Shopping Guide: Marrakech

Centuries of design, culture and architecture are seeped into the ancient city of Marrakech. Explore the city’s contemporary design landscape through its unique concept shops and boutiques, wander through its maze-like souks for handicrafts and keepsakes, and indulge in traditional Moroccan fare at its excellent restaurants. A trip to the local museums, hammams and historic city squares rounds off the complete cultural experience.

SHOP

Topolina: French designer Isabelle Topolina’s stores are an alluring blend of bold prints, bright colors and exquisite fabrics. Swing by any of her four Marrakech stores to pick up intricately patterned loafers, silk dresses, eye-catching scarves and more.

https://topolina.shop/

Maison ARTC: Fashion meets art at this unique fashion house. Head here for one-of-a-kind pieces: think experimental silhouettes, an eclectic mash-up of prints and textures, and a surrealist design aesthetic, all conceived by Israeli fashion designer Artsi Ifrach. 

https://www.maisonartc.com/

33 Rue Majorelle: From stationery and ceramics to handbags and jewelry to furniture and lighting, you can browse for hours through the wares at one of Marrakech’s finest concept shops.

https://www.facebook.com/33RueMajorelle

Akbar Delights: The best spot for breezy resortwear, jewelry and accessories all designed and made in Morocco.

http://www.akbardelightscollections.com/

Boutique at El Fenn: Visit this eclectic hotel boutique, which doubles as a restaurant and bar, for a truly unusual experience. Aside from the well-curated stock of locally produced clothing, homeware and accessories, the boutique’s own décor items are for sale as well.

https://el-fenn.com/boutique/

Soufian Zarib's Private Riad: This is your one-stop shop for traditional Moroccan carpets and textiles, as well as other home décor items.

13, Souk des Tapis, Rahba Kedima

Norya Ayron: This Marrakech label’s vibrant printed kaftans, capes and jumpsuits have been worn by Kate Moss and Sharon Stone.

http://www.norya-ayron.com/

Souk Cherifia: No trip to Marrakech is complete without several jaunts through its famed souks. Spend some time at Souk Cherifia browsing through colorful and handmade home décor items, traditional babouche slippers, colorful straw baskets, and fashion and accessories by upcoming Moroccan designers.

Derb Souq Kchachbia, Mouassine, Medina

El Abidi Nasser Eddine: This souk selling eye-catching, unusual jewelry is a favorite of designer Donna Karan.

9 Souk Semmarine

Souk des Teinturiers: Translated to ‘souk of the dyers’, this is a maze of vivid, brightly colored piles of wool and textiles draped and hanging from every surface.

Rue Souk Sebbaghine

EAT

Dar Marjana: The name of this restaurant translates to ‘rare pearl’ and it certainly lives up to it. Housed in a restored early-19^th century mansion filled with rich tapestries and Moroccan design motifs, it’s one of the best spots in the city for an elaborate feast, complete with belly dancers and live music.   

http://www.darmarjana.com/

Al Fassia: With two locations, this restaurant is one of the best spots in the city for traditional Moroccan cuisine.

http://www.alfassia.com/our-restaurant/

Café Arabe: Pick from a variety of Moroccan and Italian options at this sprawling restaurant that also offers you three seating choices—indoors, in the courtyard or on the rooftop terrace.

http://www.cafearabe.com/

Nomad: With a focus on modern Moroccan cuisine, this restaurant offers “revisions” of traditional favourites.

https://www.facebook.com/nomadmarrakech/

La Terrasse des Espices: This sprawling ‘terrace of spices’ is located above the Souk Cherifia bazaar, and is a go-to culinary spot in the heart of Marrakech’s medina.

https://terrassedesepices.com/en/

VISIT

Royal Mansour Spa: You can’t leave Morocco without visiting one of its luxurious hammams for a good scrub.

Jardin Majorelle: This 12-acre botanical garden is famed for the cobalt blue buildings, rich flora and Berber Museum contained within it. An Yves Saint Laurent Museum is set to open in the gardens later this year [Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge have owned the property since the 1980s].

http://www.jardinmajorelle.com/

Djemaa el Fna: Snake charmers, street theatre and live music await in this historic square in Marrakech’s medina.

http://www.jemaa-el-fna.com/en/

Maison de la Photographie: Get your dose of history at this charming museum full of vintage Moroccan photography, documents and maps dating back to the 1870s.

http://maisondelaphotographie.ma/index.php

STAY

L’Hotel Marrakech by Jasper Conran: This historic 19^th-century private riad comprises five luxurious suites built around a central courtyard and swimming pool. Owned by British designer Jasper Conran, its design sensibility marries traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with antique furniture and textiles from his own collection. 

http://www.l-hotelmarrakech.com/

Beldi Country Club: Soak in the traditional Berber-style design ethos of this boho-luxe property.

http://beldicountryclub.com/en/

Riad El-Fenn: One of our favorites. This intimate hotel is a hidden oasis in one of Marrakech’s oldest neighborhoods. The combination of both traditional and contemporary Moroccan design is stunning.

https://el-fenn.com/