Sounds Of The Souks

Tag: Suitable clothing for visitors to Marrakech

An exploration of The Red City known as Marrakech.

  • IS MARRAKECH SAFE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS?

    I would say that Marrakech is perfectly safe for women who travel alone.

    The overall crime rate is relatively low, and most female travellers have a wonderful experience.

    There are certain things to consider, however.

    Morroccan women dress modestly.

    How you want to be treated will depend on how you present yourself.

    Marrakech is liberal, but showing too much flesh would be considered inappropriate.

    Whilst you’re not expecting to adopt the hijab, you will certainly be regarded favourably if you dress slightly more conservatively.

    Long, silk, or cotton dresses are perfect and keep you cool at the same time.

    Palazzo trousers are comfortable and elegant.

    I wore turbans, and I loved that my hair was tucked away, keeping me from feeling too hot whilst feeling sophisticated.

    The people in Marrakesh are friendly and helpful.

    There may be an occasional situation where you may be asked if you need help to find your riad or the main square.

    Simply decline the offer politely and go about your business.

    Stand your ground when negotiating a price for something. Show you are confident and don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not happy.

    Some men may cat call or make comments, which may be slightly intrusive.

    Ignore them and move away. If anyone follows you, find a shop vendor or restaurant to sit in or threaten to find a police officer.

    It’s rare that this happens, though..

    Knowing a few words in Arabic or French is always useful.

    ‘Non merci’ or ‘La Shukran’ for ‘no thank you’ should suffice.

    On the whole, I have never felt uncomfortable as a solo female traveller in Marrakech.

    There are plenty of us about wandering through the souks and enjoying the tourist hot-spots.

    Consider using a tour guide or joining a guided tour of the medina if you’re slightly anxious about exploring yourself or it’s your first time.

    There are night tours, street food tours, and registered guides when visiting the local attractions.

    In summary, Marrakech is a great place to visit as a solo female traveller.

    Most people can’t wait to tell you all about their fascinating city.

    Educate yourself on the cultural norms and differences and respect the local customs and traditions, and you will be perfectly safe.

    You will have a truly wonderful time.

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  • WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I PACK FOR VISITING MARRAKECH?

    Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.

    Even the cooler months can feel very warm and humid, especially walking around the souks and popular points of interest.

    Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population.

    So, what should you wear to feel comfortable and respectable?

    For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers.

    These are baggy and flowing, keeping you nice and cool.

    They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a maxi dress.

    Lightweight cotton trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.

    Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a lightweight pair of palazzo trousers underneath for extra  modesty if the dress is thin.

    Linen is perfect and always looks polished. It may get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.

    However, most accommodations have an iron and laundry service.

    Cotton tee-shirts and blouses, paired with a maxi skirt or loose-fitting trousers, are ideal and can look flattering with the right accessories.

    Yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring.

    Headscarves are fashionable at the moment and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting some of the religious sights or as a convenient wrap for around the shoulders.

    I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.

    They keep my head and neck cool at the same time.

    Silk scarves roll up really small and fit perfectly in your bag.

    Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon.

    You may attract unwanted attention from males and disapproval from local females spoiling your overall experience and making you feel uncomfortable.

    How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.

    In your hotel or riad, it’s perfectly fine to wear shorts and clothing for sunbathing, so pack something for those occasions also.

    Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.

    Many restaurants don’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders are deemed to be acceptable.

    Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.

    Regarding men’s clothing choices, it’s definitely less important than the females.

    I wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on. That is best left for beach holidays.

    So, staying comfortable and cool is the only thing they need to consider.

    On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of Marrakech.

    This is where the clubs and bars are, and it’s acceptable to dress more glamorously here.

    You can still look good in the appropriate clothing.

    It’s about choosing nice accessories.

    Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is essential.

    Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.

    I took a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks.

    It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.

    I enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses and ethnic style tops and trousers.

    Finally, I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.

    I usually take a shawl or cardigan, and it’s always been adequate, even in March.

    Depending on what time of year you travel to Marrakech, you may be better thinking in terms of layers.

    In winter, the evenings can get chilly.

    A trip to Agafay desert can be  very blustery, sitting watching the sunset.

    A shawl or lightweight hoodie or jumper is perfect to enjoy the experience in the open air.

    A thin skin underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough.

    I wore long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings.

    Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will help you to plan accordingly for your trip.

    So to sum up,

    Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider.

    You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.

    To discourage unwanted attention and negative vibes from the locals, female travellers should refrain from dressing too provocatively.

    Unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded.

    Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.

    Turbans are elegant and modest.

    Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.

    You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster.

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