Travel bucket list idea:
Local craft workshops in Marrakech
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Last updated: 10 March, 2024
Marrakech is world-renowned for fine craftsmanship – notably homewares, textiles, and natural beauty products. Browsing and haggling in the souks is of course a must-do, but why not also try your hand at making your own?
Hands-on workshop with local maalem (master craftsperson) will teach you the techniques involved in some of Morocco’s most classic crafts – zellig tilework, carved cedarwood, carpet weaving, and even tadelakt (plaster finishing). For those interested in beauty products, there are also workshops to make Marrakech’s famous ‘black soap’, Oriental wax or ghassoul (a body-cleansing clay).
Whatever you end up making – babouche slippers, jewellery, carpet, a zellig tivet, or a hammered bowl – all participants leave each workshop with their own unique souvenir.
Workshops can be three or five hours long, depending on the depth of knowledge desired – although three hours is usually plenty. Classes take place onsite in the small studios of local artists’ workshops (where you can also browse and purchase some other goods produced).
Logistics
Price from: £45
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: daily
When: All year round
Duration: 3-5 hours
Getting there & doing it
All tours start in Marrakech and guests are accompanied on foot to the artist’s workshop (often in the Marrakech medina) with the assistance of a hostess who also provides translation services. Workshops outside of town require transportation – taxis are an additional cost.
All materials and tools are provided during the workshops, as well as pots of tea and pastries when a break is needed. Modest dress is recommended given that the workshops take place in functioning artists’ ateliers.
When to do it
Workshops run all year round – days depend on the tour operator. Options during summer months (July and August) and also Ramadan can be limited. It’s common for artists to take Friday morning off, returning mid-afternoon.
Morning workshops are preferred, before the heat sets in, but an afternoon pastry class in a local home is a nice way to beat the heat.
