Quite an interesting read, I didnt feel unsafe in Marrakech but definitely from all the cities in Morocco we visited I felt most alert and even a bit uncomfortable especially with two young daughters beside me. Where does safety fit into all this? Theres no regard for signposts. Chill out on the rooftop terrace, complete with tables and chairs, or unwind by the courtyard pool with a refreshing mint tea in hand. Everything is expensive considering its a 3 rd world country. Even so, these should definitely be avoided. Location: 2-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna Square. As you walk around the souks and squares of the medina, young men will be lining the streets telling you that some attractions are closed or that you are headed in the wrong direction. Your email address will not be published. As a side note, things can get quite pricey in Marrakesh. People, bikes (pedalled and driven - all heading toward you), cats, donkeys, stalls and sellers; a cacophony of sights and sounds that can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. Medieval mosques, tagine cuisine, crumbling minarets, crazy backstreets, tiled palaces, maze-like markets and a whole lot of colours, sights, smells, sounds, aromas, and spectacles to take in: it must be Marrakesh. Morocco is a very conservative country, so Portias advice is to observe the local customs and dress appropriately to avoid unwanted attention., Its also important to plan ahead to minimise any potential risk in Marrakech. 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. 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. Parking is hard to find. In the evenings, unwind in the bar or lounge, sipping on your favorite drink. In 2011, a cafe in Jemaa el-Fna Square fell victim to a terrorist bombing, which killed 17 people, most of them tourists. Finally, be conscious of your belongings if someone is trying to distract you or talk to you. If you arent in an accident yourself, youll probably see one yourself if not, plenty of near misses. Food in Marrakesh means Moroccan food and that means tagine, tasty salads, flatbreads, and that ubiquitous Moroccan favouritevery sweet mint tea. It goes without saying that you should drive very, very carefully if you want to drive in Marrakesh. Room Type: Economy Double Room, Standard Double Room, Superior Double Room and Deluxe Room. Just come armed with some helpful strategies, and you will quickly learn that beneath the hard sell, Marrakech is a fascinating and beautiful city. Its very likely that you will be verbally hassled by locals, particularly in the heart of the medina. 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. Nestled in the heart of Marrakechs old Medina, Riad Zhor is the perfect getaway, just a quick 10-minute walk from the vibrant Jama el Fna Square. Just flag one down; there are that many. We visited Marrakech in the deepest darkest depths of winter; it was still 24C and sunny most of the time. Its not a place to relax everywhere and person is trying to rip you off!! 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. Room Type: Double or Twin Room, Deluxe Studio, Junior Suite with Terrace and Deluxe Suite. We're sure there's a man in the souk who'd love to take it off your hands! Bear in mind that unless you're eating in upmarket restaurants or shopping in fancy boutiques, it's cash, not card, that reigns supreme, so you will really have to think of everything that you'll be spending. I knew i had 100 and 200 bills in my pocket but didnt want to get those so fumbled for a few extra pennies. These hotels come with family rooms, family amenities, and people will generally be pretty happy to help you with any request. If you paid a price you were happy with, that's all that matters. Plus, to help your trip go as smoothly as can be, weve actually got a few pointers for you solo travellers. However, you should be careful. If youre feeling peckish later, request Moroccan specialties for lunch and dinner. The question of Is Marrakesh Safe? will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. This increases the chances of being able to explore the city with others, perhaps increasing the level of comfort youll feel whilst doing it. So, its important to have your wits about you on busy thoroughfares in the medina and take some sensible precautions. If youre looking for a cool blend of traditional and modern vibes, Riad Chergui is your go-to spot in Marrakech. Wed say the likelihood is around 100%. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Weve been providing free travel content on Anywhere We Roam since 2017. What is a Riad: Best Riads in Morocco (2023) - Adventure In You As for the city buses, always keep a close eye on your belongings. If you reach gridlock, politely turn down the offer and go to leave - you may find that this is enough to quickly get your final offer accepted. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Athens to Barcelona: Luxe, 10-Night Mediterranean Pennsylvania: Daily Car Rentals from Pittsburgh, 12 Life-Saving Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip, 7 Discreet and Portable Self-Defense Tools Under $20, Food Safety: How to Avoid Getting Sick While Traveling, Square 16 November, Avenue Mohammed V, and Rue Yougoslavie, 11 Things to Know Before You Go to Morocco. Enjoy its scenes play out from one of the cafe terraces, maybe have a meal at its lively night restaurants, but lower your expectations. Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. Morocco has a poor road safety record. However, keep in mind that prices do fluctuate . Before coming to Marrakesh I triple-checked the weather forecast and it indicated 18-25 degrees all the time. Bahia Salam, a cozy bed and breakfast, is just a short 350-yard stroll from the iconic Jama El Fna Square. Riad Porte Royale is a sustainable gem tucked away in a historic building right in the heart of Marrakech, just a stones throw from Le Jardins Secret. Now that you know what a Riad is, lets jump straight into our recommendations on the best riads in Marrakech. So moral of the story. We're not the sort of travellers that insist on drinking bottled water (slightly different mineral counts will not mess up your digestive system that much - one day Emily's family will realise this), but when it's really not advisable or safe to drink the local stuff, we will avoid it. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Perfect timing were headed to Marrakech for the first time this March. Avoid exploring the quiet streets of the Medina at night especially if you are alone. I think its a place to just be a little cautious. Working as a team is a common and effective way to steal from unsuspecting tourists. Over 2 million people come here every year and almost all return home trouble-free. Other factors to consider regarding Marrakech safety include street harassment, which remains common despite a law against it; female travelers might consider dressing in conservative, non-revealing clothing. Choose your hotel, hostel or Airbnb ahead of time so youre not last-minute booking a less-secure place. The roads, we keep saying, are very unsafe, the summers are incredibly hot and the winters are cold especially at night. The 10 Most Dreamy Riads in Morocco; The 10 Best Things to Do in Morocco To get an idea of how much things cost in Morocco, take a look at this post. Keeping positive about stuff, even if you feel lost or overwhelmed, is a good way to go. There are more than 1,000 of these ancient townhouse hotels hiding down medina backstreets, each . 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. 9.1 Wonderful 1,164 reviews Check availability Riad l'Oiseau du Paradis Medina, Marrakesh Located in Marrakech, the Riad l'Oiseau du Paradis is located an 10-minute walk from Jama El Fna Square. All rights reserved, Is Marrakech safe? From January through November of 2018, Marrakesh recorded over2.4 million tourists. Rooms here are a rad fusion of contemporary design and Moroccan style, with LCD TVs, and some suites even boasting a warm fireplace. But its pretty damn special too. Youll find theCentral Bus Stationin the heart of theOld Cityfrom where you will be able to catch buses on different routes all over the place. However, in general, theres nothing that is really going to apply to families that makes it any less safe than it would for any other type of traveller heading here. But is Marrakech safe for travelers? But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers. Chinese tourists are beginning to show up in the city as well. Start your Marrakech experience with a warm welcome of mint tea and pastries upon arrival. So stay central and if you are heading out to a quiet area in the evening and dont feel comfortable, your accommodation will happily organise someone to escort you to and from your dinner joint. You might be wondering, what is a riad? He was absolutely right. Riad Anjar also features a spa where you can indulge in massages and a relaxing hammam experience. Just a 2-minute walk from the famous Jama El Fna Square and a short 450-yard stroll from Bab Doukkala Mosque, youll be right in the center of the action. But is Marrakech safe as a travel destination? I have been in a number of riads. BEST Riads In Marrakech For EVERY Budget - Greta's Travels Staying in a riad in Marrakech, Morocco is generally safe, but its essential to choose a reputable establishment and take standard precautions, like safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings. Even with 10 minutes of bartering, it was only heavy rain plus the end of a guy's shift that meant we got a lift for 30 dh. Luckily for you, theres the internet. These are our top picks of riads in Marrakech. Overall, the consensus seems to be that it is relatively safe to visit Marrakechprovided that travelers take certain precautions, including informing themselves about the areas to avoid in Marrakech. They were pretty much never correct, and had us walking in, what we later realised, was completely the wrong direction. 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. Unless youre used to this way of travelling around or fancy a truly local experience, then you might not want to use buses in Marrakesh. But thousands of sex workers do work in places like Square 16 November, Avenue Mohammed V, and Rue Yougoslavieand the government mostly turns a blind eye. She's hitched to the four corners of her homeland, traipsed the trails of the surrounding Arabic world, and now whittles away her days living the sunny Bali expat life where shoes are a long-forgotten thing of the past! Make sure you wear sunscreen and a hat and ensure you are constantly hydrated and re-energised. Riads are the traditional Moroccan houses, characterised by an internal courtyard or garden. Take it from us, if youre easily overwhelmed, hate the hassle and feel stressed out in crowds, then you might find it a little bit difficult staying cool-headed in Marrakesh. Many of Marrakechs prostitutes are victims of the global sex trafficking industry and have contagious diseases. In fact, Riad is derived from the Arabic word meaning garden, which perfectly encapsulates the lush sanctuaries theyre known for. However, if you know the dangers, annoyances, how to not look like an unsuspecting tourist and not be targeted for scams in the first place, then youll know how to avoid them. Youll need experience driving in a place like this and you should definitely be a confident driver at that. Other places to avoid in Marrakech include political demonstrations and similar large gatherings, which can occasionally turn violent. As two guys travelling together, we were regularly hassled. Its one of the best things to do in Marrakech! Thanks for sharing. Though this looks scary, its better that theyre there than not. Theres a route map on their website, which were going to be honest could come in handy. 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. To save yourself from getting gouged, agree on your total fare with the driver before getting into a cab, especially if the cab isnt equipped with a meter. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. This may be fine if youre a practising Muslim, but if youre not you could find that it affects your everyday life in a way that youve never experienced. Begin your day with a complimentary continental breakfast, and in the evenings, savor delicious Moroccan specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients. It seems some roads are closed at night. With elegant, simple, and calming interiors, the guest rooms are individually decorated and thoughtfully furnished with en suite facilities for your comfort. What Is A Riad? Marrakech prostitution is the subject of Much Loved, a Moroccan film that debuted at Cannes and was abruptly banned in Morocco because the government and citizens objected to its sexualized depiction of Marrakech. Don't Trust Any Weather Forecasts. It's super close to the famous Jama El Fna Square and bustling Medina. Riad Al Rimal, nestled in the bustling Marrakech Medina, is your home away from home with its rooftop terrace boasting a hot tub, a refreshing pool in the central courtyard, and a soothing hammam. If youre buying food from a street seller or produce, you shouldnt need to barter. Its basically just manic driving in Marrakesh. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Marrakesh. Is Marrakesh safe to travel for families? But do not fear! And with their prime location within the historic medina, youre always just a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Share your knowledge. 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). Unable to ditch it in duty free (isn't that crazy? Theyre pretty popular, pretty traditional and kind of touristy. Sadly thats particularly true if you are a woman. 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. Actually, that's kind of a nice way to put it. You can NEVER overstate just how useful having all your most important valuables right around your waist is. Women in Marrakesh is a whole other story. Travel Smarter! Honestly, if youre thinking about driving here think again. They have six beautifully styled Moroccan guest rooms, all with air-conditioning and private bathrooms stocked with complimentary soaps. It wont be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you need to go out, get yourself a reliable taxi. Riads in Marrakech are traditional Moroccan houses with an interior courtyard or garden, often transformed into intimate boutique hotels offering authentic cultural experiences and accommodations. If possible, we'd probably recommend getting a riad that at least has a plunge pool - you'll be thankful for it when it's 45C out! 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). In fact, youll probably get a lot of attention and having children, especially little ones, could help ease any potential tensions. Crowded areas, transport hubs, global and western businesses, as well as government buildings, are alltargets for terrorist attacks. Ryan's Law Allows Medical Marijuana in CA Hospitals | NuggMD The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without. The architecture of this guesthouse is inspired by Bahia Palace, which is located nearby. If youre thinking about living, however, there are probably a few concerns you have. Riad Anjar, a vibrant oasis in the heart of Marrakech, treats you to stunning panoramic views of the Medina from its rooftop terrace. It's very likely that you will be verbally hassled by locals, particularly in the heart of the medina. Remember, that by paying massively over the odds, you're making it much harder for everybody else that chooses to visit. Marrakech is generally quite safe. Uber is not allowed to operate in Marrakesh. In particular, you should confirm your Hepatitis A and tetanus vaccines are up to date. Again, thank you! They may try to direct you to places you dont want to go, to sell you stuff you dont want, or act as faux guides who can be difficult to shake. Check out this list of best riads in Marrakech's Medina, Morocco. Usually, they are peaceful but these can definitely turn violent, but usually only with isolated incidents. Many women make their way to the city, alone, and have a pretty awesome time. This is truly a must-see destination. But what is a riad, and how does it differ from a conventional hotel? It might be overwhelming at times and, yes, it can get pretty stressful, too. But, dont let fears of safety put you off spending afew days in Marrakech. The buses are run by a company calledAlsa. More than focusing on areas to avoid in Marrakech, focus on how to visit the most popular tourist sites while preventing yourself from becoming a victim. 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. Theres a lot of people, and a lot of men, but be confident, trust gut and youll travel like a pro in this city. ), we set about indulging in overpriced airport food but even that didn't really work, and so, perhaps a tad controversially, we have a decent amount of dirham stored away in that little jar. Summers here will be quieter, safer, with fewer tourists, but may lack the buzz and authenticity that drew you to Marrakesh in the first place. Excellent, March is a great time to go. With advance warning, most places can arrange to meet you at your taxi drop-off point. Morocco is in an earthquake zone, so familiarize yourself with seismic safety procedures. Terrorism, too, is another factor that compromises safety in Marrakech. The truth is Marrakech rarely has violent crimes and when it does happen, these cases almost never target tourists. If you decline, they can at times get a bit pushy. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Sometimes the reputation of a place goes before it and, actually, the destination isnt half as bad as you imagined. Unless youre going to be spending time in a very expensive hotel, going on tours all the time and basically pampering yourself. Even so, you will most likely be seen as a tourist and approached as such if not, youll be seen as rich Westerner (if you are Western). If you are really lost and need some help, ask another tourist, the police, or go into a larger store and ask someone behind a counter. Lo and behold youll probably get hassled less because you dont look like you might crumble under a bit of persistence! The Pacsafe Money Belt is a belt its just got a secret zip pocket where you can stash your cash and keep it safe from prying fingers and sticky hands. However, you should be very careful as youre not a doctor and wont know what youre buying, thats why doctors prescribe things and not you. This is a massive tourist destination and a huge economic hub for Morocco as a whole and its a great place to visit. If you dont mind it, you can bring a refillable bottle to save the planet and your wallet. Drivers often act in defiance of traffic laws, and many vehicles are in disrepair. The rooms dont have Wi-Fi but dont worry, you can still stay connected in the hotels public spaces. These houses are frequently distinguished by their center open-air courtyard, which is frequently decorated with fountains, plants, and elaborate tile work, and by their symmetrical, square shape. With Marrakech Train Station a 15-minute drive and Marrakech Airport only 2.5 miles away, youll be fine getting around. Go private, we say, and make sure that the insurance you have covers you for this. Fortunately, Marrakech is a very compact city, so there is no need to hire a car. Temperatures in Marrakech can be scorching and the sun strong. 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. Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. For example, the citys historic medina is a must-see, but pickpockets are common there; visitors should keep valuables well under wraps and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Oftentimes, the interiors feature elaborate timber ceilings, sculpted plaster, and lovely mosaics as part of their lavish decoration. As one of the safest countries in the Middle East and Africa, it provides an excellent destination for exploring a completely different culture. These captivating homes-turned-guesthouses, with open-air courtyards or gardens at their center, are true embodiments of the regions architecture and culture.