Is Marrakech Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Find Out Now!

Want to visit the red city as a single lady but wondering, is Marrakech safe for solo female travelers? Yeah, I was too before I embarked on an incredible solo trip through Morocco.

Honestly, it’s a valid concern since the number one thing most solo female travelers are worried about is safety, especially in predominantly Muslim countries where local customs and behaviors can be different from the Western world.

The good news is that I found Marrakech to be safe for solo female travelers. In fact, I loved the city so much that I eventually decided to move nearby and live in Morocco with my partner.

Don’t worry though, I traveled solo throughout Morocco before I even met him. So, I have a wealth of experience as a solo female traveler in Marrakech and Morocco.

Yes, I did encounter a fair bit of catcalling, but any time I made it clear I was NOT interested, people just kind of left me alone.

However, everyone’s experience is different. I can’t guarantee that you’ll love solo female travel in Marrakech or that you won’t run into any issues. I also can’t guarantee that you won’t run into any bad people.

But, I can give you tips on how to stay safe in Marrakech and how to reduce the annoyance of making catcalling while in the city.

After all, I am a local and have visited Marrakech more times than I can count. So, if anyone can give you tips on how to stay safe in Marrakech, it’s me.

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Is Marrakech Safe for Solo Female Travelers? The Short answer.

The quick answer to your question is that yes, Marrakech is safe for solo female travelers since it is an overall safe Moroccan city. TBH, most of Morocco is safe for women traveling alone.

The main issues that you’ll run into as a solo traveler in Marrakech are unwanted male attention and petty theft when you spend a couple of days in Marrakech.

Generally, you can deal with these by walking around in a group (with men) and by carrying only what you need for the day inside a Pacsafe anti-theft backpack.

This is the backpack I use. I generally carry the cash I need for the day, since many places don’t accept cards, and leave everything else back at the safe of my hotel inside one of the best areas to stay in Marrakech.

However, I have never had anything stolen. But that could be because I am pretty paranoid about it and always use popular Marrakech tips to stay safe.

Additionally, Marrakech is a very safe city where violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare. Petty theft is probably the only thing you’ll need to worry about.

Sure, the catcalling is annoying. But, most guys stop as soon as you make it clear that you are not interested. But, there are bad people in Marrakech, just like in every other city in the world.

Also, understand what not to wear in Marrakech to limit drawing attention to yourself.

So, if someone does not stop hassling you, call the police or ask a local for help, especially if you feel unsafe.

Lastly, I would not recommend walking around the Medina alone after like 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm. There are just a lot of narrow, dimly lit streets that feel kind of sketchy.

I mean, you don’t need to dash back to your hotel as soon as the sun sets and enjoy some of the best things to do in Marrakech in the evening. But, I definitely wouldn’t walk around the Medina at 4:00 am alone.

But, if you do stay out late at a local Marrakech nightclub, just try and take a cab back to your hotel or hostel in Marrakech as a precaution.

Tips for Solo Female Travelers in Marrakech

As I already mentioned, Marrakech is a very safe city for solo female travelers, at least in my experience. However, catcalling can get old fast, even if you spend just 3 days in Marrakech.

There are also a few things you can do to help protect yourself and make sure that you have a good time in Marrakech.

So, here are my top tips to use if you want to have an amazing trip as a solo female traveler in Marrakech.

1. Dress Conservatively

Do you have to walk around Marrakech with every inch of your body covered? Absolutely not. However, wearing less revealing clothing will help reduce the amount of male attention you get.

No, it won’t eliminate it altogether. But, it will help keep it at manageable levels. TBH though, I didn’t think the catcalling in Marrakech was that bad. Fes was way worse and I got hit on there like 20 times a day.

But, by keeping your shoulders, chest, and knees covered, you’ll avoid drawing even more unwanted attention to yourself.

So, I would steer clear of booty shorts, mini skirts, low-cut tops/dresses, and tank tops with bra straps hanging out when deciding on what outfits to wear in Marrakech.

I have worn leggings with no issue as well as shorts above the knee, but do what feels comfortable for you. Generally though, the more conservative the outfit the better.

Also, keep an eye on dress codes since some restaurants with a bar in Marrakech won’t let you in if you’re wearing shorts and flip-flops.

2. Walk Around in a Group

The only thing that eliminated unwanted male attention for me was walking around with a guy. Any time I am with my partner or with a group that has a man, all the attention stops.

So, if you are a solo female traveler in Marrakech, you could try hanging out with people you meet at your hostel. I loved staying at Central House since it was more like a boutique hotel and I had no problem meeting people in my dorm room.

They also have a killer sun deck, an awesome plunge pool, and are well-located in the Medina. It’s not the most social hostel/hotel I have ever been to and is pretty quiet after 10:00 pm, but I loved it and have stayed here multiple times.

Additionally, this hostel has a mixed crowd. So, you’ll find young people as well as older people and families/couples staying in private rooms.

Alternatively, if you’re not into hostels and are worried about getting lost in the Medina, then join a group tour and explore the city that way.

I am not big into group tours. But, it’s a great option if you only have a day in Marrakech and want to quickly see all of the coolest things in Marrakech.

It’s also nice because you can meet other people, don’t have to worry about getting lost, and can avoid unwanted male attention as part of a group.

3. Don’t Walk Around the Medina Alone After 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm

Once you arrive in Marrakech, you’ll quickly see that the Medina is filled with tons of narrow, winding streets. There are no signs and it is super easy to get lost, especially at night.

What makes the streets super sketchy is that they empty out, are still confusing AF, and are dimly lit. So, it’s easy to get lost and run into less-than-savory people.

Additionally, some of the souks in Marrakech close around 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm. So, the road you used in the morning may not be open in the evening.

That’s why I generally avoid walking around the Medina at night alone. I typically get back to my hotel after dinner, but you could definitely hang out in the main square for a bit before walking back to your hotel.

When going out at night though, I always like to explore the city with other people. This way you can safely enjoy some of the best rooftop cafes in Marrakech.

4. Use Your GPS

A common scam in Marrakech is that people like to offer unsolicited help and then make you pay for it. Yeah, they’ll see you’re lost and will offer to escort you to your destination.

Along the way, they may stop at a family-owned shop and try to make you buy something. Or, they will take you to your destination and then DEMAND a stupid amount of money.

To avoid this, use a GPS to navigate the Medina. You can use Google if you have data, but the signal in the Medina can be crappy.

So, I would suggest downloading Maps.me to help you walk around the Medina when you don’t have a Wifi signal.

5. Be Wary of Taxi Drivers

The taxi drivers in Marrakech are some of the biggest scammers I know. They routinely try to overcharge my boyfriend and he is Moroccan! So, imagine what they’ll try to charge you as a solo female traveler in Marrakech.

Well, thankfully, I know a couple of things you can do. Firstly, never get in an unmarked taxi, it’s just not safe. Secondly, ask your hotel how much the taxi SHOULD cost from point A to point B.

Thirdly, when you go up to the taxi driver, ask them to use the meter. They are required to use it by law. But, they will likely tell you it’s broken.

Just mention the “police” and they will usually back down since they know what they are doing is illegal and they don’t want to get into trouble.

Lastly, always have your GPS on and know how to get to your final destination. This way, you can catch taxi drivers if they try to go the long way so that they can charge you more money.

Local Tip: In Marrakech you will likely use Petit Taxis or private taxis. Grand taxis are shared taxis and they only take you to a set destination with a group of 5 other people. They’re cheap but you can’t use them to go anywhere you want.

Walking is also definitely the best way to get around the Medina. However, Marrakech does have a ton of buses and taxis to get you where you need to go.

6. Be Cautious of Restaurants in Jemaa el Fnaa Square

Some of the restaurants in Jemaa el Fnaa Square are awesome and some are just a bunch of scammers. So, be careful when eating here.

A common scam is that when you sit down, they will give you a menu with really low prices. You’ll order and then they’ll take the menu and walk away.

When you finish your meal and get the bill, you’ll notice that the prices are much higher than what you thought. However, when you ask to see the menu, it will magically have the new, higher prices on it.

Yeah, they trick you into dining their because they have two menus with two different sets of prices. So, you can avoid this scan by taking pictures of the menu before you eat. Then you have proof of the original prices.

You could also just flat out refuse to pay and only pay them what you agreed upon since what they are doing is illegal and they can’t go to the police.

7. Stay in a Nice, Centrally Located Area

To avoid long walks into and out of the city alone, stay in a centrally located, safe part of the city. Generally, the best place to stay in the city is the Medina.

You can find most of Marrakech’s top attractions here. Plus, the Medina is generally safe and filled with tons of tourists and cool riads to stay in.

However, Gueliz is another great neighborhood. It’s in the New Town and is basically like the Beverly Hills of Marrakech.

The only downside is that this part of the city is a 25 or 30-minute walk from the Medina. So, constantly walking or taking a bus into and out of the Medina can get annoying.

Lastly, Hivernage is another posh, modern part of the city that is a nice place to stay. It is an area known for excellent nightlife and sleek restaurants with live music.

You’ll find a lot of 5-star resorts here as well as The Royal Theatre and the Menara Gardens. I wouldn’t stay here because it’s just not my style but it is safe and about a 40-minute walk from the Medina.

8. Don’t Invite Anyone Back to Your Room

Marrakech, and Morocco, are much more conservative places than the Western world. So, if you meet someone nice and want to go back to your room with them, it’s generally not okay if this person is of the opposite sex.

First of all, it is illegal for a foreigner and a Moroccan of the opposite sex to spend the night together if they are not married.

Secondly, for safety, most hotels won’t allow you to bring anyone back to your hotel if they haven’t checked in with you.

So, if you do meet someone then your best bet is to go back to their apartment. FYI, I am not telling you to do this but this is probably the only option.

But, it will be challenging since most Moroccans live at home with their parents until they get married.

Local Tip: FYI it is legal for unmarried foreigners (anyone with a non-Moroccan passport) to spend the night together in a hotel. They just need to check in with you and it is fine.

9. Know Where to Get Tampons and Condoms

Because Morocco is conservative, you won’t find condoms and tampons readily available in any corner store. They are sold in Morocco, but just not in places where locals shop since they tend not to use them.

Yeah, premarital sex is generally frowned upon in Morocco. Tampons are also not commonly used by locals since I am assuming they don’t want to mess with their virginity.

Anyway, they do sell condoms and tampons. You’ll just need to go to a big foreign grocery store, like Carrefour, to get them. Carrefour isn’t in the Medina though and is about a 20-minute walk away.

However, you can also get both items at the airport since the pharmacy there sells them. They may be a little expensive but are definitely available for foreigners.

10. Don’t Drink in Public

Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to drink alcohol in Marrakech and Morocco. You are just not allowed to drink in public or be publically intoxicated.

Additionally, you are not allowed to drink in places that are not permitted to sell alcohol. So, if a hotel, restaurant, or bar is not allowed to sell alcohol, do not drink there.

So, feel free to enjoy Marrakech’s epic nightlife scene since this city is home to some of the best clubs in the world. Plus, you can wear what you want and drink as much as you want in these crazy clubs.

If you want to drink in your hotel room, I would 100% ask the hotel staff before you do it, especially if the hotel does not sell alcohol.

I mean, you are allowed to drink alcohol privately but since you don’t own the hotel room I feel like this is a gray area. So, when in doubt, ask.

And if you’re not sure where to get alcohol in Marrakech, just head to Carrefour. They sell some in a separate room. FYI, you usually (not always) have to head outside the Medina to get alcohol since it’s considered a sacred space.

FAQs

Is it Safe to Go Out at Night in Marrakech?

Yes, it is safe to go out at night in Marrakech. I just wouldn’t walk around the Medina alone after 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm. So, if you’re a solo female traveler in Marrakech and really want to go out, just head out with a group.

I would also stay in more touristy areas and avoid going into the outskirts of the city.

Can You Explore Marrakech on Your Own?

Yes, you can explore Marrakech on your own and have a lot of fun as a solo female traveler. Just use my tips to help you stay safe as a solo female traveler in Marrakech.

Also, use your street smarts and ask your hotel about places you can and cannot go. Also, figure out how to travel from Marrakech Airport to the Medina before you arrive.

How Safe is Morocco for Solo Travel?

I think Morocco is very safe for solo travel. I have been to every major city in Morocco on my own and only had one incident in Fes where some guy grabbed my arm.

I do think he had mental issues and don’t think that’s a reflection of the city’s safety.

The only other place where I wasn’t a huge fan of solo travel was Casablanca. Nothing bad happened but I felt a little uncomfortable and had to keep a close eye on my stuff (like not having my phone out too much) because people might steal it.

So, if you decide to solo travel through Casablanca, just be extra careful and you should be fine.

I hope you found this guide helpful and now know the answer to the question, “Is Marrakech safe for solo female travelers?”

It’s an amazing city and I hope you can enjoy Marrakech as a solo female traveler. If you enjoyed this post, sign up for our email list and Facebook group for even more awesome Morocco travel tips.

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