Is it safe for me to go to Marrakesh, Morocco for a weekend on my own?

Question

I look pretty much like my avatar and I am in my twenties. Everyone says I´m crazy...

... and my mum is worried sick - justified?

Answer 1

Wow to most of the answers lol.

I am American and I live here in Morocco. Marrakech especially is FULL of people that look just like you. You will be fine inshaAllah. You are not expected to cover your head and you don't have to fear acid in your face. jjjeeeeeez. For the person ranting on about the middle east....ahhhh Morocco is not in the middle east lol. Nor should that matter really.

Again you will be fine inshaAllah. Ask a female that works in the hotel you will stay in if she knows a female who can be an escort for you to show you around. You can pay a small amount, have a friend to hang out with who knows the place.

Answer 2

Well Marrakesh is a tourist place, so you will be pretty safe =] The people there speak french, arabic, and Moroccan..if you know french, then thats great, but if not try to learn some phrases if you want to. You will most likely see a lot of tourists who might probably speak English if you need help.
Morocco is a beauutfill country, you will love it there! And no, you do not need to cover yourself there..just don't wear anything that sluts would..
But here are some warnings:
*Don't go to Casablanca!!!!
*Don't stray far from tourist areas by yourself with out a guide who knows their stuff.
* You might get a little unwanted attention from the guys there..I mean, I went there for a summer, i'm >Moroccan<, and I'm not even blonde lol and I got a lot unwanted attention...it can get annoying but I don't look at them or talk to them.. (My avatar does not look like me :P )
*It is a pretty safe place, but try not to wear a lot of gold, or show that you have money in side your purse..I was walking around in Fes one day, and someone came up to me and tried to persuade me to give him my hand and he will pray for me while holding my hand.. I was going to give my hand but I caught myself and remembered that my hands had rings on them..after that my aunt told me that those people do that to people who visit morocco and take their rings =/ But don't worry, that will probably NOT happen!! Have a good time, don't worry, nobody will come after you trying to kidnap you lol!!! Have fun!!
(p.s: that incident happened in another city, not Marrakesh=])

Answer 3

i Am a single female I went there in August a had a great time just remember to be careful going up back streets
If you speak French or Arabic you will be fine, I only speak English!
The view point to look for is La Koutoubia as it is at the centre and I used that to get my bearing to other places. The sensible thing to do is take the tourist bus which will take you every where in one day its all in French so I didn’t use it, really wish I had it would have cut back on so much walking
It stops at all the sights Gueliz (the shops), menara, Ali ben Youssef School, The bahia Place, El badi Plaice, but I walked to all theses places it was a long walk on a hot day I also went to the Majorelle Gardens and local art centre, but then I had 5 days.
The main bus station is at the Medina and my hotel was just across the road I suggest you try a Tagine at lunch time there are some nice places opposite the gates to the Medina it cost no more than £3 to eat a large beef or chicken tagine (stew)
And at night go to the square and eat at the stalls again no more than £3 or £4
Then watch the free entertainment and enjoy a fresh orange juice for 3p
Good luck have fun I did

Answer 4

My husband and I travelled to Morocco in January 2006.My husband was getting over a recent illness and operation so could only stay around resort to relax an re coop.I would go out to chemist and do the shopping on my own and I was perfectly safe.Not once did I feel intimidated or unsafe and the Moroccans are very helpful,they sometimes stare but you get that in alot of country's.One taxi driver helped me find a chemist open on Sunday and helped translate what I needed to the pharmacy.There are some stall holders or shop owners that try and persuade you to go into their shop and buy things but just say no thank you and they will leave you alone,they can be a little annoying but not threatening.I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Answer 5

It is much safer than people say/think. I've been to Marrakech and would happily go on my own.
Just use your common sense as you would visiting any foreign city.
Do be respectful of their culture and religion but that does not mean you have to dress or act as the locals do. Dress sensibly and respectfully, dont wear lots of jewellery etc... casual is better. You will be approached but then it is a tourist place!!! Just be polite but firm and they will leave you alone.
Marrakech is amazing and so are the people, you'll have a great time!

Answer 6

I adored Morroco and most times I walked outside with my husband and I commented on how civilised the men were. Then on a day my husband wanted to stay in the hotel, I went shopping alone. It was a terrible ordeal and very uncomfortable as the men tried to flirt. Definatelty wear respectable clothing to lessen the attention.

Answer 7

First off let me say that im half American and half moroccan, and i go to morocco every year for three months so i know what im talking about. If you look like your avatar which is the same with me you will be hounded by men. They will harrass you and make your stay in morocco a livin nightmare and if come across some southerners as i have many times in the past they might follow you around for awhile. They do it to get a reaction out of you but dont give any. and please for gods sakes dont go alone take a couple of friends with you, and if you with a guy youll be left alone. but other than that morocco is great place and youll have wonderful time.

Answer 8

It is one place I'd prefer to have a companion with me. You can always hire a guide to go with you when you are out.

One of the most fascinating places to go is Djemaa el-Fna--the huge market in the middle of the town. There are places to shop and to eat, and , etc.,. But, at night is when it comes alive, with dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, and all sorts of entertainment. Late night is a great place there. It should not be missed. But, I would never go there by myself. If you cannot get a traveling companion, hire a guide to go with you. Your hotel, or riad-where ever you stay-can find someone for you.

Answer 9

watch yourself you really have to go by the rules and remember you are in another country and do not wander alone?keep in the tourist bits and if you ant to go out at night make sure you are not alone ?also make sure you are in a good hotel the staff will keep you on the right tract and keep your mum posted as she will be up the wall with worry take care

Answer 10

Perfectly safe provided you are respectful - which mostly for a girl of your age and looks means wearing clothes which don't just fully cover your arms and legs but are baggy over the whole of your body and not in any way see-through or low cut. Anything else will make you look like to the locals likea tart or prostitute which means you can expect to be treated like one without your consent.
When you want to strip off - do it in a Haman - wonderful baths which have women only opening times and are a real eye opener.