Fes is one of the best places in Morocco to shop for handmade products. Inside Fes el-Bali, the old medina, entire streets are still organised around traditional crafts. Leather workers, potters, coppersmiths, weavers, tailors and woodcarvers continue to work in small workshops, often using techniques passed down through generations.
For first-time visitors, however, shopping in the medina can feel overwhelming. Prices are rarely displayed, quality varies, and bargaining is part of the experience. This guide explains what to buy in Fes, where to find it, and how to negotiate politely so you return home with souvenirs you truly love.
Why Fes Is Special for Shopping
Many Moroccan cities sell beautiful products, but Fes stands out because so much is still made locally. Instead of buying an object without knowing its story, you can often watch it being produced a few metres away.
Walking from workshop to workshop also gives you a deeper understanding of the city. Shopping in Fes is not only about buying souvenirs. It is a way to discover the craftsmanship that has shaped the medina for centuries.
1. Leather Goods
Fes is famous for its leather, and the area around the Chouara Tanneries is filled with shops selling bags, jackets, belts, wallets, poufs and the traditional Moroccan slippers known as babouches.
How to check quality:
- Look at the stitching. It should be tight, even and regular.
- Check the inside of bags and jackets, not only the outside.
- Smell the leather. A very strong chemical smell can indicate poor finishing.
- Test zips, buckles and straps before agreeing on a price.
Visiting a tannery terrace does not oblige you to buy anything. Feel free to look, thank the shopkeeper and continue your walk.
2. Fes Blue Pottery and Ceramics
Fes is known throughout Morocco for its distinctive blue-and-white pottery, often called Fassi blue. Plates, bowls, tagines, vases and tiles are painted by hand with geometric and floral designs.
Many pottery cooperatives are located just outside the old medina. Visiting one allows you to see the whole process: shaping the clay, firing, glazing and painting. You can also watch artisans cut tiny pieces of tile by hand to create zellige mosaics.
Tip: Decorative tagines are not always suitable for cooking. If you want a tagine to use at home, ask specifically for a cooking tagine and check how it should be prepared before its first use.
3. Brass, Copper and Metalwork
In Seffarine Square, you will hear the rhythmic sound of craftsmen hammering copper and brass. Here and in nearby streets, you can find trays, teapots, lanterns, bowls and decorative plates.
Moroccan lanterns make beautiful souvenirs, but they can be bulky. Ask whether the shop can pack them securely for travel, or choose smaller pieces if you are travelling with hand luggage only.
4. Textiles, Caftans and Djellabas
Fes has a long tradition of weaving and embroidery. Look for scarves, tablecloths, cushion covers, blankets and traditional clothing such as the djellaba and the caftan.
Tailors in the medina can sometimes make or adjust clothing in a few days. If you are staying in Fes for several nights, ask whether a made-to-measure piece is possible.
5. Carpets and Rugs
Moroccan carpets are among the most memorable purchases you can make, but they are also among the most expensive. Different regions produce very different styles, from thick Middle Atlas rugs to flat-woven kilims.
Before buying a carpet:
- Decide your budget before entering the shop.
- Ask whether the carpet is handmade or machine-made.
- Ask about the materials, such as wool, cotton or synthetic fibres.
- Look at the back of the carpet. Handmade knots are usually visible and slightly irregular.
- If the shop offers international shipping, ask for written details of the cost, delivery time and tracking.
Never feel pressured. Drinking a glass of mint tea while looking at carpets is a pleasant tradition, but it does not create any obligation to buy.
6. Spices, Argan Oil and Natural Products
The spice stalls of Fes are colourful and fragrant. Popular purchases include cumin, ras el hanout, saffron, dried rose buds, Moroccan black soap, rhassoul clay and argan oil.
Argan oil comes from southwestern Morocco, so in Fes you will find it in shops and cooperatives rather than being produced locally. Choose sealed products, check labels where available, and remember that cosmetic argan oil and culinary argan oil are different products.
7. Woodwork and Cedar Products
The Middle Atlas cedar forests are not far from Fes, and cedar wood has long been used for doors, ceilings and boxes. Small carved cedar boxes, mirrors and decorative objects make light and fragrant souvenirs. To learn more about the craft, visit the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts before shopping.
How to Bargain in the Fes Medina
Bargaining is normal in traditional souks where prices are not fixed. It should be friendly, respectful and relaxed rather than aggressive.
1. Browse Before You Buy
Visit several shops selling similar products before making a decision. This helps you understand the range of prices and quality.
2. Only Negotiate When You Are Interested
Asking for a price and making an offer signals genuine interest. Avoid negotiating seriously for items you do not intend to buy.
3. Let the Seller Give the First Price
Ask the price, then take a moment before answering. Respond with a reasonable counteroffer based on what the item is worth to you.
4. Keep a Smile
Humour and politeness go a long way. A few words of Darija, such as salam (hello) and shukran (thank you), often make the conversation warmer.
5. Be Ready to Walk Away
If you cannot agree on a price, thank the seller and leave politely. Sometimes the seller will call you back with a better offer. If not, you will probably find something similar elsewhere.
6. Pay the Price You Agreed
Once a price is agreed, it is considered a deal. Changing your mind at that point is impolite.
Practical Shopping Tips for Fes
- Carry cash. Many small shops prefer Moroccan dirhams, although larger stores may accept cards.
- Keep small notes. Paying with exact amounts is easier than asking for change.
- Be careful with unofficial guides. People who approach you in the street may take a commission on purchases. Choose an official licensed guide instead.
- Check airline rules. Liquids, large carpets and fragile ceramics may require special packing.
- Keep receipts. They are useful for customs and shipping questions.
Shop With a Local Guide
A licensed local guide can help you find authentic workshops, explain the history of each craft and make the medina much easier to navigate. A good guide should never force you to buy anything and should respect your budget and interests.
With Fes Morocco Tours, you can explore the medina on a private guided tour and discover the artisan quarters at your own pace. You can also combine shopping with other activities in Fes, such as a cooking class or a traditional hammam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fes best known for buying?
Fes is especially known for leather goods, blue-and-white pottery, zellige, brass and copper work, embroidered textiles and traditional clothing.
Is bargaining expected in Fes?
Yes, in traditional souks without fixed prices. Supermarkets, modern stores and shops with displayed prices generally do not negotiate.
Can shops ship carpets internationally?
Some carpet shops offer international shipping. Always ask for written details about the price, delivery time and tracking before paying.
Do I have to buy something after visiting the tanneries?
No. You can visit the terrace, thank the shop staff and continue without making a purchase.
Plan Your Shopping Day in Fes
Shopping in Fes is about much more than souvenirs. It is a chance to meet artisans, learn about traditional skills and take home a piece of Moroccan heritage. Take your time, compare products, bargain with a smile and enjoy the experience.
Ready to explore the medina? Contact Fes Morocco Tours to arrange a private guided tour of Fes and its artisan workshops.
