A holiday is not really complete without a souvenir, and in Casablanca, the question is not what to shop for but where to shop. From busy markets and traditional shops to big brand shopping, Casablanca has it all.
Casablanca offers a unique shopping experience. The city’s shopping culture revolves around traditional markets that are busy, and modern shopping centres that offer a less-frenetic shopping experience.
Finding the best places to buy souvenirs in Casablanca comes down to your bargaining skills as well as how much time and energy you’re prepared to put into each transaction. Be prepared to haggle as it is a natural part of the process and can take up a lot of your time.
Traditional souvenir spots can be found at street markets and souks. They are widely accessible throughout the historic parts of the city and are the best places to shop for traditional Moroccan souvenirs.
Casablanca also has modern shopping centres located in its central cosmopolitan area and its seaside coastal neighbourhood of Ain Diab. As well as a more relaxed experience, shopping here is haggle-free.
The Ancienne Medina is located in the heart of Casablanca and is the oldest part of the city, dating back to the late 19th century. This historic neighbourhood is known for its charming souks and traditional street shopping. The Old Medina is a good souvenir spot for hookahs/shishas, lanterns and wood ornaments as well as traditional kaftans. Locals here bargain shop and you’ll be expected to bargain as well.
Shopping in Derb Ghallef is different from the rest of the traditional markets in Casablanca, although shopping here can be organised chaos. This big informal open-air flea market has many different stalls selling textiles, handcrafts, toys, furniture and homeware. Haggling is also a common practice, though prices can already be very low. Derb Ghallef is popular among shoppers for the wide range of electronics, computing devices, phones and video games on offer as well as the designer brand and luxury fashion imitations stalls.
Located next to the beach, Anfaplace Shopping Center offers Moroccan and American brands in a two-story shopping complex that has been open to the public since 2013. Over 80 high-street brands are available from H&M and Marks & Spencer to Calzedonia and Monsoon. A food court with more than 20 restaurants can also be found here, with various cuisines such as American, Italian and Japanese.