Looking for gift ideas before leaving the medina? The 11 must-have souvenirs from Fès are: Berber rugs, Fès babouches, Fès leather goods, Fès pottery, Moroccan zellige, cosmetic argan, Moroccan spices, Moroccan mint tea, ceramic tajine, silver jewelry, filigree lanterns.
Authentic souvenirs from Fès: the list of 11 essentials
Each item tells a page of the Fès craftsmanship, largely made in the medina listed by UNESCO since 1981.
- 🧵 Berber rugs: wool or cactus, hand-knotted in the Atlas.
- 🥿 Fès babouches: soft leather, sewn sole, bright colors.
- 👜 Fès leather: bags and wallets from the Chouara Tanneries (Derb Chouara).
- 🏺 Fès pottery: blue-and-white faience from Ain Nokbi, geometric patterns.
- 🪟 Moroccan zellige: glazed mosaic, sold in under 1 kg pieces to easily carry in cabin luggage.
- 💧 Cosmetic argan: cold-pressed, certified organic, revitalizes skin and hair.
- 🌶️ Moroccan spices: ras el-hanout, cumin, and saffron from the Attarine market.
- 🍃 Moroccan mint tea: dried leaves + Gunpowder green tea.
- 🍲 Ceramic tajine: conical lid for gentle cooking.
- 💍 925 silver jewelry: adorned with amazonite or carnelian.
- 🕯️ Filigree lanterns: pierced brass, golden reflections on the walls.
| Souvenir 🛍️ | Recommended district 📍 | Average price 💵 |
|---|---|---|
| Berber rug | Coop. Béni Ouarain, 15 Derb Seffarine | €150 – €900 |
| Babouches | Souk Cheratine | €10 – €25 |
| Pottery | Art Naji, 20 Ain Nokbi | €8 – €60 |
| Zellige | Route Sidi Hrazem, family workshops | €30 – €120 / m² |
| Cosmetic argan | Herboristerie El-Amana, Derb Ain Azliten | €6 – €18 / 100 ml |
For an even broader view of items to bring back, the TFMorocco guide offers a national overview rich in images.
Where to buy these gifts? Shops and souks not to miss
Although the medina totals more than 9,000 alleys, a few landmarks simplify your quest.
Neighborhoods specialized in craftsmanship
- 🪡 Souk Seffarine: copper, musical instruments, and zellige.
- 🖌️ Ain Nokbi: major center for Fès pottery.
- 👞 Souk Cheratine: beating heart of Fès leather.
- 🌿 Souk Attarine: scent of Moroccan spices and herbalists.
- 🖼️ Rue Talaa Kebira: galleries of Moroccan zellige for decoration.
Looking for detailed feedback? Recent reviews on Tripadvisor rank the top 10 sales points in 2025.
Visiting several souks offers a complete overview: lanterns in the Nejjarine district, jewelry in the Mellah, and open-air tanneries to watch leather making.
Bargaining, transporting and caring: practical advice
Stress-free negotiation techniques
- 🤝 Set a maximum budget before entering the shop.
- 💬 Start by offering 50% of the announced price.
- ⏱️ Use time: feigning hesitation often lowers the price.
Preparing the flight back
- ✈️ Pack the ceramic tajine in clothes to absorb shocks.
- 🧳 Check in the Berber rugs wrapped in plastic film; Royal Air Maroc allows up to 23 kg in checked baggage.
- 🛂 Keep receipts for silverware; French customs allow €430 of tax-free goods per adult.
Caring for your purchases once home
- 🧴 Apply clear wax on leather every 6 months.
- 🌬️ Air pottery to avoid any internal condensation.
- 🫖 Rinse the Moroccan teapot with hot water without soap to preserve aromas.
For more travel tips, the complete Holafly file details electronic packaging and 2025 restrictions.
Shopping enthusiasts can compare with other destinations: Milan (Italian examples), Avignon (Rhône products) or Phuket (Asian perfumes).
FAQ
What is the best time of day to do your shopping?
Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.: merchants barely open and willingly accept a first lucky sale, called “baraka.”
Can I pay by credit card in the souks of Fès?
The majority still prefer cash payment, but official cooperatives now offer contactless terminals.
How to verify that an argan oil is authentic?
Look for a label stating “100% Argania spinosa” and an amber glass bottle; the oleic acid content must exceed 43%.
Do babouches stretch over time?
Yes, naturally tanned leather widens by half a size: choose a fitted model at purchase.
Do spices need to be declared at customs?
No, in reasonable quantities (< 2 kg), but keep packaging sealed to avoid further checks.
