10 Travel Dos and Don’ts When Visiting Morocco Alone

Traveling to Morocco alone can be an exquisite experience of extremes. For starters, expect your senses to be awaked by the aromatic spices and vibrant designs and colors imprinted on everything from its emblematic architecture to rugs to metalware.

But you can also expect be soothed. The Islamic country that observes a communal call to prayer a few times a day can be a very therapeutic and peaceful experience. You don’t have to be Muslim to appreciate the devout and peaceful manner in which Moroccans practice their religion, much the same way you don’t need to be Yves Saint Laurent to appreciate the beautiful designs seen throughout the medinas and architecture.

But traveling to Morocco, especially as a woman, can require using your wits and a tough exterior to ward off some of the persistent pursuits of men, which can be unnerving. Using common sense like not wandering the streets alone at night will bode well for travelers, though many travelers have done this and been fine. You can never err on the side of caution.

[Related: 8 Days in Morocco with Kevin Shin, Director of Sales Analyses]

Making new friends while traveling is always one of the major draws, but it may prove especially comforting for female travelers exploring Morocco alone. If you’re used to meeting people over beat-thumping speakers under dark lighting, you’ll have to step outside your comfort zone. While Morocco does have nightclubs, they are few and far between and mostly located inside hotels. Morocco presents other unique ways to meet people and experience the beautiful tapestry of their culture. Just be mindful that some thoughtful weaving is required, especially when traveling alone. Here are our best tips.

1. Get lost inside a medina. Marrakesh and Tangier both offer fantastic medinas, the old towns more so than the new. Each old town is simply magical and getting lost in the labyrinth is part of the fun. Don’t use maps, or your phone to navigate, which can only prove to be stressful. Just walk freely through the little streets and corners of stores.
2. Learn to haggle. Haggling is more like a sport in the Moroccan marketplace. Pay full price or their first bloated offer, of course, if that’s what’s in your heart to do. But do it knowing vendors mark up the price expecting tourists to haggle.
3. Carry smaller bills.  Even $20 USD or the equivalent is large change. Try to carry 100 Dirham ($10USD) or less. A typical food dish will cost 40 to 80 dirham.
4. Watch out for street hustlers. While there may be well-intentioned Moroccans genuinely curious about who you are, where you’ve been and where you’re going, there are many more street hustlers that will try to sell you something, whether it’s leather goods, some “free” tour, or even a vocal performance. If you need directions, your best bet is to ask vendors.The hustling culture extends to cab drivers so make sure your meter is reset each and every time before going en route to your next spot.
5. Learn to say hello and thank you in Arabic. This obviously applies everywhere but Moroccans especially appreciate it when you say, “Marhabban,” instead of “Hello,” and “Shukraan,” instead of “Thank you.”  The friendly encounter will create a warmer experience, which can go a long way when traveling alone.
6. Eat tagine. Taginea is a North African stew of spiced meat and vegetables prepared by slow cooking in stone pots. It’s delicious. Also on the list: orange juice. It’ll be the sweetest orange juice you will ever have.
7. Do a Sahara desert tour. Experiencing the Sahara desert is a truly exquisite once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll get to travel on camelback, try sand-boarding and camp out in the desert under a blanket of stars. Organized tours are also a fun way to meet other travelers from all over the world. Being out in the Sahara desert where there is only miles and miles of sand will redefine what it means to escape. When booking a tour, make sure to do your research on well-rated tour companies.
8. Witness a late night prayer. You can’t enter a mosque or even stand outside in the praying areas if you’re not Muslim. But you can witness a night prayer from a distance. You don’t have to be Muslim to appreciate the peaceful and devout manner in which Moroccans practice their religion. Calls to prayers are blasted at least a few times through speakers throughout the day. Missing it would mean missing out on a huge part of their culture and daily life.
9. Dress moderately. Even during the sweltering months, it’s appropriate for both men and women to cover shoulders and legs because of the emphasis Islam places on modesty. Tank tops should be worn under a shirt or with a scarf covering the shoulders.
10. Don’t take pictures of Moroccans. This especially applies especially to women. It’s considered rude.

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