But the short answer is, yes, Marrakech is safe. This will allow you to increase your price when the real negotiations begin. If youre overwhelmed with the number of bottle options, not to worry anymore, weve put together a guide for the best travel water bottles in 2021. Room Type: Economy Double Room, Standard Double Room, Superior Double Room and Deluxe Room. Drivers often act in defiance of traffic laws, and many vehicles are in disrepair. Technically it should have some plants in four planting beds and a central fountain. Also, when we speak of haggling, we generally mean in souks or for touristic / souvenir items. There arepetit taxisandgrand taxis: small and big. Having visited other cities in the country during August, we can imagine just how hot and stifling it gets here in the summer months! If you arent in an accident yourself, youll probably see one yourself if not, plenty of near misses. Is Marrakesh Safe for Travel? Fortunately, Marrakech is a very compact city, so there is no need to hire a car. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Overall, its pretty safe to visit Marrakesh right now, so long as youre using your common sense. 16 Really Useful Tips for Visiting Marrakech, North Coast 500 Highlights | Where To Find The Things You'll Love, Our Statement for Travellers about Coronavirus / Covid-19, This three-hour historical and cultural tour, our guide on the best things to do in Marrakech, The Best Riads in Marrakech for Those on a Budget, 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Marrakech | Morocco's Pink City, Marrakech to Merzouga: Our Moroccan Road Trip Itinerary, The Flavours of Morocco | A Cooking Class in Marrakech, can I take moroccan dirham out of the country. It might be overwhelming at times and, yes, it can get pretty stressful, too. With exquisite zellij (ceramic mosaic) designs, vibrant hues, and skilled woodwork, Riads showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans. Marrakesh is, in fact, the most visited destination in Morocco, which in turn is themost visited country in Africa. We stayed at Riad Porte Royale and were delighted with our stay, but if you're really not sure, you should definitely take a look at this post on the best budget riads in Marrakech. Alternatively, if travelling by yourself or would like the comfort of being guided by a local guide, consider joining a walking tour. Basically, the healthcare system in Marrakesh isnt that good in terms of public. 28 rooms. At best it will end up with a trip to this helpful stranger's family shop, at worst it could end with an aggressive insistence that you pay for their guide (often after you've already followed them and completely lost you sense of direction). Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. Theres a lot to think about in Marrakesh, especially when it comes to safety. Travelling solo in Marrakesh doesnt need to be stressful at all, and overall you should be fine and safe, but you should be smart, assertive, letting people know youre in control and know where you are (even if you dont) without being weird or scary about it. 15 Best Riads in Marrakech | Hand-picked Guide 2023 Morocco has a poor road safety record. Is Marrakesh safe for solo female travellers? If you need things likenappies and baby formula in Marrakesh, you can find them but not everywhere. Unless youenjoy seeing exploited animals. Staying safe in Marrakech means protecting your health. Yes, you can usually drink alcohol in Marrakech riads, but its always best to check with the individual riad as some may have their own policies. This gem is situated just a 6-minute walk from the famed Jama El Fna Square and 1.2 miles from Marrakech Train Station, while Marrakech Menara Airport is 4.3 miles away. Another thing is that youll be living in aMuslim country. However, theres a lot to do and see in Marrakesh and if you apply our tips, you can stay safe in this mad city. Craving more Moroccan cuisine? Its super close to the famous Jama El Fna Square and bustling Medina. There are more than 1,000 of these ancient townhouse hotels hiding down medina backstreets, each . Shop Editor-Approved Travel Safety Essentials. If however you're travelling around a little longer, to a few other places, it will absolutely be worth bearing in mind that this is probably not the cheapest place to shop, not for quality goods anyway - and especially not if you're a dreadful haggler. I would have love to explore and enjoy more if it wasnt for the aggressive panhandling and con artists. Is Marrakech Safe? 13 Useful Tips To Ensure Your Safety In Marrakech In Traffic comes from all directions. There are actually set prices for the routes, but there may be some bargaining involved: be prepared to haggle, sometimes with more than one person at once. So here they are - 16 really useful tips for visiting Marrakech. Theyre pretty popular, pretty traditional and kind of touristy. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. When hunger strikes later in the day, indulge in traditional Moroccan cuisine at the riads restaurant or take your meal to the terrace for a more alfresco experience. A riad is a classic Moroccan house or palace with a courtyard or garden inside. Some also have pools located in the main courtyard, adding to the whole jungle-vibe that most riads have. If youre feeling peckish later, request Moroccan specialties for lunch and dinner. If youve got a particularly sensitive stomach, you may get ill just from eating anything; in this instance, maybe think about bringing anti-diarrhea tablets and re-hydration sachets, just in case. Treat yourself to massages and a traditional hammam, all while soaking up the stylish Moroccan decor. There are no obvious lanes, few footpaths and an apparent lack of road rules; it is chaos, and absolutely not the place to stare down at your feet, or at your phone. Other dangers in Marrakech include natural disasters. Room Type: Suite with 2 Single Beds, Suite with Double Bed, Suite with Single Bed and Double Bed, Deluxe Room with Single Bed and Double Bed. Our recommendation is to always check with someone you trust to give you a guide on realistic prices - and be prepared to walk away if they won't come close. However in Marrakesh, there are a lot of people trying to sell you stuff, talk to you, get your attention, and yes: some might want to steal your stuff, too. Bum bags aren't just for Adidas lads and super dads! To learn more about traveler safety in Marrakech, read on. Again, thank you! News of terror attacks, crimes against western tourists or anecdotes of being hassled in exotic souks, quickly make their way across both social and traditional media. When youre ready to unwind, a DVD player is available in the lounge for your entertainment. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Its this hassling culture that gives Marrakech a bad name, particularly in places like Jemaa el Fna. To get yourself to a good clinic or hospital, ask the staff at your accommodation theyll know the best ones in town. No, you need all your wits about you here! If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Fortunately an older guy noticed the wrangling, admonished him and I was off. Solo female travellers thinking of a trip to this city are probably going to be nervous and we can see why. And dont worry, whilst Marrakech has plenty of standard hostels with cheap bests and somewhat lacking facilities, there are several truly fantastic riads that cater to solo travellers - places like the impeccably designed Equity Point, with a gorgeous pool, roof terrace and excellent rooms (both dorms and privates). As a result,International SOSrate Morocco low risk for travel security, the same level as continental Europe and North America. Whilst there are undoubtedly nice people in Morocco, the sort the stand on street corners stating the 'this road is shut' or 'it's this way to the main square' are not to be trusted. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Marrakesh. Popular spots like Majorelle Gardens, Mouassine Museum, and Yves Saint Laurent Museum are close by. An important thing to note, when working out how to get to your riad, is that given the nature of the medina (tiny, tiny streets), you'll usually not be able to . These are pretty old, theyre usually jammed full and make for a generally not very nice way to travel. In fact, Riad is derived from the Arabic word meaning garden, which perfectly encapsulates the lush sanctuaries theyre known for. Everything from alcohol laws, to not being able to eat in public duringRamadan, can get tricky. Its exciting, energising and a great way to experience a very different culture to what you might be used to in the west. With the Koutoubia Mosque just a 5-minute walk away and Marrakech Menara Airport only 4.3 miles from the property, Riad Al Rimal is perfectly situated for a memorable Moroccan adventure. For this reason, its best to travel around Marrakech on foot as much as possible. Otherwise it is called a Dar, or house. However, this shouldnt stop you from enjoying afew days in Marrakech. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. If you approach it the right way, it might even be fun to learn a new language! Since most sketchy characters come out after dark, we definitely wont recommend going out at night whether thats for a couple of drinks or travelling to your next destination. You have to eemember that most locals earn a fraction of what Europeans earn so that kind of excuses the behaviour a little i guess. Marrakesh is totally safe to travel with families. With smaller children, youll probably want hand sanitiser, just so they have clean hands before they eat. Go private, we say, and make sure that the insurance you have covers you for this. Solo travel is really cool we love it. Dating back as far as the 1700s, many of the riads in Marrakesh have been passionately restored. We stayed at Riad Porte Royale and were delighted with our stay, but if you're really not sure, you should definitely take a look at this post on the best budget riads in Marrakech. Price Range: $183 - $252 USD per night. Just be smart, and you'll be fine. Is public transportation in Marrakesh safe? Some have normal keys, and some are locked by a pad-lock on the outside and have a bolt on the inside. I have been in a number of riads. If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Travel on foot whenever possible. There are alsolong-distance buses which take you out of the city to other destinations they are usually air-conditioned and are not too bad. The whole buying, selling and haggling thing in Marrakesh is a game its not very serious. Lounge by the 16m pool or catch epic views of the Atlas Mountains from the rooftop terrace. Picky eaters will probably be ok eating things like bread and potatoes, but its a big city with a fair few international eateries, too. Moroccans will welcome you with open arms in Marrakesh. Riad & Spa le Secret de Zoraida (from USD 121) Show all photos The true vibe of Marrakech can be felt in the charming Riad & Spa le Secret de Zoraida. We visited Marrakech in the deepest darkest depths of winter; it was still 24C and sunny most of the time. So, if you usually travel within the EU and dont have a comprehensive medical policy, youll need to get one. Staying in a riad in Marrakech is often considered better for experiencing the local culture, authentic architecture, and personalized service, compared to staying in a conventional hotel. Uber and Lyft do not operate in Marrakech, but a European equivalent called Heetch does. And dont forget to take advantage of the helpful services, like organizing tour excursions, airport transfers, and enjoying the cozy traditional lounge. Keep the cash you carry to a minimum. Request some mouth-watering Moroccan dishes for dinner. October 27, 2022 / By Valerie Wheatley 4K If you are planning a trip to Marrakech, Morocco, you absolutely MUST book a stay in a riad! Theres just so much that makes even a potentially scenic road trip not fun at all. In Marrakech, public transportation such as small taxis and city buses tend to be really safe. Riads differ from hotels as they tend to offer a more intimate and personalized experience, whereas hotels tend to have more rooms and standardized services. Follow us across social media on YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at editor@smartertravel.com! Portia Jones from the travel blogPip and the Citysays that the specific concern for solo female travellers is unwanted attention and comments from locals. Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Marrakesh. I gave him 10 dirham or about euro but he looked at in contempt. Other females travelling alone have a great time travelling Marrakesh and were confident that you could do that too. Room Type: Superior Double Room, Superior Twin Room, Junior Suite, Queen Suite, Deluxe King Suite, Location: Heart of the Medina of Marrakeshs Bab Doukkala area, Room Type: Double Room, Superior Double or Twin Room, Superior Triple Room, Superior Family Room, Location: Central Marrakech, 350 yards from Jama El Fna Square, Room Type: Double Room, Deluxe Double Room, Junior Suite, Junior Suite with Terrace, Suite, Executive Suite, Superior Suite and Family Suite, Location: 6-minute walk from Jama El Fna Square. Bookings // Booking your trip via the links in this guide will earn us a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Chill in the cadale tent on the terrace or stay connected with free Wi-Fi in the inviting living areas. Luckily for you, theres the internet. This increases the chances of being able to explore the city with others, perhaps increasing the level of comfort youll feel whilst doing it. Riad Zhor offers more than just a place to rest. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. And don't worry if you'd rather save your pennies for desert adventures or countless tagines, you don't have to spend a fortune to get an awesome riad experience (although we hear this one is incredible if you feel like going completely and utterly crazy). Also, avoid dogs. The 7 Best Riads in Marrakech, Morocco - Wandering Wheatleys With Marrakech Train Station a 15-minute drive and Marrakech Airport only 2.5 miles away, youll be fine getting around. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Parking is hard to find. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Best Riads in Marrakesh to Stay in 2023 Guide, Room Type: Double or Twin Room with Private Bathroom, Location: Center of Marrakech, close to Le Jardin Secret. Marrakech is no exception. Opinions range, from the Canadian government urging travelers to Morocco to exercise a high degree of caution to International SOS calling the risk of traveling to Marrakech low, the same level as it is for much of Europe. Afull-sized travel belt stays tucked under your shirt and keeps your valuables documents, passport cash, headphones, lip balm, illicit goodies organised and on-hand for moments notice. Marrakesh recorded over2.4 million tourists. You may be a solo female traveller worried about a trip to this city, or you may just be wondering about its food safety whatever it is weve got all this covered and so much more in our handy guide, so lets go! The rooms dont have Wi-Fi but dont worry, you can still stay connected in the hotels public spaces. Morocco, in general, has a poor road safety record. Many women make their way to the city, alone, and have a pretty awesome time. The roads, we keep saying, are very unsafe, the summers are incredibly hot and the winters are cold especially at night. Sadly, sex tourismincluding child sex tourismis a growing industry and does draw travelers here. In 2011, a bomb left in a bag in a caf in the main square of Marrakech killed 17 people, many of whom were tourists. Obviously, theres the romance of living in the walled luxury of a riad, but then again you really are going to be consistently and constantly challenged by simple, everyday life in Marrakesh. Is Marrakesh safe to travel for families? Location: 2-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna Square. That said, sometimes you can just not be used to a change in diet. To help you out on your taxi adventures in Marrakesh, weve got some pro tips for you. At first thought, thats great! But overall, food in Marrakesh is safe and super tasty! However, hassle and all that comes with it doesnt mean that a city isnt safe and that goes for this one. With an outdoor pool, spacious sun terrace, and cozy living room featuring a fireplace, this Riad has it all. Your email address will not be published. So, the challenge of travelling to Marrakech is not that its unsafe, but that it can, at times, be frustrating. Its very confusing. Well, a riad is basically a traditional Moroccan house, with its name coming from the Arabic word 'ryad,' which means 'garden.' You'll usually find these gems hidden away in the old parts of Moroccan cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira. You may be thinking that you cant drink the water in Marrakesh but you would be incorrect in thinking so. Wake up to a tasty breakfast served every morning, either in the dining room or out on the terrace when the suns shining. Steer clear of prostitution in Marrakech. Each room in the riad offers a cozy wardrobe, a patio with an outdoor dining area, pool views, and a private bathroom stocked with a hairdryer and bed linen. The stylish rooms boast a splash of color and come with en suite bathrooms, free toiletries, and a hairdryer for your convenience. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. To put that into perspective for you, in 2018 the road fatality rate was9 times higher than that of the UK. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard, while a hotel can vary in style and typically does not have a central courtyard. Updates // We do our best to keep the information in this guide up to date, if you notice anything has changed, please leave a comment below. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Bahia Salam, a cozy bed and breakfast, is just a short 350-yard stroll from the iconic Jama El Fna Square. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For some extra pampering, treat yourself to the on-site beauty center. Oftentimes, the interiors feature elaborate timber ceilings, sculpted plaster, and lovely mosaics as part of their lavish decoration. Its one of the best things to do in Marrakech! The buses are run by a company calledAlsa. Fuel up with a continental breakfast in the morning, and if youre craving Moroccan cuisine, just let them know and theyll whip up something delicious. Keep on reading because, in this article, I will share with you my top picks for the best Riads in Marrakech. Its a question we are often asked by readers thinking about heading to the red city one of the most popular places in Morocco. He was absolutely right. In fact, Moroccan authorities regularly report the disruption of terrorist cells and their threats across the country from extremist groups, some of whom align themselves with Daesh. If youre thinking of exploring beyond Marrakechs city limits, make sure to avoid all travel around the Berm, which is Moroccos militarized boundary in Western Sahara. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Car accidents are quite common in Marrakech, so plan to walk wherever possible, with public transit being the next best option. Cultural differences, plus the medias over-representation of rare events, can sometimes make places feel like they are more dangerous than they actually are. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Marrakesh is a busy, bustling former imperial capital city thats verging on manic. So there you have it. These hotels come with family rooms, family amenities, and people will generally be pretty happy to help you with any request. We think theres nothing to worry about, though. With a limited number of rooms, every stay feels like a personalized retreat, complete with home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by your hosts. Dangerous driving also poses a bit of a threat. However, Marrakesh isnt always cool far from it, in fact. Get a quote below! 1. Taxis come in two forms in Marrakesh. Worst still, some tourists pay it. Women in Marrakesh is a whole other story. 20 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Marrakesh. We are Paul & Mark, two curious & adventurous travellers who provide practical information to help you make the most of your travels. Wed say the likelihood is around 100%. Re: Riads and its 'doors' 10 years ago Save You will need to check with your preferred riad as to whether their rooms have locks or not. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Is Marrakesh Safe for Travel? 3,485 people were killed on the roads that year across the country; its thought that over 100,000 people were injured in road traffic accidents. The question of Is Marrakesh Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. Over the last ten years or so, Marrakech has exploded as a tourist destination, and if you let all those photos of bikini-clad Instagrammers deceive you, you may end up believing you can roam the streets of this much-loved Moroccan city dressed in hot pants and a crop top. Tips for avoiding the hassle, The best ways to experience the magic of Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech, The Best Things To Do In Essaouira, Morocco, 10-Day Morocco Itinerary / Remote Villages to Buzzing Cities. Almost all sights are centrally located and easily walked to. If youre in the mood for some TV time, head to the spacious lounge and kick back. You might not even need to use it. Just a 10-minute stroll from Jama El Fna Square and Koutoubia Mosque, this riad features an inviting outdoor pool complete with a poolside bar, perfect for unwinding with a drink. Start your Marrakech experience with a warm welcome of mint tea and pastries upon arrival. (even more useful for first time visitors). Room Type: Double or Twin Room, Deluxe Studio, Junior Suite with Terrace and Deluxe Suite. All rooms are decked out in a traditional Moroccan style, complete with air conditioning, a patio view, and a wardrobe for your belongings. Marrakesh officials have responded to the increase in tourists by attempting to sort out the wild traffic, restoring monuments and giving certain districts some much-needed renewal. Here you will find genuinely dangerous road conditions (the traffic is terrible), pushy sellers, scams, pickpockets, and theres even the threat of terrorism to contend with in this city. Is Marrakech safe for travel? Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Marrakesh. Compared with the United States for example you are less likely to be a victim of violent crime and much less likely to be assaulted. In the case of Marrakesh, however, we would think its pretty fair to say that this city is as mad as people say it is. Theyll whip up some traditional dishes for you to savor. In most cases, this amounts to a few pounds here and there - that is until you start counting the Moroccan stuff. Riad Chergui is conveniently situated 1.2 miles from Marrakech Train Station and 3.1 miles from Marrakech Menara Airport. Start your day with a scrumptious continental or vegetarian breakfast, featuring local specialties and fresh juice. If you need to go out, get yourself a reliable taxi. World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. W. ith a panoramic terrace, you can soak up the stunning views of the Medina and the majestic Atlas Mountains. Theres no regard for signposts. All in all, we dont think driving in Marrakesh is safe and dont recommend it at all. Indeed, Marrakech crime consists mostly of theftthe crimes committed against U.S. tourists in Marrakech are typically pickpocketing, mugging, and purse snatching, according to the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). Location: Central Marrakech, 200 yards from Jama El Fna Square and near the Medina.