Shopping in Fes: Where to Find the Best Handicrafts & Souvenirs – When it comes to shopping, Fes is a paradise for lovers of traditional handicrafts and unique souvenirs. The city is home to some of Morocco’s most famous artisans, and its souks (markets) are filled with colorful, handcrafted treasures that make the perfect keepsakes. Whether you’re in search of a beautiful leather bag, a hand-painted ceramic plate, or the renowned blue pottery of Fes, the city’s vibrant markets have it all!
Let’s take a stroll through the top places to shop in Fes and discover the best local goods to bring home!
1️⃣ Fes Medina: The Heart of Shopping
The Fes Medina is the beating heart of the city, and it’s where you’ll find the best collection of handcrafted goods. Wander through the narrow, winding streets and discover hundreds of shops selling everything from leather goods to textiles, jewelry, and pottery. It’s a maze of color, filled with the scent of spices and the sound of artisans at work.
🔥 Why Visit?
✔️ The souks in the Medina are world-famous for their variety and the quality of their goods. From moroccan lamps to traditional scarves, you’ll find something for everyone.
✔️ The atmosphere in the Medina is electric, as you watch craftspeople work with skills passed down for generations.
🔥 Pro Tip: Bargaining is part of the fun in Fes! Don’t be afraid to haggle a little to get a better price on your favorite items.
2️⃣ Tanneries of Fes: Leather Goods Like No Other
No trip to Fes is complete without visiting the famous tanneries of the city. Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest tanneries in the world, produces some of the finest leather goods you’ll ever encounter. From handmade bags to slippers, jackets, and belts, the quality of the leather here is unparalleled.
🔥 Why Visit?
✔️ Watch the artisans work in the giant dye vats, creating beautiful leather products in a range of vibrant colors—reds, yellows, and blues.
✔️ You can buy leather products directly from the shops near the tannery, where they sell the highest-quality items at fair prices.
✔️ Fes leather is known for its durability, making these goods a timeless souvenir to take home.
🔥 Pro Tip: The smell of the tannery can be strong, so bring a scarf to cover your nose, and head to the higher levels for the best views!
3️⃣ Fes Ceramics: Colorful Plates, Bowls & More
Fes is renowned for its ceramic craftsmanship, particularly its blue pottery, which is a signature of the city. From hand-painted plates to bowls, vases, and even tiles, Fes ceramics are perfect for adding a splash of color to your home.
🔥 Why Visit?
✔️ The blue pottery of Fes is instantly recognizable and often features intricate geometric patterns and floral designs.
✔️ Visit the artisan workshops where you can watch the craftspeople paint, shape, and glaze the ceramics by hand.
✔️ Ceramic items from Fes make for beautiful, meaningful souvenirs that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.
🔥 Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for unique pieces like hand-painted platters or wall art that will make a bold statement in your home.
4️⃣ Carpet Souks: Discover the Beauty of Moroccan Rugs
Moroccan carpets, known for their rich colors and intricate designs, are among the finest in the world. In Fes, the carpet souks are filled with stunning Berber rugs, each one crafted by hand with traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations. Whether you’re after a small vibrant rug or a large statement piece, Fes is the perfect place to find it.
🔥 Why Visit?
✔️ You’ll find a wide variety of Berber carpets in every color and style, from vivid reds to subtle earth tones.
✔️ Handwoven carpets are a true symbol of Moroccan craftsmanship, with each rug telling a story through its unique patterns.
✔️ The souks in Fes offer a more authentic shopping experience compared to other cities, so you’ll find one-of-a-kind rugs here.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re interested in purchasing a carpet, ask to see certificates of authenticity, and don’t forget to haggle for the best price!
5️⃣ Moroccan Spices: Aromatic Flavors for Your Kitchen
Moroccan spices are some of the most vibrant and aromatic in the world. The souks in Fes are filled with stalls offering a wide variety of spices, such as saffron, cumin, paprika, and the famous ras el hanout blend. Whether you want to recreate Moroccan dishes at home or simply bring back some flavors from your travels, these spices are a must-buy!
🔥 Why Visit?
✔️ Visit the spice markets to stock up on flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and tumeric that will make your meals come alive.
✔️ Many sellers will let you smell the spices, so you can pick the ones that match your culinary tastes.
✔️ Don’t forget to grab a few Moroccan teas like mint tea or Moroccan green tea for the full experience.
🔥 Pro Tip: Buy your spices in small quantities to ensure they stay fresh and aromatic for as long as possible.
Conclusion: A Shopper’s Paradise in Fes
Fes offers an incredible shopping experience that lets you take home a piece of Morocco’s artistic heritage. From beautifully crafted leather goods to exquisite ceramics, vibrant carpets, and aromatic spices, shopping in Fes is an experience that immerses you in the rich culture and traditions of the city.
Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a timeless treasure, Fes has something for everyone. So, get ready to dive into the souks and uncover the hidden gems that await you!
What’s your favorite thing to shop for when traveling? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Shopping in Fes: Where to Find the Best Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Important places to visit in Morocco:
- Rabat’s Best Beaches & Coastal Adventures
- Unforgettable Day Trip to Ouarzazate
- Hiking & Nature in Chefchaouen
- Essaouira: The Windy City’s Coastal Charm & Historic Medina
