I had been planning to go to Morocco on my own for a long time, but a lot of people tried to convince me not to go by telling me “it’s too dangerous as a female solo traveler.” 

I was thinking about it for a while and procastinating on this trip but at some point I decided to only listen to people who had actually been to Morocco as a female solo traveler (turned out 99% had never been there). Since I already been to a few country’s where people had told me before „it’s too dangerous to go“, I reminded me about that one thing I learned about traveling: no place is ever as bad as they say it’s going to be.

So I went on this trip with the mission to prove to myself that Morocco is absolutely safe to travel to as a female solo traveler. Find out about my expierence in this blog post:

Overview:

• My Experiences
• Safety Tipps
• Best Destinations
• Should you go to Morocco as a female solo traveler?
• Would I recommend Morocco to first time travelers?

My Experiences

So first things first if you are looking for a quick answer: In my experience (!) Morocco is safe for a female solo traveler and I (!) didn’t had (m)any bad expierences!

As soon as I arrived in Marrakech, I walked around the city, talked to locals, got helpful offers, saw lots of people smiling at me, and never felt unsafe – not even during the night.

What I found really interesting was that I met a lot of travelers in Morocco – including women – who were totally surprised that I wasn’t afraid to move around the country on my own. But you know the quote, “Where focus goes, energy flows”?

I really believe it’s true. I wanted to convince myself so badly that Morocco is absolutely safe to travel. So I focused on every smile, every kind word, and every helpful offer from locals – and I probably blocked out any negative experiences.

If I had walked around thinking “Morocco is so dangerous,” I probably would have had a completely different experience and focused on completely different things. Maybe I would have looked at someone who just wanted to help me as someone who is going to rob me. You know what I mean?

During my trip, I met some incredibly kind locals. At the hostel, the staff were always friendly, courteous, and helpful. I also encountered some amazing women: on several bus rides, I got into conversations with Moroccan women. One woman, without me even asking, stayed with me for an entire bus journey. She helped me find the right bus and seat, made sure I didn’t miss my stop, and gave me plenty of useful tips.

Once, I sat next to a man on a long bus ride who made small talk now and then and eventually even offered me some of his food. These were little gestures I’d never experienced while traveling in Europe.

So no, Morocco is not “unsafe” just because the media or people who have never been there say so. In these so-called „dangerous countries,“ you’ll often find the kindest and most helpful people. Sadly, that’s something you’ll rarely hear about in the news…

However, just because I had positive experiences doesn’t mean nothing bad can happen. Morocco is not Europe. It’s a completely different culture with its own customs, norms, and rules. If you’re traveling alone as a woman, you’ll likely hear things on the street like:

• „I love you“
• „Where are you from?“
• „Where are you going?“
• „You’re beautiful“
• „Do you want a Moroccan husband?“
• „Come take a look at my shop“

The best thing you can do? Ignore these comments. Yes, it may feel rude to ignore a simple “Where are you from?” but trust me, once you answer, it can be very hard to end the conversation. Of course, it’s not pleasant to hear these things all the time, but if you don’t engage, the men will usually leave you alone.

No man ever touched me or got too close during my time in Morocco. It was just these phrases and most of the time, these men simply want to sell you something and earn a living.

Morocco isn’t 100% safe. Things can happen here that you’d rather avoid but that goes to any place in the world. Even in your home country, you still need to look after your safety. That’s why I would never tell anyone not to travel to Morocco. Quite the opposite just be informed, stay aware, and enjoy the beautiful experiences that await you.

Safety Tipps

Get a SIM Card and withdraw Cash at the Airport

In Morocco, cash is king. Whether you’re at a restaurant, taking a taxi, or checking into a hostel – card payments are rarely accepted. That’s why you should always carry cash with you. The easiest way is to withdraw money right at the airport, so you can pay for your taxi or bus to your accommodation without any issues.

You should also buy a local SIM card at the airport or activate an eSIM before your trip. Having mobile internet from the start makes your arrival much smoother and ensures you’re not dependent on strangers for directions or help.

Don’t Accept Help from Strangers

It’s quite common in Morocco for locals to approach tourists and tell them that the street they’re walking down is closed or blocked. They’ll then offer to “help” by guiding you another way. But what often happens is that they lead you through some alleyways and then demand money at the end – if you’re lucky. In worse cases (as reported online), people have even been robbed in such situations.

This happened to me several times in Fez. Locals would tell me the street ahead was closed and try to redirect me. The best thing you can do is ignore these claims. Yes, they might call after you a few times, but if you don’t engage, they’ll leave you alone pretty quickly.

So: don’t ask strangers for directions, either. While there certainly are helpful people out there, in most cases, they will expect money in return. If you need help, ask the staff at your accommodation. And with apps like Google Maps or Maps.me, you’re rarely in a situation where you truly need assistance.

Avoid Being Out Alone at Night

During my time in Morocco, I did occasionally go out alone at night. When I visited in March, the sun was already setting around 7 PM, which made it a bit difficult to completely avoid going out after dark. That said, whenever I was outside alone at night, I made sure to stay in well-lit areas surrounded by people, ideally other tourists or locals in busy public places.

If your hostel or accommodation is centrally located, this usually isn’t a problem. However, I don’t recommend walking alone in quiet or poorly lit areas after sunset.

Dress Modestly to Attract Less Attention

To avoid drawing unwanted attention from men, it’s best to wear long pants, avoid low-cut tops, and cover your shoulders at a minimum. Based on my experience, you’ll still attract some attention as a white solo female traveler.

Don’t Mention That You’re Traveling Alone

Whenever I chatted with locals, I was often asked, “Are you traveling alone?” My answer was usually “No.” I’d tell little stories like: “My friend is sick at the hostel” or “My friends are resting after a long day of sightseeing.”You’re simply a more vulnerable target when people know you’re alone.

Also, if men ask whether you have a boyfriend or husband, the answer is always yes. For extra safety, you can even wear a fake engagement ring.

Post Your Travel Pictures After You’re Home

For safety reasons, I never post my travel photos on Instagram in real time. The first picture I shared from my Morocco trip was uploaded after I was already back home and honestly, that was the smartest thing I could have done.

Shortly after posting, I started receiving a flood of message requests from Moroccan men. Unfortunately, I had to block most of them because their messages made me feel really uncomfortable.

Tourists usually hang out in the same popular spots—and locals know that. Now just imagine what could happen if one of those men who discovered you on social media suddenly recognizes you on the street… (Maybe you fall in love and live happily ever after. Sure, that’s the best-case scenario—but let’s not forget there are also worst-case ones.)

Don’t Let Yourself Be Intimidated

There will probably be moments when you end up in situations that make you feel unsure or even a bit uneasy. When that happens, try not to show fear or uncertainty. Instead, act confident: say “no” clearly, stand tall, and take up space with your posture.

Locals, especially in touristy areas, can be very persuasive. The best strategy when someone approaches you? Ignore them completely. Shopkeepers, in particular, often talk to you directly on the street, asking you questions to get your attention.

Yes, I know it feels rude to ignore someone. But trust me, if you respond out of politeness, you’ll suddenly find yourself 10 minutes later holding half the contents of their store and wondering how on earth it happened. (Okay, maybe not that extreme but you get the idea.) Just be firm from the start. A clear “no” saves you a lot of hassle later on.

For more safety advice, check out my blog post: Solo Travel Safety Tips
And if you’re staying in hostels, don’t miss: The Ultimate Hostel Guide for Backpackers

Best Destinations for Female Solo Traveler

Marrakesch

Marrakesch is the perfect place to start your journey through Morocco. The bustling Medina is full of life and gives you an exciting first taste of Moroccan culture. Thanks to the crowds of tourists and locals, you’ll feel surrounded by energy day and night. Especially around Jemaa el-Fna Square, the streets stay lively well into the evening. As long as you stick to the busier areas and avoid walking alone through dark alleyways, it’s absolutely possible to safely explore Marrakesch even after sunset.

Sahara Desert

If you’re planning a 2–3 day tour through the Sahara Desert, you have nothing to worry about. You’ll be traveling with a group of fellow travelers, and everything is organized and led by an experienced tour guide. They’ll take you to all the highlights and ensure your safety and comfort throughout.

Taghazout

This laid-back surf town on the Atlantic coast is a dream destination for solo female travelers. Taghazout is small, peaceful, and filled with tourists, surfers, and backpackers. Whether you’re walking through the village or lounging by the sea, the vibe is relaxed and welcoming. You’ll feel very safe here surrounded by like-minded travelers from around the world.

Essaouira

Like Taghazout and Marrakesch, Essaouira is a great place to explore on your own. The streets are wide, easy to navigate, and full of life. It’s hard to get lost here, and there’s a good mix of locals and tourists everywhere. Whether you’re wandering through the medina or walking along the oceanfront, Essaouira feels safe and accessible.

Fes

My experience in Fes wasn’t as positive as in other Moroccan cities. That said, it wasn’t anything that would make me tell other solo female travelers to avoid it but you do need to be more cautious here.

The streets and alleys in the Medina of Fes are extremely narrow and winding, and it’s very easy to get lost. Without Maps.Me, I would’ve had a hard time finding my way (Google Maps didn’t work well at all). Fes was also the first place where locals told me certain streets were “closed” but I simply ignored them and kept walking. They left me alone after that.

One time, a man on the street asked me if I wanted to be his wife. He was quite persistent, but I managed to get away by ignoring him and walking off. Unfortunately, I ran into him again a few hours later. He immediately recognized me and continued trying to talk to me, asking for my number. Even after saying “no” several times, he kept asking. Eventually, I just ignored him again and walked away until he gave up.

I don’t recommend walking alone in Fes after dark, especially not through the narrow alleyways. And even during the day, it’s wise to stay alert and cautious.

If you want to visit the famous tanneries in Fes, I highly recommend the Chouara-Tannery. You can visit it easily, and the entrance fee is only 10 DHM (about 1€). On your way through the medina, many locals will offer to guide you to “the best” tannery but in most cases, they’ll ask for an unreasonably high tip at the end. It’s best to ignore these offers and just follow Google Maps or Maps.Me directly to the Chouara Tannery.

Chefchaouen

Known as the Blue City in northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is another great destination for solo female travelers. The medina is also full of winding alleys where it’s easy to lose your way, but unlike in Fes, I found the city to be much calmer and less overwhelming. There were far fewer people approaching me on the streets, and I wasn’t once harassed or made to feel uncomfortable by locals.

Should you go to Morocco as a female solo traveler?

Yes, you should go to Morocco as a female solo traveler! If you pay attention to your safety with the tips I gave you, you will probably have a great time in Morocco. I’m not saying that you’ll never have bad experiences in Morocco or in other countries that are considered “unsafe.” But honestly – is Germany, or any other European country, 100% safe? The same things that could happen to you abroad could literally happen right outside your front door. So please, never let thoughts like “It’s unsafe to go there” stop you from living your life and exploring other cultures. Most of the time, these fears are just prejudices.

Would I Recommend Morocco to First-Time Solo Travelers?

If you’ve never traveled solo as a woman before, I might not recommend Morocco as your very first destination.

I was 24 years old when I traveled to Morocco alone for the first time, and I already had over five years of solo travel experience. I knew what to expect, how to stay safe, how to find good hostels, and how to rely on my instincts. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong sense of what feels right and what doesn’t and that helped me a lot.

While I truly believe Morocco can absolutely be safe for women, I think first-time solo travelers might feel a bit overwhelmed. You’re not just dealing with the challenge of being on your own for the first time (which can already be a lot!) you’re also facing a completely different culture and environment.

On top of that, there’s the narrative you’ve likely heard before: „It’s too dangerous to travel Morocco alone.“ Even if you don’t believe that, those words might still echo in the back of your mind and that alone can influence how confident you feel. I’ve been there. Even while I was in Morocco and felt safe, those doubts still occasionally crossed my mind.

So, here’s my advice: If you’re confident that you can handle a solo trip and you feel strongly drawn to Morocco, go for it, even if it’s your first time. But if you’re still unsure, a little anxious about being on your own, or if the culture feels too unfamiliar for your first solo adventure, you might want to start with a destination that feels a bit more familiar and easier to navigate.

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