But as in any place in the world, the chances of incurring serious trouble are greatly increased in less populated areas and if you are on your own at night. As one of the safest countries in the Middle East and Africa, it provides an excellent destination for exploring a completely different culture. If youre not a fan of being around so many people in your day-to-day life, then youre going to find it quite stressful living in such a busy city. Though this looks scary, its better that theyre there than not. Just remember, its very unlikely that youll get into serious trouble. Check out our Hostel Guide for the best budget options. Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Marrakesh. Many of Marrakechs prostitutes are victims of the global sex trafficking industry and have contagious diseases. In some cases, this can potentially lead to aggression and harassment, which is pretty scary if you are travelling alone., As a female traveller, minimising risk by understanding the local culture is important. Located just 200 yards from the vibrant Djemaa El Fna and 350 yards from the Souk of the Medina, Riad 11 Zitoune puts you right where the action is. Here are some tips to avoid any trouble. You have to eemember that most locals earn a fraction of what Europeans earn so that kind of excuses the behaviour a little i guess. Speaking of which: make sure your children are covered up between noon and 4 pmwhen the sun is at its strongest (sunscreen is a must). It was away from the main hustle and bustle in a more residential area, meaning that it was a wonderful place to slink back to after a crazy day in the souks. What Is A Riad? In 2011, a cafe in Jemaa el-Fna Square fell victim to a terrorist bombing, which killed 17 people, most of them tourists. Popular spots like Majorelle Gardens, Mouassine Museum, and Yves Saint Laurent Museum are close by. This is truly a must-see destination. However in Marrakesh, there are a lot of people trying to sell you stuff, talk to you, get your attention, and yes: some might want to steal your stuff, too. Its a good idea to book a taxi through your accommodation who will hook you up with someone reliable. Remember, that by paying massively over the odds, you're making it much harder for everybody else that chooses to visit. This will allow you to increase your price when the real negotiations begin. Yes, Marrakech can be safe for female travellers, especially when accompanied by another friend. Small taxis usually have seat-belts and they are shared by fewer people than the grand taxis (old Mercedes Benz that lack rear seatbelts). ), we set about indulging in overpriced airport food but even that didn't really work, and so, perhaps a tad controversially, we have a decent amount of dirham stored away in that little jar. Now that you know what a Riad is, lets jump straight into our recommendations on the best riads in Marrakech. The buses are run by a company calledAlsa. Our recommendation is to always check with someone you trust to give you a guide on realistic prices - and be prepared to walk away if they won't come close. When hunger strikes later in the day, indulge in traditional Moroccan cuisine at the riads restaurant or take your meal to the terrace for a more alfresco experience. Obviously, theres the romance of living in the walled luxury of a riad, but then again you really are going to be consistently and constantly challenged by simple, everyday life in Marrakesh. So, keep the swimwear for the riad pool and stick with something that at least goes beyond your knees, covers your shoulders and doesn't reveal too much boob for exploring the streets. It just so happens to be one of those places where tap water simply isn't all that good for you. For example, one afternoon we enquired with our riad manager how much a taxi should cost to 'x'. How safe is staying in a riad in Marrakech, Morocco? But is Marrakech safe as a travel destination? Were really looking forward. Whilst there are undoubtedly nice people in Morocco, the sort the stand on street corners stating the 'this road is shut' or 'it's this way to the main square' are not to be trusted. Dont try to rush around the city seeing all the sights: its just going to make everyone stressed and tired plus it can get super hot in Marrakesh. Temperatures in Marrakech can be scorching and the sun strong. Compared with the United States for example you are less likely to be a victim of violent crime and much less likely to be assaulted. Its an intimate experience that blends comfort, privacy, and a deep connection with Moroccan culture. All youll have to do is follow your intuition and prepare yourself and, of course, keep our tailored safety tips for solo female travellers in mind. All in all, we dont think driving in Marrakesh is safe and dont recommend it at all. Be sure to keep valuables close and monitored when taking any type of public transit in and around Marrakech. Many of the most popular attractions and markets attract not only tourists but also petty criminals, who prowl the large crowds to find their victimsespecially those who are obvious tourists. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. Im sure youll love it. Looking for some relaxation? If youre in the mood for some TV time, head to the spacious lounge and kick back. Other factors to consider regarding Marrakech safety include street harassment, which remains common despite a law against it; female travelers might consider dressing in conservative, non-revealing clothing. Dar Al Assad is a charming Riad in the heart of Marrakesh. However, as long as youre smart and confident with how you approach the situation, you should be fine. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Best Riads in Marrakesh to Stay in 2023 Guide, Room Type: Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom, Location: Center of Marrakech, close to Le Jardin Secret. But, dont let fears of safety put you off spending afew days in Marrakech. It might be overwhelming at times and, yes, it can get pretty stressful, too. Itll help you get your bearings a little, and embolden you to discover the city by yourself in the days following. Weve been providing free travel content on Anywhere We Roam since 2017. Taxis will get you from A to B most of the time. By all means, have a chat, but keep your hand on your wallet while you do so. For the purposes of this article, I've defined budget as being generally under $100 USD a night, mid-range as $100-200 USD a night, and luxury as $200+ USD per night. Unable to ditch it in duty free (isn't that crazy? Marrakesh recorded over2.4 million tourists. Unwind on the lovely patio and flower-filled terrace, or head to the solarium for a panoramic view of the Koutoubia minaret and the majestic Atlas Mountains. Another thing is that youll be living in aMuslim country. W. ith a panoramic terrace, you can soak up the stunning views of the Medina and the majestic Atlas Mountains. Keep the cash you carry to a minimum. Each room in the riad offers a cozy wardrobe, a patio with an outdoor dining area, pool views, and a private bathroom stocked with a hairdryer and bed linen. If youre travelling with teenage girls, take tips from teenage girls the same age in the city and try to follow what theyre wearing. If you do get lost - which, given the confusing nature of the medina, is a case of when more likely than if) - ask in a local shop, or seek directions from an elderly person - people offering spontaneous help are more often than not in it to take advantage of you. Rooms here are a rad fusion of contemporary design and Moroccan style, with LCD TVs, and some suites even boasting a warm fireplace. The best way to cut a trip short, or simply put a dampener on your holiday, is to fall for some stupid scam or get money stolen from you. (even more useful for first time visitors). This is a massive tourist destination and a huge economic hub for Morocco as a whole and its a great place to visit. The riads hammam and sun terrace have got you covered. Make sure to relax in one of their cozy sitting rooms, and treat yourself to some refreshing mint tea and delicious Moroccan cakes on the terrace and floral patio! It's a. Check out this list of best riads in Marrakech's Medina, Morocco. As soon as you sit down in a cafe we found everyone left you alone. So there you have it. At the end of the day, food in Morocco is tasty but it can be difficult to find the best places to eat. Quite an interesting read, I didnt feel unsafe in Marrakech but definitely from all the cities in Morocco we visited I felt most alert and even a bit uncomfortable especially with two young daughters beside me. Readers often ask us, is Marrakech safe to visit? Start your Marrakech experience with a warm welcome of mint tea and pastries upon arrival. Even with 10 minutes of bartering, it was only heavy rain plus the end of a guy's shift that meant we got a lift for 30 dh. If youve got a particularly sensitive stomach, you may get ill just from eating anything; in this instance, maybe think about bringing anti-diarrhea tablets and re-hydration sachets, just in case. The Pacsafe Money Belt is a belt its just got a secret zip pocket where you can stash your cash and keep it safe from prying fingers and sticky hands. However, they will accommodate you; big meals with all the family are very much the norm in Morocco and people will try their best to get you and your family seated in their restaurant. Dating back as far as the 1700s, many of the riads in Marrakesh have been passionately restored. While some of Moroccos roads are modern and well kept, others are in bad shape, and car accidents are common, with a fatality rate about twice that of the United States. Your email address will not be published. News of terror attacks, crimes against western tourists or anecdotes of being hassled in exotic souks, quickly make their way across both social and traditional media. You see, despite having visited Morocco a number of times in the past, upon leaving Marrakech, we completely forgot that we weren't actually supposed to take the local currency out of the country, or that changing it - or spending it - once you've gone through airport security is next to impossible. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. If you found this guide useful, a small donation helps fund our work Big thanks, Paul & Mark. 1 Stay in a central location in Marrakech, 2 Use licensed cabs and agree on the cab fare upfront. A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic booooring. You may be a solo female traveller worried about a trip to this city, or you may just be wondering about its food safety whatever it is weve got all this covered and so much more in our handy guide, so lets go! Avoid exploring the quiet streets of the Medina at night especially if you are alone. Women in Marrakesh is a whole other story. There are no obvious lanes, few footpaths and an apparent lack of road rules; it is chaos, and absolutely not the place to stare down at your feet, or at your phone. Its definitely a cool place to visit. Small do short distances, grand taxis do longer, but they can at the whim of the taxi driver pick up extra passengers, and drop them off wherever they need to go. Wear loose, light clothing, always carry a bottle of water with you and try and get the bulk of your exploring in the early morning and late afternoon. Price Range: $183 - $252 USD per night. You might not even need to use it. Oh, and try not to pay too much attention to signs - especially those pointing to Jamaa El Fna. Make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat and ensure you are constantly hydrated and re-energised. Afull-sized travel belt stays tucked under your shirt and keeps your valuables documents, passport cash, headphones, lip balm, illicit goodies organised and on-hand for moments notice. Theres a route map on their website, which were going to be honest could come in handy. They might want to negotiate the price of the journey instead haggling is a national past time in this city, it seems. While violent crime is highly unlikely and petty crime possible but still rare, the chances of being verbally hassled by locals is high. Even as a boy-girl couple, we felt a little uncomfortable at times and experienced a small amount of hassle - we would absolutely caution against doing this as an individual, especially as a female. Cultural differences, plus the medias over-representation of rare events, can sometimes make places feel like they are more dangerous than they actually are. As a first-time solo female travel destination, we wouldnt be recommending Marrakesh anytime soon. Riad Dar Saad Hammam & Spa is a beautifully renovated 18th-century Riad that effortlessly blends elegance and comfort. Keep on reading because, in this article, I will share with you my top picks for the best Riads in Marrakech. The 10 Most Dreamy Riads in Morocco; The 10 Best Things to Do in Morocco In most cases, this amounts to a few pounds here and there - that is until you start counting the Moroccan stuff. But thousands of sex workers do work in places like Square 16 November, Avenue Mohammed V, and Rue Yougoslavieand the government mostly turns a blind eye. Staying in a riad in the old medina of Marrakech is a unique experience, but it is not for everyone. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. Its just important to take it all with a grain of salt and try to have a good outlook, otherwise, you could find yourself worn out quickly! Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Hailing from Iran, Nina has traveled to many a far flung land. We are Paul & Mark, two curious & adventurous travellers who provide practical information to help you make the most of your travels. Het a guide at all costs!!! Each room boasts Moroccan details and furnishings, alongside a private bathroom for your convenience. This one is highly recommended. Start your day off right with a scrumptious breakfast served every morning, and later, dig into mouth-watering Moroccan dishes at the in-house restaurant. Is Marrakesh Safe for Travel? So if you are wondering 'is Morocco dangerous . With an outdoor pool, spacious sun terrace, and cozy living room featuring a fireplace, this Riad has it all. However, this shouldnt stop you from enjoying afew days in Marrakech. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Lo and behold youll probably get hassled less because you dont look like you might crumble under a bit of persistence! Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! There is a solution to this though and its a travel money belt. 21 Best Riads in Marrakech: A Curated Guide on Where to Stay Its a good idea to come prepared; pack things you and your children use daily, assume that you wont be able to get what you need. Is Marrakech safe for travel? Uber is not allowed to operate in Marrakesh. They have six beautifully styled Moroccan guest rooms, all with air-conditioning and private bathrooms stocked with complimentary soaps. Whilst there are plenty of cheap hotel rooms and luxury resorts outside of the medina, we'll scream 'til blue in the face that you can't come all the way to Marrakech and not stay in a riad - after all it's kind of famous for them. Rapid antigen tests will be conducted on arrival for selected groups of passengers. Updates // We do our best to keep the information in this guide up to date, if you notice anything has changed, please leave a comment below. Portia Jones from the travel blogPip and the Citysays that the specific concern for solo female travellers is unwanted attention and comments from locals. But what is a riad, and how does it differ from a conventional hotel? In all cities of the world, you need to be aware of petty crime when walking around. Everything from alcohol laws, to not being able to eat in public duringRamadan, can get tricky. There are actually set prices for the routes, but there may be some bargaining involved: be prepared to haggle, sometimes with more than one person at once.
