Hey there! I totally get it, you’re probably wondering where’s actually safe to visit in Morocco, right? Having grown up here and worked as an expert tour guide, I’ve seen how visitors’ faces light up when they realize our cities are way more secure than they expected.
Sure, every place has its rough spots, but we’ve got some serious safety measures in place, like those undercover tourism police keeping an eye on things in popular areas (they’re super discreet, you probably won’t even notice them!).
Listen, I’ve taken hundreds of tourists through our medinas and modern districts, and most are surprised to find some Moroccan cities are actually safer than popular European destinations.
Take Rabat, our capital, you’ll see locals enjoying late-night walks along the corniche without a care in the world. Or Ifrane, our little slice of Switzerland, where students stroll around campus at all hours.
Do your homework before picking your destinations, but don’t stress too much about safety. Keep your street smarts about you like you would in any new place, and you’ll be fine.
Trust me, once you’re here, you’ll wonder what all the fuss was about!
1. Asilah
A seaside gem nestled along Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Asilah holds a special place in my heart as both a stunning AND incredibly safe destination.
You’re gonna love this charming little town, just 50 minutes from Tangier, where I take visitors ALL the time!
Let me tell you, the Medina’s walls are COVERED in the most incredible murals, and Paradise Beach is seriously dreamy AF.
If you’re visiting in August (my fave time!), you can’t miss our amazing Arts Festival.
I always take my guests to Aplanos Gallery before we grab lunch at Oceano Casa Pepe, trust me, it’s a must-do!
As a female guide, I feel super safe walking these streets, making it perfect for solo travelers who want that laid-back beach town vibe.
2. Ifrane
Located in Morocco’s breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is seriously one of the SAFEST and most unique cities you’ll find in my beautiful country.
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Switzerland when you see our charming chalets covered in snow (we get 10-15 cm annually)!
I absolutely love taking my tour groups here, it’s such a peaceful stop between Marrakech and Fes.
For all you adventure seekers, you’ve gotta check out Michlifen Ski Station or explore Ifrane National Park’s stunning cedar forests, where you’ll spot the cutest macaque monkeys.
Trust me, as someone who’s guided countless tours here, you’ll be amazed by how different this mountain town feels from the rest of Morocco, it’s totally safe and absolutely magical during winter!
3. Essaouira
Why do I absolutely LOVE Essaouira? As someone who lived in Essaouira, I’m gonna tell you, it’s one of the SAFEST cities you’ll find in Morocco!
I regularly walked around at night by myself (something I wouldn’t do everywhere), and I’ve never had any issues.
You’ll be amazed by the stunning oceanside location, where you can surf, kiteboard, or just chill on the beach.
The blue-and-white Medina is super safe to explore, just keep an eye on your belongings like you would anywhere.
My favorite spots include watching sunsets from the Old Skala and taking in those gorgeous views from Port de Skala.
Trust me, the biggest “threat” you’ll face here is a curious stray cat trying to sneak into your apartment, that’s how safe we’re talking!
4. Merzouga
Moving from Essaouira’s coastal charm, let me tell you about my absolute FAVORITE desert paradise, Merzouga!
As your local guide, I’m gonna let you in on why this tiny, super chill town is one of Morocco’s safest spots. Trust me, I’ve taken hundreds of visitors here!
You’re gonna LOVE spending your days riding camels across massive sand dunes, glamping under the stars, and getting your adrenaline fix with sandboarding and quad biking.
The locals here are incredibly welcoming and love sharing our Bedouin culture with visitors.
I’ve seen countless tourists feel right at home by our pools, surrounded by the warm desert vibes.
Just take basic precautions like you’d anywhere else, and you’ll have an amazing time in this peaceful oasis!
5. Marrakech
While Marrakech definitely has its chaotic moments, I’ve guided hundreds of visitors through this vibrant city and can tell you it’s truly one of Morocco’s safest destinations.
I’ll be honest, you’ll need to watch out for pickpockets in the crowded Medina, and yes, some shopkeepers can be pretty pushy in the souks.
But trust me, areas like Gueliz and Hivernage are SUPER safe, I walk there alone at night all the time!
The Medina’s totally worth exploring too, especially gorgeous spots like the Saadian Tombs and Jardin Majorelle.
For my solo female travelers, you might get some catcalls, but it’s nothing major. I always tell my guests to just keep walking confidently and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
6. Rabat
As Morocco’s capital city, Rabat holds a special place in my heart since it’s probably THE safest spot I’ve guided tours through.
You’re gonna love how easy it is to explore. I regularly see solo travelers walking around at night without any issues (and trust me, the catcalling here is SUPER minimal).
Getting around is a breeze with our modern tram system and train connections to other cities.
I always take my groups to must-see spots like the bustling Medina, where you can shop worry-free, and the stunning Andalusian gardens.
Don’t miss the Mohammed V Mausoleum’s incredible columns or the surf-worthy beaches nearby!
I’m telling you, as someone who’s traveled here extensively, Rabat’s perfect mix of safety and excitement makes it an absolute gem for visitors.
7. Meknes
The ancient city of Meknes offers a totally different vibe from Rabat’s modern buzz, and I’m absolutely in love with its peaceful atmosphere!
As your local guide, I can tell you it’s one of Morocco’s SAFEST cities, which makes exploring super easy and stress-free.
You’re gonna love visiting our incredible landmarks, like the stunning Grand Mosque (don’t forget your head scarf!), the majestic Bab Mansour gate, and the fascinating Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail.
While some spots were under construction when I took tourists around in 2023, the Medina and Dar Jamai Museum are MUST-SEE attractions.
For a perfect day trip, I always recommend checking out the amazing ruins at Volubilis or heading to the charming town of Moulay Idriss, they’re both totally worth your time!
8. Chefchaouen
Nestled high in Morocco’s stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is seriously one of my FAVORITE cities to show visitors!
As your local guide, I’m gonna tell you, this dreamy blue town is SUPER safe, especially for female travelers (trust me, I know).
You’ll feel way more comfortable here than in Fes or Tangier, and the locals are incredibly welcoming.
You’re gonna love exploring our gorgeous blue medina, which is perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots!
For the BEST experience, I always take my groups to hike Akchour Waterfall, climb the Kasbah for amazing city views, and catch the most beautiful sunset from the Spanish Mosque.
Oh, and you absolutely MUST try Sofia’s restaurant – it’s where I take all my special guests!
9. Sidi Ifni
Moving from our beautiful blue mountain paradise, I’m excited to tell you about one of my absolute FAVORITE hidden gems, Sidi Ifni!
You’re gonna love this super-safe former Spanish port town that’s just a quick 4-hour bus ride from Agadir (you can grab the CTM bus, there are two daily).
The STAR attraction here is Legzira Beach, with its mind-blowing thousand-year-old sandstone arch that’ll make your Instagram followers drool!
Trust me, it’s worth the short trip north of town. While the water’s too rough for swimming (it’s windy AF!), you can still have a blast paragliding, surfing, or taking the most amazing camel rides along the shore.
I’ve taken hundreds of tourists here, and they’re always blown away by how peaceful and secure this little slice of paradise feels.
10. Jebel Toubkal
Adventurous souls, you’re in for a MAJOR treat with Jebel Toubkal!
As your local guide, I can tell you this peaceful mountain town is gonna blow your mind, it’s literally one of Morocco’s safest spots AF.
You’ll find it nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, where I’ve taken countless travelers through Toubkal National Park’s ancient trails.
Trust me, you’ve gotta check out the shops and restaurants in Imlil before hitting up the Tizi n’Test Pass, the views are INCREDIBLE!
The crown jewel here is Mount Toubkal, standing at a whopping 4,167 meters (that’s 13,671 feet, y’all). It’s a challenging 2-3 day climb, but if you’re fit, you can totally handle it.
Just remember, summer’s your best bet, ’cause winter gets super snowy up here!
11. Taghazout
From the mountain heights, let me take you down to the laid-back vibes of Taghazout, one of my absolute FAVORITE coastal spots!
This charming beach town, just a quick 30-minute drive from Agadir, is where I love taking visitors who want to escape the tourist rush and catch some AMAZING waves.
Trust me, you’re gonna feel super safe here, we’ve got this incredible tight-knit community where everyone knows each other, and the locals are friendly AF!
Though it’s small (which I actually think adds to its charm), you won’t find tons of attractions, but that’s kinda the point.
The real magic happens at Devil’s Rock, where I often take my groups to watch the sunset while local musicians play the oud, it’s seriously the most authentic experience you can get!
12. Agadir
While my heart belongs to all of Morocco’s wonderful cities, I’ve gotta tell you that Agadir holds a SPECIAL place in my guidebook!
As a local guide, I’m super proud of our modern, safe beach city that was totally rebuilt after the 1960s earthquake, and trust me, it’s gorgeous AF!
You’re gonna LOVE spending time at our high-end resorts, chilling on the sandy beach, and exploring Souk El Had (which is literally the BIGGEST souk in Morocco).
And don’t even get me started on Paradise Valley, the Crocopark, and that amazing cable car ride!
The grid-style streets make it super easy to navigate, even for first-timers.
Just follow basic safety rules at night, and you’ll have the BEST time in my beloved Agadir.
Additional Morocco Safety Tips
As your friendly Moroccan guide, I’ll tell you what’s SUPER important to stay safe.
1. Solo Female Travelers Should Dress More Conservatively
Whether you’re wandering through the bustling medina of Marrakech or exploring the coastal vibes of Agadir, dressing conservatively is SUPER important for my fellow solo female travelers!
Trust me, I’ve guided hundreds of women through these streets, and the RIGHT clothing makes ALL the difference.
Here’s what I always tell my clients: loose-fitting clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are gonna be your BFF here.
I’ve seen how unwanted attention drops DRAMATICALLY when you follow this advice!
Pro tip: I always recommend walking with a male friend or couple instead of being alone; it’s like having an instant shield.
And ladies, those headphones are gonna be your secret weapon (even if you’re not playing anything!).
When someone’s being annoying AF, just keep walking and say “La, shukran” (no, thank you), works every time!
2. Watch Out for Pickpockets in the Medina
The Medinas are ABSOLUTELY PACKED with locals and tourists, which makes them a pickpocket’s dream spot!
As your local guide, I’m gonna tell you straight up, these narrow streets get crazy AF during peak hours, and that’s when sneaky thieves are most active.
Listen, I’ve been leading tours here for years, and I’ve seen WAY too many tourists lose their wallets and phones.
Those tiny alleyways (some barely 3 feet wide!) make it super easy for pickpockets to bump into you and snatch your stuff without you even noticing.
Keep your belongings CLOSE, and I mean really close!
Wear a crossbody bag facing forward, keep your phone in your front pocket, and never, I repeat, NEVER, carry your wallet in your back pocket.
3. Avoid Dark/Isolated Areas
While most Moroccan cities feel super safe during daylight hours, I always tell my tour groups to be extra cautious after dark!
Trust me, as someone who’s lived here my WHOLE life, it’s gonna be WAY safer if you stick to well-lit streets where other tourists and locals hang out.
I’ve guided hundreds of visitors through Morocco, and here’s what I tell them: avoid those tempting little alleyways after sunset, no matter how “authentic” they might seem!
Stay on main streets where there’s plenty of foot traffic and bright lights. If you’re heading back to your riad at night, either walk with a buddy or grab a taxi (they’re super cheap AF).
4. Use Official Bank ATMs Only
Money matters need just as much attention as those dark alleyways I mentioned!
Listen, I’ve been guiding tourists through Morocco for YEARS, and I’m gonna tell you something super important, only use ATMs that are attached to actual banks.
You’ll find these everywhere in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier (my favorites are BMCE and Attijariwafa Bank).
I’ve seen way too many tourists get their card info stolen from sketchy standalone ATMs!
Pro tip: if you’re using a bank like Charles Schwab (which is amazing AF since they don’t charge foreign transaction fees), stick to withdrawing cash during daylight hours at official bank branches.
Trust me, it’s worth walking an extra block to find a legit ATM – your bank account will thank you later!
5. Carry Only What You Need for The Day
One crucial safety tip I always tell my tour groups is to carry ONLY what you absolutely need for the day!
Listen, I’ve been guiding tours through Morocco’s bustling medinas for years, and I’m gonna be straight with you, leaving most of your valuables in your hotel safe is the SMARTEST move you can make.
Think about it, if something unfortunate happens (which is super rare, but still), you’ll have backup cash and important documents safely stored away.
I tell my guests to bring just enough dirham for shopping, one credit card, and maybe their phone, that’s literally all you need!
Keep it simple AF, and you’ll feel so much more relaxed exploring our beautiful cities without worrying about your stuff back at the hotel.
FAQs About Morocco’s Safest Cities
How Safe is Tourism in Morocco?
While Morocco may seem mysterious to first-time visitors, I can tell you from years of experience that tourism here is SUPER safe!
Our government takes tourist safety SERIOUSLY, and we’ve got undercover police everywhere in the medinas (I see them daily while leading tours).
Look, I’m gonna be real with you, the biggest issues you’ll face are probably just petty theft and catcalling.
As a female guide, I’ll share my pro tips: wearing headphones, dressing conservatively, and walking with male friends TOTALLY helps reduce unwanted attention.
And if someone’s bothering you, just say “no” firmly, they’ll usually back off AF!
Sure, there are SUPER RARE cases of terrorism or kidnapping, but I’ve guided hundreds of tourists without any major issues.
How Safe is Agadir?
When travelers ask me about safety in Agadir, I ALWAYS tell them it’s one of Morocco’s most secure destinations!
As someone who’s guided tours here for years, I can tell you firsthand that it’s totally safe. I’ve never had any issues, and my female friends who live here feel super comfortable.
Now, like ANY big city, you’re gonna want to use common sense.
Watch your stuff in tourist spots (pickpockets love targeting distracted visitors), and I definitely wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night.
But during the day? You’re good AF!
The beaches are well-patrolled, and the local police take tourism safety SERIOUSLY.
Just stick to well-lit areas after dark, keep your belongings close, and you’ll have an amazing time in our beautiful coastal city!
Is Rabat a Safe City?
Let me tell you straight up, Rabat is ABSOLUTELY one of Morocco’s safest cities!
As an experienced local guide, I can tell you that our capital city is super secure, especially for tourists and solo travelers.
You’re gonna feel totally at ease walking around here, even after dark (which I do ALL the time)!
The crime rates are crazy low, and I’m not just saying that, violent incidents against foreigners are like, super rare AF.
Sure, you’ll wanna take basic precautions like you’d in any big city, keep your belongings close, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t flash expensive stuff around.
But trust me, if you’re wondering whether Rabat is safe, the answer is a big YES!
What is Morocco Ranked in Safety?
According to ‘Which? Travel’ magazine, you’re gonna be thrilled to hear that Morocco ranks as the 8th safest country among the top twenty safest nations worldwide, and trust me, as someone who’s been guiding tours here for years, that’s SUPER impressive!
I’ve personally witnessed how our commitment to public safety and community values creates this amazing, secure environment that visitors absolutely love.
Let me tell you, it’s not just about the numbers (though they’re fantastic AF).
What makes Morocco stand out is how we blend modern security measures with our traditional values of hospitality and respect.
From my experience leading groups through bustling medinas and quiet neighborhoods, I’ve seen firsthand how our strong local governance and effective law enforcement make Morocco a destination where you can explore with total confidence.
Final Words
As a local guide who’s explored every corner of Morocco, I’m SUPER excited to tell you that our beautiful country offers plenty of safe destinations for travelers!
While cities like Casablanca and Fes require extra caution, you’ll feel totally secure in peaceful places like Chefchaouen, Essaouira, Rabat, and Asilah.
Just remember to keep your valuables close, respect local customs, and use common sense, y’know, like you’d anywhere else!
I’ve guided hundreds of tourists through these cities, and they’re always amazed by how welcoming and safe Morocco really is.
Sure, petty theft happens sometimes, but if you stay alert and follow basic safety tips, you’re gonna have an AMAZING time exploring our incredible country!
