Is Marrakech Safe? Surprisingly High Peace Index Among Tourists

"Is Marrakech safe?" It's the million-dirham question that every potential visitor to Morocco's iconic Red City asks. If you're like us, your parents might have gasped at the mere mention of your trip, conjuring images of chaotic souks and overzealous carpet sellers. Meanwhile, scroll through TripAdvisor or Reddit, and you'll find a chorus of voices insisting it's as safe as any European city – if you keep your wits about you.

So, which is it? Is Marrakech a treacherous labyrinth of scams and pickpockets, or a misunderstood gem of North African hospitality? My wife Sarah and I decided to find out for ourselves, spending a week exploring every nook and cranny of this fascinating city. As a pair of 40-something remote workers from Florida with a penchant for luxury travel and street food alike, we approached Marrakech with equal parts excitement and caution.

In this article, I'll share our process for evaluating Marrakech's safety before our trip, and then dive into our honest, on-the-ground experiences. From solo wanderings through the medina to late-night tajine hunts, we'll give you the unvarnished truth about safety in Marrakech – all while indulging our inner foodies. So, grab a mint tea, and let's explore the Red City together!

3 Safety Factors to Consider

Before we packed our bags and headed to Marrakech, we did our due diligence. Here are the three key factors we considered in our safety assessment:

01 - State Department Travel Advisory

First things first, we always check the U.S. Department of State travel advisories before any international trip. It's like getting a weather forecast for safety – not always perfect, but a good starting point.

For Marrakech (and Morocco in general), the current advisory is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. This puts it on par with popular European destinations like France and Spain. The main concerns cited are terrorism and crime, but these are general warnings for the country as a whole.

What does Level 2 mean in practice? Essentially, it's a "heads up" to be aware of your surroundings and take normal precautions. It's not a red flag, but more of a yellow "proceed with caution" sign.

Interestingly, Morocco ranks 79th out of 163 countries in the 2023 Global Peace Index, indicating a moderate level of safety and stability. This puts it ahead of some popular tourist destinations in terms of overall peacefulness.

U.S. Department of State Check: PASS (with a side of vigilance)

02 - Latest News

Next, we dove into recent news about Marrakech. This is where things got interesting – and surprisingly positive.

One of the most significant recent developments is Morocco's ambassador to the UN launching the "From New York to Marrakech" global road safety campaign. This initiative is in preparation for the 4th World Conference on Road Safety to be held in Marrakech in February 2025. It's a clear sign that the city is taking visitor safety seriously, especially when it comes to transportation.

We were also heartened to learn about Marrakech's swift recovery from the September 2023 earthquake. Tourism has bounced back impressively, with over 2.1 million tourists visiting Morocco in the first two months of 2024. This resilience speaks volumes about the city's commitment to visitor safety and satisfaction.

However, it wasn't all rosy news. We did come across reports of crowding at Marrakech Menara Airport, particularly during peak tourist seasons. While not directly a safety issue, it's something to be aware of when planning your trip.

Latest News Check: PASS (with a dash of airport patience)

03 - Community Forums

Finally, we turned to the wisdom of the crowds. TripAdvisor forums and Reddit threads can be a goldmine of recent traveler experiences – if you know how to filter out the noise.

The consensus among recent visitors seemed to echo the official advisories: Marrakech is generally safe, but you need to stay alert, especially in crowded areas like the medina. Many travelers compared it favorably to other popular tourist destinations in terms of safety.

One recurring theme was the importance of respecting local customs and dress codes, particularly for women. This isn't just about safety, but about cultural sensitivity that can enhance your overall experience.

We were particularly encouraged by comments from solo female travelers who reported feeling comfortable exploring the city, albeit with some common-sense precautions.

Community Forum Check: PASS (with a reminder to pack modest clothing)

First Hand Experience in Marrakech

Now, let's get to the good stuff – our actual experiences on the ground in Marrakech. We'll break it down by neighborhood, sharing our adventures, favorite spots, and safety observations.

Medina (Old City)

The heart of Marrakech, the medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a maze of narrow alleys, bustling souks, and hidden riads. It's also where you'll find the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the beating heart of the city.

Walking through the medina during the day was an assault on the senses – in the best possible way. The colors, smells, and sounds were intoxicating. Yes, it was crowded, and yes, we got lost more times than I'd like to admit. But we never felt unsafe.

At night, the atmosphere changes. Jemaa el-Fnaa comes alive with food stalls, storytellers, and musicians. While it's generally safe, we did feel more comfortable exploring in the evening with a local guide. They not only kept us safe but also introduced us to the best street food spots!

Some of our favorite experiences in the medina:

• Getting lost (intentionally this time) in the souks and practicing our haggling skills
• Taking a cooking class at La Maison Arabe, where we learned to make a mean chicken tajine
• Visiting the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a stunning example of Islamic architecture

Pro tip: If you're concerned about safety in the medina, consider staying in a riad. These traditional Moroccan houses turned boutique hotels often offer guided tours and can be a tranquil oasis amid the medina's chaos.

Is the Medina Safe? YES, but stay alert and consider a guide for nighttime exploration.

Gueliz (New City)

Gueliz, also known as the Ville Nouvelle (New City), offers a stark contrast to the medina. With its wide boulevards, modern shops, and trendy cafes, it feels more European than North African.

We felt completely at ease walking around Gueliz, both day and night. The streets are well-lit, and there's a visible police presence, which added to our sense of security.

Some highlights of our time in Gueliz:

• Visiting the Jardin Majorelle, a stunning blue villa and garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent
• Enjoying a sunset drink at the Sky Bar at Renaissance Hotel, which offers panoramic views of the city
• Shopping for Moroccan skincare products at Herboristerie Firdaous

Sarah's favorite moment: "I loved our morning ritual of grabbing a café au lait and pain au chocolat at Paul, watching the city wake up. It felt so safe and normal – like we could have been in any European city."

Is Gueliz Safe? YES, very much so.

Hivernage

Hivernage is Marrakech's upscale hotel district, home to luxury resorts and high-end restaurants. As you might expect, it feels extremely safe, with private security and well-maintained streets.

We splurged on a couple of nights at the iconic La Mamounia, which was an experience in itself. The level of security here was impressive, without feeling intrusive.

Our Hivernage highlights:

• Indulging in a hammam treatment at La Mamounia's spa
• Enjoying a gourmet dinner at La Grande Table Marocaine
• Dancing the night away at Theatro, a trendy nightclub (where we definitely felt our age, but had a blast nonetheless!)

Is Hivernage Safe? YES, it's one of the safest areas in Marrakech.

Kasbah

The Kasbah, located in the southern part of the medina, is home to the royal palace and several important historical sites. It feels a bit calmer than the central medina, but still retains that old-world charm.

We spent a fascinating day exploring the Kasbah, feeling perfectly safe wandering the streets. The only time we felt slightly uncomfortable was when we accidentally wandered into a residential area and felt like we were intruding. A friendly local quickly pointed us back to the main tourist route.

Kasbah highlights:

• Visiting the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century mausoleum with stunning mosaics
• Exploring the ruins of the El Badi Palace
• Enjoying a rooftop dinner at La Table du Palais, with views over the Kasbah

Is the Kasbah Safe? YES, but as always, be respectful of local residential areas.

Palmeraie

The Palmeraie, a vast palm grove on the outskirts of Marrakech, is known for its luxurious resorts and golf courses. It's a bit removed from the city center, which can be both a pro and a con in terms of safety.

We spent a day here, enjoying the peace and quiet. The area feels incredibly safe, but it's worth noting that it's not easily walkable – you'll need to rely on taxis or hotel shuttles to get around.

Our Palmeraie experience:

• Taking a camel ride through the palm groves (touristy, but fun!)
• Enjoying a poolside lunch at the Amanjena resort
• Visiting the Musée de la Palmeraie, a hidden gem showcasing contemporary Moroccan art

Is the Palmeraie Safe? YES, but plan your transportation in advance.

Marrakech by Foot and Taxi

Now, let's talk about getting around Marrakech. We're big fans of exploring cities on foot, but we also made use of taxis and ridesharing apps during our stay.

Walking in Marrakech

Overall, we found Marrakech to be a walkable city, especially in areas like Gueliz and Hivernage. The medina, while crowded, is best explored on foot – just be prepared for sensory overload!

A few tips for safe walking in Marrakech:

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. The streets can be uneven, especially in the medina.
• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Keep valuables close and out of sight.
• If you feel uncomfortable, duck into a shop or cafe to reorient yourself.

We had one slightly unnerving experience while walking at night in the medina. We took a wrong turn and ended up in a dimly lit, empty alley. We quickly backtracked and found our way to a main street, but it was a good reminder to stick to well-lit, populated areas after dark.

Taxis and Ridesharing

For longer distances or late-night trips, we used a mix of traditional taxis and the ridesharing app Careem.

With traditional taxis, always agree on the fare before starting the journey. We found most drivers to be honest, but there were a couple of attempts at overcharging.

Careem worked well for us, especially for trips to and from the airport. It felt safe and reliable, with the added benefit of being able to track our journey.

We chose to use taxis or Careem in these situations:

• Airport transfers
• Late-night returns to our hotel from dinner or nightlife in different neighborhoods
• Trips to the Palmeraie
• One particularly hot afternoon when the thought of walking back to our riad was too much to bear!

Recommended Safe Itinerary

Based on our experiences, here's a suggested 3-day itinerary that balances seeing the best of Marrakech while keeping safety in mind:

Day 1: Medina Exploration

• Morning: Start early with a guided tour of the medina. This helps you get oriented and learn about the area's history.
• Afternoon: Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa and explore the souks.
• Evening: Dinner at a riad or people-watching in Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Day 2: Modern Marrakech

• Morning: Visit the Jardin Majorelle and the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
• Afternoon: Shopping and lunch in Gueliz.
• Evening: Sunset drinks at a rooftop bar, followed by dinner in Hivernage.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

• Morning: Take a cooking class to learn about Moroccan cuisine.
• Afternoon: Visit the Kasbah and Saadian Tombs.
• Evening: Relax with a hammam treatment, followed by a farewell dinner.

Final Thoughts

So, is Marrakech safe? Based on our experience, the answer is a qualified yes. Like any major city, Marrakech has its share of petty crime and scams, but violent crime against tourists is rare. We felt safe throughout our stay, even when exploring solo.

That said, it's important to exercise common sense and stay aware of your surroundings. Here are our top safety tips for visiting Marrakech:

• Dress modestly to respect local culture and avoid unwanted attention.
• Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help or "free" gifts.
• Use official guides for medina tours – they're worth the money for the insights and security they provide.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight, especially in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or ridesharing apps for night travel.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun – safety isn't just about crime!
• Learn a few basic Arabic or French phrases – locals appreciate the effort.
• Trust your instincts – if a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Marrakech offered us an intoxicating blend of history, culture, and adventure. While it requires a bit more caution than some European destinations, we found the rewards well worth it. The key is to approach your visit with an open mind, respect for local customs, and a healthy dose of street smarts.

Remember, Marrakech welcomed over 11 million tourists in 2022, and the vast majority had safe and enjoyable experiences. The city's economy relies heavily on tourism, so there's a vested interest in keeping visitors safe.

One final note: We visited Marrakech in April, which we found to be an ideal time. The weather was pleasant, and the crowds were manageable. If you're concerned about safety, consider visiting during the shoulder season when the city is less crowded.

About Us

We're West and Sarah Parker, a pair of 40-something remote workers from Florida with a passion for food, culture, and safe adventures. With over two decades of globe-trotting under our belts, we've learned a thing or two about navigating new cities safely while still having authentic experiences.

West is a graduate of the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and has spent years crafting bespoke adventures for luxury travelers. Now, as a resident writer for Town & Tourist, he combines his industry insights with a love for off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Sarah, a former tech executive turned digital nomad, brings a keen eye for detail and a love for local markets to our travels. Together, we're on a mission to help everyone travel better and safer, one city at a time.

We believe that with the right information and approach, every destination can be both safe and exciting. Our goal is to provide you with honest, firsthand accounts that go beyond the typical tourist brochure, helping you make informed decisions about your travels.

By reading our articles, you'll not only learn about a destination's safety but also discover hidden gems, foodie hotspots, and cultural insights that will enrich your journey. It's a win-win: you stay safe, and you have incredible experiences you might have otherwise missed.

So, whether you're a nervous first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter looking for fresh perspectives, we're here to help you navigate the beautiful complexities of our world. Safe travels!

Additional Safety Resources

For those looking to dive deeper into Marrakech's safety landscape, here are some additional resources:

• Emergency Numbers:
  • Police: 19
  • Ambulance: 15
  • Fire: 15
• U.S. Embassy in Rabat: +212 537-637-200
• UK Embassy in Rabat: +212 537-633-333
• Canadian Embassy in Rabat: +212 537-544-949
• Reputable Hospitals:
  • Clinique Internationale de Marrakech
  • Hôpital Ibn Tofail
• Morocco's Emergency Numbers: What to Dial in Case of Emergency

Remember, while these resources are helpful, the best safety measure is always prevention and awareness. Stay alert, respect local customs, and you're sure to have a memorable and safe visit to the magical city of Marrakech.