Everything You Need To Know About Traveling to Morocco as a Solo Female Traveler

Is morocco safe for solo female travellers? Tourism is a major industry in the country and lots of women travel alone in Morocco. Most women who have traveled to Morocco report few problems beyond some overzealous male attention (often in the form of enthusiastic flirting or begging for a date). In fact, violent crime rates in Morocco are lower than in many Western countries and tourists are rarely a target.

With that said, traveling alone as a woman comes with its challenges, especially in a place like Morocco, where the cultural rules and expectations for women may be different than what you might be used to in your home country. Your best strategy before traveling alone in Morocco is to be prepared, stick to the tourist hubs, and take some basic precautions. Follow our tips, and you’re unlikely to experience anything more than some annoying behavior.

There isn’t a dress code for tourists in Morocco, but it’s wise to dress modestly. You’ll see many Muslim women, especially older ones, wearing hijabs or other head coverings, often paired with djellabas, floor-length garments with long sleeves. But what should female tourists wear in Morocco? While nobody will bat an eye at international visitors who aren’t covered from head to toe (Morocco does get a lot of tourists), it’s still considered respectful to wear clothing that hits below the knees and isn’t too tight-fitting or revealing. Pack full-length trousers or skirts and shirts that cover your shoulders, and leave the crop tops at home. Leggings are only appropriate if paired with a long tunic that covers your bottom. If you’re visiting a beach, consider a one-piece and bring a cover-up.

One of the best ways to get your bearings as a solo traveler in Morocco is by signing up for a guided tour led by Moroccan guides—just make sure to book ahead from a vetted tour operator to avoid ending up with a fake guide. Read traveler reviews to find help you find the most reliable options.

Popular short experiences range from city sightseeing tours to Moroccan cooking classes which are great for familiarizing yourself with local culture and meeting new people. Multi-day tours can get you to places that are often too difficult (or expensive) to get to on your own, such as the Atlas Mountains or the desert, with the added safety of a local guide by your side. The most popular tours in Morocco take travelers out into the Sahara Desert, usually by camelback, and most include an overnight stay in an oasis tent camp, which is not something you should try to organize independently. For a perspective few travelers get, you can even take a hot-air balloon ride over the desert dunes.

Morocco is known for its enthralling souks full of gorgeous, affordably priced handicrafts, and even the most steadfast of shop-aphobes will likely struggle to leave the country empty-handed. When you’re traveling solo and suddenly have a bunch of extra luggage to haul around, this can wildly change how you move around (and also make you a potential target). Moreover, it takes time to get a good idea of how much things can cost, so you’re best off doing a bit of browsing to familiarize yourself with what’s available before actually making purchases.

Also keep in mind that a lot of Morocco’s most desirable souvenirs, such as glass lanterns, colorful pottery, and handwoven carpets, can be heavy, easily breakable, or both, so it might be worth it to ship your goods home rather than lugging them around in your luggage for days on end.

Hammams, also known as Turkish baths in some parts of the world, are integral to life in Morocco, with locals typically visiting weekly to steam, scrub down, and relax. While tourist-heavy areas have plenty of spa-like hammams geared toward overseas visitors (with prices to match), most Moroccan cities and towns have bathhouses used primarily by locals.

Because people generally bathe in the buff, these hammams are either segregated by sex or have alternating women’s and men’s days. Some of the high-end spa-hammam hybrids found in tourist areas are strictly for women.

While mosques in many countries welcome visitors of all faiths, that’s not the case in Morocco. In fact, the only mosque that allows non-Muslims entry is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Everywhere else, you’ll have to enjoy the view from the outside.

Morocco has a strong café culture, but these spaces have traditionally been a place for men to socialize. While things are changing, particularly in metropolitan areas, you might get some stares in areas that aren’t frequented by tourists. If you want to grab a cup of coffee or tea, look for spots where families or other female patrons are seated.

The Moroccan style of shopping and bargaining can come off as pushy to people from many cultures, and sometimes being polite or friendly based on your own cultural norms can be perceived as being a pushover or an easy sale. Remember, you don’t owe anyone your time or your money.

If you feel intimidated wandering Morocco’s confusingly labyrinthine souks and bartering on your own, book a guided shopping tour to help you navigate the many market stalls with a local who can lead you to items you’re interested in and share expertise on craftsmanship and pricing.

1. Prepare in advance. The adage that knowledge is power particularly holds true when you travel alone. Make sure you always know the emergency number in the country you’re visiting and remember to keep your hotel’s address somewhere safe–not just on your phone. You can also familiarize yourself with the area you’re visiting using Google Street View. You should also download offline Google Maps, which will work over GPS, even if you don’t have cellphone service–just be wary of flashing your phone, especially in questionable areas.

2. Share your plans. It’s a good idea to share your itinerary with a friend or family member and keep them updated about changes. You may also want to use a locator app that allows you to share where you are in case of emergencies (or just for the fun of it).

3. Act confident. Confidence can get you far in many aspects of life, and solo travel is no different. Whether you’re striking a bargain at a local shop or walking down the street alone, remember to act like you know what you’re doing—or where you’re going—even if you don’t. If you aren’t feeling it, fake it.

4. Be respectful of the host culture. Learning a few phrases in local languages, including “please” and “thank you,” can get you a long way. Don’t fret if you can’t master the accent—sincere attempts will be appreciated by most people! Also, never take people’s photos without asking first, and if they do allow you, expect to be asked for a tip in return for the favor. Finally, research any local taboos (such as eating with your left hand or wearing shoes inside) before you set out on your adventure.

5. Purchase a local SIM card for easy communication. Even if you have an international roaming plan, it’s a good idea to get a local SIM card, or an e-SIM, so that you can easily call your hotel and taxi companies. Many phones have dual sim capabilities so that you can use your home plan and a local SIM simultaneously.

6. Carry small bills and leave valuables at home. While pickpocketing and muggings can happen anywhere, sometimes travelers can be easy targets. Play it safe by leaving large bills and your passport in your hotel safe and only carry your ATM card with you if you need to make a withdrawal.

7. Prioritize safety over budget. Even if you pride yourself in being a frugal traveler, there are some situations where you might need to splurge for your own safety. Need to get back to your hotel late at night and don’t want to walk through a sketchy neighborhood? Splurge for a taxi. If you’re flying in late at night, pre-book a transfer service through a tour company or your hotel.

This article was originally published in 2019 and was recently updated by the author.