Shopping in Marrakech: A Fashion Stylist’s Q+A on Best Places to Shop, Eat and Stay
What happens when a Morocco travel writer/ guidebook author and a personal stylist/ fashion TV host team up for a shopping research trip in Marrakech?
The creation of an accessible, clear, user-friendly, and " lived experience "- based shopping guide to Marrakech written by two friends and passionate experts in their field.
Caroline, pictured left at IZZA Hotel, Sally, pictured right at 33 Majorelle, Marrakech
After several years of researching and writing about shopping in Marrakech for Lonely Planet, Time Out, and DK Eyewitness, I (Sally Kirby) saw a gap for a shopping guide to the city that was realistic in terms of time, budget, and overwhelm. A shopping guide that included tips like where to have a coffee near x shop, where to get dressed up and go for cocktails, where to eat dinner, and where to stay within walking distance of the best shopping in Marrakech.
After trawling the Medina, Gueliz, flea markets, and Sidi Ghanem for the best shopping, I knew what I liked, but to be an honest, well-rounded shopping guide, I wanted a fashion expert's eye.
That’s where my friend Caroline Macleod-Smith comes in. A former buyer, now fashion guru, personal stylist, and TV presenter, her valuable input and expert tips include what makes Marrakech stand out in the fashion world, what to shop for in Marrakech, where to find the best high street fashion, where to splurge for luxury fashion, and what to pack and wear in Marrakech.
In April 2026, we spent four days in Marrakech exploring the main shopping districts, trying on countless outfits, meeting inspiring fashion designers, stopping for coffees and cocktails, practising our bartering, shopping for beautiful pieces, and writing reams of notes on shopping in Marrakech.
Caroline and Sally taking taxis around Marrakech (left), and being spoilt at IZZA hotel (right).
It was amazing, and our discoveries were exciting. The result: the beginnings of a Marrakech Shopping Guide, something we can share with friends and anyone else who wants to shop in the city.
If you'd like to know when the guide will be available to purchase, drop us a DM with your email and note "Shopping Marrakech".
For now, read on for a Q+A with Caroline on what to buy, how to pack, where to start, and why Marrakech.
What makes Marrakech stand out for shopping?
The overall experience felt different (to the UK), unique, and a lovely balance of high street and designer. Once you know where to go, I was surprised by how close everything is. Before I went to Marrakech for this shopping trip, I couldn’t visualise what it would be like, but I loved how, once you find the pockets, you can shop everything from high street to designer on one street. If you like to shop for something different, you’ll love Marrakech. If you get excited for colour and prints, you will love it! It’s everywhere; it's vibrant. In short, Marrakech fashion is full of personality, joyful, and brings a smile to your face.
Your 3 best shops in Marrakech
I really loved Hanout Boutique, it felt special. Beautifully made, accessible designer fashion. A beautiful place to shop. I loved that you can have things altered; if you want to show less cleavage, they’ll cover the bust; if it's too long, they’ll shorten it. And they’ll deliver the tailored item to your accommodation the same day or the next. It was very special that the designer, Meriem Nour, is sometimes around, and her atelier workshop is also in the Medina, a few minutes away.
Caroline trying a favourite dress in Hanout Boutique
I also loved Bohemia for mid-to-elevated high street fashion. Accessible price point. Such beautiful prints and colours. The owner was lovely!
Sally trying on her favourite jacket (and a purchase) in Bohemia
And Topolina, for their coord sets, beautiful prints, jackets, and some very special pieces. Such a creative and joyful shopping environment.
Favourite street for shopping in Marrakech
I really liked Rue Sidi Abdel Aziz, the street with Bohemia at the beginning, and the two Topolina shops. It has beautiful bunting overhead, and for a while we ducked in and out of little shops, door to door, some without a name; I noted 116. And at the end, there’s Bacha Coffee House, where we had an elegant coffee and pastry experience. Hanout Boutique on Rue Amsafah was also a short walk away.
Favourite shop for luxury in Marrakech
I loved Moro in Gueliz for destination luxury. Beautiful, unique pieces. And the shopping environment, stunning.
Favourite thrift/vintage in Marrakech
I don’t know if I’d find it again, but Aicha from IZZA Hotel took us to Brock the Kasbah, a super cool vintage shop near IZZA where we tried on several YSL trench coats.
Favourite cafe + lunch + rooftop stop in Marrakech
I absolutely loved tea and cake at Le Jardin, Bacha Coffee House, La Famille for lunch, and sunset drink at Flowers.
Where would you stay for the best shops in Marrakech
IZZA is a stunning, art- and food-centric boutique hotel near Rue Amsafah (for Hanout Boutique). Their in-house boutique, stocked with gorgeous Moroccan designer pieces, is all hand-picked by Aicha Benazzouz, IZZA’s talented Creative Director. It was so special to spend the day shopping with Aicha too; she introduced us to awesome brands and some of her favourite people and shops in the Medina. Check rates and availability for IZZA here.
Riad Alaaiun is a great adults-only design riad in the quieter northwest of the Medina. The staff were fantastic, and our suite = stunning. This is a great base if you want to visit the Bab al Khemis flea market and/ or go shopping in Gueliz; it’s a 30-minute walk, or an 8-minute taxi ride to Moro and 33 Majorelle.
Riad RK Suites and Spa offers great value. This lovely riad is close to some of the best shops in Marrakech along Rue Sidi el Yamani and Souk Semmarine. Check rates and availability for Riad RK Suites and Spa here.
I didn’t get to stay here, but your review of Riad Beij sold it to me, and the location is close to the best shops in Marrakech, making it a great base for anyone wanting to spend time shopping on Rue Sidi Abdel Aziz, Rue Amsafah, Rue Sidi el Yamani and Souk Semmarine. Check rates and availability for Riad Beij here.
What to wear in Marrakech
Wear natural, lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, and choose loose silhouettes.
Avoid anything man-made like polyester, which won’t breathe, traps heat, and makes you sweat.
Ideally, choose loose kaftan shapes or tops with a looser top line that doesn't fit under the arm; raglan sleeves or dropped shoulders let air circulate.
Tops and dresses with good coverage over the neckline and sleeves ensure you dress respectfully.
Avoid full-length maxi dresses or wide-leg trousers that may sweep the floor, catch dust, and become a trip hazard. Especially with the rooftop bars! Go for a midi or Midaxi instead.
Flat, comfortable shoes are a must, - a small heel is ok but make sure it’s a block heel to keep you stable on the cobbled, uneven ground. Even a wedge heel can be unstable!
A great accessory is a lightweight scarf you can throw around your shoulders on a chilly evening, and also over your head if you're visiting a mosque 🕌
My favourite outfit is a kaftan top for an easy, relaxed silhouette in linen, with wide-leg cropped trousers to let the air flow and keep a practical length.
What accessories to pack or buy in Marrakech
A lightweight scarf for modesty and keeping warm on chilly nights
A few pieces of statement jewellery to elevate a simple outfit, especially when you want to stay in your lightweight relaxed outfit into the evening
A wide-brimmed hat to shade you from the midday sun
A neck scarf - not only a big trend piece to add to any outfit, but also great to elevate an outfit….and then use as a headscarf to change up a look for another day.
Cross-body bag - maybe with fringing to tap into a key trend and ideal for keeping valuables close. And you’re hands-free for all the shopping!!
A bigger bag, maybe in a print or beautiful texture, to hold all your treasure!
Thank you for reading to the end. Please do get in touch if you’d like to register your interest in the Marrakech Shopping Guide.
For recommendations on places to stay in Marrakech, check out Best Luxury Marrakech Riads and Best Riads under £250 in Marrakech Medina.
If you would like help planning a trip to Morocco, contact me to arrange a travel planning call.
If you would like help with personal styling, fashion presenting or corporate styling events, contact Caroline Macleod-Smith.
