What to buy in Marrakech, which souk to go to, and how much to pay

By Souvenir Express team · Published 16 October 2026

Covered souk alley in Marrakech with pierced brass lanterns, hanging skeins of dyed wool and shafts of afternoon light — Illustration of a souk alley in the Marrakech medina.

Short answer: in Marrakech, buy leather and babouches in the Cherratine souk, lanterns and metalwork in Haddadine, spices and rose water in Attarine, and textiles along Souk Semmarine. Expect to pay 40 to 60 % of the first price after bargaining, and check fair prices first at the state-run Ensemble Artisanal, where prices are fixed.

What should you buy in Marrakech?

These are the purchases most associated with the Marrakech souks, and they travel well:

Leather goods and babouches: slippers, bags, belts and wallets.
Lanterns and metalwork: pierced brass lanterns, candle holders and trays.
Spices and rose water: saffron, ras el hanout, cumin, dried rose buds.
Textiles: scarves, kaftans and djellabas.
Ceramics: painted plates, bowls and decorative tagines from across the country.
Argan oil: cosmetic or culinary, sold in the souks and in cooperatives.

Which souk sells what?

The souks start on the north side of Jemaa el-Fna square. Each lane traditionally groups one trade.

Souk	What you find there	Tip
Souk Semmarine	The main covered street: textiles, kaftans, scarves, leather souvenirs	Starts from Jemaa el-Fna; the busiest and most touristy
Souk Cherratine	Leather: bags, belts, babouches, wallets	Check the stitching and that both slippers match
Souk Haddadine	Metalwork: lanterns, candle holders, trays	Compare several lantern sizes before you bargain
Souk des Teinturiers (dyers)	Hanging skeins of dyed wool	Go in the morning to see the dyeing
Souk Attarine	Spices, rose water, dried herbs, argan oil	Spices are sold by weight

How much should you pay after bargaining?

Prices below come from 2025-2026 guides to the Marrakech souks: the first price usually quoted, then what travellers pay after bargaining.

Item	First price quoted	After bargaining
Small decorative tagine	250 to 320 MAD	100 to 140 MAD
6 tea glasses	200 to 350 MAD	50 to 120 MAD
Leather babouches	250 to 350 MAD	80 to 150 MAD
Leather pouf	450 to 650 MAD	200 to 280 MAD
Small brass lantern	250 to 350 MAD	100 to 150 MAD
Argan oil, 100 ml	150 to 300 MAD	80 to 150 MAD
Saffron, 1 g	up to 200 to 350 MAD	30 to 50 MAD
Ras el hanout, 100 g	not reported	30 to 60 MAD

The final price usually lands between 40 and 60 % of the first quote. Open at 30 to 40 % of the asking price, stay friendly, and ask the price only when you really want the item. Walking away politely often brings a better offer.

Terracotta openwork burner with a lit candle inside

Where can you shop at fixed prices?

Ensemble Artisanal: a state-run crafts complex on Avenue Mohammed V, near the Koutoubia mosque, with dozens of workshops and showrooms. Prices are labelled and there is no bargaining. Hours vary between sources; guides give roughly 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sunday.
Gueliz and Hivernage: the modern districts, with boutiques and international brands at fixed prices.

Visiting the Ensemble Artisanal before the souks is the simplest way to learn what a fair price looks like.

When are the souks open?

Most shops open around 9 to 10 a.m. and close around 8 to 9 p.m. Hours vary by lane, season and shop, and some close for Friday midday prayer. Mornings are calmer for browsing and for seeing the dyers at work.

What travels well on the plane?

Purchase	How to pack it
Ceramics, glasses	Hand luggage, wrapped in clothes
Lanterns	Hand luggage if small, padded with clothes
Leather, babouches, textiles	Any bag
Spices, tea	Closed packs, any bag
Argan oil, rose water	100 ml max per bottle in hand luggage; larger bottles in the hold

Painted ceramics are for display: Health Canada advises against using glazed ceramics bought abroad for food, as the glaze may contain lead.

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Gift box with two hand-painted mini tagines and a miniature babouche

More guides: the best souvenirs from Morocco and what they cost and what food you can bring back from Morocco.

FAQ

What is Marrakech famous for buying?

Leather goods and babouches, brass lanterns, spices and rose water, textiles and ceramics. Each has its own souk in the medina.

Where is the Ensemble Artisanal in Marrakech?

On Avenue Mohammed V, near the Koutoubia mosque. It sells crafts at fixed, labelled prices.

How much should I pay for babouches in Marrakech?

About 80 to 150 MAD after bargaining, for a first price of 250 to 350 MAD, according to 2025-2026 souk guides.

What time do the Marrakech souks open?

Most shops open around 9 to 10 a.m. and close around 8 to 9 p.m. Hours vary by shop, and some close for Friday midday prayer.

Can I get souvenirs delivered to my riad in Marrakech?

Yes. Souvenir Express delivers anywhere in Morocco within 24 hours, free of charge, to a riad, a hotel or a home address.

Sources

Moroccan National Tourist Office, Marrakech (souks around Jemaa el-Fna, Gueliz and Hivernage boutiques)
Health Canada, Safe use of cookware (glazed ceramics bought abroad)
Casablanca Mohammed V Airport, FAQ (liquids in hand luggage)
Souk prices, opening hours and the Ensemble Artisanal: 2025-2026 travel guides to Marrakech, checked in October 2026