Shopping in Marrakech

Book excerpt: How to choose among the thousands of shops, stores, and souk stalls? And how to evenfindthem in this labyrinthine city, where street names and addresses seldom appear on the city map? Let Susan Simon guide you through the winding alleys, hidden courtyards, and bustling markets to uncover the best of the treasures of Marrakech: luxurious caftans; bejeweled shoes and slippers; ethnic jewelry; handmade decorative objects for the home; beautifully embroidered linens; colorful ceramics; sequined antique shawls; gold-encrusted glassware. The stylish author and the photographer (who has appeared on the world’s best-dressed list) both have dozens of ideas of how to incorporate your exotic finds into every wardrobe and home. The guide is divided into seven separate walks–and little bonus walks–that take you through the main shopping areas, using the author’s precise directions and visual landmarks. And, as a caterer and cookbook author, Simon can’t resist pointing out her favorite spots for everything from mint tea and pastries to fragranttagines–many hidden behind innocuous entrances and set in ancient, verdant riads (traditional Moroccan courtyard homes) or on terraces overlooking the breathtaking city.