Shopping in Fes: Best Streets, Malls & Markets 2026

The medina of Fes El Bali is the undisputed heart of traditional shopping in Fes. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a pedestrian-only maze of narrow alleys, each leading to a new discovery. Here, you'll find specialized souks (markets) dedicated to specific crafts. The Souk Attarine is famous for its spices, perfumes, and dried fruits, filling the air with intoxicating aromas. For leather goods, head towards the famous Chouara Tannery area, though be prepared for strong smells; the quality of the leather bags, slippers, and jackets is exceptional. The Souk Nejjarine is where you'll find exquisite carpentry, from intricately carved cedarwood pieces to beautiful jewellery boxes, located near the iconic Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts. Ceramics are abundant, especially in the areas around Place Seffarine and the Bab Bou Jeloud gate, offering a kaleidoscope of hand-painted plates, bowls, and tagines. Price levels vary wildly, from inexpensive trinkets to high-end artisan works; bargaining is not just expected, it's part of the experience. The vibe is decidedly local and tourist-heavy in the main thoroughfares, but venture deeper, and you'll find primarily local commerce. Most shops here generally open from morning until late afternoon/early evening, typically 9 AM to 7 PM, with some closing for Friday prayers or observing shorter hours on Fridays. Sundays see most shops open, but with reduced footfall.

While Fes is celebrated for its ancient medina, the newer Ville Nouvelle (new city) offers a distinct, more contemporary shopping experience. Here, you'll find modern retail hubs with international and Moroccan brands, department stores, and amenities akin to Western shopping centres. Borj Fez Mall is the largest and most prominent, featuring a wide array of fashion boutiques, electronics stores, hypermarkets, and food courts. It's a great place to escape the hustle of the medina, enjoy air conditioning, and find fixed prices, eliminating the need for bargaining. Another significant area is Avenue Hassan II and the surrounding streets, which boast more upscale boutiques, jewellery shops, and cafes that cater to a modern sensibility. The vibe here is entirely different - relaxed, with ample space, and less tourist-oriented, attracting Fassi families doing their weekly shopping or enjoying an evening out. Prices are generally moderate to high, comparable to European high-street brands. Most shops and malls in the Ville Nouvelle operate from around 10 AM to 9 PM, often later for restaurants, with consistent opening hours throughout the week, including Sundays. These venues often have larger supermarkets for staple goods and modern pharmacies.

For those seeking truly authentic, handcrafted souvenirs, Fes is a treasure trove of artisan workshops and craft cooperatives. These are the places where you can witness ancient traditions come to life. Beyond the famous Chouara Tannery, explore areas around the Bab Chorfa and Bab Semmarine gates for small, family-run workshops specializing in specific crafts. The Poterie de Fes is a well-known pottery cooperative where you can observe potters creating and painting their beautiful ceramics, often hand-cut in intricate zellige patterns, and purchase directly from the source. Similarly, weavers craft stunning carpets and textiles, using traditional looms and natural dyes. Look for stores explicitly labelled Co-opérative Artisanale for fairer prices for the artisans. These locations offer a more genuine shopping experience, often with less pressure than the main souks. Prices are fair, reflecting the skill and time invested, and you can often get a better deal when buying directly. The vibe is often quieter and more educational, offering insights into Moroccan craftsmanship. Opening hours are generally similar to the medina shops, from morning to late afternoon, with some flexibility. These are perfect spots to find unique pieces that tell a story.

No shopping guide to Fes would be complete without exploring its vibrant food markets. These markets are a feast for the senses, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and a true immersion into Fassi daily life. The Central Market in the Ville Nouvelle is a bustling hub where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, along with spices, olives, and local cheese. It's a key spot for locals to do their daily shopping and offers a more contemporary market experience compared to the medina's souks. Within the medina, while many souks offer food items, the areas around Bab Bou Jeloud and near the Karaouine Mosque are particularly vibrant for street food vendors and small purveyors of nuts, dried fruits, and sweets. Here you can sample everything from freshly baked bread (khobz) to local pastries like chebakia. Harqaouine Souk is known for its olives and olive oil. The vibe is authentically local, less tourist-centric than the craft souks, and offers an incredible array of photographic opportunities. Prices are very affordable, and haggling is less common for food items, though still possible for larger quantities. Most food markets open early, around 7 AM, and close by late afternoon, typically 5-6 PM, though some smaller stalls might operate longer. Exploring these markets, especially with a travel buddy, can be a delightful way to experience local life and perhaps pick up ingredients for a shared meal.

For bibliophiles and those interested in Moroccan culture, Fes offers a unique selection of bookstores, both within the ancient medina and in the modern Ville Nouvelle. While not as numerous as craft shops, these literary havens provide a quiet respite and an opportunity to delve deeper into the region's history, art, and literature. Librairie Ancienne at Bab Bou Jeloud is a charming spot, offering a mix of antique maps, old books, and prints, perfect for a unique souvenir. In the Ville Nouvelle, Librairie des Archives is a well-regarded general bookstore with a good selection of French, Arabic, and some English titles, covering literature, history, and travel guides. These stores cater to a more niche audience, and the vibe is typically quiet and scholarly. Prices for new books are fixed, while antique items may be open to gentle negotiation. They generally operate during standard business hours, from around 9 AM/10 AM to 7 PM/8 PM, with some potentially closing earlier on Fridays or Sundays. Finding a good book can be a wonderful way to connect with the intellectual side of Fes, offering a different kind of treasure hunt for the culturally curious traveller.

For those with a keen eye for unique finds and a love for sustainable shopping, Fes surprisingly offers a selection of vintage and second-hand options, particularly within pockets of the medina. While not as structured as flea markets in other cities, certain souks and hidden corners are known for their collection of pre-loved items. The Souk Dhab, primarily known for jewellery, often has small stalls tucked away selling vintage trinkets, old coins, and heirloom pieces. Some textile souks may feature vintage fabrics or traditional garments that have been lovingly preserved. The key to successful vintage shopping in Fes is patience and exploration; these treasures aren't always prominently displayed. The vibe is authentically local, often requiring communication with shopkeepers who may not cater regularly to tourists. Prices are generally low to moderate, and bargaining is definitely expected, often leading to excellent deals. Opening hours are typical of medina shops, from mid-morning to late afternoon. While it might take a bit more effort to uncover these gems, the reward is a truly unique item with a story, far removed from mass-produced souvenirs. This kind of treasure hunt can be particularly enjoyable when shared with a companion, comparing finds and negotiating prices together.

Understanding opening hours and tax-free shopping regulations can enhance your Fes shopping experience. In the Fes El Bali medina, most traditional souks and artisan shops operate from roughly 9 AM to 7 PM. Many close for an hour or so during lunchtime. While Friday is the holy day, most shops remain open, especially in tourist-heavy areas, though some smaller, local establishments may observe shorter hours or close for Friday prayers. Sundays generally see shops open, but often with reduced activity. In the Ville Nouvelle, modern stores and malls like Borj Fez Mall maintain longer, more consistent hours, typically from 10 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week. It's always a good idea to confirm with your riad or hotel staff for precise timings, especially during public holidays or Ramadan, when hours can change significantly.

Regarding tax-free shopping, Morocco currently does not offer a widespread VAT refund scheme for tourists on general purchases. However, for large-value purchases, particularly carpets, jewellery, or high-end leather goods, it is advisable to inquire with the vendor directly as some larger establishments or cooperatives catering to international buyers might have specific arrangements or be able to provide documentation for export. Always ask for a detailed receipt. For any significant art or antique purchases, clarifying export regulations at the time of purchase is crucial to avoid issues upon departure. While a formal VAT refund system for tourists isn't common, negotiating hard in the medina can often lead to prices far below any potential tax saving, making your bargaining skills your most valuable asset.