Treasures of Marrakech: A Travel Guide to My Favorite Moroccan Souvenirs
Look, I'll admit it – I'm a complete sucker for Moroccan markets. After countless trips through those maze-like souks, my house has basically turned into a mini Moroccan bazaar, and I regret nothing. Here's my totally subjective guide to all the stuff I can't stop buying in Marrakech (seriously, send help).
One of my favorite souk finds—this unique metal door knocker.
A traditional Moroccan mirror with classic arabesque patterns, nestled among my travel books.
These handcrafted metal moon and star decorations are quintessentially Moroccan - I found them in the metalworking section of the souk where artisans still craft each piece by hand.
The Metalwork Marvels of Marrakech
One of the most captivating aspects of Marrakech's souks is the metalwork section, where you can watch skilled artisans craft their pieces right before your eyes. The rhythmic tapping of hammers and the glint of brass and copper create an atmosphere that's both industrious and enchanting.
My collection includes a bookshelf mirror that showcases the intricate metalwork the city is famous for, delicate star and moon adornments that capture the mystical essence of Moroccan design, and a beautiful metal-plated mirror in the shape of a cactus that unfortunately broke on the journey back and I have yet to get repaired (oops!).
A particular favorite is my traditional door knocker, its golden surface adding a touch of Moroccan elegance to my home.
One of my prized leather bags from my favorite souk vendor - the rich caramel color will only get better with age.
My Leather Bag Problem
Okay, I need to confess something: There's this one leather stall in the souks that I'm basically in a committed relationship with at this point. I drag ALL my tour groups there, and I've personally bought five bags from the same guy. FIVE. I'm either his best customer or a borderline stalker, but the bags are just that good. They're my go-to gift for friends now, which probably means everyone I know will own one eventually.
My ever-growing collection of Moroccan ceramics - from a tangine to those rich green Tamegroute bowls.
Pottery That Makes My Kitchen Feel Fancy
First, let me introduce you to this gorgeous green Tamegroute pottery from the Sahara. Yes, you can find it all over Marrakech, but saying "Oh, this? It's from the Sahara" just hits different, you know?
Then there's my collection from Art Naji in Fes, including a tagine that's still sitting pretty as my dining room table centerpiece, waiting for the day I finally throw a dinner party. But hey, it looks amazing as decoration!
The bar corner of my home, where Moroccan-inspired decor meets my collection of glassware.
My favorite finds from the glassware shops - these amber-tinted glasses work perfectly for both Moroccan mint tea and evening cocktails.
Glassware: Because Why Not?
My obsession with hand-blown glass led me to these perfect little glasses that work for either coffee or shots (depending on what kind of day you're having). They're displayed next to my Marrakech bar sign, which is hilariously ironic given that Morocco isn't exactly known for its wild party scene. But whatever, it works in my house.
My treasured tea and spice blends from the Marrakech apothecaries.
Classic Moroccan pottery burning scents from an apothecary
Potions and Magical Teas
The apothecaries in Marrakech are basically Hogwarts for wellness enthusiasts. Floor-to-ceiling jars of mysterious remedies? Check. Wise old man who can cure what ails you? Double check. I'm particularly obsessed with this tea blend that's got everything but the kitchen sink in it (ginger, lemon, mint, roses – you name it).
I also couldn't resist buying this gorgeous incense burner, though I quickly learned it's powerful enough to smoke out the entire neighborhood. Now it lives on my porch, where it can't trigger any smoke alarms.
Because sometimes you need your favorite Arabic word on a pillow!
Textiles and Decor
You know how people come back from vacation saying random words in other languages? Well, I'm that person with "yalla habibi!" (let's go, friend!). I even bought a pillow with "habibi" on it because apparently, I needed a permanent reminder of my favorite phrase. I catch myself yelling "yalla!" at my travel groups in completely different countries now, but we're just going to pretend that's charming.
My prized find from that Chefchaouen streetside art gallery - the blue tones perfectly capture the essence of my beloved Blue City.
That One Time in Chefchaouen...
Picture this: It's my 40th birthday, I'm in the Blue City, and somehow I end up on this wild adventure that involves painting a wall blue (yes, that's a thing you can do there), getting a henna tattoo, and finding the most amazing art gallery. Fast forward to me sprinting back to my group, sweating, with a giant painting under my arm. I loved that artist so much I went back again and bought an even bigger piece – which I then had to lug through approximately half the Mediterranean before getting it home.
The heart-shaped Marrakech sign I couldn't resist.
Tips for Shopping in Marrakech
Take your sweet time in the souks – it's like a treasure hunt where everything's organized by craft, but also totally not organized at all.
Make friends with the artisans. Trust me, it's way more fun when they recognize you and don't try to sell you the same carpet for the fifth time.
Think about how you're getting stuff home. That giant metal fountain might look amazing in your garden, but good luck fitting it in your carry-on. I suggest packing the Foldie or these packable bags.
Read up on bartering, and do your research beforehand. The vendors expect it, and it’s part of the experience. At the same time, recognize that this is their livelihood, and an extra $2 may mean a lot more to them than it does to you.
Be polite but firm. It’s okay to say no thank you and walk away if you aren’t interested, but their persistence in getting a sale isn’t an excuse to be rude.
Buy things that tell a story. Because when people ask about that weird-looking thing on your wall, you want to be able to talk about that one time in Morocco…
Here's the thing about shopping in Marrakech – it's not just retail therapy (though it's definitely that too). It's about the mint tea you drink while haggling over prices, the artisans who remember you from last time, and the absolutely wild adventures you have while trying to find that one perfect thing. Sure, I might have turned my house into a Moroccan museum, but each piece has a story that makes me laugh, and really, isn't that what souvenirs are for?
