There’s something intoxicating about Morocco. The smell of mint tea in the air, the hum of a bustling souk, and the desert wind sweeping through ancient medinas have a way of pulling you in. As a solo female traveler, Morocco offers an incredible range of experiences—from staying overnight in the Sahara to exploring vibrant cities like Marrakech and Tangier. However, navigating it solo requires some preparation, cultural understanding, and a bit of strategy to ensure the journey feels seamless and safe. Having lived in Rabat and traveled independently throughout Morocco, I’ve picked up plenty of practical tips to share with anyone considering a similar adventure.
1. Choosing Your Destinations Wisely
Each Moroccan city has its own personality. Marrakech feels like organized chaos—a vibrant mix of street vendors, luxury riads, and artisans. Tangier, perched at the northern tip, feels breezy and cosmopolitan with a European influence. Rabat houses the king's residence and mixes old-world charm with a contemporary, manicured feel. Tetouan offers a quieter, more traditional experience, while Casablanca is modern, chaotic, and filled with wide avenues and business districts.
When planning your itinerary, I recommend balancing high-energy cities with quieter destinations. After spending a few whirlwind days in Marrakech, for example, I found myself grateful for the slower pace of Tetouan, where I explored its UNESCO-listed medina without the same intensity of Marrakech’s souks.
If your trip involves multiple cities, Morocco’s trains are generally reliable, affordable, and a fantastic way to get around. I traveled by train between several cities, both alone and with friends, and had a great experience. ONCF, Morocco’s rail service, connects most major cities, and you can book first-class tickets in advance, which come with assigned seating in a quieter, more comfortable environment—definitely worth the upgrade for solo female travelers.
2. Understanding Moroccan Culture and Blending In
Morocco is a conservative country, especially outside of larger cities, so dressing appropriately will not only show respect but also reduce the kind of attention that can make solo travel feel overwhelming. Loose clothing that covers your shoulders, knees, and chest is generally advisable. You don’t need to wear a headscarf unless you visit a mosque, but keeping one handy isn’t a bad idea as it’s also useful for protecting against the sun (and dust in the desert regions).
One thing I learned quickly is that Moroccan hospitality is deeply ingrained. You may be invited into a shop for tea or even to someone’s home for a meal. While these invitations are usually well-meaning, it’s okay to politely decline if you don’t feel comfortable. A simple, friendly “La, shukran” or "Non, merci" goes a long way.
Navigating the souks can be fun but requires confidence. Vendors may call out to you, try to guess your nationality, or invite you to see their wares. It’s all part of the experience, but if it feels overwhelming, it’s okay to smile, shake your head, and keep walking.
3. Managing Attention: Practical Tips for Solo Women
Traveling solo as a woman in Morocco can attract some attention, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Marrakech or Casablanca. While most of it is harmless, it can feel persistent. My best advice? Walk with purpose. Even if you’re not sure where you’re going, act like you do. Refrain from having your phone out to navigate when possible as this is a signal for people to approach you and offer assistance (most of the time this is harmless, but I still try to avoid it). This made a considerable difference when navigating the medinas, especially in Marrakech.
If someone is being too persistent or makes you uncomfortable, it’s okay to be firm. Saying "no!" in a serious tone can often put a stop to unwanted behavior. Another trick I picked up? Wearing sunglasses not only helps with the sun but also gives you a bit of psychological distance—eye contact can sometimes invite more interaction than you want.
On public transportation, like trains or buses, I found it helpful to sit near other women or families. When I traveled alone on trains, I always chose first-class tickets, where I felt more comfortable, especially on journeys between Rabat and Tangier. When traveling between Rabat and Marrakech, I shared a bench in a small train car with 6-8 other locals; I made the journey with a friend and felt perfectly safe, but if I had been alone I would have upgraded to first class. In taxis, always negotiate the fare before getting in, especially for petit taxis that don’t use meters.
4. Safety Tips for Day and Night
During the day, Morocco feels lively and safe. I wandered through Rabat’s streets alone regularly and used the public bus to get around. Even in the bustling souks of Marrakech, I felt secure during daylight hours. However, at night, I recommend being more cautious. Some areas can feel deserted or poorly lit after dark, and as a solo female traveler, I opted for taxis when returning to my accommodations in the evening.
While I never felt in immediate danger, staying aware of your surroundings is key. I avoided flashing valuables and kept my phone in a locked bag when navigating busy areas. I also shared my itinerary with someone back home and kept my home-stay family, hotel and riad staff informed if I planned to be out late.
5. Staying in Riads vs. Hotels: A Unique Moroccan Experience
Accommodation plays a big role in how you experience Morocco. I stayed in a variety of places—from my homestay in Rabat to boutique hotels and stunning riads. If you haven’t stayed in a riad before, it’s an absolute must! Riads are traditional Moroccan homes with beautiful courtyards, often converted into guesthouses. They offer a more intimate experience than hotels and often include breakfast.
I recommend staying within or near the medina in cities like Marrakech or Tetouan, as it keeps you close to the action. However, if you’re planning to explore by train, it’s also worth staying near the station for convenience. Some riads offer private transfers from the station, which is a great way to avoid the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers.
6. Enjoying Morocco Responsibly
Morocco is a country that rewards curiosity and openness, but it’s essential to remain mindful of local customs and traditions. One important cultural practice is the call to prayer, which occurs five times a day. While tourists aren’t expected to participate (and many people on the street will continue about their business), it’s respectful to avoid loud conversations, music, or disruptive activities when you hear the call, especially in or near mosques. Some shops may briefly close during prayer times, so it’s helpful to be flexible with your plans.
Photography is another area where being mindful is key. While Morocco is a photographer’s dream, it’s polite to ask permission before photographing people, especially women or in more traditional areas. Many locals may not want their photo taken, and some may ask for a small tip if they agree.
When visiting religious sites or rural areas, modest dress is highly recommended, even in hot weather. While you don’t need to cover your head unless entering a mosque, covering your shoulders, chest, and knees helps demonstrate respect and minimizes unwanted attention.
Tipping etiquette is also part of daily life in Morocco. It’s customary to tip porters, hotel staff, guides, and even restroom attendants. Carrying small denominations of cash will come in handy, especially for these small gestures of appreciation.
By observing these customs and small courtesies, you'll not only enrich your experience but also show appreciation for the culture and people of Morocco.
7. Final Thoughts: Why a Travel Advisor Can Make a Difference
Morocco is one of my favorite places in the world, and traveling there solo was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. From eating tagine in Rabat to getting lost in the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the memories I made there are ones I’ll carry with me forever. That said, planning a solo trip to Morocco requires more than just Google searches—knowing where to stay, how to get around, and what to expect can make or break the experience.
If you’re considering a solo trip (or any trip!) to Morocco, working with a travel advisor can help ensure your trip goes smoothly. I can assist with everything from booking the right accommodations to arranging private transfers and curating experiences that get you off the beaten path. Whether it’s finding the perfect riad or securing first-class train tickets, I’ll handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
Safe travels—and if you need any help planning your Moroccan journey, you know where to find me!
