Thousands of women visit Morocco every year, many of them on their own, and most come home with stories about hospitality, food and landscapes rather than trouble. It would still be dishonest to pretend the experience is the same for everyone. Women, and especially women walking alone, are more likely to receive comments, stares and persistent attention in the street, above all in the busy medinas.
The good news is that this attention is usually more tiring than dangerous, and a handful of habits make a real difference. This guide sets out what to expect, what official travel advice says, and practical ways to keep your trip relaxed. For a wider view of crime and safety, read our guide to whether Morocco is safe.
What to expect, honestly
The UK government's travel advice puts it plainly: women may receive unwanted attention in Morocco, especially when travelling alone. Canada's advice says women travelling alone may face certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse, and the US State Department notes that harassment of women is among the issues most often reported by its citizens.
In practice, most of it takes the form of greetings, compliments, questions about where you are from or whether you are married, and offers to guide you somewhere. It tends to be heaviest in the souks of Marrakech and Fes and around tourist hotspots, and much lighter in smaller towns, in the modern parts of cities and once you are with a guide or a group. Many women find the first day the hardest and the rest of the trip far easier once they have found their rhythm.
It also helps to know that the law is on your side. Morocco's law on violence against women (Law 103-13), in force since September 2018, made sexual harassment in public spaces a criminal offence, including harassment through words, gestures or signals of a sexual nature. Penalties include short prison terms and fines.
What to wear
There is no legal dress code for visitors, and you will see a wide range of styles in Moroccan cities. That said, the UK government suggests loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest, and Canada advises dressing conservatively and respecting local traditions. Covering up will not stop every comment, but it does tend to reduce the attention and helps you fit in, particularly outside the big tourist centres.
- Loose trousers, midi or maxi skirts and dresses in breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.
- Tops that cover the shoulders, with a light shirt or cardigan to layer over.
- A large scarf, useful for sun, dust, cool evenings and covering your hair if you visit a religious site that admits non-Muslims.
- Comfortable, closed shoes for uneven medina lanes.
- Swimwear for the right places. Bikinis are normal at hotel pools and private or tourist beaches; Canada's advice notes that women in swimsuits can be harassed on public beaches, so choose tourist beaches. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable.
Our Morocco packing list goes through clothing season by season.
Handling comments and persistent attention
The approach that works best for most women is calm, confident and brief. You do not owe anyone a conversation, and you do not need to be rude to end one.
- Walk with purpose
Know roughly where you are going before you set off, and check maps in a shop or café rather than standing in the street looking lost.
- Keep replies short
A smile and a firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) or "merci" is usually enough. Ignoring comments altogether is also perfectly acceptable, and is what the US State Department recommends.
- Do not engage with questions you dislike
Questions about your marriage or your hotel can be brushed aside. Some women say they are married or wear a ring; it is your choice, not a requirement.
- Step into a shop or café
If someone keeps following you, walk into a busy shop, restaurant or hotel and ask for help. Staff will usually deal with it quickly.
- Make a fuss if you are touched
If someone gropes you or will not leave you alone, say so loudly. Passers-by, and Moroccan women in particular, often step in.
Unofficial guides and "helpful" strangers are a separate issue that affects every visitor. The UK government advises using guides in the medinas who carry an official badge. Our guide to common scams in Morocco explains the usual approaches and polite ways to decline.
Getting around: medinas, taxis and evenings
Daytime exploring is generally straightforward. Medinas are busy, and busy streets are usually safer streets. The advice from governments is consistent: avoid quiet areas, particularly after dark, and do not carry large amounts of money or valuables.
- Petit taxis: the UK government recommends agreeing the fare in advance or checking that the meter is on, and taking extra care on late-night journeys. Drivers often pick up other passengers on the way, which is normal. If you feel uncomfortable, end the ride as soon as it is safe and move to a well-lit area.
- Ride-hailing apps: the UK advice warns that many cars booked through ride-sharing apps may be unlicensed and uninsured, and that police may ask passengers to get out of them.
- Arriving at night: book a transfer through your riad or hotel. Riad staff will often meet you at the edge of the medina, where taxis cannot drive in.
- Evenings: squares such as Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech stay lively and full of families well into the evening. Leave a little earlier than you would at home, and take a taxi or ask your riad for someone to walk you back if your route home is through quiet lanes.
- Drinks: never leave a drink unattended or accept one from a stranger. The UK government also warns of serious illness and deaths caused by alcohol containing methanol, so drink only in reputable licensed venues.
One more thing: many traditional cafés in Morocco are mostly frequented by men. Women are not banned, but you will usually feel more comfortable in mixed cafés, rooftop terraces, patisseries and riad restaurants.
Choosing where to stay
Your accommodation makes a big difference to how relaxed you feel. A well-reviewed riad with attentive staff can give you directions, book taxis, recommend trusted guides and walk you to the main street at night. Read reviews from other women travellers, check that your room door locks securely, and consider a riad close to a main gate or a taxi stand rather than deep in the maze. See where to stay in Marrakech for neighbourhoods compared.
Places many women find easier
Experiences vary, but some destinations and styles of travel are often described as gentler for a first trip. Smaller towns such as Chefchaouen and Essaouira tend to feel calmer than the big medinas. A guided walk on your first morning in Marrakech or Fes helps you learn the layout without the pressure. Small-group desert tours, cooking classes and women's sessions at a hammam are also good ways to meet people. Public hammams have separate times or sections for women, and it is one of the best places to meet Moroccan women in a relaxed setting.
If something goes wrong
As of October 2026, the US State Department lists 19 for the police from a landline and 190 from a mobile, and Canada's travel advice lists 190 for the police and 150 for medical help and the fire service. Save these in your phone before you arrive, along with your riad's number and your embassy's contact details. Report any incident to the police and to your embassy or consulate, and tell your accommodation, who can help with translation.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Persistent following or comments | Enter a shop, café or hotel and ask for help |
| Physical harassment | Call out loudly, move to a busy place, report to police on 19 or 190 |
| Medical emergency | Call 150 and contact your accommodation |
| Lost passport or crime report | Police first, then your embassy or consulate |
The bottom line
Morocco rewards women travellers with warmth, beauty and some of the best hospitality anywhere, and the attention you may receive is, for most visitors, a nuisance rather than a danger. Dress with a little care, keep replies short, stay in busy areas after dark, lean on your riad, and trust your instincts. With that, you can relax and enjoy the trip you came for.
The Morocco First-Time Visitor Guide
Everything you need to understand before your first trip, from money and etiquette to transport and safety habits.
See what's insideTravel details change. We review our guides regularly, but always confirm prices, schedules and entry requirements with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
