As you step into the bustling medina of Fez, Morocco, the air is thick with the scent of spices and the hum of centuries-old traditions. This ancient city, a treasure trove of artisanal crafts and unique finds, beckons shoppers with its labyrinthine alleys and vibrant souks. From intricate pottery to aromatic spices, Fez offers a wealth of must-buy souvenirs that capture the essence of Moroccan culture.
Like any Muslim city, shopping, markets and souks and haggling are present in all areas of Fez, especially in its two medinas.
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Typical Fez products
Crafts: Most of Fès’ typical products have a handmade origin. It is possible to see all the manufacturing processes in the various souks, guilds and cooperatives.
Pottery: Pottery is probably the most typical product of Fes and tiles and mosaics are always present in any building that is worthy. The decorated dishes of Fès have been famous since the 10th century.
Leather: Slippers, shoes, jackets, poufs, bags and suitcases are some of the most coveted leather items. If you visit any of the shops next to the tanners, besides shopping you can enjoy the show from their terraces.
Fabrics: Carpets, tapestries, chilabas and kaftanes (the traditional dress of women) are produced and consumed locally. If you decide to buy a carpet, it is worth remembering that the smaller the knot, the better.
Metal objects: Along with ceramics, metal objects are the most typical of Fez. Copper plates, traditional lamps, jewelry boxes or decorative mirrors are the most popular souvenirs.
Dates: Although not as typical as in southern Morocco, dates are a regular addition to many breakfasts. The quality varies as much as the price. The best are those from Rissani, near the Merzouga desert.
Sweets: Coconut, almonds, honey and lots of sugar are the basis of Moroccan sweets.
Spices: If you like Moroccan cuisine, the best option is to buy some of the preparations that combine various spices.
Mint tea: If you do not want to miss this fabulous and sweet drink, you will find ready to serve mixtures.
Saffron: The price of saffron in Morocco is much cheaper than in Spain. Its flower is specially cultivated in the Anti-Atlas.
Besides these products, if you like tajines, you can buy the container of the same name. The preparation of the tajines is very simple.
Traditional medicine: As in Marrakech, in Fez it is possible to find many traditional herbalist shops and pharmacies. The sellers will be happy to give a master class on all the products.
Traditional Moroccan Crafts
1. Handmade Pottery
Fez is renowned for its exquisite pottery, a craft that has been perfected over generations. The local gray clay, fired at volcanic temperatures, produces pieces of unparalleled quality and durability. At Fondouk Tazi Pottery, you’ll find an impressive range of traditional Fes pottery alongside modern designs. From colorful tagines to intricately painted plates, these pieces make for stunning souvenirs that will add a touch of Moroccan elegance to any home.
2. Berber Jewelry
The medina’s narrow streets are home to artisans crafting intricate Berber jewelry. These pieces, often featuring geometric patterns and vibrant gemstones, tell stories of ancient traditions. Look for silver necklaces adorned with coral and amber, or ornate fibulas used to fasten traditional garments. Each piece is a work of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Morocco’s indigenous people.
3. Leather Goods
No trip to Fez is complete without visiting the famous tanneries. Here, amidst a sea of colorful dye pits, skilled artisans transform raw hides into supple leather. The surrounding shops offer a wide array of leather products, from butter-soft babouche slippers to plush leather poufs. For a truly unique souvenir, consider a handcrafted leather jacket or bag, which will only improve with age.
Culinary Delights
4. Spices and Teas
The spice souks of Fez are a sensory overload, with mounds of colorful powders and aromatic herbs at every turn. Stock up on freshly ground ras el hanout, a complex blend of spices unique to each vendor. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample and purchase fragrant teas, such as refreshing mint or floral hibiscus. These flavors will transport you back to Morocco long after your journey ends.
5. Moroccan Wines
While not as widely known as European varieties, Moroccan wines are gaining recognition for their quality. The Meknes area, not far from Fez, produces some excellent vintages. Look for labels such as Medallion, Volubilia, and Thalvin in local shops. These wines make for an unexpected and delightful souvenir, perfect for reliving your Moroccan adventure back home.
6. Rosewater and Rose Oil
Essential to Moroccan cuisine and beauty rituals, rosewater and rose oil are readily available in the markets of Fez. These fragrant elixirs are used in everything from traditional pastries to skincare routines. Pick up a bottle of each to infuse your cooking and beauty regimen with the essence of Morocco.
Home Decor and Textiles
7. Copper Cookware and Decor
The metalworkers of Fez are masters of their craft, producing stunning copper items that are both functional and decorative. Intricate copper lanterns cast mesmerizing patterns of light, while hammered copper platters make for eye-catching wall art. For the culinary enthusiast, copper tagines and cookware are not only beautiful but also excellent conductors of heat. These pieces are often more affordable in Fez than in Western countries, making them an excellent investment.
8. Traditional Textiles
Moroccan textiles are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. In Fez, you’ll find a wealth of options, from lightweight cotton djellabas to plush wool carpets. For a truly spectacular souvenir, consider investing in a handwoven rug. Styles like the Beni Ouarain, with its minimalist geometric patterns, or the colorful Boucherouite rag rugs, add instant Moroccan flair to any space.
9. Thuya Wood Boxes
Crafted from the fragrant wood of the thuya tree, these intricately inlaid boxes are a specialty of Moroccan artisans. Often used for storing jewelry, these boxes feature complex geometric designs and a rich, warm hue. A thuya wood box makes for a practical and beautiful souvenir that will bring a touch of Moroccan craftsmanship to your dressing table.
Beauty and Wellness Products
10. Argan Oil Products
Morocco’s liquid gold, argan oil, is prized for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. In Fez, you’ll find a wide range of argan oil products, from pure oil to argan-infused cosmetics and skincare items. These make for excellent gifts and souvenirs, offering a taste of Morocco’s natural beauty secrets.
11. Henna Products
The Henna Souk in Fez is a treasure trove of traditional beauty products. Here, you can purchase high-quality henna powder for creating intricate temporary tattoos, as well as other natural cosmetics. Look for black soap, a traditional exfoliant, or ghassoul clay masks for an authentic Moroccan spa experience at home.
Unique Souvenirs
12. Fashionable T-Shirts with Local Designs
For a modern twist on traditional souvenirs, seek out t-shirts featuring designs by local artists. These unique pieces often incorporate elements of Moroccan culture and architecture in contemporary styles, offering a wearable memento that’s far from the typical tourist fare.
13. Local Beer
While Morocco is predominantly Muslim, beer is produced and available in the country. Brands like Casablanca, Flag, and Stork offer a taste of local brews. While cans may be less common, bottled beer makes for an interesting souvenir for beer enthusiasts looking to sample international varieties.
14. Wooden Hammam Buckets
These decorative wooden buckets, often trimmed with brass, are traditionally used in Moroccan hammams (public baths). Their elegant design makes them suitable for use in modern bathrooms as stylish storage or decor pieces. A hammam bucket serves as a functional and aesthetically pleasing reminder of Morocco’s bathing culture.
15. Metal and Copper Goods
Beyond cookware, Fez’s skilled metalworkers create a wide array of decorative and functional items. From ornate mirrors framed in pierced metalwork to delicate filigree jewelry boxes, these pieces showcase the intricate craftsmanship for which Moroccan artisans are famous. Consider purchasing a set of traditional tea glasses with metal holders for an authentic Moroccan tea experience at home.
Prices and haggling
The Muslim culture is the Mecca of haggling and in Fez, as an ancient city, prices are as variable as the client himself.
Our advice is to never pay more than half of what they initially ask and to compare in several shops. If you think an item shouldn’t be worth more, walking out the door is reason enough for the seller to lower the price to your offer.
Shopping areas, markets and souks
Since the whole city of Fez looks like a big market, it is complicated to delimit commercial areas. The most important streets and where the various souks are located are Talaa Sghira and Talaa Kbira (in Fez el-Bali) and Grande Rue de Fès el Jdid (in Fez el-Jdid).
In the New Town you will find shops with a more European style and fixed prices.
The markets of Fez offer an unparalleled shopping experience, where ancient crafts meet modern designs. Each souvenir tells a story of Moroccan culture, from the hands that crafted it to the traditions it represents. As you wander through the medina, let your senses guide you to the perfect mementos of your Moroccan adventure. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant colors of handmade textiles, the intricate designs of metalwork, or the aromatic allure of spices and oils, Fez promises a treasure trove of unique souvenirs that will keep the spirit of Morocco alive long after your journey ends.