fluid, embroidered, sometimes adorned with pearls, it can be worn at home or out in the evening.
- Simple models are perfect for summer dresses.
- The luxurious versions, often in silk, are collector's items.
💡 Tip Always try before you buy.
📍 Hanane (traditional) or Akbar Delights (modern).
💰 From 300 MAD.
- Argan soap - Small but precious
Easy to pack, argan soap moisturizes the skin and leaves a delicate fragrance.
- Scented with lavender, eucalyptus or rose.
- Ideal as a small gift.
📍 Arganino for ethical purchasing.
💰 From 30 MAD.
How to shop successfully in the souks of Marrakech
Navigating the souks is an adventure in itself. Here are my golden rules:
- Haggling is normal
Put on a smile and offer around -50 % of the advertised price. Don't be in a hurry: negotiation is an art. - Trust your senses
Feel the fabrics, smell the leather, observe the details. You'll recognize a truly handcrafted product. - Locate workshops
Seeing a craftsman at work is often the best guarantee of authenticity. - Bring plenty of liquid
Credit cards are rarely accepted. - Take note of your landmarks
The souks are a labyrinth: keep a mosque or large square in mind to avoid getting lost.
In a nutshell
Knowledge What to bring back from Marrakech, A trip to Morocco isn't just about filling your suitcase: it's about choosing objects that carry with them the warmth of Morocco, its history and its colors. Whether it's a carpet, a kaftan, a silver necklace or a jar of saffron, each souvenir is a promise to bring a piece of the magic of the Red City back home with you.