Markets & Shops In Marrakech
Souks
Aysh-hal ettaman - How much?
And you can be sure the answer will be treble or more, but bargaining in Morocco's souks is natural and all part of the fun of this shopaholic's paradise - so keep smiling and hold your nerve! The tourist magnet that is Jmaa el Fna, leads you to the Grand Souk. Mind boggling colours and choice send the shopper into a bewildering, but fascinating world of haggling and charming sales techniques. If you are strong you can pick up a real bargain, particularly if you head for the specialist markets, such as the leather or jewellry rows - deep inside the souk.
Leather goods are of high quality and belts and shoes are good buys, especially the classic open heeled babouches. And a CD or tape is easy to bring back if you want to be transported back on your kelim to this magical land of haunting Berber music, classic Fassi or even Gnaoua jazz.
Obviously the best place to go to have a true Moroccan shopping experience. Haggle as much as you can to get the best price. If you want a guide, organise one before you get there as the casual guides who pick you up from the square will not have your best interests at heart.
Each souk is a market for specific products and are open everyday although the wholesale specialists, particularly in the leather souk close their stalls at 5pm and many others begin to close at 8pm.
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Tapis (Carpets) - souk Zarbia
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Teinturiers (Dyers) - souk Sebbaghine
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Fer (Iron work) - souk Hadadine
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Epices (Spices) - souk Kassabine
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Tannuers (Tanners) - souk Cherratine
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Cuir (Leather) - souk el Kebir
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Textiles (Cloth) - souk Smarine
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Laine (Wool) - souk Laghzal
For real quality, and a fair price, you need to get as close to the source of origin as possible, so if you are after the ultimate Berber carpet, tagine, necklace or colourful blanket you'll need to head to the weekly markets in the mountain villages, such as Ourika.
Central Marrakech
Atika at 34 rue de la liberté in Guéliz offers irresistible shoes, boots and handbags – not particularly cheap, but you will never regret spending half an hour browsing and trying on. Tel: 00 212 (0) 24 43 64 09
Birkemeyer, 169 Rue Mohamed El Beqal off Ave Mohamed V, is top quality for leather clothing and bags. Tel: 00 212 (0) 24 44 92 97
Mohamed V and Rue de la Liberté are where some of the best retail shops can be found. There is a newarea being built by Zara of Spain which will feature many of the European chains – but you can see them back home.
Industrial Zone
This is where many interior designers go to source good quality products and ideas.
The candles from Amira at 277 Sidi Ghanem are out of this world. Tel: 00 212 (0)24 33 62 47. The ceramics at Akkal on the same road are unique and can be found in the most sophisticated homes. Tel: 00 212 (0)24 33 59 38.
Individually designed and embroidered linens can be purchased from Chez Zoe Tel : 00 212 (0)24 33 61 44 and there are many interior design shops throughout the Industrial Zone – Zamane Design is a particular favourite Tel: 00 212 (0)24 35 63 79.
Personal Shopper
There is a lovely French lady called Letty, who has been living in Marrakech for several years and knows all the interesting shops to visit. Whether you want to find clothes, jewellery, furniture, candles or traditional handicrafts give Laeticia Trouillet a call on 00 212 (0)74 21 72 28 or email her at info@lalla.fr
By arrangement, Letty will pick you up in her mini-bus with her driver who will take you around to all the best places.
