Casa W's guide to shopping in Marrakech

Shopping in Marrakech is an essential part of experiencing this vibrant city. The best Marrakech shops can be found in the souk, around Place des Epices, in the old medina, and near Jardin Majorelle. Here's my guide to the places I return to when I'm looking for rugs, ceramics, baskets, textiles, and unique historical finds.

Marrakech shops: where to start?

Marrakech can be overwhelming the first time you visit. The souk is beautiful, sensual, and full of life, but it's also a maze of streets, narrow passages, stalls, workshops, and shops. Therefore, my best advice is to choose a few areas at a time instead of trying to see it all.

I often start around Place des Epices, Souk Semmarine, and the area near Jardin Majorelle. Here you'll find a good mix of classic souk atmosphere, more curated shops, and places where you can find beautiful things without feeling completely lost.

At Casa W, Marrakech isn't just about buying. It's about seeing materials, colors, and craftsmanship up close. This is where I find inspiration for the Moroccan products I handpick for the shop – from ceramics and textiles to baskets, poufs, and rugs.

1. The Souk in Marrakech: rugs, pillows, poufs, and ceramics

The souk is the obvious place to start if you want to experience Marrakech shops in their most classic form. Here you'll find everything from rugs, leather goods, and lanterns to spices, ceramics, baskets, and textiles.

One place I've visited several times is Al Matjar in Souk Semmarine. He often has a fine selection of pillows, rugs, and poufs in the Scandinavian bohemian style that I also really like. It's a good place to look if you want to see how Moroccan textiles can bring warmth, calm, and personality into a home.

When you walk through the souk, take your time. Look at the quality, feel the materials, and compare several places before you decide. The best finds rarely happen when you rush.

2. Place des Epices: baskets, spices, and calm amidst the souk

Place des Epices is one of my favorite areas in Marrakech. The square has a special atmosphere because it feels both lively and manageable. Here you'll find baskets, basket bags, rugs, spices, clothes, and small shops that are easy to explore.

I also usually stop by Marrakech Mon Amour, which has nice quality t-shirts, among other things. The area is also perfect for a break, as both Nomad and Café des Epices are right here. This makes Place des Epices a good place to start if you want to combine shopping in Marrakech with coffee, lunch, and a bit of peace and quiet from the city.

3. Mustapha Blaoui: a must for interior design and antiques

A short walk from the souk is one of the most unique Marrakech shops: Mustapha Blaoui. From the outside, it looks like almost nothing. An old door without a large sign. But behind the door lies a universe of rugs, pillows, lamps, furniture, and beautiful antiques.

It's a place you need to take your time with. Go up and down the floors, look behind corners, and let your eye fall on the details. Here, you truly feel the idea of products with a story. Not because every product needs a long explanation, but because materials, patina, and craftsmanship tell their own story.

It's also the kind of place that inspires me when I select products for Casa W. Not necessarily to find the perfect or polished, but to find what has character.

4. Max & Jan: curated concept store in the medina

Max & Jan is a more curated concept store in the medina. It's not cheap, but it's definitely worth a visit if you like clothing, jewelry, accessories, and lifestyle products gathered in a beautiful universe.

The shop is located in a lovely courtyard and provides a good contrast to the more chaotic energy of the souk. Here, the expression is more streamlined, international, and boutique-like. I find it particularly interesting because it shows how Moroccan inspiration can be translated into a more modern resort and lifestyle universe.

5. Jardin Majorelle and Rue Majorelle: shopping in a calmer setting

If you visit Jardin Majorelle, set aside time for the area around the garden. Here you'll find 33 Rue Majorelle, which is one of the shops I always recommend stopping by. It's not cheap, but the selection is truly fine, and the shop is great for inspiration.

In the same area, you'll also find Chabi Chic, known for colorful Moroccan ceramics, and BE The Souk, owned by the people behind Riad BE Marrakech. It's a good area if you want to see ceramics, textiles, and accessories in a calmer setting than right in the middle of the souk.

What to buy in Marrakech?

If you ask me, the best purchases in Marrakech are those that have both function and personality. Things you can use at home, but that also remind you of the journey, the colors, and the atmosphere.

• Rugs: especially vintage rugs, Beni Ourain-inspired rugs, and colorful Berber textiles.
• Ceramics: bowls, platters, cups, and green Tamegroute-inspired ceramics.
• Baskets: for storage, the beach, and home decor.
• Pillows and poufs: great for adding warmth and texture to the living room or summer house.
• Textiles: kaftans, scarves, tablecloths, and hand-woven details.

If you love Moroccan interiors, you can also see our selection of Tamegroute ceramics, Moroccan pillows and poufs, and vintage rugs at Casa W.

My best tips for shopping in Marrakech

• Start early in the day when the souk is a bit quieter.
• Take pictures of street names or places you want to find your way back to.
• Don't buy the first thing you see, unless you truly fall in love with it.
• Ask about materials, origin, and craftsmanship.
• Carry cash, but only spend what you feel comfortable with.
• Bargain kindly and calmly. It should feel like a conversation, not a battle.

My most important advice is to let yourself be carried away, but not to stress. Marrakech is best when you dare to get a little lost, take a break, and let the finds come to you.

Frequently asked questions

Where are the best shops in Marrakech?

The best shops in Marrakech are mainly in the souk, around Place des Epices, in the old medina, and near Jardin Majorelle. Start with a few areas so the experience is inspiring rather than overwhelming.

What should you buy in Marrakech?

Marrakech is particularly good for rugs, ceramics, baskets, leather goods, pillows, poufs, spices, and textiles. Choose products where the materials and craftsmanship feel authentic, and where you can see them fitting into your home.

Should you haggle over prices in Marrakech?

Yes, in many souk shops it is normal to haggle over prices. Do it kindly, calmly, and with respect. In more curated concept stores, prices are often fixed.

Is the souk in Marrakech worth visiting?

Yes. The souk is a big part of the Marrakech experience. It can be intense, but it's also full of colors, craftsmanship, scents, textiles, and small moments you won't find anywhere else.