Morocco is a land of vibrant contrasts, where ancient traditions blend with modern life across diverse landscapes. For women traveling abroad, especially solo travelers, Morocco offers rich cultural experiences with proper planning and local knowledge. As Maryama, our expert guide from Experience Morocco explains, “It’s a destination that can seem intimidating, but I assure you it’s not. The only way to truly understand what Morocco is about is to experience it yourself.”
Katherine, General Manager of Women Travel Abroad, who personally lived in Casablanca, Morocco for 3 years can attest, “traveling to Morocco as a woman is safe, but it does take more planning than visiting a European or other English-speaking country.”
Is Morocco Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
Safety is often the first question women ask when considering Morocco. With proper preparation and awareness, Morocco can be navigated confidently. As Katherine, who lived in Morocco for three years shares, “I never felt unsafe as a woman but I also carefully planned where I went when solo.” Both experts emphasized that using common travel sense is key:
- Avoid navigating the medinas (old cities) alone, as they’re designed like mazes and it’s easy to get lost
- Be mindful of your surroundings, just as you would in any major city. When walking around, avoid going down empty streets or poorly lit alleyways, stick to the main streets.
- Consider hiring local guides, especially for your first day in each city. Morocco doesn’t have good street signage, so it can be hard to navigate if you’re not a local. A guide can help you learn the lay of the land so you can explore solo more confidently.
- Keep valuables secure in a crossbody bag kept in front of you. Exercise the same caution you’d use in European cities regarding pickpocketing.
- Be extra cautious when out late at night. Travel in groups when exploring after dark.
While safe, between language barriers, cultural differences, and labyrinth-like city layouts, Morocco can be intimidating to explore solo. Don’t let that stop you from visiting though, small-group trips where you have a guide and a group of other ladies to explore with are perfect for making the most of your Morocco experience.
When to Visit Morocco: A Woman’s Perspective on Seasonal Travel
Morocco enjoys favorable weather throughout much of the year, with each season offering distinct advantages:
Spring and Fall – Peak Season:
- Most pleasant temperatures (60s & 70s Fahrenheit)
- Ideal for exploring cities and landscapes
- Peak tourist season with higher prices
Winter (November-February):
- Mild temperatures (45-65 F during the day) and still lots of sunshine make it perfect for exploring cities
- Possible snow in mountain regions, there can be opportunities for skiing but hiking is less possible.
- Lower tourist numbers means better prices
Summer (June-August):
- Hot temperatures (80s and 90s F) makes exploring the coastal regions ideal for summer
- If you want to visit the Sahara Desert, avoid July and August as it will be extremely hot (100+ F)
As Maryama advises, “We’re blessed with great weather all year round. It really just depends on what activities you’re interested in which cities you want to visit most.”
Want to explore Morocco but without the planning stress? Join WTA’s annual Morocco tour.
Must-See Destinations: A Female Traveler’s Guide
Morocco offers diverse experiences across its varied regions. The experts recommend these key destinations:
Marrakesh – History meets modern day luxury
- Vibrant souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square
- Incredible array of accommodations from luxury hotels to traditional riads
- Rich variety of experiences from exploring historic palaces to visiting Museums like the Majorelle Gardens and YSL Museum
- Excellent day trip options to surrounding areas including Essaouira on the coast and the Atlas Mountains
Fez – The cultural and artistic epicenter
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest car-free urban area in the world
- The most authentic and traditional medina experience
- Known for having the country’s best artisans, including Zelige (tiles), pottery, leather goods, and embroidery
- Authentic food experiences, including tasting tours of different souks, to try olives, honeys, breads, and more.
The Sahara Desert – An iconic Moroccan experience
- Overnight glamping in the sand dunes
- Stargazing, traditional musical performances, camel rides, sandboarding all add to the one-in-a-lifetime experience
- Only reachable by driving, the remote region showcases a completely different landscape from the rest of the country
Atlas Mountains – For authentic cultural experiences
- Home of the Berber, or indigenous, people of Morocco. Visit local villages to learn about a way of life that hasn’t changed much over the centuries and experience the best of Moroccan hospitality
- Hiking during the summer and fall and potential skiing during the winter months. Stunning mountain views year round.
Skip or Minimize: Casablanca Both experts agree that while Casablanca is a cosmopolitan business hub where locals enjoy living, it offers limited tourist appeal beyond the Hassan II Mosque. As Katherine notes, “It doesn’t feel particularly Moroccan. It’s much more modern than the rest of the country.”
Transportation Tips for Women Travelers
Getting around Morocco requires careful planning. Traffic is frequently congested, traffic laws and speed limits are not very strictly enforced, and signage to help you get around is lacking. Renting a car or doing a self-driving tour of Morocco will only leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.
The best way to see Morocco, especially if you want to get outside of the major urban areas is by hiring a private driver. Find a reputable local tour operator – like Experience Morocco – to arrange a driver for your stay. They can help you safely and comfortably explore the more off-the-beaten-path destinations and get between destinations like the Sahara and Marrakech.
Morocco does have a good train system with regular service between Tangier in the north and Marrakech in the south. If you’re looking to get between Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier you can use the train. Make sure to book “First Class” tickets so you get a reserved seat on the train. You can book tickets online at ONCF.ma or at the train stations.
When getting around in a city like Marrakech or Fes, you can use taxis but know that overcharging is a common problem. You’ll need to negotiate the price of the taxi before getting in. Expect as a tourist to be charged 3-4x what locals pay. So a taxi from the Marrakech train station to Djemaa Al Fna will likely cost on the order of 20-30 dirhams. Also you must have cash and small bills. Taxis often don’t have change to give you. Again, if possible, hire a private driver in each city so you don’t have to navigate the chaos of taxis.
Finally, once you’re in the medina of a city, say Marrakech or Fes, walking is best. These areas of the cities are largely car free and narrow alleyways make navigation on foot the easiest, but a local guide to show you how to find you way through the maze is helpful.
To avoid the hassle navigating transport on your own, join a small-group tour. WTA is headed to Morocco again in November 2027.
Where to Stay in Comfort, Safety, and Style
Our favorite option, for solo travelers or groups, is to stay in Riads. These are former multi-generational homes built around a central courtyard that have been converted to boutique hotels. They offer authentic Moroccan architecture and excellent locations right in the medina of each city. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay:
- Marrakech: La Maison Arabe – For Luxury and one of the best spas in all of Marrakech
- Marrakech: Riad Elegancia – Boutique riad perfect for when you want privacy and comfort
- Fes: Riad Fes – A luxurious Relais & Châteaux property with incredible rooftop views of the city
- Fes: Riad El Amine – A comfortable and historic riad option that’s an easy walk from Bab Jdid
- Essaouira: Salut Maroc – A colorful riad full of art where every room is different
- Atlas Mountains: Kasbah Bab Ourika – Perfect getaway when you want to be immersed in nature
Pro Tip: If you want to stay in an Airbnb, book it in the modern part of the city, not the medina. It can very hard to locate Airbnbs and private apartments in the medina since there is no signage or street numbers.
Cultural Insights and Dress Code for Female Travelers
Morocco has its own unique cultural identity that doesn’t fit neatly into typical categorizations. As Maryama explains, “We’re in Africa, but none of the African countries look at us as Africans. We’re a 30-min ferry ride from Europe, but we’re not Europeans. We speak Arabic, but we’re not Arabs to the rest of the Arab world.”
The multiculturalism of Morocco is part of what makes it an incredible destination to visit, but it also means there are nuances travelers should consider before arrival.
Tips for Female Travelers
- There are obvious gender divides in Morocco. Men socialize in public spaces like cafes and parks while women primarily socialize in private spaces like homes. This is slowly changing, but don’t be surprised not see any many women out socializing in the streets.
- Street harassment and catcalling is experienced by both foreign and local women. Just ignore it and keep walking. Vendors in souks can also be aggressive in trying to sell their goods. Just firmly and politely decline and keep walking. You can say “No Thanks” in Arabic by saying “La Shoukran”.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon, so if you’re traveling with a partner, avoid kissing or hugging in public spaces.
- Moroccans overall and incredibly hospitable and friendly, they want to welcome visitors to their country with open arms. Don’t be surprised if you’re offered tea by a local shopkeeper or you guide insists on feeding you. Taking care of guests is important in Moroccan culture.
What to Wear:
- No strict dress code except at the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. You’ll see local women wearing everything from skirts and tank tops to being fully veiled.
- As a foreigner, there is no expectation that you’d cover your hair and many Moroccan women don’t wear headscarves. Only if you’re touring a Mosque is a headcovering necessary.
- Dressing modestly is still recommended. Covering shoulders and knees can help you blend in.
- Wear comfortable shoes for navigating medinas. The streets are mostly dirt and cobblestones.
- Choose cool, flowy fabrics like cotton and linen in the warmer seasons and don’t forget to bring a warmer layer. It can get cool in the evenings even in the summer.
Culinary delights that can’t be missed:
Morocco offers incredible food experiences that shouldn’t be missed:
- Ghlia – A unique preserved meat similar to moist beef jerky
- Messmen – A flaky, layered crepe that combines elements of a croissant and pancake
- Tagines – Slow-cooked stews named after their conical cooking vessels
- Couscous – Traditional Friday meal with fluffy semolina topped with vegetables and meat
Beverages:
- Mint tea – The national drink, served throughout the day
- Moroccan grey wine – A unique wine variety found only in Morocco, with a color between white and rosé.
Pro Tip: Take a cooking class while in Morocco. It’s such a fun way to learn about the culture and come how with new recipes to impress your friends.
Culturally Immersive Experiences for the Adventurous Woman:
- Visit a Berber family home in the Atlas Mountains. The Berber people truly bring Moroccan hospitality to life and will happily welcome you with a glass of tea and the chance to learn about their indigenous ways of life.
- Take a cooking class to learn traditional Moroccan cuisine. If you want to learn a new skill while giving back to the community, book a class at The Amal Foundation, dedicated to empowering women with skills training.
- Experience a traditional hammam spa treatment. This purifying steam bath, scrub, and massage treatment will leave you totally relaxed with with silky soft skin.
- Take a craft making class from a local artisan. Learn how to make pottery, leather slippers, or tile artwork. It will give you a new appreciation for all the incredible art and crafts you see as you visit the souks.
Final Tips for Planning Your Trip to Morocco
Whether you’re traveling solo or joining a women’s international travel group, planning is key. Consider:
- Joining organized women’s tours for built-in companionship and security. Plus all the details will be taken care of for you, you can just enjoy exploring rather than stressing about how to get to your next location.
- If you are traveling solo, hire a local driver to take you safely from one city to the next. And, hire a local guides, at least for a day in each city, to help you get your bearings.
- Arrive with a structured plan rather than improvising. Book your accommodations in advance.
- Get an e-sim (like Airalo) so you can use your phone while traveling, especially helpful for navigating the maze like medinas
- You’ll want cash. While cards are accepted at many hotels and restaurants, small vendors in the souks only take cash. Get Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), the local currency, out from an ATM once you arrive in country. The exchange rate MAD to USD is typically around ~10 to 1.
As Katherine reflects on her time living in Morocco, “Morocco can feel overwhelming at first and the best advice I can give is to come with an open mind and appreciation for the cultural differences you’ll experience. That said, the warm, genuine hospitality of the Moroccan people is exceptional. Every time I go back I’m struck by how welcoming every single Moroccan that I interact with is, and how excited they are for people who are not Moroccan to come and see this country that they love.”
Morocco offers a travel experience unlike any other – complex, vibrant, challenging at times, but ultimately rewarding beyond measure for women travelers who approach it with openness and proper preparation.
If Morocco is on your bucket list, Women Travel Abroad has small-group, women-only trips there every year. Our 2026 trip is sold out, but you can still join us in November 2027.
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