How are female tourists treated in Morocco? Here’s how I traversed Morocco’s terrain as a woman

Here are my experiences in traveling in Morocco as a woman – three different circumstances when I was alone, with a man, and with a group of friends. Read on and see what’s it like!

📬 Hi Trisha! I’ve been following you since 2013 but never really had the guts to write to you until I found myself in this very confusing situation. We are two American girls who are going to Spain this summer and we wanted to do a side trip to Morocco. However, we were told it’s not very safe. We were discouraged to visit. I read that you were in Morocco twice and I would like to ask your honest opinion. Should we go to Morocco? How’s traveling in Morocco as a woman? More importantly, should women travel alone in Morocco? Just in case I decide to go on my own. Thanks for all your help!

– Laura, San Francisco 

Before this inquiry came to my inbox, there was one debate that I participated in and learned something from. I accused a girl from one of my many Whatsapp groups to be giving wrong information about safety in Morocco.

She was there a few days and I was there for a month and I felt like all the entitlement was mine and that I was correct. It is, after all, time and experience that make us credible for whatever advice we give to other people.

Through my daily human interactions with people from different parts of the globe, I have come to understand that everything is personal.

She told me how she felt while she was in Morocco and even if I was on the other side of the fence, as an advocate for everything women, I had to understand I can never question a woman’s feelings because again, it is personal. We don’t have the exact same experiences and feelings.

This will be more explained in the latter part of the article so please feel free to read my experience(s) in traveling Morocco as a woman below.

See also:

• A flexible Morocco itinerary (5, 7, 10 and 14 days)
• Is Morocco expensive? Here’s what I spent for 30 days

🇲🇦 Is Morocco safe for women?

I’ve had different experiences traveling in Morocco as a woman and I can say that this destination is not for first-time solo female travelers.

Personally, I would say that NOTHING extreme happened to me in Morocco. I’ve traveled here three times and in each of those times, I stayed for 30 days.

Morocco is safe as long as you already know how to travel around as a woman and if you are observant of local customs and traditions.

On this note, I would like to bring up that safety is objective and personal. Practice travel safety precautions you’ll do anywhere else in the world when traveling to Morocco.

🇲🇦 Planning your trip to Morocco? I can help you with that! From itinerary planning to safety in traveling to Morocco, I can give you genuine tips on a 1-1 call. Let’s chat! [Book a call with Trisha]

🗺️ Can a woman travel alone in Morocco?

I traveled alone in Morocco as a woman so I don’t see why you can’t do it. I have never been harmed in Morocco but of course, I got unwanted attention as a foreign woman.

Although dress codes are not mandatory for female travelers in Morocco, it’s still best to blend in so as to not to get that kind of attention.

My solo female travel experience in Morocco is a mixed of annoyance, fun, and great discoveries. I also made so many friends here traveling solo so please, go ahead and try to travel alone in Morocco!

👩🏻 How are women viewed in Morocco?

Like many Muslim countries, men are superior to women. As a very active advocate of women, I am deeply saddened by this thought but bear in mind that this is cultural – this is something that dates years back so we can’t fight culture. It’s imperative. It’s personal.

Women do the normal chores at home and care for the children while the men provide. In such a Westernised culture as Morocco, some women are free to curate a different story.

On my flight from Istanbul, I sat beside 2 sisters who were dressed like me (torn jeans, spaghetti strap, cardigan, white rubber shoes) and I only found out they were Moroccans when an old guy started “hitting” on them on the flight.

“Where are you from?”

“We are Moroccans.”

“Wow, I can’t believe there are beautiful women in Morocco!”

For the record, whatever they are dressed like, Moroccan women are beautiful. In 2013, I lived with a Moroccan family and during my first 2 days, I never really saw my host mom’s face.

I only eat with their children and their father while the mom works behind the scenes. That kitchen door always (almost) got me into trouble.

I was instructed not to go there because they are usually not allowed to interact with foreign guests of the house as part of their culture. In some Moroccan families, it only applies if the guest is a man.

For some reason, I was just uninvited to the kitchen even if I was dying to know what she Moroccan food she was preparing (and how). My culinary experience in a local home was incomplete.

One day, I had the chance to see my host mom, face uncovered. I was reading a book by their living room when she entered the house and removed her flowing hood.

*Gulp*

She was so beautiful! I can’t believe it was the first time I was seeing her after 2 weeks of living with them. From then on, I kept looking at Moroccan women with an inquisitive curiosity about how they looked like.

I am sure they are the most beautiful women in the world, together with the many Middle Eastern women I’ve seen: Syrians, Turkish, Israelis, etc.

🙋🏻‍♀️ How are female tourists treated in Morocco?

Female tourists, like all visitors to Morocco, often find the experience enriching and captivating.

However, as with many destinations, female tourists should be aware of the cultural norms and nuances in order to navigate the country safely and respectfully.

Female travelers, especially those traveling solo experience unwanted attention, ranging from stares to comments. Some may see this as curiosity, while others may find it intrusive or uncomfortable.

While most interactions are harmless, it’s wise to remain alert and aware of your surroundings.

🚺 Are there rules for women in Morocco?

Yes, Morocco has cultural and social norms that can be seen as “rules” for both local women and female visitors, influenced by the country’s traditions, religion (primarily Islam), and social values.

Here are some of the key norms and expectations to be aware of:

Behaviour with men

Direct physical contact between unrelated men and women is minimal in public. While handshakes might be acceptable in formal or business settings, public displays of affection (like hugging or kissing) between men and women are uncommon and can be frowned upon.

Visiting Mosques

Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter most mosques in Morocco. There are exceptions, like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, where tourists can visit with a guide.

If women do enter a mosque, they should ensure they are dressed modestly, and it’s recommended to wear a headscarf as a sign of respect.

Ramadan in Morocco

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. While non-Muslims aren’t expected to fast, it’s polite to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.

Many restaurants and cafes might be closed during the day but will open after sunset for iftar (the meal breaking the fast).

Interaction in public

It’s important for women to be aware of their surroundings and interactions, especially in crowded areas like markets. It’s best to avoid prolonged eye contact with men, as it might be misinterpreted.

Nightlife and alcohol

Alcohol is available in Morocco, mainly in larger cities and tourist areas, but it’s consumed discreetly. While it’s acceptable for women to enjoy nightlife, they should do so responsibly and be aware of their surroundings, especially if alone.

Marriage and relationships

While urban areas are becoming more liberal, in general, premarital relationships and cohabitation are less accepted, especially in rural and conservative areas. Discretion is advised.

Also, remember that Morocco has a “marriage” culture. They do not have a concept of boyfriends so you will always be asked why you’re not traveling with your husband.

The best thing to do is just to say your “husband” is in the hotel and you decided to go out alone. It’s not guaranteed to work all the time but still, it will give them a hint.

Work and public life

Women in Morocco participate in public life, work, politics, and more. However, traditionally, roles have been gender-segregated, with women often taking on responsibilities within the home.

Hammams (Public Bathhouses)

Hammams are gender-segregated, and specific hours are allocated for men and women. If you visit a hammam., it’s essential to be aware of local customs regarding nudity and modesty.

🧕🏽 Do females need to cover up in Morocco?

Okay, many resources will say that you need to cover up in Morocco as a female traveler but I did not really do this. I even wore shorts.

Personally, I think that the extent to which one should “cover up” varies based on the location and context. Morocco is one of the most westernized countries in Northern Africa so they are quite progressive and not too backwards.

While many Moroccan women wear a headscarf (hijab) due to their Islamic faith, it’s not a requirement for non-Muslim visitors. However, carrying a scarf can be handy, not just for religious sites, but also for protection against the sun or dust in some areas.

In cosmopolitan cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir, you’ll see a mix of Western and traditional Moroccan attire.

While it’s more common to see tourists in sleeveless tops and knee-length skirts in these cities, it’s still advisable for women to avoid very revealing clothing to respect local sensibilities.

In smaller towns and rural areas, locals tend to be more conservative in their dress. Here, female visitors are advised to wear clothing that covers their shoulders, cleavage, and knees.

Wearing long skirts or trousers and sleeved tops can help blend in and avoid unwanted attention.

At tourist-oriented beaches, swimsuits and bikinis are typical. However, local women might opt for more modest swimwear. I wore 2-piece bikinis and never really got a bad comment. And I wasn’t the only one!

If you’re visiting a less touristy beach, especially near a conservative town, it’s best to gauge the environment and perhaps choose a one-piece swimsuit or a cover-up.

If you’re visiting religious sites, it’s respectful to dress more conservatively. Covering your shoulders and wearing longer skirts or pants is advisable.

While non-Muslims are usually not allowed in mosques, some, like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, do permit tourists. In such cases, women might consider wearing a headscarf as an added sign of respect, although it’s not mandatory.

👗 How do female tourists dress in Morocco?

Female tourists in Morocco are not subject to any strict dress code. You can dress with a combination of comfort, style, and respect for local customs and traditions.

Here’s a general idea of how female tourists commonly dress in Morocco:

• Loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended. This could be long skirts, maxi dresses, or trousers combined with tops that have short or long sleeves.
• Lightweight tops that cover the shoulders are preferred. This can include t-shirts, tunics, or long-sleeved shirts.
• Tank tops might be acceptable in very touristy areas but can draw unnecessary attention in more conservative locales.
• Loose-fitting trousers, palazzo pants, or long skirts are popular choices. They’re not only modest but also comfortable for walking and suitable for the Moroccan climate.
• Knee-length skirts can be okay in cities, but longer skirts are preferred in rural areas.
• Maxi dresses or knee-length dresses with a scarf or shawl thrown over the shoulders are commonly worn.
• Some tourists choose to wear a lightweight scarf or shawl that can be draped over the head or shoulders when they feel it’s appropriate or for protection against the sun. But remember, this is not required.
• Comfortable flat shoes, sandals, or walking shoes are essential. Moroccan cities often have cobbled streets, and there’s typically a lot of walking involved, especially in the medinas (old towns).
• In beach towns like Essaouira or Agadir, or at hotel pools, regular Western swimwear is acceptable. However, some women opt for more modest swimwear or cover-ups, especially if visiting non-touristy beaches.
• For cooler evenings or in the winter months, a lightweight jacket or cardigan is useful. If visiting the Sahara Desert or mountainous areas, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so layers are essential.
• If planning a desert excursion, lightweight and long-sleeved clothing is advisable to protect against both sun and sand. A scarf can also be useful for shielding the face during sandstorms or windy conditions.
• A crossbody bag with a zipper can help keep belongings safe and deter pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
• It’s best to keep jewelry minimal and not flashy to avoid drawing unnecessary attention.

Can females wear shorts in Morocco?

Men can generally wear shorts in touristy cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir, especially during the hot months. However, it’s advisable to wear knee-length shorts rather than very short ones.

For women, shorts are acceptable in resort areas and hotel pools but they might attract unwanted attention in other settings, especially in conservative towns and rural areas.

You might feel more comfortable and less scrutinized wearing longer skirts, capris, or lightweight trousers instead of shorts.

Can women wear tight jeans in Morocco?

Tight jeans are not uncommon in urban areas of Morocco, especially among younger Moroccan women. Female tourists can wear tight jeans without much issue in cities.

Below are some sample photos of the best jeans to wear in Morocco:

Can you wear tight dresses in Morocco?

Wearing tight dresses in Morocco depend on where you are going. In cosmopolitan cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir, you’ll observe a mix of traditional and modern attire, with some local women wearing tight-fitting clothing.

In these areas, wearing a tight dress, especially in upscale venues or tourist-heavy zones is acceptable. However, pairing a tight dress with a shawl or scarf might be a good way to strike a balance between style and modesty.

Is it safe to wear jewelry in Morocco?

Morocco is generally safe for tourists, but like in many countries, displaying overt signs of wealth can make you a potential target for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets or busy streets.

Wearing subtle or less flashy jewelry is recommended. Items like small earrings, simple rings, or delicate necklaces are usually fine.

If you have high-value or sentimental pieces, it might be best to leave them at home or in a hotel safe when exploring.

Is it OK to wear leggings in Morocco?

Leggings, when worn as pants, can be quite form-fitting and revealing, which might attract attention in more conservative areas of Morocco.

If you prefer to wear leggings, consider layering them under a longer tunic, dress, or a long shirt that covers the hips and rear. This approach offers comfort while maintaining a level of modesty in line with local norms.

Can I show my shoulders in Morocco?

In major tourist destinations or while staying at resorts, showing shoulders is generally accepted. You’ll find many tourists wearing tank tops or sleeveless shirts, especially during the hotter months.

If you’re planning to visit mosques or other religious sites (though non-Muslims are not allowed in most mosques in Morocco), you should cover your shoulders and dress modestly out of respect.

Having a versatile wardrobe can be beneficial. Carrying a scarf or a shawl can be handy as it allows you to adapt to different situations and environments.

🍷 Can I drink alcohol in Morocco?

Yes, you can drink alcohol in Morocco as a tourist but they are not widely available in restaurants. For me, I had to go to a special Christian/non-Muslim liquor store to purchase, which I’ve done many times in different cities in Morocco.

When buying alcohol in a liquor store, you need to bring your passport. Note that the liquor stores are not really close to the center so you have to hunt for their location!

High-end restaurants and hotels in Morocco will serve wine so opt to stay in hotels if alcohol is important for you when traveling to Morocco.

Cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir have bars and nightclubs where alcohol is served. These cater to both tourists and the local non-Muslim population.

Where and how to buy alcohol in Morocco

Société de Brasseries du Maroc, often simply called Brasseries or SoBraMa, are licensed stores where you can purchase a range of alcoholic beverages. They’re usually separate from regular grocery stores and might be somewhat discreet.

Some larger supermarkets in major cities have a separate section where they sell alcohol. Examples include the Carrefour and Marjane chains.

Remember, these sections have their own cashiers, and you won’t be able to purchase alcohol at the regular checkout.

Morocco produces its wine, and there are wine shops where you can purchase a range of Moroccan wines.

While not sold in regular stores, there’s a local brew called “mahia,” a fig-based spirit. However, be cautious, as the quality can vary and it’s potent!

Be aware that during the holy month of Ramadan, many establishments either limit their alcohol sales or do not sell alcohol at all. If visiting during this period, it’s essential to be discreet and sensitive to local customs.

💃 Traveling in Morocco as a woman alone vs traveling with a man

On both of my visits to Morocco, I was always accompanied by a man (2013, with the ex; 2017 with the current).

You might ask if Morocco is my romantic getaway destination choice but as you know I am not really planning all my travels, it was purely coincidental – an opportunity presented before me.

Travel buddies, no matter where the destination is will always make the journey flow differently. For example, when I traveled with friends to Vietnam, I didn’t have the exact same experience when I was traveling in Morocco as a woman alone because no matter how unfortunate the thought is, people who go solo tend to attract more attention than those in a group.

Much more in Morocco where gender identification is very prevalent even in the smallest thing as buying a cigarette or answering an inquiry.

In 2013, I traveled with my ex

On our second month being in Morocco, I wanted to explore things on my own because we were always together – I never had the chance to get on my feet and finally do something by myself.

When I brought up the idea to the ex, although brought up in Western, religious-free culture, he didn’t think it was a good idea because he believed that Morocco isn’t safe for women traveling alone. I still insisted but not going to another city without him but to at least go around the souks by myself.

I wasn’t even out for 4 minutes when I found myself calling the ex for rescue. In the souks, they will grab your arm and force you to go into their shops and look at their products.

They always say it’s not mandatory to buy anything, that looking is okay but I felt so harassed because I didn’t want any crafts in the first place. I

don’t have space to carry all the load. In my travels dictionary, there is no translation for souvenirs – like there is no translation for “thank you” in Dothraki. I just didn’t grow up with it.

The ex came to the rescue but let me clarify that I wouldn’t call if I was being dragged by just one man. I was swarmed by 7 men, all forcing me to look at their products.

At that point, I was really young and on a first rodeo in a Muslim country, no matter how I say I can handle myself, I needed to call 911.

“You know she is from Asia and in Asia, you can’t just hold women you don’t know like that.” the ex said.

“I’m sorry mister. I have beautiful products that the beautiful girl may like.” Mr. Souk said.

As soon as I left the shop, four things came to my mind: (1) There is a battle of customs happening all over the world and what the ex said was true: In Asia, you can’t just grab women like that.

It’s kind of weird and you will be labeled a dangerous (or crazy) person; (2) while in Morocco, where the economy is breeding from tourism, they feel like it’s okay to force people like that.

Let me also clarify I strongly felt they meant no harm. It’s just about going through the day and selling something. No intentions other than earning; (3) the man apologised to the ex and not to me.

This is, very clearly, a hierarchy of genders. Apologising (or talking) to the ex extends to the woman in question even if it wasn’t directed to me; (4) After all these, going on my own as a woman and trying to do things by myself was still blamed on me.

The ex told me it’s not convenient for me to go out alone (even for less than 5 minutes) in a country like this. I was programmed to feel it was my fault.

2017 (with another ex. LOL)

Morocco has evolved in many ways (touristically) so I felt completely okay going out on my own (3 years and 50+ countries later). Unfortunately, just as old habits die hard, cultures and customs are not that easy to transform or even to modify.

Women are still experiencing the same level no matter how many new buildings were installed and how the souks were renovated.

The current is Israeli and was only granted a 2-week visa in Morocco. Our trip was planned for one month. The visa agency in Israel told us he can extend the stay in any police department in Morocco. We did as we are told, at least a week before the visa expired.

I wouldn’t go into the details about the visa thing because it’s not my story to tell. I was allowed a 90-day visa in Morocco so it was all good for me.

I am not comfortable sharing experiences that aren’t mine.[/us_message][vc_column_text]With its close proximity to Spain and the flock of Spanish tourists over the years, Northern Morocco is highly influenced by the Spanish language.

The tourist areas (souks, restaurants, shops, etc) learned Spanish on their own. Come to think of it, the better Spanish they speak, the more they can sell.

I speak Spanish fluently so I didn’t feel unarmed as we stormed the police station in Tangier. The current looks like he’s from an Arab country (and also Spanish) so the policeman spoke to him in Arabic.

When he said he didn’t speak Arabic, Mr. Officer abruptly changed the medium of the conversation to Spanish. As I am writing this, I am realising that Israelis can be from anywhere (physically).

I, on the other hand, remained quiet until I was asked. And it sucks. But if you are in a foreign country like this (where tenacious women like me can be most likely be thrown in jail for no reason at all), I had to keep my mouth shut.

“Talk to my girlfriend. She can speak Spanish and a little French.”

The man was speaking Spanish so fast that the current couldn’t keep up. He was elbowing me to translate. However, the police officer chose to ignore my existence. In his heavily accented Spanish, he articulated two things:

1. it’s not my case so I had nothing to do with it
2. they don’t talk to women most especially if they are accompanied by a man.
3. A point I added myself: “girlfriend” is not even recognised in Muslim countries. Only the married women matters/counts.

Wait, what are we supposed to do now? Play the guessing game? I don’t understand why he couldn’t talk to me when I was the one who can translate to get things done.

It wasn’t about bragging my Spanish fluency but as you can see, the visa extension is very urgent. Morocco is one of the countries that have very strict rules in overstaying so if the current overstays, that is my issue, too.

We didn’t waste another minute there so we went to the hotel and told the manager what happened. He advised us to go back the next day and hire a local (apparently, they have local contacts who can translate) for 40 euros in order to get the visa extension. I was also asked to stay behind and leave the situation to them. That was the easiest way for us to move forward.

The Trisha you all know personally will not relent but I came to understand the limits of my girl power when the current told me we should be careful because either way, we are not going to win here.

No matter how many languages I know, I am still a woman. The second point that made my backing down easier was that he is Israeli.

Israelis are known to be hated in Muslim countries and he was very lucky he didn’t get an awful treatment despite knowing the passport he is holding (he always presented it for identification anywhere in Morocco).

Apparently, the Jewish Moroccan history is very rich and important in Morocco so they learned how to treat Israeli tourists fairly. I think Morocco is the only Muslim country in the world Israelis can visit.

A woman. An Israeli. Traveling together. In a Muslim country. *gasp* Yep, we’re never going to win if we stick to our ideals. I learned how to adapt in most places I’ve been to and even if there’s no way you will believe me, I know how to choose my battles especially if it is a culture you are at war with.

The rise of girl power all over the world has been very impressive. Slowly, the world is waking up to the horrific truth on how women are treated unfairly.

Women are slowly starting to speak up. Even 13-year-old girls in Pakistan risk their lives to fight for what they believe is right.

Unfortunately, there are still a lot of countries in the world that are living backward. It will change in the future but for now, we have to understand we can never question one’s culture when it comes to women and gender.

✈️ Morocco solo female travel: how did you feel?

Despite all the failure of not being able to practice my rights as a woman activist and the annoyance of how backward they are, I felt very safe traveling in Morocco.

Please don’t interpret my stories above like I was harmed. These stories happened as they are but I didn’t feel sexually harassed if that’s the word you are looking for.

Harassment can come in many forms but more often than not, when women are traveling, they are incorporating it with sexual assault.

Moroccans are very friendly and are well-rounded with tourists. Safety shouldn’t even be in question. As harassment can be defined in many ways, safety can be, too.

The problem is how it is synonymous with all things related to women. Traffic, clean drinking water, street cats flocking like a gang on the streets, theft, etc: safety is everyone’s issue and can go down to many dissertations and arguments.

As this is a question from a woman traveler, I will direct the tips and advice to her: Morocco is very safe but if you are going alone, you have to ask yourself if you are ready to face all the hustlers who will drag your ass to their shops or talk to you even if you are not in the mood.

Seeing a woman alone is an opportunity to conduct small talks (mostly business talks actually. They are really good at selling) and to find a way to make you pay (whether be it asking for directions or accompanying you in the huge Medina).

Moroccans are just finding a way to earn a living. They don’t mean to harm you even if their methods clearly says so. The way they do it may not be agreeable to you but know they mean no harm.

That being said doesn’t mean you have to keep your guard down. I know some girls who felt harassed (sexually) because they are being followed in the Medina but I don’t want to question that.

As a woman, remember that we are all different and can interpret different actions with our gut so one can never question when you feel harassed or not.

It is a question of feelings. It’s the same way as questioning our friend’s feelings when they are in love with a man we hideously hate (just because we feel they are not right for them) but none of us can really tell how people feel.

In my experience, I never interpreted their intentions to be harmful: to each her own. Traveling alone in Morocco as a woman is very subjective and personal.

You will read thousands of solo female travel blogs out there and you will come to one situation: all experiences are different.

You can never relate your situation to any of these blogs (not even mine) because none of us will (or ever did) experience the exact same thing.

The usual protocol for women travelers: don’t keep your guard down. Enjoy the trip, above all. Stressing can result in a not so memorable vacation.

⁉️ FAQ: Solo female travel to Morocco