Is Marrakech Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Marrakech is a vibrant and colorful city with rich culture and exciting sights. So if you’re seeking to explore an exotic destination, this Moroccan city is a top choice.

However, many people avoid traveling to Marrakech because of safety concerns. Sure, it’s not the safest city in the world, but is it really too dangerous to visit?

In this article, we’ll answer your burning question, “is Marrakech safe” and discuss things to avoid and think about when visiting Morocco.

How Safe Is Marrakech For Tourists?

Marrakech (and Morocco) is generally safe to travel to if you understand the country’s law and exercise caution.

In terms of violent crime, this is relatively low in Morocco. Data from the World Bank showed the country’s homicide rate in 2020 was just 1.24 incidents per 100,000 people.

This is much lower than the global average, so Morocco is not considered a significantly dangerous place.

However, other concerns exist, such as the risk of terrorist attacks, scams, and petty crimes like pickpocketing.

This is why many countries recommend travelers “exercise a high degree of caution” when visiting.

Why Is Marrakech “Dangerous”?

There are many reasons why tourists feel apprehensive about visiting Marrakech. The city has a history of terrorist attacks and crimes against western tourists.

Moreover, there are many reports of scams and being hassled by pushing sellers. Considering this, it’s no surprise you may feel weary about visiting.

However, the truth is most tourists do not encounter any of these dangers during their trips and, instead, enjoy a peaceful and safe vacation in Marrakech.

So as long as you exercise caution (by following the advice below), there is no reason why you should cross Marrakech off your list.

Is Marrakech Safe To Travel Now?

The last major terrorist attack on Marrakech was in 2011, which killed 17 people and injured 25.

While there have been no attacks like this since then, people in the country have been arrested due to their link to ISIS, such as four men arrested in October 2020.

However, note that Morocco has suffered fewer terrorist attacks over the last 15 years than nearby countries like Algeria.

Another concern is violent crimes against tourists.

While these do happen in Morocco, they are not a regular occurrence, and there are many things you can do to stay safe during your visit.

The Safest Areas In Marrakech

One thing you can do to stay safe in any city is to avoid the “dodgy” areas.

In Marrakech, you should be fine if you stick to the city center and avoid the suburbs.

While all central areas are safe during the day, you should avoid walking around the narrow streets and alleyways alone at night.

The safest and most popular areas to stay for tourists are:

• Medina – This ancient walled city center is a UNESCO world heritage site and by far the most popular part of Marrakech for tourists. You can explore most of this area on foot during the day, but it’s best to take a taxi home after dark.
• Kasbah – This neighborhood is part of greater Medina, located near the south gate. It is quieter than the rest of Medina, and accommodation can be cheaper here.
• Hivernage – This upscale district has hip bars, high-end restaurants, and lavish accommodations. There are also more green spaces here than in other Marrakech neighborhoods.
• Gueliz – This hip area is newer, has a more European feel than Medina, and is full of lovely plazas, cafes, and restaurants. There is a range of accommodations here, suiting all budgets, and some great nightlife, including cocktail bars and live music venues.

Things To Avoid In Marrakech

Knowing the country’s laws and culture and the common scams in Marrakech will keep your trip safe and pleasant.

Here are some key things to avoid.

Street Guides

When you’re walking down the street and stop to check your phone to determine where you are, this signals to any scammers nearby that you are an easy target.

If you appear lost, scammers may approach you and offer their help.

If you’re stressed or flustered, you may mistake this as a genuine offer for help, but in many cases, they are looking for a way to take your money.

So to avoid this unwanted attention, always look like you know where you are going. If you are lost, go into a shop to check your phone rather than doing it directly on the street.

These street guides may approach you even if you don’t look lost and offer to show you around.

Always politely decline and walk away without engaging in conversation.

To stay safe during your visit to Marrakesh it is best to book tours and activities in advance.

Taxi Scams

Like in many countries, taxi drivers in Marrakech can overcharge tourists.

To avoid this, always insist on the meter being turned on and act confident and savvy so the driver doesn’t see you as an easy target.

Snake Charmers

Another thing to avoid is the men who carry snakes around and try to put them around tourists’ necks before demanding money for the service you didn’t want anyway.

These sellers can be pretty aggressive and may try to convince you to let them take your photo and then charge you for it or even refuse to remove the snake until you pay them.

Driving In Marrakech

Traffic in Marrakech can be pretty chaotic. Moreover, as the city center is very walkable, there is no reason to stress yourself by hiring a car and driving around.

You’ll find it’s possible to walk between many attractions, and if you are tired or it’s too hot, hailing a taxi is easy, just be sure the driver turns the meter on!

Regarding taxis, choose the small ones (Petit taxis) rather than Grand taxis as the former has rear seat belts while the latter does not.

An alternative way to get around Marrakech is via the public city buses. While they are generally safe and easy to use, remember to always keep your belongings on you, as pickpocketing is common.

If the bus is busy and you are standing, hold your bag in front of you rather than on your back or side.

Marrakech For Solo Travelers

The primary safety measure to take if visiting Marrakech alone is to avoid walking the streets alone after dark.

During the day, there is no danger in wandering around solo, but at night there are more shady characters, and if you are alone, you will be particularly vulnerable to crime.

Moreover, if you plan to visit attractions outside the city center, go with a tour group rather than arranging the trip alone.

Marrakech has a great range of hostels, so if you come alone, you will find it easy to meet others in these social accommodations.

Marrakech For Female Travelers

As an Islamic country, you’ll notice most local women cover themselves up.

While you are not expected to wear a headscarf, wearing skimpy clothes will make you stand out like a sore thumb and result in A LOT of unwanted attention.

Therefore, it’s best to wear somewhat conservative clothes to make your trip more enjoyable.

Also note that while men may call out random things to get your attention, this is as far as inappropriate behavior goes in most cases.

So, while it is annoying and there are more women-friendly countries in Morocco, you can still have a safe and enjoyable time in Marrakech.

If a man was to approach you, the best way to handle it is to say no and walk away assertively.

They will typically leave you alone if you seem confident and show you know how to handle yourself.

Marrakech For Digital Nomads And Expats

Marrakech has a significant digital nomad and expat community, especially in the Gueliz district.

There are many coworking spaces and plenty of work-friendly cafes and coffee shops.

What many digital nomads and expats like about Marrakech is despite being a bustling city, there is quite a relaxed and slow pace of life here (compared to many Western cities).

The only downside to working remotely in Marrakech is that you may not get an excellent WiFi connection everywhere.

We recommend you get a SIM card for Morocco. However, if your phone supports eSIM technology, get a Morocco eSIM instead.

So, if you need to do many video calls, you might want to head to one of the coworking spaces.

Marrakech Safety Tips

Here are a few extra things to consider when visiting Marrakech.

• Be cautious with your belongings – Pickpocketing is common in Morocco, so never walk around with a backpack with zip pockets and no locks or safety devices. The safest way to keep your money and valuables safe out and about is to use a money belt.
• Haggle! – Bartering is a standard practice in Morocco, so when shopping in Souks, never accept the first price for something. The initial price the merchant tells you is always much higher than the real cost, so always haggle for a price you think is reasonable.
• Use small change – Keep as many coins on you as possible, and avoid paying for items with large notes. Some sellers and taxi drivers may claim to have no change. There is still a big cash culture in Marrakech, so many places do not accept cards either.
• Get mobile data in Morocco – This way you can have access to Internet if you ever find yourself in a tricky situation. If your phone supports eSIM technology, consider getting an eSIM from one of the best eSIM providers.

Marrakech Travel Insurance

One last thing that will keep you safe when visiting Morocco is having travel insurance.

With travel insurance, you’ll have peace of mind, knowing you’ll be financially covered should you get ill or be involved in an accident.

Travel insurance also covers loss of belongings, so if you get pickpocketed, you could claim back some or all of the money.

I recommend getting insurance with SafetyWing as they offer comprehensive coverage and have an effortless application process.

You can also sign up from anywhere worldwide, and they clearly explain what is and isn’t included in the policy.

Final Thoughts On Safety In Marrakech

So, is Marrakech safe for tourists to visit? While you should exercise relatively high caution, Marrakech is generally safe.

Most visitors report that they have a fantastic time and do not encounter any issues.

However, knowing the culture and common scams will significantly help you have an enjoyable experience.

Visiting Morocco soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Morocco Internet
• Best place to live in Morocco
• How many days in Morocco