MOROCCO Archives - Wandering Everywhere

8 THINGS FEMALE TRAVELLERS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MARRAKECH BEFORE VISITING

Amy Aed — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 01:05:39 +0000

Marrakech is a city of chaos and beauty, and is sometimes nicknamed the ‘Red City’ due to the reddish-pink ochre that it is bathed in. If you’re looking for a trip that will keep you on your toes, then Marrakech is the place, but there’s a couple things to be aware of before you visit – especially if you’re a solo female traveller.

clothing

There isn’t exactly a dress code exactly in Marrakech, but certain outfits will make you stick out more. It’s also important to be aware of the way that the locals around you are dressing, so that you can dress respectfully and not attract any unwanted attention. I suggest wearing long, loose shirts with long shorts or trousers, keeping yourself modest. If you’re entering a religious site, whilst it might not be compulsory, it’s still a good call to cover your hair out of respect.

If you want to add a unique touch of personality to your outfit while respecting local culture, consider Custom Patches.

These patches can be designed with local motifs, such as iconic Marrakech architectural silhouettes or unique geometric patterns, or you can create your own personalized designs. Such personalized patches can be applied to clothing or backpacks, enhancing your overall look while demonstrating respect for and integration with local culture.

Gsjj.co.uk offers a variety of patch templates and offers quick customization, so check them out if you’re interested.

photos

The idea that you should never take photos of people without their knowledge is even more prominent in Marrakech. If you’re walking through a souk and stumble upon someone soldering pipes, melting metals, or dyeing leathers (AKA, taking part in their own personal livelihoods) then it’s merely the respectful thing to not take photos without their consent. Try not to treat the locals like commodities, and if you do so, be prepared to either pay a large sum or get yelled at.

food and water

I was lucky enough that my introduction to the city was from Khalid, my fantastic food tour guide (shout out to Moroccan Food Adventures, my personal favourite local food tour company), as he immediately taught me about all the do’s and don’t’s of the city. We stopped at some of the most incredible local food stops, tried arguably the best tea of the country, and he advised me on several things:

Do not drink the tap water: even if you are offered a glass at a cafe, it’s best to avoid if you don’t want to be sick during your trip.
Be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits: Street vendors may sell cut-up fruit or vegetables, but these are often washed with tap water, so it’s safer to avoid them or buy them from trusted sources.
Try to eat at places with a high turnover of customers: The more popular a food spot is, the more likely it is to serve fresh and safe food. Crowds (of locals, of course) are often a good indicator that the food is both delicious and safe to eat.
Be mindful of local sweets and pastries: Moroccan sweets like baklava and pastilla are delicious, but make sure they’re prepared fresh.
Don’t ignore food allergies or sensitivities: Moroccan food can be rich in spices, so if you have any allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients (like saffron, cumin, or cilantro), make sure to ask about the ingredients beforehand. Personally, I’m intolerant to onion, dairy, and tomato (thanks, Crohn’s), so Khalid taught me how to order food without these.
Choose freshly squeezed juice over pre-made options: Fresh juices are a Moroccan staple, but some pre-made juices may not be stored correctly. Stick to juices that are squeezed right in front of you to ensure freshness and safety.

walking by yourself

Whilst Marrakech is generally a safe place, make sure that you’re aware of your surroundings – especially at night. My friends and I were followed down an alleyway one evening, and whilst the men were friendly and maintained a safe distance, they did harass us for money.

Ensure that if you’re going to be walking around by yourself, try to avoid going to the Medina at night, Jemaa el-Fna after dark, the outskirts near the bus and train station, and the northern edge of the Medina near Bab Doukkala.

henna

Speaking of scams, one of the worst in Marrakech involves women who aggressively offer henna tattoos in the souk. They’ll often grab your hand without permission, apply the tattoo, and then demand a high price for their poor work. These tattoos are done with black henna which contains harmful chemicals like gasoline and paraphenylenadiamine, causing burns, blisters, and allergic reactions. It’s a horrific experience but can be easily avoided if you snatch your arm away and refuse.

animals

If a sad monkey on a chain catches your eye or you’re tempted to take a photo with it, please reconsider. The Barbary monkeys are often stolen from the Atlas Mountains and subjected to terrible conditions, and the more I’ve read about these, the sadder it is. Similarly, the snakes in the Medina have their mouths sewn shut to prevent attacks, and they often die soon after being captured. If you care about animals, it’s best to avoid supporting these practices.

“i know the way”

Be cautious of locals who approach you claiming to know the way to your destination. While some may have good intentions, others may try to lead you astray, only to demand payment later. We had one particular encounter with a small child, who, upon telling him that we actually knew the way to Bahia Palace, proceeded to swear at us and raise his tiny fist in the air, with onlookers staring at us as we walked away. It’s always wise to be skeptical in these situations. Another thing worth sorting out in advance is getting an eSIM card UK. Having mobile data ready as soon as you land makes navigation much easier and helps you avoid relying on strangers for directions.

money

Be mindful of who is offering services to you and their intentions. On a trip to the Atlas Mountains, we stopped at a roadside where goats were eating Argan nuts from the trees. After I took some photos, the farmer asked for money in exchange, and looked displeased with each subsequent euro I handed him until I cleared my pockets. He smiled and said, “thank you, shukran” – but in essence, I had just been mugged by a goat farmer and his camels.

Marrakech is a truly beautiful city, but it’s also one where, especially if you’re not used to travelling alone, you should ensure that you’ve taken the right precautions in. Be aware of where you are and how you’re acting, follow these above rules, and you’ll be fine. After all, Morocco is filled with generous, caring people <3

Additionally, before finalising your itinerary, ensure you check Morocco’s entry requirements and apply for your visa in advance.

BUT BEFORE YOU DO – WHY NOT SHARE THE LOVE AND PIN THIS POST?

BEST 10 STREET FOODS TO TRY IN FEZ MEDINA, MOROCCO

Amy Aed — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:25:23 +0000

Fez is the oldest imperial city in Morocco, with the medina being a UNESCO world heritage site. As you can imagine, the Fez medina has some of the best street food in the world. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the city, simply whiling away the hours eating good food and sitting at roadside stalls drinking tea. Frankly, it’s one of my favourite things to do, and I’m super chuffed to be able to share the best street food in the Fez medina with you.

1. Khlii

With Khili (also known as Khlea), looks can certainly be deceiving. Whilst the dish may look a may look a little weird, it is really just a delicious little confit of preserved meat. Traditionally prepared by sun-drying a type of cured meat called gueddid in a mixture of olive oil, water, and animal fat, the final product can last up to years when stored properly. Khlii tastes a little like American beef jerky, but softer, slightly saltier, and a tad garlicky. Once you get over the initial sight of it, it’s actually pretty darn good.

2. Bissara

Have you ever tried fava beans, the dried mature fruits of the Vicia faba legume species? Regardless of the answer, you’re going to love bissara, also known as fava bean soup! This is easily one of my favourite foods in the Fez medina, especially when the weather is a little cooler. It’s hearty, filling, warming, and feels a little as though it can fix you from the inside out. I bloody love it. Plus, unlike a lot of other street foods in this list, bissara is vegetarian!

3. Chebakia

Chebakia is a type of pastry made from strips of rolled dough which is then deep-fried until golden. Then, it is coated with a honey and orange blossom syrup, and garnished with sesame. As you can imagine, chebakia is one of the sweetest things that you will find in the Fez medina, and once you’ve tried one of these rose-shaped pastries, you’re never going to stop consuming them. Believe me, I’ve been there.

4. Mkhamer

Also known as Batbout, this Moroccan pita bread is made from milk, flour, butter, and of course, sugar (aren’t all things in Morocco?). It is cooked on a skillet or griddle, resulting in a soft and chewy texture which is perfect for filling with honey or kefta. This is one of my favourite breakfast go-to’s in the Fez medina, and I buy at least five of these little disks every time.

5. Msemen

Msemen are small square pancakes made with an elastic bread-like dough which has been stretched wafer thin. They are a staple of the Moroccan diet and something that you absolutely need to try during your visit. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy msemen is having it dipped in a hot syrup made from butter and honey, but it is also great with tomato, onion, and olives. Served hot and straight from the large iron dome, they are another delicious breakfast dish.

6. Pastilla

Coming from the Spanish word for “pill”, pastilla is a sweet and savoury dish made from shredded chicken, spices, cinnamon, and crushed almonds, and then topped with icing sugar and honey. Quite simply, it is absolutely divine, and surprisingly not overwhelmingly sweet. Wrapped in a dough which is similar to filo pastry and then fried in a skillet, this dish was historically made with pigeon. Nowadays, it’s more likely that you will watch the chicken be plucked from its caged, hung upside-down, and have its throat slit in the halal way right in front of you. It’s brutal… but if you’re a meat eater, then this is something that you should witness before indulging in meat in Morocco.

7. Nougat

Sure, you can find nougat in most corners around the world… but have you ever tried Fez nougat? Made from sugar, egg white, and different types of nuts, you can find this delicious Moroccan sweet thing in a million different colours and flavours. One of the main reasons why you need to try nougat from the Fez medina is the fact that the air around the stalls is usually buzzing with bees: watch the seller brush hundreds of bees out of the way as he cuts you a chunk of the finest nougat in Morocco. It’s an experience, for sure.

8. Kaab el Ghazal

With the name translating to ‘gazelle heels’, it’s no surprise that this traditional North African cookie looks a little like the ankles of a gazelle. Crescent-shaped, made from a flour-based dough, and filled with almond paste and orange blossom water, these cookies go perfectly with mint tea. Frankly, these are only of the only cookies that I can snack on throughout all hours of the day.

9. Snails

Yes, snails are a popular snack in Fez! You can find whole stands of these bad boys on many streets in the Fez medina, where they are served still in their shells in delicious hot broths. The best way to eat these is by taking a tooth pick out with you, popping the snails out of their shells, and then slurping the broth from the bowl.

10. Mint Tea

And to wash it all down, you will need a glass or two of Moroccan mint tea. Now, you guys all know that I am a massive tea fanatic, so it probably comes as no surprise that I would recommend a cup or two of ‘Berber whisky’. Usually a mix of mint tea and gunpowder green tea, Moroccan tea then often has around seven teaspoons of sugar added to each cup. That’s right, seven! Poured from impressive heights and served in small glasses, drinking Moroccan tea in the Fez medina is a whole experience in itself, and is absolutely not to be missed… Unless you’re looking out for your health.

The Best Food Tours in Fez, Morocco

With plenty of options to choose from, it’s hard to know what the best food tour in Fez medina is. Luckily for you, I have been on almost all of them and am ready to share my golden wisdom with you. My two favourite food tour operators in the whole city are Under Moroccan Sun and Fez City Tour. If you’re looking for the best street food in the Fez medina then these tours will absolutely show you the top places to eat. Under Moroccan Sun is ideal for introducing you to new street food in Fez and educating you on the origins of each dish. Not only that, but on this tour I was also able to experience the tanneries of Fez – something which I was super excited to finally tick off my bucket list! Alternatively, I would say that I enjoyed the way that Fez City Tour started in an office, drinking a cup of mint tea with my guide, and talking out the things that I wanted to experience. As you can imagine, cheap eats for the rest of my stay were at the top of my list! Somehow, my two favourite food tours wound up both run by the same guide. Introducing Morocco’s youngest female licensed tour guide, Fatima! Man, I love Fatima. From the second that I met her and she turned up with a grin and a head full of knowledge, I knew that she was the best tour guide in the city. Not only did she put up with all of my questions, but she explained local customs, taught me about the area, and gave me the confidence to later return to the medina and explore new food places.