Moroccan Medinas: Shopping in Marrakech and Fes

in
Africa,Morocco

If you visit Marrakech or Fes, you can’t possibly miss the endless rows of things for sale. It’s a delight for the senses, and for anyone who loves authentic craftsmanship and special souvenirs. It feels like there’s a little bit of something for everyone, which makes shopping in the Marrakech and Fes medinas a huge amount of fun.

But while you’ll see a lot of the same things in both cities, the cities have distinct differences in their specialties. Here’s a list — with plenty of photos — of what to look for in each one.

Interior view of bustling market area inside Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate) in Fes medina in Morocco, showing people walking through crowded stalls with textiles, snacks, and other goods on display under shaded awnings

The Best of Shopping in Fes

Ceramics

Colorfully glazed ceramic bowls for sale in Fes medina in Morocco, featuring vibrant yellows, blues, pinks, blacks, and greens with intricate black painted designs

Copper Pots

Shiny copper pots for sale in Fes medina in Morocco, including traditional tagines, pans with and without lids, and teapots, showcasing Moroccan metalwork

Fancy Filigree Lamps

Close-up of a brass lamp for sale in Fes medina in Morocco, featuring an Art Deco fan pattern and emitting a warm yellow glow

Venetian Mirrors

Interior of a shop in Fes medina in Morocco selling ornate Venetian mirrors, small brass lamps, and colorful hanging glass lanterns

Musical Instruments

Musical instrument shop in Fes medina in Morocco selling guitars, drums, violins, ouds, and other traditional and modern instruments.

Tagines (Real Ones)

Shop selling terracotta tagines, both painted and unpainted, displayed on stands and spilling out onto the sidewalk in Fes medina, Morocco

Leather (Shoes, Bags, Jackets)

Rows of colorful Moroccan slippers hanging in a stall in the Fes medina, Morocco, featuring various designs including embroidery and tassels

Cooking Spices

Twelve large barrels covered in faded orange, purple, yellow, and red woven fabrics, filled with spices such as turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander, displayed outside a stall in the Fes medina, Morocco

Embroidery Thread & Notions

Five bundles of colorful thread spools tied together, featuring bright pink, purple, blue, brown, red, green, and gold threads, hanging on an aged wooden door in the Fes medina, Morocco

Straw Baskets & Animals

Straw four-legged animal figurine and two woven straw baskets on the ground in front of a shop in the Fes medina, Morocco

The Best of Shopping in Marrakech

Painted Tables & Mirrors

Colorfully painted small wooden tables, trays, and mirrors featuring traditional Moroccan floral and geometric patterns displayed in front of a shop in the Marrakech medina, Morocco, with a cat sitting between the tables and a bicycle leaning in the background

Inexpensive Filigree Lamps

Brass filigree lamp shop in the Marrakech medina, Morocco, featuring an array of intricately patterned lamps in various shapes, glowing warmly

Scarves

Rows of colorful scarves in every hue neatly displayed in a shop in the Marrakech medina, Morocco, showcasing vibrant textiles

Cosmetic & Medicinal Items

Olives

Giant pile of green olives at Marrakech medina shop in Morocco, with black olives and jars of garlic, red peppers, and olives stacked in the background, Morocco

Tiny Dried Perfumed Flowers

Shadows of the author and a friend forming a heart shape with their hands over square piles of dried flowers in vibrant colors—purple, pink, blue, teal, orange, red, yellow, and green—at a market in the Medina of Marrakech, Morocco

Dried Peppers, Herbs, & Beans

Tall bags filled with dried peppers, herbs, and beans displayed in a vibrant market stall in the Medina of Marrakech, Morocco

Zellige (Tile Work)

Zellige tilework fountain with intricate floral and geometric patterns in green, blue, yellow, and white, displayed for sale in the Medina of Marrakech, Morocco.

Fashion

While I don’t have any pictures, it’s worth noting that the Marrakech medina is the place to be if you want anything in the way of contemporary fashion.

Where Both Cities Shine

Rugs

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Wherever you go, you’re sure to enjoy your time out in the streets!

View through a brick archway in the Medina of Marrakech, revealing belts, straw baskets, toys, shoppers, and a glimpse of blue sky beyond

• Looking for more Morocco inspiration? Here are my must-see Morocco highlights.

• After all that of shopping, how about some ruins? Explore my guide to the Roman ruins at Morocco’s Ancient Volubilis, an easy day trip from Fes.

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