5 Best Shopping in Rabat and Casablanca, Morocco

This regional handicrafts center is well worth a visit. There's a large courtyard where exhibitions are often held, a shop selling crafts at fixed prices, and an auditorium. Around the courtyard and upstairs are the workshops of local craftspeople as well as classrooms to teach young people these skills. Look out for the beautiful Azemmouri embroidery.

Near the River Bou Regreg there is a series of small workshops where you can watch artisans create Morocco's various handicrafts. You'll find everything from traditional mosaic tile work, embroidery, leatherwork, and painted wood to brass, pottery, and carpets. Items can be purchased hassle-free at fixed prices, which are a little higher than the well-negotiated ones in nearby Rue des Consuls.

If bargaining isn't your thing but you want to bring home some wonderful handicrafts, this multilevel government-run emporium is the perfect alternative. It's stocked with authentic crafts from all over Morocco.

Besides being one of Azemmour’s friendliest faces, the multilingual Mohamed Janati is a skilled weaver. Working at his traditional loom, he’s happy to invite you in for tea, a chat, and an introduction to the art of weaving. His rugs, covers, and scarves are absolutely beautiful and sold at reasonable prices.

The medina's Rue des Consuls is the place to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs in Rabat: it's pedestrian-only, has a pleasant atmosphere, and imposes no real pressure to buy, aside from the typical encouragements. Among the treasures here are Imazighen jewelry, leather goods, wooden items, brass work, traditional clothing, and slippers. You can also peruse red and orange Zemmour carpets from Khémisset, near Meknès; deep-pile Rabati carpets, in predominantly blue-and-white designs; and orange, black, and white Glaoui rugs. Some of the larger shops take credit cards.

Try to visit on a Monday or Thursday morning when the entire street turns into a carpet market.