Is Marrakech Safe? What You Need To Know Before You Go 2025

Wondering if Marrakech is safe for travel in 2025?

Readers often ask us ‘is Marrakech safe to visit’.

Marrakech is one of our favourite cities in the world, with a vibrant atmosphere and so many beautiful places to explore. Yet news of attacks on western tourists and stories of being hassled in souks can spread across social media like wildfire.

Travelling Marrakech can be challenging if you’re not prepared. The souks can become an overwhelming maze with locals verbally hassling you. Scams are rife, and local customs are very different to western countries.

After spending a week in the city, we’ve rounded up our thoughts on whether Marrakech is actually safe to visit, and all the key safety tips you need before you go.

Is Marrakech Safe?

The truth is, Marrakech is a safe place to visit. We spent a week in the city and felt completely safe at all times, even with expensive camera equipment out. In fact, we’ve felt more unsafe exploring the streets of London than we did in Marrakech.

However, Marrakech can be difficult. 

Whilst not unsafe, there are many locals that will try to scam you out of money in a variety of creative ways. 

Local customs are very different, and females particularly may be hassled more.

And of course, Marrakech is one of the biggest cities in Morocco, which always comes with some degree of safety concerns.

Yet, over 2 million people visit Marrakech each year and very few encounter any issues. This is why the International SOS travel risk for Morocco is rated as low, and there are no government travel advisories against visiting.

With some precautions, Marrakech is a safe place to visit and you can have a fantastic holiday there.

How Safe Is Marrakech For Tourists?

Marrakech is generally safe for tourists to visit, but like any popular tourist destination, there are a few things to keep in mind.

You’ll be happy to know that violent crime is very rare in Marrakech, and there are no major safety issues to deter tourists.

However, street vendors and touts can be persistent when trying to sell you goods or services. Whilst they are rarely aggressive, it’s important to stay calm and assertive in these situations to avoid any unnecessary hassle.

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The main risk for tourists in Marrakech is pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas. These include Jemaa el-Fna and the narrow streets of the souks. Make sure to keep your belongings secure and always be aware of your surroundings.

Be cautious of locals offering unsolicited help as some individuals may try to take advantage of tourists. This can ultimately lead to them demanding money, which can become heated if you refuse. 

It’s best to just be aware of your surroundings and cautious when accepting help.

That being said, some of our best memories are from interactions with locals, including genuinely free tours of cities, so don’t write people off completely. Just be wise in your judgements and if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Is Marrakech Safe For Females?

The short answer is yes, Marrakech is safe for female travellers. I’ll admit, I was nervous before visiting, but I did not receive any unsolicited attention and felt safe the entire time, even when out alone.

However, Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country so the cultural norms are likely quite different to those that you’re used to.

It is likely that as a female traveller you may experience some unwanted attention from men. This tends to happen with all tourists in marrakech, however they may be particularly incessant towards female travellers. 

You may receive leering and inappropriate comments, but whilst uncomfortable, they’re normally pretty harmless. A firm “no” and walking away normally shuts them up.

As a Muslim country, women may need to cover up more than they would in western countries. Marrakech is a bit more relaxed than some Moroccan cities, but generally the more you cover up, the less attention you’ll receive. We recommend covering your shoulders and knees at a minimum.

Ultimately, though Marrakech may present some challenges for female travellers, it is unlikely to present any danger. With a bit of preparation and awareness, you will still leave with wonderful memories of the city.

Is Marrakech Safe At Night?

Yes – even at night, Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, particularly in the popular areas of the medina, such as Jemaa el-Fnaa.

In fact, Jemaa el-Fnaa comes to life after dark, making it a great time to visit. With a lively atmosphere and plenty of people around, you can be sure that you’ll be safe.

However, like any major city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, and avoid wandering into dark alleys of unfamiliar, isolated streets. 

If you stick to the main tourist areas, however, you are unlikely to come across a dangerous scenario.

Safety Tips For Your Trip

In order to make your trip to Marrakech as safe as possible, we’ve come up with a list of actionable steps you can take. Let’s dive right in.

#1: Use A Money Belt Or Anti-Theft Bag

Pickpocketing can be a problem in Marrakech, particularly in busy areas such as the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa. Make sure you don’t carry valuables in your pockets as this makes them an easy target.

Instead, we would highly recommend purchasing a money belt or an anti-theft bag. 

A money belt is great for concealing cash and other small valuables such as your phone or passport. You can tuck it under your shirt and it’s super subtle. We used this money belt throughout our month in Morocco.

An anti-theft bag is the best option is you’re carrying larger valuables such as a laptop or camera. This allows you to physically lock your bag so no one can get into it. It’s also waterproof and has a hidden back pocket for valuables such as your passport.

Alternatively, if you’ve already got a backpack you love, we would recommend purchasing these zipper clips which makes it much harder for anyone to open your bag. We use them on every bag we take travelling.

#2: Stick To Well-Lit, Busy Streets At Night

Whilst Marrakech is generally considered safe at night, it is important to stick to the main built-up areas. Night is not the time to be wandering off the beaten path.

Make sure to choose a hotel that is in an accessible area and not tucked down a hidden alley if you know you’re going to be out at night.

If you’re a woman, we would also recommend not going out alone late at night. 

#3: Download Maps.Me & Google Translate

One thing that we found really helpful when visiting Marrakech was downloading Maps.Me and Google Translate. It saved us many times over.

Marrakech is a big city and the souks can be a bit of a maze. To avoid getting lost, download the Marrakech map on Maps.Me. This will allow you to navigate your way around the city without needing data or WiFi. 

You can also pin the location of your accommodation so that you can always find your way back.

Google Translate is an obvious one. If you don’t speak French or Arabic, the two main languages of Morocco, it’s good to have to support you. 

Whilst many people in Marrakech speak English to some extent, having Google Translate can assist in more complicated situations, such as asking for help or directions. Being able to communicate with the locals is a really important aspect of staying safe in Marrakech.

#4: Dress Appropriately

Being predominantly Muslim, Morocco is a very conservative country. Whilst not a requirement, we would highly recommend dressing appropriately, particularly for women. 

Most local women will wear burkas and hijabs, though this is not a requirement for tourists. You should, however, ensure your knees and shoulders are covered.

Men should also ensure that their shoulders are covered and their shorts should reach their knees.

This shows respect for the culture, and will also draw far less attention to you. If you don’t want to be hassled by men, ladies, make sure you cover up!

#5: Use A Local SIM Card

To stay safe in Marrakech, we would recommend purchasing a local SIM Card or an eSIM. This can help in all matter of situations. If you need to make a phone call to your accommodation, relatives, or travel buddies, having a SIM card will enable you to do so without huge fees.

It will also allow you to roam the internet, use online map services, look up recommendations for safe places to eat, and generally stay connected during your trip.

Local SIM cards can easily be purchased from the airport or various shops around the city.

However, we would recommend using an eSIM so you’re connected from the moment you land in Marrakech. We always use and recommend Airalo eSIMs. The prices are really decent and it’s very easy to set up.

We’ve written a guide on how to use Airalo eSIMS which you can download by clicking here.

#6: Don’t Drink The Tap Water

Tap water in Marrakech is NOT drinkable. It could make you very ill if you do so.

You could purchase bottled water, but we don’t recommend doing so due to the large amounts of plastic you would use and waste. The recycling system in Marrakech is still in the early stages of development, meaning your plastic bottles could end up in landfill or even the ocean. We don’t want that!

Instead, we would recommend purchasing a filter water bottle before you travel. We used these Water To Go bottles throughout our Morocco trip and they were amazing. We filled them up from the tap, rivers, and streams, and didn’t get ill once. 

This is our top tip to stay safe drinking the tap water when visiting Marrakech!

We often get asked about using tap water to brush your teeth. We always brushed our teeth without water, but we did rinse our toothbrushes in the tap water and were fine. If you’ve got a sensitive stomach or weak immune system, consider using filtered water instead.

#7: Don’t Carry Large Amounts Of Money

Carrying large amounts of money, particularly if you’re seen with it, instantly makes you a target for pickpocketers. 

Occasionally, you may have to carry more money than you’re comfortable with, in which case you would need a money belt as mentioned previously.

Otherwise, only take out small amounts at a time.

This also helps in bargaining for items, when locals may try to inflate the price. By saying you “only have x amount” they can’t overcharge by too much. This hack worked wonders for us!

#8: Don’t Wear Expensive Jewellery

As with carrying lots of cash, wearing expensive or flashy jewellery could make you stand out as a target for pickpocketers. It instantly says ‘I have money’.

While Marrakech is generally safe, it’s always better to be discreet with valuables. Opt for more modest accessories and leave valuable jewelry, such as expensive watches or necklaces, in your hotel safe. 

By doing so, you can reduce the risk of drawing attention and focus on enjoying the sights without worry.

#9: Use Trusted ATMs

Most places in Morocco are cash-only, meaning you will need to withdraw some during your stay. When withdrawing money in Marrakech, always use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas. 

Avoid using ATMs on quiet streets as these can sometimes be tampered with by fraudsters.

As always, cover your pin and keep a close eye on your surroundings when withdrawing money.

#10: Hire A Local Official Guide (And Beware Of Unofficial Guides)

Hiring a local guide in Marrakech is one of the best ways to explore the medina in a safe and informative way.

Official guides are licensed and should carry their license card with them (though as always be wary of potential fakes). They are knowledgeable about the history of the city and Moroccan culture and can provide interesting insights as you explore. 

It is important to be aware of unofficial guides which may approach you on the street offering a ‘free tour’. These tours very rarely end up being free and you may be pressured to pay, or buy something which they get commission on.

To avoid any issues, always book a guide through a reputable hotel, tour company, or official tourism office. This way, you can enjoy the sights knowing you’re in safe hands.

Safe Places To Stay In Marrakech

When visiting Marrakech, we recommend staying in the Medina area. This is one of the safest areas for tourists, and it has many beautiful accommodation options.

Alternatively, the Mellah and Kasbah districts of Marrakech are also extremely safe and beautiful places to stay. 

If you stay in the Medina, it is a bit of a maze so we would recommend staying near main landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque or Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This will make it far easier to navigate.

These areas also have more tourist infrastructure, like reliable taxis and tour guides, making them ideal for first-time visitors.

Here are some of the safest places to stay in Marrakech.

✅Budget Option: Riad Sijane 

Riad Sijane offers basic rooms but exceptional staff. The rooftop terrace is a beautiful spot, and the breakfast is the best we had in Morocco. Its location is perfect, just a 5-minute walk from Djemaa el Fna and main attractions. Click HERE to book Riad Sijane.

✅Mid-Range Option: Riad L’Etoile D’Orient

This beautiful riad is centrally located in the Marrakech Medina, just a short walk from major attractions. It features sleek modern decor with traditional touches, a relaxing hammam, and a stunning rooftop terrace with incredible views over the medina. Click HERE to book Riad L’Etoile D’Orient.

✅Luxury Option: Riad Flamme D’Orient & Spa

This luxurious riad in central Marrakech offers spacious, comfortable rooms and exceptional service. The friendly staff go above and beyond, and the location is perfect for exploring the city. Click HERE To Book Riad Flamme D’Orient & Spa.

Getting Around Safely

Getting around Marrakech safely is relatively easy. There are several options depending on your budget, convenience, and itinerary.

Walking Around Marrakech

Walking is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the medina. One of the joys of walking around the city is being able to ‘get lost’ and come across unique places you don’t see in the guide books.

Most attractions are easily reached by foot throughout the medina.

However, if you’re nervous about getting lost, consider hiring a reputable tour guide or booking a walking tour. This will allow you to become accustomed to the city and the relative distance between places safely.

Taxis

For longer distances, or for more comfort, taxis are widely available. It’s essential to choose a licensed “petit taxi”, which are yellow in colour. Petit taxis are used for journeys within the city limits.

Before getting in a taxi, make sure it has a license number displayed on the car. Do not get into a taxi without a license plate. Licensed taxis should also have a meter.

If the taxi doesn’t have a meter, or if the meter is conveniently ‘broken’, always agree on a fare before starting your journey to avoid being overcharged. It is common to have to barter for a price, and the first price offered will generally be too high. 

As a general rule of thumb, a journey around Marrakech in a petit taxi should cost around 20-30 MAD during the day. A meter should start at around 7 MAD.

To hail a taxi, simply lift your arm in the air as you see one. If they are empty, they’ll stop.

Apart from the risk of overcharging, licensed taxis in Marrakech are generally considered safe.

Private Driver

For longer distances, you could consider hiring a private driver. They will generally be more transparent with pricing and are one of the safest options to get around.

We recommend hiring a private driver to travel to and from Marrakech airport.

Of course, it is important to check reviews beforehand, or hire a driver directly through your hotel.

 FAQs

Still have some questions about safety in Marrakech? We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions below.

Is It OK To Drink Alcohol In Marrakech?

Yes, it is generally okay to drink alcohol in Marrakech, especially in hotels, restaurants, and bars that cater to tourists. 

However, public drinking and drunken behavior should be avoided, as it is seriously frowned upon in Moroccan culture.

Can You Kiss In Public In Marrakech?

Public displays of affection, such as kissing, are not widely accepted in Marrakech, especially in more conservative areas. It’s best to keep such behavior private to respect local customs and avoid drawing unwanted attention.

Are Moroccans Friendly To Foreigners?

Yes, Moroccans are generally very friendly and welcoming to foreigners. Moroccans often have incredible hospitality and kindness, with many locals happy to share their culture and assist tourists. 

Wrap Up

Overall, Marrakech is a very safe city for tourists to visit. With so many beautiful attractions to explore and a vibrant culture, do not let safety concerns put you off. 

Marrakech has low crime rates and a high safety rating, and we never once felt unsafe during our week there. 

Now that you’re equipped with more info and safety tips, we hope that you’ll feel safe and confident exploring Marrakech and everything this incredible city has to offer!

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