Is Fes, Morocco Safe? 13 Safety Tips You Must Know

Let me put your mind at ease about Fes, I’ve been guiding visitors through these enchanting streets for over years, and I’ve seen firsthand how safety concerns can make travelers hesitant.

Trust me, I get it! Those winding alleyways and bustling souks can seem intimidating at first glance.

But here’s the thing: after leading countless tours for solo travelers, families, and groups from around the world, I can tell you that Fes isn’t nearly as daunting as some travel forums might suggest.

Sure, like any historic city with a maze-like medina, we have our share of opportunistic pickpockets and persistent vendors (who doesn’t love a good haggling story?).

What most visitors don’t realize is that beneath the seemingly chaotic surface lies a warm, community-oriented city where locals look out for each other and our guests.

I’ve watched countless times as shop owners help lost tourists find their way, and residents escort confused visitors back to their riads.

Of course, there are smart precautions you’ll want to take, and yes, there are a few areas where you’ll want to be more alert (I’ll share all my insider tips on that later).

But the real secret to staying safe in Fes? Understanding how to navigate the city like a local, knowing which common scams to avoid, and embracing the adventure with street-smart confidence.

Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how to explore this magical city safely, from the famous tanneries to the hidden gems that most tourists never discover.

Ready to unlock the secrets of staying secure while experiencing the real Fes?

Is It Safe to Travel to Fes, Morocco? | The Short Answer

While I’ve guided thousands of tourists through Fes over the years, I can confidently tell you that it’s absolutely safe to visit our beautiful city!

As a local guide, I see travelers from all backgrounds feel safe here every day. Yes, even solo female travelers can explore Fes comfortably, just stay aware of your surroundings like you’d in any major city.

I’ll tell you what I tell my guests: Fes, Morocco, is generally safe for solo adventurers, but common safety tips still apply.

Keep your belongings secure, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.

Many of my female clients actually prefer walking with a guide or fellow travelers, especially in the bustling medina.

Safety Tips for Fes, Morocco

As a local guide in Fes with extensive experience, I’ll share my TOP safety tips that’ll keep you secure while exploring our amazing city!

You’ll want to be EXTRA careful about people offering “help” in the medina; these unofficial guides often lead tourists into scams or overpriced shops, so stick with licensed guides and reliable navigation apps instead.

When night falls, ALWAYS travel with companions, especially if you’re a woman, and don’t hesitate to ask your accommodation staff for neighborhood-specific advice on where to go (and where to avoid)!

1. Do NOT Accept Unsolicited Help

You know what’s one of the BIGGEST traps tourists fall into when visiting Fes? They accept unsolicited help from strangers in the Medina!

Listen, as a local guide, I’ve seen this countless times. If someone rushes up to offer navigation help without you asking, it’s probably a scam. Just walk away!

Real Moroccans will gladly assist when YOU ask for help, we won’t randomly approach you.

This goes for kids too. Those “helpful” children who want to show you around? They’re usually after your money.

And those overly friendly strangers insisting on giving you a Medina tour? They’ll demand outrageous payment later.

Here’s my golden rule: If you didn’t ask for help in Fes, don’t accept it. It’s that simple!

2. Use an App to Navigate the Medina

Getting lost in Fes’s ancient Medina has happened to EVERY visitor I’ve guided, even those with perfect direction sense!

While Fes is a safe city, navigating the narrow alleyways of its Medina can feel like solving a giant puzzle.

Here’s my top tip: download Maps.me before your visit. It’s my go-to app that works offline and will help you explore the Medina confidently.

The Medina’s layout actually follows the hill it sits on. When you feel lost, remember this simple rule: walking uphill leads to the Blue Gate (exit), while going downhill takes you deeper into the Medina toward the tanneries.

Trust me, having Maps.me on your phone is one of the smartest safety precautions you can take.

It’ll help you feel right at home while wandering these historic streets!

3. Do Not Walk Around at Night Alone

Night safety in the Medina deserves special attention, now that you’ve got your navigation app sorted out!

As your local guide, I can’t stress this enough: avoid walking alone through the narrow alleys after dark.

The Medina’s streets are VERY dimly lit, and sketchy people sometimes target tourists once the sun sets. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen!

If you’re planning dinner in the Medina, that’s totally fine! Just make sure you’re back at your riad before it gets too late.

When I take visitors around at night, we stick to well-lit main roads and always travel as a group.

There’s really no reason to wander the Medina alone after dark anyway, since most shops close early and nightlife is minimal.

Stay smart, and you’ll be just fine!

4. Solo Female Travelers Should Travel in Groups

Solo female travelers face THREE major challenges in Fes: unwanted male attention, persistent harassment, and safety concerns when exploring alone.

While Fes is generally safe, you’ll likely encounter LOTS of unwanted attention as a solo female traveler.

I’ve guided hundreds of women through the medina, and they’re often surprised by how frequently they’re approached, sometimes 20+ times daily!

Here’s my #1 travel tip: Don’t explore Fes alone. Instead, either:

• Join a guided tour (this is your BEST option!)
• Team up with fellow travelers from your hotel
• Explore with male companions

The winding streets of the medina are much more enjoyable when you’re not constantly dealing with harassment.

You’ll actually get to appreciate the city’s incredible culture and architecture without unwanted distractions.

5. Ask Your Hotel/Hostel for Advice

Often overlooked but INCREDIBLY valuable, your hotel staff in Fes can be your best resource for up-to-date safety tips!

When you check into your hotel, you’ll likely be welcomed with traditional mint tea and friendly conversation.

While you might be tired from traveling to Fes, DON’T rush through this moment!

It’s the perfect opportunity to ask your hotel staff about common scams, places to avoid, and what to watch out for in the city.

Trust me, these locals interact with tourists daily and know exactly which areas are safe and which aren’t.

They’ll share invaluable insights about local customs and current safety in Fes that you won’t find in guidebooks.

Plus, they’re genuinely invested in your safety, happy guests mean good reviews and return visits!

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

Everyone wants to be polite when exploring the charming streets of Fes, but I’ve learned from years of guiding tourists that being TOO nice can actually put you in uncomfortable situations!

As your local guide, I’ll tell you my top Fes safety tips: keep your street smarts and don’t feel guilty about saying “NO” firmly to aggressive vendors.

You’ll encounter many shopkeepers and unofficial guides who can be quite persistent, but remember, you’re not obligated to buy anything!

Always keep an eye on your surroundings, and it’s always a good idea to walk away if someone’s making you uncomfortable.

I tell my solo travel clients to be polite but direct, a simple “No, thank you” while continuing to walk will minimize unwanted attention.

Trust me, most vendors will respect your boundaries when you’re clear about them!

7. Don’t Forget to Haggle

The art of haggling is an absolute MUST-KNOW skill for navigating the vibrant streets of Fes!

As your friendly local guide, I can tell you that while Fes is generally safe for tourists, you’ll want to master the art of negotiation to make the most of your visit.

In the medina, NEVER accept the first price. I always recommend starting at 50% of what’s asked and working your way up from there.

Remember, haggling isn’t just for souvenirs! You can negotiate taxi fares, tour prices, and many other services.

However, don’t try this in places with fixed prices like supermarkets or restaurants. If you see a price tag or menu, that’s your signal that the price is SET.

This common practice in Morocco is actually fun once you get the hang of it, think of it as a friendly game of price ping-pong!

8. Trust Your Gut

When exploring the winding alleys of Fes, your intuition is your BEST friend!

As a local guide, I’ve seen too many tourists ignore their gut feelings because they didn’t want to appear rude.

Let me tell you, that’s a HUGE mistake! If a situation feels sketchy or makes you uncomfortable, don’t second-guess yourself.

Trust your instincts when they tell you something’s not right. You don’t need to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings or being polite. Your safety is way more important than social niceties!

I always tell my visitors: remove yourself from any uncomfortable situations RIGHT AWAY.

Whether it’s an overly pushy vendor or someone who seems too eager to “help,” you have every right to walk away.

9. Don’t Accept the First Price Offered by Taxis

Navigating taxi fares in Fes can be TRICKY, my friends!

As a local guide, I’ve seen SO many tourists get overcharged by taxi drivers who spot them as foreigners.

Don’t accept the first price they offer, it’s usually WAY too high!

Here’s what I tell my tour groups: Before hopping in any taxi, ask your hotel about the normal fare for your route.

When you get to the taxi, INSIST they use the meter – it’s actually required by law!

If they refuse to use the meter, just casually mention the word “police.” Trust me, this works like MAGIC!

The drivers know they’re supposed to use meters, and they’ll quickly turn them on when they hear that word.

10. Don’t Carry Anything Valuable Around the Medina

Making sure your valuables stay safe in Fes’s bustling Medina can feel overwhelming at first!

As a local guide, I’ve seen too many tourists learn the hard way about petty crime in our crowded areas.

Trust me, you’ll want to avoid walking around with anything valuable in your pockets, those narrow streets are perfect for pickpockets!

Here’s what I tell all my clients: keep only the cash you need for the day in an anti-theft backpack.

I personally use Pacsafe and LOVE it! While it’s a bit pricey, I’ve never had anything stolen in my years of navigating Fes’s busy streets.

Store your extra money, cards, and valuables in your hotel room safe.

This way, if something does happen (though I hope it won’t!), you won’t lose everything.

11. Don’t Enter a Mosque if You Are Not a Muslim

Although mosques are beautiful and fascinating structures in Fes, I need to be VERY clear about this as your local guide, they’re strictly off-limits to non-Muslim visitors!

As someone who’s lived in Fes my whole life, I can tell you that mosques here are sacred spaces reserved exclusively for Muslim worship.

While you might be curious about the interior, please respect this important rule to ensure your visit stays safe and culturally appropriate.

There are SO many other amazing attractions worth visiting in Fes!

And don’t worry, you can still admire and photograph the stunning mosque exteriors from outside.

If you’re really interested in entering a mosque, I’d recommend heading to Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque or the Grand Mosque of Meknes, where non-Muslims can visit during specific non-prayer times.

12. Dress Conservatively and Blend In

When visiting my beloved hometown of Fes, dressing appropriately is SUPER important, even more so than in other Moroccan cities!

As your local guide, I’ll tell you that following cultural norms will help you blend in and stay safe.

Ladies, please keep those knees and shoulders covered! I’ve seen many tourists make this mistake.

Loose pants and long-sleeved tops in light fabrics are your best friends, especially when it’s 88°F outside.

For men, while my brother wears shorts all the time, most locals don’t. If you want to avoid unwanted attention from scammers, opt for lightweight pants instead.

Trust me, modest clothing goes a LONG way in making your Fes experience more enjoyable!

13. Avoid PDA (Public Displays of Affection)

Since public displays of affection are a BIG no-no in Fes, I’ve got to warn you about this as your local guide!

While it’s safe to travel here and explore our rich culture, you’ll need to be mindful of local customs.

Once I saw a tourist couple getting scolded for kissing in public, yikes!

Even though Moroccan people are incredibly welcoming, they’re quite conservative when it comes to PDA.

Here’s what you CAN do: holding hands or a quick arm around the shoulder is usually fine.

But please, no kissing or making out in public! This applies to everyone, whether you’re a solo woman traveler or part of a couple.

Along with dressing modestly, avoiding PDA is crucial when planning a trip to our beautiful city.

Final Words

You’ll find that Fes is generally safe when you follow basic precautions. Keep your belongings secure, trust your instincts, and don’t wander the Medina alone at night.

While petty theft can occur, like in any major city, most travelers experience zero issues. Stick to well-lit areas, respect local customs, and consider hiring a guide for your first few days.

With these simple steps, you’ll enjoy all the magic this ancient city has to offer!

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