Traveling as a woman in Morocco is like leveling up as a solo traveler. There’s travel in familiar, culturally lateral countries, and then there’s travel in countries where you may have to adjust how you dress, act, and show up in public spaces. Morocco is one of those destinations. 

 

That isn’t to say travel in Morocco is off-limits, or impossible, for female solo travelers—it just requires a little more pre-planning than your typical vacation in Europe. 

 

In this article, I’ll share 10 tips that helped me feel more comfortable while traveling in Morocco. 

 

10 Tips for Female Solo Travelers in Morocco 

 

 

The first time I went to Morocco, I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I felt incredibly overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and frenetic energy inside the medinas. On the other hand, it was an astounding country to experience, full of warm people, incredible food, and stunning landscapes. 

 

If it’s your first time in Morocco, keep an open mind to cultural differences, enjoying the new experiences while also being wary of your personal safety and belongings. 

 

1. Dress modestly 

 

When it comes to how people dress, Morocco is generally a little more flexible than other Muslim countries. You will see local women choose to wear their hair down and may even wear tight clothes. 

 

However, it’s still a fairly conservative country by most Western standards. Be prepared to be leered at and catcalled if you show a bit of skin. 

 

The medinas are crowded, and I didn’t want to risk being touched without my consent, so I chose to dress modestly. 

 

Even though it was very hot, I wore pants and sleeves to cover my shoulders, and didn’t even think about packing a crop top on the trip. 

 

2. Anticipate some staring or comments 

 

On the topic of catcalling, it’s not something I will ever appreciate as a female solo traveler, but it is just a fact of experiencing Morocco. Virtually every woman I’ve met who traveled to Morocco had a similar experience as I did. No matter what you wear, you will hear something from someone. 

 

Usually, it’s harmless banter and most often comes from shopkeepers who are trying to get your attention in order to sell you something. 

 

I learned of a quick distinction. While shopkeepers are usually harmless, you need to watch out for the guys on the street who claim to be ‘tour guides.’ Their scam is to intentionally bring you through the maze of the medina until you’re lost, and then demand money in a secluded area.

 

3. Take breaks from the medina 

There is a lot of chaotic energy inside the medinas, where no one uses their indoor voices. There is constant moving of people entering and exiting shops, motorbikes driving through the narrow and crowded streets, and shopkeepers yelling prices into the abyss. 

 

There is truly no such thing as a quiet shopping experience in the medina. If it’s not the noise outside, then shopkeepers will actively engage with you and try to negotiate a sale. 

 

As someone who gets overstimulated easily, this made the traditional markets difficult for me. I had to step into a cafe a few times just for a reprieve from all the energy and noise. 

 

4. Walk with confidence 

 

I noticed that whenever I bent my head to look at my phone for directions, it was the same second I would get hounded by tour guides and people trying to sell me something. 

 

They will insist they know what attraction/restaurant you’re looking for, and try to get you to follow them. If you need directions, I suggest finding a semi-secluded street or stopping into a cafe before you check your phone. 

 

5. Be selective with kindness 

An important lesson learned in Morocco: Be selective with who you accept kindness from. 

 

Some people offer help, but they expect money for a good deed. Others will offer you a “free tour” and then lead you to a secluded area and badger you for money. Others are genuinely kind and helpful. 

 

People are generally friendly in Morocco, but some have bad intentions. The moral of the story is to accept kindness selectively and trust your gut with shady characters. 

 

6. Stick with official taxis 

Taxis and public transportation buses are widely used and safe in Marrakech, but in other parts of Morocco, you do need to be wary about transportation. 

 

In Fez, for example, little red cabs are common, but they are often not metered and will pick up other people on the road, like carpooling. 

 

Ask drivers to use the meter (“compteur”), or agree on a fare before the ride.

 

7. Choose riads with positive reviews 

Riads, traditional bed and breakfasts, are the most culturally authentic accommodations in Morocco. When I traveled there, I stayed at a phenomenal riad in Fez that I still think about to this day. 

 

Keep in mind that locally owned may also mean different standards than what you’re used to. Look for specific Riads with reviews from women and solo travelers. 

 

8. Take group day trips 

Traveling within the major cities is usually very safe for female solo travelers in Morocco, but things can get unpredictable in the desert or smaller villages. 

 

If you decide to do a day trip to the Sahara or to smaller towns, be sure to hire a local guide who speaks the language. 

 

9. Know the local customs 

 

Being a predominantly muslim and conservative country, it’s essential to follow social norms to avoid unwanted attention.

 

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, as is traveling with a romantic partner who you aren’t married to. To keep things safe, I called my partner my husband, and we never kissed or held hands in public. 

 

Morocco is more liberal than other Muslim countries, and women are free to travel on their own; still, if you aren’t familiar with the area, I always suggest going with a trusted companion. 

 

10. Understand that not all attractions are open to all visitors 

Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims, except Hassan II in Casablanca. For those you can enter, modest attire is essential.

 

Be sure to cover your knees and shoulders, and in some cases, you may also want to wear a head scarf over your hair. 

 

Author Bio: 

Eryn Gordon is a travel writer, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Earth To Editorial, an authentic travel blog. She writes about sustainable, ethical travel and what it means to be a good traveler. Her work has been published in The Zoe Report, Fodor’s, Matador Network, and Wanderlust Magazine.