Are you thinking of visiting Marrakech for your next vacation?
That’s a great idea—this Moroccan city offers lively souks, sumptuous palaces, and lush gardens.
But before you go, here are all the details to answer your question: Is Marrakech a safe city?
Check out all our tips for a worry-free vacation!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is Marrakech a safe city? Quick answer
Yes, in our opinion, Marrakech is generally a safe destination for travelers. It is Morocco’s most visited city and welcomes millions of tourists every year without any major incidents. The few risks to be aware of mainly involve fatigue from the constant hustle and bustle in the medina, a few common scams, occasional verbal harassment of women, and the heat, which can be intense.
Marrakech is a city in Morocco where Moroccan laws apply. Morocco is a constitutional monarchy whose state religion is Islam. We recommend that you take the usual precautions, just as you would at any other destination.
WHERE TO STAY IN Marrakech
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the Medina
Riad Kbour & Chou – See prices, photos and availability
In the Kasbah, an ancient fortified quarter
Riad Jonan & Spa – See prices, photos and availability
Luxury Hotel
Royal Mansour Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Seismic Risk
On September 8, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck the province of Al Haouz, about 70 km southwest of Marrakech, causing significant damage and loss of life in villages in the High Atlas Mountains. Marrakech itself was relatively unscathed compared to the hardest-hit rural mountainous areas. During our visit, the city’s tourism infrastructure was fully operational.
Advice
If you feel a tremor during your stay, stay calm and take shelter under a solid piece of furniture such as a table, or in a doorway. Keep away from windows, mirrors and objects that could fall. When the shaking is over, calmly exit the building by the stairs (never by elevator) and move to an open area away from buildings. Follow any instructions issued by local authorities.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Rare cases of pickpocketing
As in any tourist destination, pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places such as the souks or Jemaa El-Fna Square. In busy areas, some people may try to distract you while an accomplice attempts to steal something from your bag. However, this is rare in Marrakech, as theft is severely punished under Moroccan law. We still kept our valuables out of sight in the dense crowds of the souks, where the close quarters make this type of crime easier. We also generally keep a close eye on our phones.
Advice:
- Carry a closed bag in front of you in crowded places
- Keep your valuables safe
- Don’t leave anything in plain sight in your vehicle
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
Tourist scams
Marrakech has its share of the typical scams found in tourist destinations—probably more than anywhere else in Morocco, given its very high volume of tourists. We’ve observed several recurring situations that we’ll discuss below.
Common scams to be aware of:
- Fake tour guides who approach you on the street to take you to stores where they earn a commission
- Women who offer to apply henna without stating the price in advance, then demand a very high amount
- People who claim to be showing you the way but are actually trying to redirect you to a store
- Cabs that refuse to use the meter and offer inflated fares
- Tourist restaurants with attractive prices but unadvertised extras on the bill
- Souk vendors advertising very high prices, knowing that you will negotiate
Advice:
- Before getting into a taxi, make sure the meter is turned on or agree on a price in advance
- Never let anyone apply henna to you without agreeing on a price first
- Avoid following unofficial people who spontaneously offer to act as guides, even if they claim they won’t ask you for money
- In the souks, be polite but don’t hesitate to end the conversation if the salesperson becomes too pushy; say “La shukran,” which means “No, thank you.”
- Haggle automatically; start the negotiation by halving the listed price
- Check the bill at the restaurant before paying
- Just mentioning the Tourist Brigade is usually enough to stop a fake guide from pestering you
Safety for women travelers
Women can travel to Marrakech without any major difficulties, but verbal harassment is more common there than in coastal cities like Agadir or Essaouira, especially in the less-traveled alleys of the medina. We ourselves had an uncomfortable experience while walking down a deserted alley off the main tourist routes, where we were approached in a way that was a bit too pushy and inappropriate. While this was an isolated incident, it clearly illustrates why we recommend avoiding secluded areas when traveling alone, even in broad daylight. On the main thoroughfares and in bustling squares like Jemaa El-Fna or the Guéliz neighborhood, the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
Some female travelers choose to wear modest clothing to feel more comfortable in the face of persistent stares. Note, however, that this remains a personal choice. Women can book and stay alone in riads and hotels in Marrakech without any difficulty; this is a common practice and is fully accepted.
Tips for women traveling alone:
- Stick to the main streets and avoid the deserted alleys of the medina, even during the day
- Feel free to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees if you’d like
- Stay confident and firm if someone insists on accompanying you, and simply say, “La shukran” (no, thank you).
- Favour official cabs recognizable by their meters
Dangers of sun and heat
Marrakech has very hot, dry summers, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in July and August. There is little shade in the city during the middle of the day. We always bring water and a hat on our outdoor tours. We also recommend scheduling your visits for early morning or late afternoon during the summer months.
Advice:
- Be sure to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen
- Avoid the hottest part of the day for outdoor visits
Traffic and Driving in Marrakech
The medina of Marrakech is largely off-limits to cars, as its narrow streets are too narrow for vehicle traffic. We’ve noticed that motorcycles and tuk-tuks sometimes drive fast through the medina’s narrow streets, which requires pedestrians to be especially vigilant. Outside the medina, you can certainly rent a car and drive in Marrakech. It’s not exactly dangerous, but it does require some adjustment. Driving can be a challenge for those who aren’t used to it, but you need to be mindful of heavy traffic, traffic jams, and the local driving style.
Advice:
- If you’re walking, be on the lookout for scooters and tuk-tuks in the alleys of the medina
- When driving, stay alert and anticipate the unpredictable behavior of other vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles
- Avoid driving at night if possible, as street lighting is sometimes insufficient
- Anticipate priorities
- Park in guarded parking lots rather than on the street
- Don’t leave anything visible in your vehicle to avoid temptation
- VTC applications are not authorized in Morocco
Counterfeiting
Please be aware that you will find many counterfeit products in the souks of Marrakech. We remind you that it is illegal to possess counterfeit products in most countries, including Morocco. If you’d like to bring back authentic souvenirs, why not opt for local handicrafts: Berber rugs, pottery, leather goods, or spices? These purchases also support the local economy.
Is the water safe to drink in Marrakech?
We do not recommend drinking tap water in Marrakech. While there is no serious health risk, it may cause digestive problems for visitors who are not used to it. Opt for bottled water, which is available throughout the city at a reasonable price.
Emergency Numbers in Marrakech
Marrakech has adequate medical facilities, with several hospitals and private clinics equipped to handle common emergencies. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before your departure, as medical care may be billed directly to you. Keep these numbers handy during your stay:
- Firefighters: 15
- Central Police Station Tel. : +212 05 24 43 19 87
- Police Emergency (in town): 19
- Tourist Police: 05 24 38 46 01 or 05 24 88 86 80 (toll-free number, available 24 hours a day, for tourists in Morocco)
- Royal Gendarmerie (outside urban areas): 177
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Neighborhood safety
There are no neighborhoods in Marrakech—neither in its historic center nor in its modern districts—that are truly dangerous for tourists. However, here are a few useful points to keep in mind.
Are the medina and Jemaa El-Fna Square safe?
The medina and Jemaa El-Fna Square remain generally safe, with a visible police presence, particularly from the Tourist Brigade. The dense crowds and pushy vendors are the main nuisance rather than a real risk. Nevertheless, we should keep a close eye on our belongings in the dense crowds of the souks.
Are the Mellah and Kasbah neighborhoods safe?
The Mellah and the neighboring Kasbah—home to the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs—are among the most authentic areas of the medina. The main thoroughfares connecting the major landmarks remain busy and safe during the day. However, the side streets there are particularly narrow, winding, and deserted, which can quickly make you feel isolated once you stray from the tourist attractions. We felt a slight sense of apprehension as we ventured to the outskirts of these two neighborhoods, where the labyrinth of alleyways becomes quieter and less well-lit.
Are the Guéliz and Hivernage neighborhoods safe?
Guéliz and Hivernage, modern neighborhoods in Marrakech, are safe and pleasant areas with many restaurants, shops, and hotels. We find this part of the city more relaxing after a day in the medina, especially for dinner.
Which neighborhoods are off the beaten path?
Some outlying residential neighborhoods, such as Al-Azzouzia in the northwest of the city, lack tourist infrastructure and are rarely visited by tourists. These are not dangerous areas per se, but simply neighborhoods that hold no particular appeal for a typical tourist visit.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
Must-See Places in Morocco
Most Beautiful Riads
Most Beautiful Cities
Most Beautiful Medinas
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
Most Beautiful Gardens
Best Museums
Morocco’s Most Beautiful Beaches
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Morocco
Driving tips
Where to Stay in Morocco
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fez
Meknes
Chefchaouen
Essaouira
Rabat
Tangier
Tetouan
Agadir
The Sahara Desert
