Marrakech Shopping: The Medina

Marrakech shopping

I went to the desert to sand board. I went to Marrakech to shop.

Shopping in the Medina, or Marrakech’s Old City, is an out-of-body experience. I’ve never wanted to buy things more than in those three days. My friends warned me to bring an empty suitcase. Reluctantly I brought an empty suitcase. Thank God I listened. I bought everything – a rug, slippers, shoes, a few bags, some place mats… the list goes on.

At first glance, shopping in Marrakech is overwhelming. It is hard to know where to begin. I spent most of the first day browsing, touching, poking, prodding, nodding, pointing and stroking. 

Miniature storefronts are piled high with leather slippers, embroidered carpets, silver goods and lots and lots of junk. 

Off the beaten path, elderly men hammer away at tarnished silver. In an open square, young women weave colorful wicker baskets. Up down and around the corner, the rug lords sell to wealthier travelers. Along one entryway, tired men sit at the heart of their carts vending raw nuts and dried fruits. Down a brightly lit row, jolly men sit between pyramids of spices. 

The chaos is addicting and the lighting makes any shirt or slipper look beautiful. After a few hours, I was ready to make my first move. It went something like this.

Step 1: Smile and look like you’re maybe kinda interested

Step 2: Ask, “how much?”

Step 3: Look astonished

Step 4: Say, “no, no, no I can’t afford that, I only have…”

Step 5: Smile again, say, “no thank you”, walk away

Step 6: Don’t look back

Step 7: If their offer wasn’t totally insane, go back 

Step 8: Make a ridiculously low offer

Step 9: Hold your ground and keep on bargaining

Step 10: Celebrate! 9 times out of 10 you’ve got a deal

The beauty of the souks is another vendor pretty much always has the same item you want. Don’t let the devastation sink in too quickly if you lose the fight. You’ll get what you want for a fair price with a little work. The hunt is most of the fun. It will make you love what you get even more. You earned it. 

Where to shop

So where should you shop in Marrakech? Well that all depends what you’re looking for. You could certainly be lost in the depths of the souks for days. It is a maze of bright colors, old and new. If you are looking for cheaper prices do wander down the quieter and darker alleys. The prices drop the farther you walk. If you’ve only got a few hours to spend, stay close to the edge, it is easy to get lost in there. Most importantly, have some fun. 

Looking for something specific? Just ask. My friend was searching for a leather toiletries bag but couldn’t find one. He asked a man and he made it for him in the color he wanted in under 2 hours for under $15. Talk about a unique purchase. 

Pro tip: Feet tired? Need a drink?, find the Café de Éspices. The food isn’t the best, but the drinks and the view are hard to beat.

The souks are open every day from 10am to 7pm and sometimes later. They are closed on Friday afternoons.