City in Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Is Marrakech safe?
Safe for violent crime, but constant touts, scams and petty theft in the medina wear visitors down.
Is Marrakech safe?
Safe for violent crime, but constant touts, scams and petty theft in the medina wear visitors down. Solo women get steady unwanted attention.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-04-20.
- Homicide rate in Morocco: 1.7 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Morocco: 17.0 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150.
Safety in Marrakech at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing and bag snatching on crowded medina lanes and Jemaa el-Fna, and motorbike snatch thefts; occasional robberies on dark streets. |
| At night | Gueliz and Jemaa el-Fna are busy until late. In the medina after dark, walk with a destination, avoid empty lanes and book taxis. |
| Solo women | Catcalling and following are common in the medina. Dress modestly, walk with confidence, say 'la, shukran' and choose riads or hotels with good reviews. |
| Other risks | Heat above 40°C in summer; Heavy traffic and motorbikes in medina lanes; Stomach upsets from street food and ice |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake guides saying your riad is closed, then taking commission
- Henna women grabbing hands, then demanding payment
- Taxis refusing the meter, quoting 100+ MAD for short rides
- Snake-charmer and monkey photos followed by demands for money
Take care
- Medina lanes after dark: poor lighting and snatch thefts
- Jemaa el-Fna crowds: pickpockets and aggressive touts
- Palmeraie and outskirts at night: use a booked taxi
- Taxi rides with unmetered fares: agree price first
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Cannabis is illegal for visitors despite open use in the Rif; sentences are long.
- Drinking alcohol in the street or anywhere outside licensed venues can lead to arrest.
- Unmarried Moroccan–foreign couples can be refused a shared hotel room; sex outside marriage is illegal for Moroccans.
How Marrakech compares in Morocco
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Chefchaouen | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Essaouira | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Agadir | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Taghazout | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Merzouga | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Rabat | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ouarzazate | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Imlil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Meknes | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Asilah | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Marrakech | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Fes | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Casablanca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tangier | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Marrakech safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling and following are common in the medina. Dress modestly, walk with confidence, say 'la, shukran' and choose riads or hotels with good reviews.
Is Marrakech safe at night?
Gueliz and Jemaa el-Fna are busy until late. In the medina after dark, walk with a destination, avoid empty lanes and book taxis.
What is the crime rate in Marrakech?
Pickpocketing and bag snatching on crowded medina lanes and Jemaa el-Fna, and motorbike snatch thefts; occasional robberies on dark streets. Nationally, Morocco records 1.7 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Marrakech?
Police 190 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 150.
More about Marrakech
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- ONCF (Moroccan railways)
- Supratours
- CTM
- ONDA Moroccan airports
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.