Al-Attarine Souk (Spice Market), Fes

As you stroll down Tarafine Street (Talâa Kebira), your nose is greeted by the sweet smell of cinnamon, cumin, and cloves, floating through the air like a fragrant welcome mat to the Al-Attarine Souk, also known as the "Spice Market". Once the pinnacle of sophisticated shopping, this market now offers an eclectic array of goods, from lamps to teapots, mirrors to sunglasses, and even those kitschy souvenirs you can't resist buying. Follow one narrow side street and you'll find yourself surrounded by a rainbow of "babouches", those colorful slippers that beckon you to slip into comfort.

Dating back to the days of the early Idrisid rulers (think 9th-10th centuries), this bazaar has seen its fair share of drama, from fires to floods to the inevitable modern touch-ups involving lots of concrete. But fear not, the recent renovations in 2016 and 2017 brought back the charm with new wooden roofs, spiffy tile decorations, and several practical upgrades.

And don't forget the golden rule of Moroccan market economics: where there's a grand mosque, there's fancy stuff for sale nearby. Just take a peek around the Kairaouine, and you'll see the spice sellers giving way to silk traders and shops peddling those intricately embroidered takchitas, perfect for any fancy occasion—even if it's just lounging at home binge-watching your favorite shows.