Buying A Rug In Morocco: The Best Tips and Tricks

buying rug Morocco

Everybody has heard a thing or two about Moroccan rugs, but until you visit Morocco you won’t fully understand how important rugs are to the local culture. Rugs are not just for home decor in Morocco, they are an integral part of any household. Every single house in Morocco has at least one rug, and they are used for everything – carpets, couches, beds and outdoor seating. If you’re thinking about buying a rug when you visit Morocco, keep reading to find out some tips and tricks for your buying experience.

The history of rugs in Morocco

Rugs are deeply engrained in Moroccan culture, and have historically been woven by the women of Berber tribes. Traditionally, rugs were used to protect people from the harsh elements of the snowy Atlas mountains and the arid Sahara desert. Weavers used tribal symbols and motifs to create both simple and intricate wool rugs, full of charm and practicality. Nowadays, Moroccan women still make authentic rugs by hand, which can take months of work depending on the size and complexity. Most of Morocco’s rugs are still made in rural Berber (indigenous) communities and brought to the big cities to be sold.

marrakech rug shopping Morocco tips

Where you can buy rugs in Morocco

No matter where you go in Morocco, you’ll be able to find shops selling rugs – even in tiny rural towns, there will be rugs on display ready for tourists to buy. There are hundreds of rug stores in every major city, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to shop. As you wander the souks, expect most rug stores to have small shopfronts with a few rugs hanging out the front. You won’t know how big the store really is until you go inside. More often than not, the tiny entrance opens up to a grand room, with hundreds of rugs piled up around the edges of a large tiled floor.

Man selling rugs in Morocco

Be careful of rug shops (especially any you visit with a tour group) that tell you they’re part of a womens cooperative, and paint a picture that buying from their shop will help local women earn a decent living. In most cases, this isn’t true. The women who make rugs usually earn a low fixed price for their work (regardless of how much you pay) and the shop owner pockets the rest, so don’t fall for this story and pay extra because you think you’ll be supporting those in need.

Rug shop in Marrakech

What to expect when you walk into a rug shop

The expectation is that you’ll go into a rug shop with a rough idea of what you’re after, and the staff will go through their stock and lay out rugs matching your ideas. Having a clear idea of what size, style and colours you’re after will really help the process, and give the staff a good starting point.

You’ll end up with dozens of rugs laid out on the floor, as the staff try to show you things they think you’ll like. Don’t feel bad for asking them to lay more and more rugs out – it’s their job, and you want to make sure you find something you really like. If you’re not into what’s being laid out, speak up or forever hold your peace. If you say nothing, they’ll keep laying out the same type of rugs, so communicate what you do or don’t like so they can narrow down the search. When you find some rugs that take your fancy, get them put to the side.

Happy shopkeeper in Morocco

Should you say yes to the tea?

While you’re browsing, the staff will more often than not offer you some mint tea – this offering is part and parcel of Moroccan culture. Accepting the tea doesn’t lock you into buying anything, so drink your tea and enjoy it.

Colourful textiles in Marrakech shop

What you should look for when browsing Moroccan rugs

When you’re browsing rugs, look for ones with a tight weave, and feel the surface to make sure you like the texture. Get the staff to flip the rug over so you can examine the underside, to check for any holes or issues. Authentic moroccan rugs are made from wool fibres, but there are dupes floating around even in shops that look reputable. If you suspect something is synthetic, try the old fire test – hold a lighter to a corner, and if it burns or has an unpleasant smell, it’s likely made from synthetic fibres.

piles of Morocco rugs

It’s important to remember that handmade rugs will have colour variations and slight imperfections – that’s part of the charm of a handcrafted item. Perfectionists beware – this might cause you a bit of a headache. If you find a piece that you absolutely love but you find a hole or some small damage, ask the staff if there’s any chance of getting it repaired – minor issues can often be fixed in the weave of a rug. They can do a lot with altering rugs to suit your needs – I’ve even had offers to cut and re-finish large rugs into a smaller sizes because I said I’d buy the rugs if they weren’t so big!

antique rugs in Morocco shop

Okay, you’ve narrowed down your options – now what?

Once you’ve gone through all the rugs and narrowed it down a few that you like, get the staff to move away all the rejects and lay the finalists out side by side to pick the winners. You can ask if it’s okay to take photos of the rugs, although many stores will say no because their stock is unique and they don’t want to risk the designs being copied by other craftsmen.

Hopefully, you’ll know when you find the rug (or rugs) you’re after – you’ll get that feeling in your heart that it’s a piece you just have to have! If none of the rugs tug on your heart strings, thank the staff and head to another shop. It can be easy to be pressured into buying since they’ve gone to the trouble of laying out so many options. But at the end of the day, buying a rug is a significant and personal purchase, so if it doesn’t feel right put your foot down and walk away. Don’t let the shop owner bully you into buying something you don’t truly want!

shopping for souvenirs in Morocco

When you’re ready to buy your Moroccan rug

When you’re ready to buy, it’s time to start bargaining. Only engage in the bargaining process if you’re serious about buying, and go in hard. Don’t let on that you’ve made up your mind on a specific rug – if the staff catch on, they’ll know they can charge more because you’ve fallen in love with that particular piece. Walk away if you’re having trouble bringing the price down – they will likely come back with a more reasonable offer if they’re about to lose your business. If you’re asking for a price out of pure curiosity, take the quoted price and halve it as a general rule to determine the final price you’d except to pay. Once you really start the bargaining process, it’s rude to back out (not to mention a waste of time for both parties involved – and you could already be at the next shop browsing their stock).

When you’ve agreed on a final price, the staff will pack the rug up for you. They are notoriously good at packing large rugs into a size small enough to take as carry on luggage (they love to use this line to convince you to buy!). Don’t forget to take a picture of your rugs before they pack them – once they’re all bundled up, it’d be unwise to unpack them until you get back home.

beautiful rugs in rural Morocco

How you should pay

While the majority of shops will accept credit cards, they prefer cash and will happily wait for you to go to an ATM once you’ve settled on a price. There’s usually a large surcharge on card purchases so cash is the way to go to save a bit of money. Most places will be able to ship any purchases back home for a fee, which is worth considering if you’re short on luggage space.

layers of Moroccan rugs

And that’s it! Hopefully these tips will help you to find the perfect Moroccan rug for your home, and you’ll know what to expect throughout the buying process. Happy shopping!

Poppy xoxo

If you love buying authentic souvenirs, check out these other awesome things to purchase when you’re in Morocco.

13 Souvenirs To Buy In Morocco: A Shopping Guide

Man in sweet shop, Marrakech Morocco

If you’re like me and love anything remotely bohemian, Morocco will be your dream destination for souvenirs. The souks (markets) are packed with colours and chaos, filled to the brim with things that are both decorative and practical. While Morocco can be overwhelming with so many shops and souvenirs, there are a few things that really stood out to me as must-buy mementos of my trip. Here’s a list of 13 things souvenirs that you should pick up in Morocco, so you can budget accordingly!

spice shop in Marrakech Morocco

1. Rugs
Everywhere you go in Morocco, you’ll come across shops selling beautiful handmade rugs. There are so many different styles, sizes and colours to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect rug for your home. Have fun at the carpet shops, as staff lay rug upon rug out on the floor for you to admire – and don’t forget to bargain hard when you find the one you love! I’ve written a whole post about buying rugs in Morocco, which you can read here.

beautiful rug shop in Morocco

2. Lanterns
There are many places in Morocco that sell gorgeous lanterns, with intricate patterns carved into metal lampshades. Look for massive pendant lights, small tea-light holders and everything in between inside insta-worthy lantern shops around the country.

Lantern souvenir shop

3. Tajines
Tajines are iconic to Moroccan cuisine – you’re guaranteed to have a few amazing tajine dishes on your trip! While you can buy these cooking vessels from fancy homeware stores at home, why not pick up one of these bad boys straight from the source? You’ll find tiny decorative tajines designed to serve olives and dips, all the way up to the heavy-duty clay styles used for everyday cooking. I absolutely love my tajine and I use it all the time at home to cook delicious meals. The conical shape of the lid traps moisture, making your food juicy and flavourful every time.

Decorative tajines for olives and dips

4. Leather Goods
Morocco is known for its leather industry, especially in the city of Fez. Expect leather jackets, bags, belts, poufes and shoes being sold in the souks, all at reasonable prices. As you’ll find out when you visit the tanneries, authentic leather in Morocco is cured in vats of pigeon poop – yes, you read that right, pigeon poop. Shopkeepers will give you sprigs of mint to help you cope with the smell, but be prepared for it to linger slightly on your leather goods!

Open courtyard with leather shop in Marrakech Morocco

5. Shoes
Moroccan shoes come in all the colours of the rainbow, adorned with intricate bohemian patterns. Shoe stores in the souks mostly sell sandals or slip-on shoes, but if you like the idea of babouches (the pointy elf-looking shoes), you’ll also find those too. You can even pick up a furry pair if you’re after something a bit different!

sandals and shoes in the moroccan market

Fluffy slippers for markets in Morocco
6. Textiles

The Moroccan souks will be your one-stop shop for incredible textiles – look out for pillow cases, blankets, floor cushions and throws in vibrant patterns and textures. Moroccan textiles are known for their beautiful colours and are great souvenirs – you’ll be itching to get home and proudly put them on display!

Rugs and textiles in an alleyway, Essaouira Morocco

7. Ceramics
Moroccan ceramics come in all shapes and sizes, and you’ll find them everywhere on your travels. Their designs are influenced by both Islamic and Mediterranean culture, which makes for distinctive geometric patterns. Ceramic bowls are great souvenirs for friends and family – they’re useful little storage dishes for around the house.

Ceramic shop in Fez, Morocco shopping

8. Spices
Spices are integral to Moroccan cuisine, and are a practical souvenir to remind you of your travels. The spices I brought home from Morocco turned my cooking from basic to brilliant in an instant. You can’t miss the spice shops out in the souks – you’ll smell the pointy pyramids of powered spices before you see them. There are spices for everything – meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, stews, barbecue and even sweets mixes, which are all very affordable. The vendors will let you take a whiff of all their options, and will mix a special blend for you if you ask!

Vibrant spice shop in a market square Marrakech Morocco

9. Dates
Like spices, dates are really popular in Moroccan cuisine – you’ll find these dried fruits in tajines, couscous, or in small bowls accompanying your meals. There are so many different varieties of dates, with varying qualities and prices to match. Moroccan date shops have boxes and boxes of the fruit all neatly on display, and they normally let you have samples before you buy!

Boxes of dates in the Markets Morocco

10. Kaftans
If you love picking up clothing as a reminder of your travels, a Moroccan kaftan will make a great souvenir. You’ll find loads of everyday styles hanging up in the souks, as well as luxuriously beaded pieces in specialty shops. When deciding on a kaftan, I’d recommend picking something you can see yourself wearing in your regular life. The fancy or traditional styles may catch your eye, but it’d be a waste to get something that’ll just sit in your wardrobe when you get home.

Colourful covered markets in Marrakech Morocco

11. Tea Glasses
Morocco is famous for its delicious mint tea, which is usually served in delicate little glasses with gold finishes. Even if you don’t drink tea at home, a set of these glasses make great ornaments for around the house (or oversized shot glasses if you like to drink!).

Pouring mint tea at a Moroccan market restaurant

12. Argan oil
Argan oil has taken the beauty industry by storm, popping up in skincare as a miracle moisturiser. But many people don’t know that the oil is produced solely in Morocco. Authentic argan oil is milled from the nuts of argan trees, which are native to the country – because the process is quite laborious, pure argan oil is expensive. Beware of people selling fake argan oil at cheap prices, as it’s usually a blend of vegetable oils and doesn’t have the nutty aroma that pure argan oil has. There are different grades of argan oil (mostly for cooking or cosmetics), so make sure you don’t buy cooking quality for moisturising your face and vice versa.

Moroccan Lady making traditional argan oil

13. Woven Baskets
One thing that always caught my eye when travelling in Morocco was the woven baskets stalls. These baskets are made with straw and brightly coloured wool, woven into beautiful geometric patterns. The most common style is a conical shape with a removable lid, which is awesome as a display piece (and doubles as a sneaky storage solution too).

Woven baskets in outdoor market Morocco

So there you have it – my top 13 picks for souvenirs in Morocco. Keep lots of empty space in your suitcase when you leave home – you’re going to need it!

Poppy xoxo

Want to know more about shopping in Morocco? Check out this post I’ve written with tips and tricks for buying rugs in Morocco.

13 Souvenirs to buy in Morocco

Things To Do In Hawaii: A Waikiki 1 Day Itinerary

sheraton Waikiki swimming pool

When I travel to Hawaii for work, I’m lucky enough to stay right in the heart of Waikiki. While I would definitely recommend exploring other parts of O’ahu, sometimes it’s nice just to stay put in Waikiki and have fun enjoying the tourist hotspot. So if you’ve got a free day and not sure how to spend it, here’s a 1 day itinerary of things to do around Waikiki!

Waikiki beach sun and sand
Waikiki Beach

10am:
Sleep in and have a lazy morning – you’re on holidays after all! If the hotel breakfast buffet isn’t looking too appetising, have a big breakfast at Eggs ‘n Things – they do great omelettes, pancakes and American breakfasts. The franchise on Kalakaua Avenue has a beautiful view of the beach, which is a perfect way to start your day.

people enjoying the sun at Waikiki beach
South Waikiki Beach

12pm:
Pop on some sunscreen, pack your swimmers and head out to explore Waikiki. Walking along Kalakaua Avenue, your first stop will be at the famous Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue. The beautiful bronze statue commemorates the Hawaiian legend Duke Kahanamoku, who was an Olympic swimmer, surfer, actor, sheriff and ambassador for the state. Snap some pictures, kick off your shoes and walk along the sand, taking in the beautiful views of southern Waikiki Beach.

Duke Paoa Kahanamoku Statue

12:30pm:
Walking along the beach definitely builds up an appetite, so grab a poke bowl for lunch from Poke Bar on Lewers Street. From here, it’s easy to walk back through to the northern end of Waikiki beach and have your lunch on the sand. Nothing could be more quintessentially Hawaiian than poke and the beach!

Hawaiian poke and diamond head
Poke bowl with Diamond Head in the background!

1:30pm:
Lunch is done, now it’s time to hit the water. I’m not suggesting you should forego the “30 minutes between eating and swimming” rule, but it’ll be hard to resist. I know lots of people can’t stand touristy beaches, but I love busyness and people watching, so I find it really soothing to float in the Waikiki water and watch everyone go by. You can easily spend hours here relaxing in the ocean.

things to do in hawaii
Northern Waikiki Beach

3:30pm:
Once you’re finished swimming, stroll back along the beach and wander through the beachfront hotels. Most of the resorts backing onto the beach are open and accessible to the public, so it’s easy to stroll through the gardens, pool areas and outdoor restaurants. One of my favourite hotels to visit is the Moana Surfrider Westin Resort, with its beautiful tree and historical charm. Pick up a refreshing shave ice or a snack on the way from any of the many ABC stores dotting Waikiki.

Moana Surfrider Westin Resort
hotel swimming pool in Waikiki
One of the pools at the Sheraton Waikiki
shave ice in Waikiki hawaii things to do
Hawaiian shave ice

4:30pm:
Grab yourself a Mai Tai and listen to the live music at the famous Duke’s Bar. It’s always ridiculously busy, so if you can’t get a table, relax on the beach right in front of the bar and you’ll hear the music just fine.

dukes bar thins to do hawaii
Duke’s Bar just before sunset

6pm:
Time for sunset (check the specific time for sunset so it doesn’t creep up on you), and where better to watch than over the stunning infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki. There’s lots beachfront hotels in Waikiki, but this is my favourite vantage point along the shoreline because of its uninterrupted views of Diamond Head. If you’re not a Sheraton guest you won’t be able to sit on the deck chairs or jump in the pool but there’s no need for that – grab a drink at the nearby Edge of Waikiki Bar and you’ll have the exact same view.

Infinity pool at the Sheraton Waikiki
The Edge of Waikiki Bar

7pm:
You won’t be short of dinner options in Waikiki – there’s fast food chains, luxury restaurants and everything in between along the Waikiki strip. If you’re after something quick and simple, head to Oahu Mexican Grill for a big burrito or tacos. For a big plate of American comfort food, try a greasy burger at Cheeseburger in a Paradise. If you like Japanese food, make your way to Waikiki Yokocho. This underground Japanese food court has plenty of vendors to choose from – ramen, tempura and sushi are all on the menu, served with some some green tea or sake. Whatever you choose, just remember that food bills can add up quite quickly in Hawaii once you add taxes and tips, so keep track of your order to avoid nasty surprises at the end of you meal.

Cheeseburger in Paradise
Japanese food
Waikiki Yokocho

8pm:
The shops in Waikiki are open late (10pm or 11pm every night of the week), so shopping after dinner is the way to go. There’s lots of shops along Kalakaua Ave, and many more stores in the three big Waikiki shopping malls – Royal Hawaiian Centre, International Marketplace and Waikiki Beach Walk. Don’t forget to pick up some gimmicky souvenirs in Duke’s Marketplace, stock up on cookies (and munch on free samples) at the Honolulu Cookie Company, and get a custom family ornament at the Waikiki Christmas Store. Rummage for some bargains at ROSS, pick up skincare supplies at Sephora and browse the accessories at Urban Outfitters.

Duke’s Marketplace
Shopping in Hawaii
Entrance to International Marketplace
Ornaments at the Waikiki Christmas Store
Honolulu Cookie Company

10pm:
Time to finish the night off with some dessert. Since you’ll be shopping in the centre of Waikiki, The Cheesecake Factory is the perfect place for something sweet. You can spend over an hour waiting for a table here at dinner time, so go after the crowds are full and get yourself a big slice of cheesecake for dessert.

the cheesecake factory Waikiki
Cheesecakes at the Cheesecake Factory

10:30pm:
On the way back to your hotel, make one last stop at an ABC Store and grab some snacks – just in case you get hungry in the middle of the night. Freshly cut pineapple and a pack of Maui Style potato chips are my picks for any time of the day (or night).

Kalakaua Avenue at night

11pm:
Head back to your room and tuck yourself into bed, knowing you’ve had an awesome day in Waikiki!

If you have more than 1 day, there’s plenty of other things to do around the Waikiki area – you can hike the Diamond Head trail, experience a traditional Luau, visit Ala Moana Shopping Centre and go on a sunset ocean cruise. Enjoy the paradise that is Hawaii!

Poppy xoxo

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Chatuchak Market Guide, Bangkok: Best Shop Locations 

stall at Bangkok Chatuchak market

What is Chatuchak Market?

Chatuchak Market is the largest covered outdoor market in Thailand, and is a must-see if you’re visiting Bangkok. With over 15,000 stalls, you’ll be able to find anything your heart desires – souvenirs, clothing, homewares, pets and antiques, plus lots of food stalls and massage parlours.

Where is Chatuchak Market?

It’s a short walk from Mo Chit BTS station, and open to the public every Saturday and Sunday between 9am – 6pm. During the week, you’ll find the plant section and wholesale parts open at different times.

How to find shops at Chatuchak Market

Since the market is so big, it’s divided into sections and sois (rows) to make finding particular stalls a little easier. You’ll definitely get lost at some point or another, but that’s part of the fun! Here are some of my favourite stalls – and their locations in the market – to get you started in Chatuchak. The section/soi listings will make more sense once you’re in the market and can follow the signs hanging in the alleyways.

fresh coconut dessert at Chatuchak market, Bangkok

Clothing

Section 23, Soi 32/7: T Shirt Shop
Vintage-looking T shirts printed with pop culture references with Asian twists.

Section 21, Soi 28/3: Tie Dye Clothes and Boxer Shorts
The big shop on the corner has tie dyed clothes in tonnes of different styles and colours. There’s also a stall opposite that sells quirky patterned boxer shorts.

Section 4, Soi 50/2: Old Skull T Shirt Shop
Streetwear-style graphic T Shirts in colourful designs.

Section 4, Soi 47-49/2 and Section 4, Soi 51/1-2: Designer Boutiques
Rows with boutique clothing stalls selling local Thai designs.

rattan bags at Chatuchak market Bangkok

Accessories

Section 4 Soi 50/1: Tote Bags
Canvas tote bags printed with bold graphic patterns.

Section 7, Soi 63/3: Boho Bags
Plenty of tote and shoulder bags woven with straw, rope etc. There are several of these shops around the market, with varying bag qualities.

Homewares

Section 17, Soi 9-8-7/1: Blue Ceramics
Lots of stalls with beautiful ceramic bowls, plates, cups and kitchen items with blue finishes.

Section 15, Soi 9/1: Thai Ceramics
Traditional Thai scenes (dancing, rice fields, elephants etc.) painted in bright colours on bowls, teapots, plates and other utensils.

Section 19, Soi 6/1: Wooden Homewares
All sorts of wooden homewares and trinkets.

Section 8, Soi 14/1: Straw Items
Baskets and other boho household items woven from straw.

Section 7, Soi 63/3: Art
Large canvases painted by local artists in lots of different styles. Most of the stalls are manned by the artists themselves.

Section 17, Soi 8/7: Hem Aroma Perfume Shop
Stall with a huge variety of essential oils, perfume blends and aromatherapy diffusers.

spice shop at Chatuchak market Bangkok

Food

Section 20, Soi 5/1 and Section 11, Soi 12/1: Boom spices
A stall with all sorts of local spices. They have different Asian spice blends prepackaged and ready to take home.

Section 4, Soi 48/3: Cafes
Lots of little boutique cafes with covered seating – great for a coffee and break from the shopping chaos.

Section 9, Soi 18/1: Tik Cafe
Great spot for fresh mango sticky rice and fresh drinks.

cafe stalls, Bangkok
outdoor stalls, Bangkok

Self Care

Section 21, Soi 28/6: Massage Place
Just one of the many massage places inside the market. It’s air-conditioned inside and very well priced – perfect for a quick foot massage in between browsing the alleys.

Chatuchak market stalls, Bangkok

Use these stalls as starting points to explore different parts of the market. Have fun and enjoy this crazy Chatuchak experience!

Poppy xoxo

Chatuchak market guid Bangkok Thailand shopping