Shopping in The Atlantic Coast
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Spice Souq
For herbal Viagra, Berber lipstick, cures for baldness and exotic spices, the spice souq is the place to go. The jovial traders will try and draw you in with their more eccentric wares but the best buys are the aromatic spice blends for tajine, fish and chicken. You can also buy argan oil products here as well as the traditional amlou (about Dh40 per bottle). Nearby is the fish souq, an interesting place to wander even if you're not buying, and across Ave de l'Istiqlal, is the jewellery souq, a small area of jewellery shops with everything from heavy Berber beads to gaudy gold.
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Woodcarving Workshops
Essaouira is well known for its woodwork and you can visit the string of woodcarving workshops near the Skala de la Ville. The exquisite marquetry work on sale is made from local fragrant thuya wood, which is now an endangered species. Although the products are beautiful and sold at excellent prices, buying anything made from thuya threatens the last remaining stands of trees by increasing demand and therefore encouraging illegal logging. For a guilt-free conscience look for crafts made from other woods instead.
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Antiquaire Haut-Atlas
Look out for the Antiquaire Haut-Atlas , the most reputable dealer in top-quality objects, with a huge collection of well-chosen carpets, fabulous jewellery and antique pottery. At Galerie du Sud artist Amahou Mohamed sells his striking paintings mounted in frames made out of recycled bike tyres.
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Galeries Frederic Damgaard
Essaouira has a reputation as an artists hub, and several galleries around town sell works by local painters. It’s a mixed bag of talent and you may need to look in all of them before finding something you like. Galeries Frederic Damgaard is the best and oldest in town and features the work of local artists.
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Souq al-Had
For some Moroccan atmosphere head to Souq al-Had in the southeastern suburbs, with souvenirs, household goods and a second-hand items area outside the western gate. At Souq al-Had you can also buy fresh fruit and veg from the Souss Valley. It’s liveliest on Saturday and Sunday
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Coopérative Artisanal des Marqueteurs
Essaouira is well known for its woodwork and you can visit the string of woodcarving workshops near the Skala de la Ville. For fixed-price shopping try the Coopérative Artisanal des Marqueteurs.
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Rafia Craft
One of Essaouira’s great product is its raffia work, made from the fibres of the doum palm. For the most stylish designs, try Rafia Craft, which sells much of its line to European outlets.
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Association Tilal des Arts Plastiques
Essaouira has a reputation as an artists hub, and several galleries around town sell works by local painters. The Association Tilal des Arts Plastiques features up-and-coming artists.
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Espace Othello
Essaouira also has a reputation as an artists hub, and several galleries around town sell works by local painters. Espace Othello features up-and-coming artists.
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Exposition Nationale d’Artisanat
If you’d rather avoid haggling altogether, head for the Exposition Nationale d’Artisanat, where you’ll find three floors of fixed-price crafts.
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Uniprix Supermarket
The large Uniprix supermarket sells everything from cheese and biscuits to beer, wine and spirits. Sells handicrafts at fixed prices
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Tawarguit
Tawarguit has a range of gorgeous, if pricey, homewares, crafts and paintings, including specially commissioned ranges.
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Galerie du Sud
At Galerie du Sud artist Amahou Mohamed sells his striking paintings mounted in frames made out of recycled bike tyres.
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American Language Center Bookstore
A good selection of English-language classics as well as books on Morocco, North Africa and Islam. Just off Blvd Moulay Youssef.
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Artisanat du Coin
Artisanat du Coin, near the post office, specialises in Berber jewellery and other portable knick-knacks.
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Maison Berbère
Buying a carpet here is less pressurised than in Marrakesh. One of the main outlets is Maison Berbère.
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Maison Touareg
Buying a carpet here is less pressurised than in Marrakesh. One of the main outlets is Maison Touareg.
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Galerie Aida
Run by a former New Yorker, this place stocks a small but good selection of English-language books and some funky junk.
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Le Comptoire Marocain de Distribution de Disques
For a good selection of traditional Arab and Berber music try Le Comptoire Marocain de Distribution de Disques .
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Crown English Bookshop
Near the Tourist Office, this small shop sells second-hand English books as well as new books on Morocco.
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Ancienne Medina Hammam
For a more traditional experience, try the Ancienne Medina Hammam near the youth hostel in the old medina.
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Disques GAM
For a good selection of traditional Arab and Berber music try Disques GAM.
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