Is Fes Safe? Find Out Now + 14 Essential Safety Tips

If you are planning a trip to Fes, then the first thing you’ll want to know is, is Fes safe to visit. I mean, no one wants to go to a city only to find out that they are going to be pillaged and plundered and possibly mugged.

Thankfully, I have been to Fes more than once, as a solo female traveler and as part of a couple. I will share my personal experience with you and give you tips on how to stay safe in Fes.

After all, I live in Morocco and want to share my personal insights so that you can have the best trip possible. Now, you may read some horror stories on the internet about how dangerous and terrible and awful Fes is.

And while I am sure there are so not-so-nice people in Fes, keep things in perspective. Thousands upon thousands of people visit Fes annually and without issue. I am one of them.

Their trip went well so they don’t typically don’t share all about it on the internet since it doesn’t stick out in their mind.

Yes, I have had some bad experiences in Fes (more on this later) but I personally think Fes is a safe city to visit if you use common sense and the Fes safety tips outlined in this post.

Plus, bad things can happen in just about any city you visit. However, I don’t think Fes is any less safe than any other city in Morocco. I think if you do a bit of research then you’ll be just fine.

My other biggest advice would be that if something doesn’t feel right, get out of there. You don’t need to be nice, you don’t need to be polite, just walk away.

If someone is aggressive or tries to be a tour guide you don’t want, just say no and walk away. If they don’t take no for an answer, mention the “police”.

The police in Morocco do not tolerate this and people will tend to back down immediately if you mention this.

You do not have to tolerate this type of behavior and it is not common in Morocco. Trust me, if all of Morocco was like this then I would not be living here.

But, this is like the WORST case scenario. Like I said, most people come to Fes and have a great time, even as solo female travelesr.

Just prepare yourself by reading this post and you should have the time of your life in Fes.

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Is It Safe to Travel to Fes, Morocco? The Short Answer.

Yes, it is safe to visit Fes, Morocco. I feel confident that you will be fine if you use regular safety precautions when visiting Fes. TBH, I didn’t find it any more dangerous than any other city in Morocco or the US.

I also think a lot of it is just luck and depends on the people you meet. If you meet the wrong people, then Fes can feel very unsafe. But, that is true of any city. So, trust your gut and if something feels wrong, leave immediately.

The same goes for Morocco since Morocco is safe for women/men too.

I mean, I had two men follow me down the street in Paris at night and I had to call the police. However, many people visit Paris and are totally fine. Just because I had a bad experience doesn’t mean that you will.

So, again, take what you read with a grain of salt. Don’t let other people’s experiences put you off of visiting Fes.

Now, as a solo female traveler, it can be a challenging city. When I visited I was hit on at least 20 times a day and it got old FAST. Yeah, it was easily the city where I got the most unwanted male attention.

So, if you don’t want to deal with this, I would recommend hiring a guide to explore the Medina with you. You could also make friends (preferably male) with people at your hostel and then walk around the city with them.

It’s seriously amazing how the unwanted male attention just goes away as soon as you have people (usually men) around you. I know as soon as I started walking around with an older couple, no one bothered me at all.

The one negative I did have was a man grabbed my arm one day as I was walking down the street.

I had no idea why or what it was about since he was speaking Arabic. But, I got the sense that he had some mental issues and that was probably the reason.

He also did let go as soon as I pulled away. But, DO NOT be afraid to go to the police or use the word “police” if you run into issues. They will not tolerate any criminal behavior and will help you if you need it, as will locals.

Morocco is a very community-based society and most Moroccans will immediately help people in distress. I just think this sometimes gets lost in translation since most people speak Moroccan dialect.

However, I did have some positive experiences with locals in Fes too. I went out with a guy in Fes and he was super nice and respectful and took me around the city one evening.

He respected my boundaries, was polite, paid for everything, and I never once felt unsafe. We didn’t go out again because I just wasn’t feeling it but he respected that when I told him and didn’t pressure me into trying to go out with him again.

I share this to remind you that there are good people in Fes too and that it is okay to chat and interact with locals since not every experience you have will be a terrible one.

Just use your street smarts and common sense and you should be just fine traveling Fes.

Safety Tips for Fes, Morocco

1. Do NOT Accept Unsolicited Help

I feel like this happens to people ALL the time in Morocco and it colors their experience and makes them have a terrible time.

So, on the whole, if someone offers you help and you did not ask for help, it is likely a scam and you should just walk away.

Yeah, Moroccan people are lovely and will happily help you if you need it. But, only if you ask for help. They generally won’t run up to you and just offer to help you out.

So, this is a huge red flag and this typically means people are trying to get paid for giving you directions if you are lost or are trying to overcharge for being the tour guide you didn’t want.

This is also true of kids. If kids try to “help you” figure out where you want to go, it’s usually because they want money.

Therefore, steer clear of anyone who is overly friendly and wants to take you around the Medina or wants to escort you through the Medina.

These situations usually won’t end well since locals will demand a stupid amount of money from you at the end of the day.

2. Use an App to Navigate the Medina

Medinas in Morocco tend to be filled with narrow, maze-like streets that feel impossible to navigate. There’s little to no signage, no landmarks to speak of, and they can feel impossible to navigate.

I know me and my partner (who is Moroccan) kept getting lost in the Medina in Marrakech for this very reason.

However, I personally had an easier time navigating the Medina in Fes vs. Marrakech. That’s mostly because the entire medina in Fes sits on a giant hill.

So, head up to go towards the blue gate and get out of the Medina. Head down if you want to go deeper into the Medina and towards the tanneries.

To make your life easier and avoid asking for directions, I would download maps.me. These maps work offline and can help you make your way through the Medina and get back to your hotel/hostel.

3. Do Not Walk Around at Night Alone

TBH, there isn’t much of a nightlife scene in the Medina in Fes. So, outside of grabbing dinner, there is no reason why you would be walking around the Medina alone at night.

Honestly, the streets are very narrow and very dimly lit. There are also a lot of dead ends and places for people to hide.

So, I would definitely try to get back to your hotel before it gets super late since sketchy people can and do try to take advantage of tourists once the sun goes down.

However, I was with some friends and we did walk around the Medina together after figuring out where to eat in Fes and it was fine around 9:00 pm. It was also a Friday. So the Medina was super quiet since everyone was at the mosque.

But, if you do decide to go out after dark, stick to main roads that are well-lit. I would also travel in a group.

Generally, as a solo traveler, I don’t walk around most places at night alone. This is just my personal policy and I would recommend doing this and getting back to your Fes riad before it gets too late.

4. Solo Female Travelers Should Travel in Groups

As a western, solo female traveler, you will receive a lot of unwanted male attention In Morocco.

I know I did when I solo traveled to Marrakech, among other cities. So, this is not at all uncommon and you should be prepared for this. If you don’t want to deal with this then travel as part of a tour group in Morocco.

However, Fes was the city where I received the most unwanted male attention. Like I mentioned earlier, I was hit on at least 20 times a day in Fes and it got REALLY annoying.

No, I never felt unsafe or like someone was gonna walk down the street and murder me. But, it got really old and made me not want to explore the city.

So, if you are a solo female traveler in Fes, I HIGHLY recommend you do a guided tour of the city instead.

You won’t have to worry about getting lost, you won’t have to deal with unwanted male attention, and you can quickly see all of the top attractions in Fes.

If you are NOT into guided tours (I’m not either and get this), then explore the Medina with travelers (preferably guys) you meet in your hostel or at your hotel.

This will just make exploring the Medina a lot more enjoyable since you won’t have to constantly tell people to leave you alone.

5. Ask Your Hotel/Hostel for Advice

I feel like this is a super simple Fes safety tip that a lot of people forget about. But, it’s so easy and important to do.

So, when you check into your hotel in Fes, they will typically sit you down, give you a cup of mint tea, and have a chat with you.

Honestly, sometimes it is kind of annoying how friendly the staff are and how much they want to chat since you can be tired and just want to check into your hotel room.

Anyway, this is the PERFECT time to have a chat about safety in Fes. Ask them about common scams, places to avoid, things to watch out for, and what the city is like at night.

I usually ask people at the hotel about safety since they are locals and know what to watch out for. They also interact with a lot of travelers and usually know about the most common problems that travelers face in the city.

Additionally, they want to help you because if you have a good time then you will probably leave them a good review. And if you like the city enough, you might return and stay with them again.

Therefore, definitely ask hotel staff, “is Fes safe?” once you get to the city. After all, new scams can pop up and staff will probably know all about them.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

A lot of people want to be nice and don’t want to cause a “scene”. As a result, they deal with people for far too long when they are aggressive and pushy and want them to buy things.

I dunno, maybe it’s because I am from NYC and was just raised not to deal with this crap. Anyway, do NOT be afraid to say a firm “no” if you don’t want something or someone is offering you something you are not interested in

People do this to me with tours and souvenirs all the time and I just say, “No thank you.” Sometimes I even add a “have a nice day” at the end to be polite but to make it known that I am not interested and you will not be selling me anything.

You don’t have to be rude about it, but if I have no intention of buying a tour or an item in someone’s shop, you don’t have to deal with them trying to force you into buying something.

I simply say “no thank you” and walk away. 99.99% of the time locals will take the hint and leave you alone. If they don’t, feel free to call the police or just remove yourself from the situation.

Vendors in the Medina can be aggressive in Fes. So, it’s important to say what you mean and walk away if need be.

7. Don’t Forget to Haggle

A lot of people forget this but haggling is a HUGE part of life in Morocco. My partner is Moroccan and always loves to try and get the lowest price possible. It’s like this crazy game for him and he loves the challenge of it.

This is especially true in the Medina where haggling is expected. So, do not accept the first price offered. I like to start at 50% of the asking price and then go from there so that I can get the best price possible.

Additionally, you can haggle for taxi fares, tours, etc. However, some prices are set. This is usually the case in supermarkets, food stores, restaurants, and in big brand-name stores.

So, don’t roll up to Carrefour and expect to haggle over the price of sunscreen. In some stores, the price is just set and there is no wiggle room.

Typically, if you see a price tag or a menu with a set price, then this is a good indicator that you can’t haggle.

8. Trust Your Gut

My best piece of advice when it comes to visiting Fes safely is that if something doesn’t feel right, get out of the situation. A lot of the time, bad things happen because we don’t trust our gut and ignore red flags that keep popping up.

I know I have done this and it has never ended well. I convince myself I am overreacting that it is okay and that someone is just being nice.

But, when you do this, nine times out of ten the situation just gets worse as people try to push you more and more and see how much they can get away with.

So, if you are uncomfortable or something feels sketchy, get out of the situation immediately. You do not need to be nice. You do not need to consider the other person’s feelings.

Just remove yourself from the situation since your safety is way more important than worrying about hurting someone’s feelings.

9. Don’t Accept the First Price Offered by Taxis

Like in most other cities in Morocco, taxi drivers WILL try to scam you. They know you are foreign and don’t know the actual cost of the fare. So, they will try to overcharge you.

Do not let this happen. Before you get in any taxi, ask your hotel how much the ride should cost, especially if you plan to use the bus to take a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen.

Another thing you can do is ask them to use the meter before you get in. By law, they are required to use the meter. If they refuse, just mention the “police.”

Any time a driver hears the word “police” they will usually back down and turn the meter on since they know what they are doing is illegal.

10. Don’t Carry Anything Valuable Around the Medina

The streets of the Medina are small, narrow, crowded, and packed with people, regardless of when you visit Fes. So, it’s super easy for thieves to remove something from your bag or to pick your pockets. TBH, it’s the same on local buses too.

Therefore, do not keep anything in your pocket. Carry only the cash you need for the day in an anti-theft backpack (I use and love Pacsafe).

This way if something does get stolen, you still have access to money and credit cards that are safely tucked away in the safe of your hotel room.

I HIGHLY recommend Pacsafe. I have had the above bag for years and have never had anything stolen, My bag is also still in very good condition considering I use it every day.

Yes, it is a bit expensive but I think it’s worth it since the bag lasts forever and gives me peace of mind.

11. Don’t Enter a Mosque if You Are Not a Muslim

Generally speaking, if you are not Mulsim then you will not be allowed to enter a mosque in Morocco. Yeah, that’s kind of the way it is here.

TBH, I can really only think of two exceptions to that rule – the Grand Mosque of Meknes and Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Foreigners are allowed to visit both but ONLY outside of prayer times.

But, mosques are largely considered sacred spaces in Morocco and are only open to Muslims. Therefore, I would only plan to spend one day in Fes.

Yeah, many of the city’s top attractions are off-limits to foreigners and are only visible from the exterior. So, while Fes is definitely worth visiting, I would keep your visit here brief.

12. Dress Conservatively and Blend In

On the whole, Fes is a bit less touristy and a bit more conservative than Marrakech. So, I would be a bit more aware of what you are wearing here and, as a woman, try to keep your knees and shoulders covered.

I have worn shorts in pretty much every place I have visited in Morocco and Fes was the only place where I was asked to cover up. So, don’t make the same mistake I did and try to cover up when you visit.

You don’t need to get a whole new wardrobe but definitely wear loose pants and tops that cover a decent amount of skin.

You’ll also want to wear light fabrics since Fes can get very hot (31°C or 88°F). They will help keep you cool and protect you from sunburn.

Many guidebooks will also tell men not to wear shorts. I am not sure why because my boyfriend wears shorts ALL THE TIME. And yes, he was born in Morocco.

But, if you want to blend in then pants are the way to go since most Moroccans are not big into shorts (men and women).

Plus, the more you blend in then the less likely you’ll have scammers being drawn to you like a moth to a flame. But, if you personally don’t feel safe then you may want to spend less time in Fes.

13. Avoid PDA (Public Displays of Affection)

If you are traveling as a couple in Fes, and Morocco, then avoid overt public displays of affection. Therefore, no kissing in public (no making out or light kisses) or hanging all over each other.

Yeah, it is extremely inappropriate in Morocco and you should 100% not do it. You can absolutely hold hands or put your arms around each other, but anything more than that is not okay.

No joke. I put my arm around my partner’s shoulder in a restaurant in Tangier and the guy asked us to stop because it was “inappropriate”. Mind you, my partner was born and raised in Morocco and was even like, “huh?”

So, be very cautious and conservative when it comes to PDA in Fes.

14. Don’t Drink Alcohol in Public

Okay, so many people assume alcohol is illegal in Morocco and that is absolutely not the case. You can buy and drink alcohol all across the country. It’s actually pretty easy to find to and is available in supermarkets like Carrefour.

However, you CANNOT drink in public or be publicly intoxicated. In fact, you can only drink alcohol in bars, restaurants, and hotels that are licensed to sell it.

These places are usually outside the Medina since the Medina is sacred and alcohol is seen as forbidden in Islam. But, if you are ever unsure about drinking alcohol in Morocco, just ask your hotel or do what other people do.

Essentially, if other Westerners are drinking around you and there is a full bar on-site, then you are fine. Just drink where other people drink in Fes and you should have no problems.

Is Fes Safe to Visit FAQs

How Safe is Morocco for Tourists?

Morocco on the whole is safe for tourists to visit, especially if you stick to major tourist destinations since these cities have the infrastructure in place to help keep people safe.

Yes, violent crimes with knives can happen, but this is extremely rare. Instead, you are much more likely to encounter pick pockets and should always keep your belongings safe and secure., even when taking the train from Fes to Marrakech.

What is the Safest City in Morocco for Tourists?

If I had to pick the safest cities in Morocco for tourists I would pick Essaouira and Chefchaouen. Both cities are extremely safe and you should have very few problems.

However, other generally safe cities are Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Tangier. Casablanca is OKAY but we got warned by many residents to watch out for thieves during your visit.

It is only one of the only places in Morocco where I just felt uneasy the whole time I was there.

Is Morocco Safer than Italy?

I have been to both Morocco and Italy and found Morocco to be safer. I also know that many studies have revealed that overall crime rates and threats from terrorists are lower in Morocco than in Italy.

Is Morocco Safer than Turkey?

I have been to both Morocco and Turkey. I didn’t have any issues in either country but I feel safer in Morocco. You can use this site to learn more about crime rates in Morocco.

What is the Most Common Crime in Morocco?

The most common crimes in Morocco are the harassment of women, aggressive vendors/beggars, pick-pocketing, and purse-snatching (I have never seen or heard of this).

Just remember that I would not live in Morocco if I didn’t think it was safe.

What to be Careful About in Morocco?

Things to be careful about in Morocco include walking around alone at night (don’t do it), be cautious at ATMS (look out for scammers), harassment from men (if you’re a solo female traveler), and leaving your belongings unprotected.

That wraps up this guide on safety in Fes, Morocco. I hope you now have the answer to the question, “Is Fes Safe to visit?” and feel better about traveling here.

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