is marrakech safe for woman

I may have over-prepared myself to deal with hassle and sexism before my trip after listening to scare stories, but I didnt have many problems in Morocco. In places like this, it's just pure chance whether you land in the 50% who don't have bad things happen or the 50% that do, so NO young or inexperienced lone female travelers, please. Visit a hammam or traditional bath on ladies' day. When I travelled alone before meeting Eddy, I always preferred making some female friends before accepting invitations: in this way my local friends could have come with me or check if the person was reliable or not. They are a wonderful people. For sure a thing you shouldnt do is talk too much or be too open with men. I wouldnt be a responsible travel blogger if I didnt show the dark and light in every destination I write about, right? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We can't wait to see you there! Due to my very pale redhead complexion, it was not possible for me to blend in. Water Safety: How to Stay Safe in the Sea, Ocean, Surf, 5 Cyber Safety Tips for Travelers and Digital Nomads, LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Tips to Explore the World With Pride, Top 6 Scams to Look Out for When Traveling in Cambodia, Is The Philippines Safe? 10 Useful Tips for Women Visiting Morocco - MarocMama Go, see and be seen! Even for me as someone who is more than willing to overpay to avoid as much haggling as possible. We both spoke french and were able to have a good conversation with the medical staff regarding these types of events. But most people going to the hospital have to lie about what happened if they were attacked because "you'd never get out of there", so overall the amount of documenting on these attacks is minimal to say the least. My friend and I were thinking of travelling to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? As more of us choose out of the way places for our next adventure, we weigh up why that is and isn't a good idea. Sunbathing topless on the beach or by the pool is never appropriate in Morocco. Things that would never be considered appropriate are fair game. I travelled there as a teenager with my mum and sister. Morocco is still a very conservative country, and manywomen walk around with their hair covered. Give me money. I stayed in a riad in a well-hidden area down some very dark and windy alleys and felt perfectly safe, the locals only stopped me to ask if I was ok or if I knew where I was going. Go, see and be seen! Give me some money for helping you. Excellent police here and specialy the "brigade touristique" who is doing a great job for the protection of tourists to avoid to be bother in a way or an other! Report inappropriate content. The hospital surely gave you a receipt for your treatment or it should be noted on your credit card statement. so many more places you can go and feel safefee relaxed and experience the culture. Id go for lose trousers/skirts & flowing tops and stay away from the more hmmprovocative ensembles or even tight jeans. Though chances are if you see the cafe is full of men, it might be best to avoid that one. This overview provides some general advice for women travelling to Morocco . Is Marrakech Safe for Solo Female Travellers? - Travels with Erica To help other young (or young at heart) solo female travellers enjoy Marrakech and stay safe, Ive put together all of my tips, gleaned from one week as a solo female in Marrakech. If nobody tried to haggle with you or shout at you, then you might as well be visiting Charleston, South Carolina. So, you will often have two or three locals pressing you menus straight into your face while literally trying to drag you into their food stall. So, to answer your question is Marrakech safe for solo female travellers, my answers is yes! That too felt a safer route. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. (An Honest Opinion). Bitchy resting face and no eye contact are my coat of armour, and what I recommend donning if youre feeling overwhelmed in Marrakechs medina. Another not so good thing while traveling in Marrakech or Casablanca can be wondering alone at night in the city. Morocco is a Muslim country and Islamic laws and customs are followed. Avoid public displays of affection, particularlyaway from the main tourist areas and near religious places. Some of these may seem like common sense, but they are even more important to pay attention to in Marrakech than other parts of the world. Marrakech Solo Female Travel Tips: Is Morocco Safe For Women Travelling Knowing about local scams before you arrive in a city is essential. If you travel in a safe way and do your best to adhere to local culture, pretty much anywhere you travel is safe- including Morocco! Morocco, we can not judge it from a situation did happen to someone, guys i have been working with touristes 10 years ago, those crazy expriences are getting less everyday! The Solo Female Traveler's Guide to Marrakech In 2017 Marrakesh broke its own record, crossing the 2 million mark for tourists in the city with more than 6 million overnight stays; that's a lot for a city with a population of just under 1 million!. That simply isn't true. At that time of the day the best thing to do is just being in restaurants or hotels, or together with a guide or a tour with other tourists. But Marrakech does have its challenges. Thisguys are with out uniform and i can tell even if you don't seem them,they see you!and take care which is a really good thing! It is not only respectful to the locals, but it also makes Marrakech a bit more safe. There have been terror attacks in the USA, in France, England, London and in so many other places. They cooperatives are the big ones you want to see, and they do NOT require an entrance fee whatsoever. By the end of this article, youll know how to safely navigate Marrakech and have an amazing solo trip to Morocco! The polite ignore is useful when youre a bit lost (which will undoubtedly happen in the medina). We never once felt intimidated, actually, had a lot of laughs with the locals in the souks. At the same time, I love to walk around alone and here the problem arrives. Listen to the people who have been there, take their tips to heart, and decide for yourself whether youre confident enough in your solo travel skills to explore a new culture and region. So do go, you will have a great time! These are small things that will help you navigate the new city with confidence and avoid some of the common scams in Morocco. There are always things going around, and you can get a bit overwhelmed at first. I always recommend people to visit a city at least once at night. Use my four day guide to Marrakech to plan your trip and dont forget to schedule in a day-trip to Essaouira, which is a lovely coastal town just three hours from Marrakech. Use your common sense and stay away from back alleys and any situation where you feel uncomfortable. 10 Best European Countries for Solo Female Travellers, Unique Tips for Eating Alone at a Restaurant, Is Antalya Worth Visiting Alone? For instance, one night when I knew exactly where I was going to get to my riad, and was fully covered head to toe, I turned the last corner, and the porch light was off. As long as you follow these tips, youll be safe and having the time of your life in Marrakech. It's a good idea todress in loose-fitting clothes which coveryour arms, legs and chest. It's not worth it. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sadly, Morocco does not make the cut. Also, we used pretty much ONE taxi driver throughout our stay. I hate that we have to do this to protect ourselves, but Ive mastered the art of the polite ignore when travelling in destinations that are infamous for hassle. Is Antalya Safe for Solo Female Travellers? It all comes down to what makes you feel safest in Marrakech and gives you the most confidence. If you really need to talk with one, always be sure there are other people nearby and that youre not flirty at all. I know it feels weird (it certainly did to me as a soft-spoken introvert), but it is what it is, and you have to learn how to do it. It is my philosophy not to comment or make a fuss when things like that happen no matter where in the world I am. We love discover new places and making new experience with local, but if youre a female traveller and youre alone, dont take the risk to venture into remote places unless youre doing it with organized tours. Even walking across the street does need quite some experience, as especially scooters, but sometimes even cars, wont stop when the traffic lights are red (here is a video that will give you a good impression). But if you havent travelled to a country with a similar culture before, youll probably be more aware of the differences than I was. Don't cause offense through your actions or dress, especially during the holy month of Ramadan orwhen visiting religious areas. Follow me along on social media: A massive list of the top tourist attractions and places to see on the island of Madeira. A large bomb detonated in a lively restaurant directly in Djema el-Fna Square. You dont have an excuse to not protect your online data when you travel! I think its too easy to blame religion because Ive lived in Bosnia & Herzegovina, a country with an Islamic majority, for almost a year and nothing ever happened to me. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Morocco is still a very conservative country, and manywomen walk around with their hair covered. Actually, I believe this is where an authentic experience starts, but Im aware a lot of less experienced travelers are not as audacious. So, here are 5 important hints: If you already know you wont be able to navigate these risks, take a guide (through your hotel!!!) Of course, its good to socialize when youre traveling to know people and make new experience, but if youre a solo female traveler is always good to pay attention to whom you speak to. Some people assume that since it is a majority Muslim country, it isnt safe for solo female travellers. Many Riads are situated close to Royal buildings for example which have a police/military presence 24 hours a day who would certainly have intervened. You'll get mostly young men trying to chat you up. I dont like to dwell on the negative when I visit a new place because for every ugly thing, I usually find a thousand beautiful ones, but I also wont sugar-coat my experiences as a solo female traveller in Morocco. In Marrakech, that means dressing more on the conservative side. Its all part of the culture and can be lighthearted and funny, but hassle in local markets can also make people uncomfortable or feel threatening, especially if youre a girl walking alone. Marrakech is very safe, and you shouldn't run into any issues when you visit the city. I went back and forth whether or not I should include this point, but I finally decided that I wish it was something I was more prepared for when I visited the souk for the first time. Is Kuala Lumpur Safe for Solo Female Travellers?! However, you need to be a bit cautious when choosing what street food to indulge in. They wrote the report on a type writer and sent us around to different people all demanding tips. You will be fine, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? from the very start. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. You cant (at least not the good ones). Hotels and transportation are also very important things to choose: check out the safe way to get around Morocco. Search for women guides in the main towns who can take youaround the souks and medinas and explain a little more about their way of life. I was a little bit nervous about travelling to Marrakech as a solo female, I have to admit that. As long as women take precautions and dress modestly, they will be totally safe. Hotels and transportation are also very important things to choose: check out the, 4 Day Yoga Luxury Retreat in the Heart of Marrakech, 5 Day Yoga and Hiking Holiday in Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh-Safi, 6 Day Fabulous Culinary Holiday in Marrakech, 7 Day Transformational Journey with Yoga, Hiking, Meditation and Detox near Essaouira, 8 Day Villa Surya - Yoga and Meditation Retreat in Imi Ouaddar, Since we are talking about safety, we want to compare Mexico and Morocco. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-29144180', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marrakech is a good place to travel to. Traveling alone brings many benefits, and one of them is meeting local women who will providea glimpse into their daily lives. I recommend booking a private transfer here to get started on the right foot. I dont want to taint your opinion of Marrakech in any way because it is a fabulous city. The best: there is a beautiful and warm custom in this country that if a stranger is traveling and they're thirsty, they can stop anywhere and ask for a drink of water. Marrakech is the first place I experienced culture shock. I just ignored every single person who tried to direct me, so I have no idea how much they try to charge, but Ive read that it can be ridiculous amounts and can lead to horrible confrontations. This city is a wonderland of markets, luxe riads, and the most delicious tagine youll ever encounter. Get your ticket now! Around 7 guys watched while this happened without helping. Anywhere is as safe as you make it. What hospital did you go to leeleecantravels and what area of the medina were you staying. But without the guide I think it would have been more difficult. Moroccois a safe country for women travelers, however, those traveling alone should exercise caution as they could be vulnerable to unwanted attention or harassment by men. Is Marrakesh Safe? (What to KNOW for 2023) - The Broke Backpacker Marrakesh criminals are ruthless.and local men will not protect you! Taking a cooking classthat includes a trip to the markets to shop for ingredients, and cooking alongside a traditional Moroccan dada (women cooks whoshare their culinary know-how, from generation to generation) is an excellent way to experience local culture and meet local women. What hospital did you go to leeleecantravels and what area of the medina were you staying. Fantastic&welcoming people in Morocco but as in every country of the world,some who will try to take advntage on you if you're not carefull but positive with out any kind of aprehension as again a very safe country! it is not in their nature (culture? My face was hit so hard that I had to get stitches and my cheek bone was brokenclumps of my hair were everywhere, we were both covered in bruises, and obviously traumatized. Marrakech is a very popular tourist destination, but a lot of solo travellers are put off from visiting because they wonder is Marrakech safe or not. Hi there!and specialy to my truebeliever..! I spend a lot of time there, both with my husband and on my own, and have never had any bad experiences. Almost everybody wants to show you the way. Travel and enjoy it, Morocco has a big braight side <3 What I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Turkey Alone, A Tourists Guide to Gamcheon Culture Village, What I Wish I Knew Before Taking a Solo Trip to Japan, Digital Nomad Essentials: Create a Productive Mobile Office, Stay Protected: The Importance of Gap Year Travel Insurance. Fair enough they are doing a job, though if you know your way around google maps (GPS works even without a connection) you really dont need them. With 150+ adventure activities covered and 24/7 emergency assistance. Where: Iberostar Paraso Beach Hotel, Playa del Carmen. Thats why I love it and recommend it to all my fellow travel lovers! There are always some other tourists nearby. You have entered an incorrect email address! If you follow our tips above and if you dont undertake anything too risky, your travel to any Moroccan city as Marrakech or Casablanca should be safe. The female dress code in Marrakech is pretty simple: cover your shoulders and knees. Is Munich Safe for Solo Female Travellers?! But, I did notice some young locals wolf whistling when some lone European women passed by and some were a little bit too friendly if you get my meaning. Make a selection of nice tours and guide, safe thing to see and do, read other travellers tips and always remember to pack something you can wear without attracting attention. You'll see a whole other side to daily life in Morocco. Ever since things have been incredibly quiet, though authoritiesoften report the disruption of certain cells with a terrorist background. There isnt anything wrong with this, and the people helping you arent unsafe, but it can still be a bit annoying and unwanted. There Are Many Safe Places In Medina, Marrakech. i'm from Morocco and i have bee living in many places worldwide and i feel sorry about what some people think about Morocco! Morocco has many historic sights and fascinating souks. Yeah, the easiest thing to do in Morocco is to avoid miniskirts, high heels, shorts and all those clothes that can show too much of your body. That doesnt mean you shouldnt go though! If you're groped, or you're receiving unwanted persistent attention, make a fuss and show your disgust, locals (especially women) will come to your aid. 22nd July - TONY GUERRA @BONBONNIERE TULUM, 23rd July - VAGALUME SUNDAZE GUY MANTZUR @VAGALUME, 27th July - VAGALUME SESSIONS JONAS SAALBACH @VAGALUME, 29th July - THE CUBEGUYS @BONBONNIERE TULUM, 3rd August - VAGALUME SESSIONS DEATH ON THE BALCONY @VAGALUME, 4th August - TECHNASIA @BONBONNIERE TULUM, 10th August - VAGALUME SESSIONS VCIII @VAGALUME, 13th August - VAGALUME SUNDAZE NOTRE DAME @VAGALUME, 17th August - SASHA [Last Night on Earth] @MIA TULUM, 22nd September - TONY ROMERA @BONBONNIERE TULUM, 4th November - HOT SINCE 82 @BONBONNIERE TULUM. I also made the mistake of wearing my Arabic name necklace to walk around. Another extremely important skill you need to learn is haggling. People will try to rip you off and/or not listen to you, and you need to be forceful with your words and haggle to a reasonable price. Save. Avoid remote and mountainous areas which remain dangerous, especially for women traveling alone. You can totally get in on the action too, and we've got the perfect plan after living here for the last 3 years. no problem with beeing two ladies in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Did your hotel/Riad not offer airport transfer? Maybe you can think Ok, but how were you dressed? Well, visiting non-touristy places far away from the center can undermine your safety. Click here and use code TRAVELSWITHERICA for 10% off my favourite Instagram presets. Marrakech - safe place for women on their own? - Tripadvisor ;) And are you wondering if Marrakech is safe for tourists? Homosexuality is a criminal offense in Morocco. (i didn't noticed anything..)and may be.. we should think about some copyrighting??? Marrakech is a magical city, full of mystery, bustle, and color. While I will talk about the most common ones here, and its always good to stay your ground, Id like to stress that there is no need to pick a fight over the equivalent of a quarter dollar. For the most part, I was pleasantly surprised with the standard of female safety in Marrakech and nearby Essaouira. Enjoy every second of this beautiful country. One of my aims with While Im Young is to give other world-curious young women the knowledge, encouragement and inspiration they need to travel the world safely, and thats why I felt this was an important thing to write about. I am sorry to read of your bad experience leeleecantravels. What did your Riad have to say about all this? Local are not going out as well and the most of the people youll find out at that time will be especially crazy and drunk. There are two kinds of tanneries: private and cooperatives. Is Marrakech safe for solo female travel? But as a couple youll also have to adapt to Moroccan culture. We were harassed constantly while there, some men even tried to touch us, grab us or grope us and say inappropriate sexual things in whatever language they knew. I do recommend you to stick to the main square and not venture too deep into the medina at night. On our last morning we had paid for an escort/driver to take us out to the cab to go to the airport. You will see snake charmers, water sellers, storytellers and so many other showmen in Marrakech. By telling us your country of residence we are able to provide you with the most relevant travel insurance information.