Travel: Solo Female Travel in Marrakesh, Morocco
Style Points: 3/5
Price: £
Overall: 5/5
Search for solo female travel in Marrakesh on the internet and a host a pages pop up strongly advising against it. ‘Make sure you stay in a group, ensure there is a guy with you at all times and absolutely do not go out at night by yourself’ - there are some of the things they recommend, yet I did precisely the opposite and didn’t feel uncomfortable at any point of my trip.
Granted Marrakesh is a very busy city with cars and motorbikes and donkeys and tonnes of dust encompassing you as you walk down the labyrinth of alleyways, and this can take some time to get used to. However there are as many hidden oasis in the city as there are busy streets, and there is always somewhere serene to retreat to.
See:
Jemaa el Fna: The main square in Marrakesh is bustling with food stalls, street performers and freshly squeezed orange juice that costs less than 50p!
Ali Ben Youssef Medersa: This Quranic school founded in the 14th century is a beautiful ode to the splendors of Moroccan artistry.
Saadien Tombs: There are more than 170 tombs here mark the resting place of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour and this family. Located near the Koutoubia Minaret take in the awe inspiring structure as you pass.
La Palais de la Bahia: Floor to ceiling woodwork, paint and guild compose this stunning palace.
Jardin Majorelle: A thank you present from Yves Saint Laurent to his adopted city, the blue and green hues here serve to quench your thirst on a sweltering hot day. There is also a cafe inside if you wanted to linger.
Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech: My favourite - this tranquil photography museum marks the history of Marrakesh and has a cafe at the top which is the highest spot in the medina. Enjoy scenic views, mint tea and a cooling breeze on this rooftop cafe.
Eat:
As a solo traveller on a budget I ate mostly at casual cafes rather than high end restaurants offering formal set menus. I felt much more comfortable in this environment and I was more likely to meet other travellers.
Cafe Clock: Perfect for solo travellers as the communal tables, performances and super friendly staff can make anyone feel at home.
Bakchich Cafe: This cheerful cafe near the main square is a cheap yet delicious place to eat in bright surroundings.
Terrasse Des Epices: A beautiful roof top cafe/restaurant with great wi-fi connection making the the perfect place to unwind. Offering a Moroccan and European menu, useful if you’ve had your fill of tagines.
Café des Epices: Located close to the main square this restaurant is made up of a few floors and you can choose to sit a ground level or on the roof top overlooking the market traders.
Stay:
When in Marrakesh there’s nothing better than staying in a raid. Most have roof terraces, delicious traditional breakfasts and absolutely beautiful decor!
I stayed in Riad Cinnamon in the heart of the Medina and absolutely loved it! The staff in particular were extremely friendly and always ready to help with any question you might have, They even gave us a mobile phone for emergencies! Riad Cinnamon also have sister venues dotted across the city which are all worth looking into.
Relax:
Contrary to the hustle and bustle of the main square, Marrakesh is conducive to relaxing. Many of the restaurants and cafes mentioned above are perfect for unwinding in. In fact I spent a good few hours on my laptop in Terrasse Des Epices.
Additionally the sites mentioned above are also great to while away a few hours. Jardin Majorelle and Ali Ben Youssef Medersa in particular offer endless photo opportunities.
Riads are also ideal for lounging. The majority have roof terraces which are the perfect place to spend the afternoon hours when many of the shop traders take a break.
Overall:
I absolutely loved meandering by myself through the medina, alleyways and street of Marrakesh, as there was a hidden photographic gem around almost every corner. As a solo female traveller I did not feel my safety was at threat, even late at night.
There were a good number of tourists around, especially in the restaurants, so it was easy to make conversation and feel at home with fellow travellers. In fact, when turning to seek out the sights and if I ever felt unsure of which route to take, the tour groups proved very handy as I knew following them would usually guide me in the right direction.
I’ve been to Morocco many times now, as the golden sunshine, outdoor dining culture, endless mint tea, affordability, and decadent architecture have, and will continue to, draw me back.
Find more solo travel tips on Digital Travel Guru.
Let me know if you've travelled solo before and what you're experiences were! :)
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