cakegal

I am planning a trip, as a solo female traveler, to Morocco next month. I have travelled extensively alone before, including in Morocco. A resident (of Marrakesh) has warned me from Fes, saying it has gotten very dangerous. I'm planning to stay at a nice riad and hire a guide for the day . I am usually a confident traveller, but this has given me pause. Can anyone share recent experiences one way or another? Thanks!

MmePerdu

Also a solo woman, I've been to Fes several times, though not very recently. However, Fes seems to enjoy cultivating a shady reputation and, especially if you'll have someone with you, I wouldn't worry at all (I think your resident of Marrakech may have had ulterior motives). It had the same reputation when I first went there 20 years ago and I've never had a moment of trouble, quite the opposite. In any case, do go and just take normal precautions, as you would in any city.

The fact is, as you know, Morocco is a monarchy with commensurate powers to clamp down on "dangerous". The economy depends on tourism and it just isn't allowed. So stay out of dark alleys, as you would anywhere, and enjoy Fes.

TimCullis

What a laugh. Ignore your ill informed aquaintance and his rubbish advice.

I invariably travel solo and have studied in Fez for months on end.

Current affairs in Fez: http://riadzany.blogspot.co.uk/

MinnBeef

I can only speak as a solo male traveler but Inspent 4 nights in Fes last spring, also staying at a wonderful riad. I never felt anything other than safe. To the contrary, the one shady encounter Inhad that I needed to put a firm stop to was in the Marrakech medina. (I thought the same thing as Mme. Perdue-your Marrakech friend has an "axe to grind" with Fes. You really don't even need a guide, although I did hire one for my first morning to help me get oriented. I loved Fes. Go, and I bet you will also.

TravelinFeet

Here I am in the center of the medina right now, without problems. Take the same precautions for your wallet and your phone as you would anywhere, walk in the same secure way as you would anywhere, be prepared to flick of anyone that bothers you (though it has yet to happen to me in the last week) and enjoy yourself.

That said absolutely have a guide for your first trip into the Medina and perhaps for many of them as I would say to a man or anyone else (I am still debating whether to go in alone today) (and I mean a real government guy did not one of these people who grab your arm and offered to show you the way). Because even people born in fes get lost in there. But if you don't mind getting lost and you speak enough friends to ask someone to show you the way out, and are willing to tip them something for their help, by all means go for it! I feel far safer here than I do in New York City

TravelinFeet

PS: bring the lightest skirt or dress you have. It will be hot!

TravelinFeet

Pps: in Marrakech, at night, I have never felt safe

Guenmai

I heard the same about Fes in the early 80s. I don't ever remember hearing anything other of Fez. I was also told to be careful in Marrakesh, but went, to Marrakesh, solo as a traveling female and was basically fine. I just covered up a lot as far as clothing and then wandered all over the place and in small backstreets as I wanted to do photography. But, the first two days, I hired a male guide, from a government guide place, I think it was. He was born and raised in Marrakesh and he and I both walked and took taxis all over the place and he went with me into the medina there. If I were to ever go to Fes,I would do the same.

Happy Travels!