As someone born and raised in the heart of Fez, Morocco, I’ve spent my entire life navigating its maze-like alleys, absorbing its timeless energy, and welcoming travelers from around the world. Living here has shown me that Fez is not just a destination you visit—it’s a world you step into. With more than 9,000 narrow streets crisscrossing the medina, even the best sense of direction can fall short. Understanding Fez takes time, patience, and most importantly, connection with the locals.

Fez is one of the most captivating cities in Morocco. It’s home to the oldest still-functioning university in the world—Al Quaraouiyine—and a walled medina that feels like stepping into another century. The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else: the scent of spices, the call to prayer echoing through ancient stone, the vibrant bustle of souks, and the serene beauty of hidden riads. But alongside the excitement, one question often lingers in the minds of travelers: Is Fez safe to visit?

It’s a fair question—especially if it’s your first time in Morocco. The U.S. State Department currently classifies Morocco as a Level 2 travel advisory, encouraging travelers to exercise increased caution in crowded areas and tourist hubs. This is a general advisory, not unique to Fez, and is often applied to popular tourist destinations around the world. From my own experience and the thousands of guests I’ve welcomed through guided tours and local experiences, I can confidently say that Fez is, for the vast majority of visitors, a very safe and rewarding place to explore.

Of course, like any city, Fez has its challenges—especially if you’re unfamiliar with local customs or aren’t used to navigating busy medinas. But most of these challenges are easy to overcome with a little local knowledge and common sense. That’s why I believe hearing directly from a local can make a big difference in how you experience the city.

Over the years, I’ve helped travelers from all walks of life enjoy Fez safely, whether they’re wandering the ancient tanneries, sipping mint tea in a rooftop café, or discovering the stories behind its mosaic-covered madrasas. What I’ve learned is that safety in Fez isn’t about avoiding danger—it’s about knowing how to move through the city with awareness, respect, and a sense of adventure.

In the sections that follow, I’ll share practical insights from someone who knows this city not just as a guide, but as a son of its streets. You’ll discover what areas are best to stay in, how to navigate the medina with ease, what scams to avoid, and why Fez remains a deeply welcoming place for travelers when approached with curiosity and care.

If you’re planning your trip and wondering what it’s really like to explore Fez as a visitor, let me show you how this ancient city can become one of the most memorable and meaningful stops on your Moroccan journey.

The sort of thing I love is sharing my real-life experience about Fes’s safety. This piece covers common concerns and practical tips that will help you move around the city just like a local.

Is Fes Morocco Safe in 2025? A Local’s Honest Take

Living in Fes for several years has given me a fresh view of the city’s safety. This cultural heart and the second-largest city of Morocco shows remarkable changes in how safe visitors feel.

How safety has changed over the years

Safety in Fes looks very different now than it did a decade ago. Tourists in the early 2010s felt overwhelmed by pushy touts and sometimes had their pockets picked in busy areas. Many people who tried to explore the maze-like Medina alone found themselves in sketchy back alleys.

The scene started changing when Morocco’s government invested heavily in tourism safety after 2015. You’ll now see police officers posted at strategic spots throughout the Medina and tourist spots. Their presence helps prevent crime and provides quick help when needed.

The city has cleaned up its tour guide situation too. Before, fake guides would hassle tourists with promises they couldn’t keep, leading to pressure sales and cons. Now guides must wear government badges, which makes the whole experience more trustworthy.

Better technology makes Fes safer these days. Tourists rarely get lost in the Medina’s 9,000+ alleyways thanks to GPS and mapping apps. Good cell service throughout the city means help is just a call away.

Some problems still exist. Solo female travelers might face unwanted attention, though rarely physical threats. Pickpockets still work the crowds during festivals and in packed market areas.

In the past, some travelers—especially solo female visitors—reported occasional issues such as unwanted attention or feeling pressured to purchase goods in the medina. Pickpocketing was also more common during large festivals or in crowded market streets. However, much has changed in recent years. The Moroccan government has made significant efforts to prioritize tourist safety and improve the overall experience for visitors.

Local business owners now understand that tourist safety matters for everyone’s success. Riad owners, restaurant staff, and shop owners look after their guests. Many walk visitors home after dark or share safety tips.

Today, tourists benefit from stronger legal protections and a more organized tourism framework. If a visitor feels harassed, pressured to buy something, or experiences a problem with a local vendor, authorities now take such complaints seriously. In many cases, travelers can return products and get their money back without hassle, thanks to a growing culture of accountability and tourist respect.

Fez has become noticeably more welcoming, secure, and visitor-friendly, especially for solo travelers. With increased police presence in the medina, tourist assistance centers, and a renewed focus on hospitality, exploring the city is now more enjoyable and stress-free than ever before.

Why Fes is still worth visiting

Fes offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else, despite these challenges. The city keeps its authentic culture while other places become more alike. Unlike some tourist-heavy Moroccan spots, Fes stays true to its roots.

The UNESCO-protected Medina of Fes el-Bali stands out as something special – a medieval city that’s still alive and mostly unchanged since the 9th century. Walking these ancient streets feels like stepping back in time.

This city’s artistic heritage will take your breath away. From the stunning mosaics in Bou Inania Madrasa to expert craftsmanship in every Medina corner, you’ll see Moroccan arts at their finest. The famous tanneries show leather-making methods that haven’t changed for over 1,000 years.

Fes residents welcome visitors with open arms. Language barriers don’t stop locals from helping lost tourists or sharing their culture. These real connections often become the highlight of people’s trips.

The food scene alone makes Fes worth your time. Morocco’s best traditional cooking lives here, from aromatic tagines to delicate pastillas. Food tours let you try local dishes safely while meeting international health standards.

This city works great as a starting point to see the Middle Atlas Mountains, Volubilis’s Roman ruins, and the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Organized day trips take care of transport and safety worries.

Let me be clear: Fes welcomes tourists safely in 2025. Just stay aware and follow simple precautions, which I’ll explain in this piece.

Top Safety Concerns Tourists Should Know

Safety should be your top priority while exploring the ancient streets of Fes. I live here and walk these centuries-old paths every day, so I’ve seen firsthand what challenges tourists face. Let me share the biggest problems you’ll need to watch out for before you visit.

Scams and aggressive touts

You’ll likely meet Morocco’s infamous touts the second you walk through Bab Boujloud (the Blue Gate) into the Medina. These encounters aren’t anything like what you read in travel blogs – they can be anything from slightly annoying to really frustrating.

The most common scam happens with “helpers” who come up to tourists with friendly hellos. They’ll try to give you directions, guide you to sites, or tell you places are closed. These people say they don’t want anything back – just to practice English or because they’re “going that way anyway.” But soon they’ll want money or take you to shops where they get kickbacks.

Before I started working in tourism myself, I witnessed how some travelers had uncomfortable experiences with self-proclaimed “guides” in the medina. These individuals would often lead visitors through isolated alleys, only to pressure them for large sums of money afterward. I once saw a tourist shaken by how two men argued over who had the right to overcharge him.
Thankfully, things have changed a lot since then. Today, official guides are licensed and regulated, and the local authorities are much more responsive. Through my work in tourism, I’ve made it a priority to ensure that visitors experience the real spirit of Fez—authentic, respectful, and safe.

Here’s what you need to remember: if someone offers help you didn’t ask for, it’s probably a scam. Real help in Morocco only comes after you ask for it.

Getting lost in the Medina

Fes el-Bali (the old Medina) is a real maze. This world’s largest car-free urban area has about 9,000 narrow alleys, and getting lost isn’t just possible – it’s likely.

A visitor described it perfectly: “I found that I liked the idea of getting lost in Fes more than getting lost itself. The one time I did accidentally get lost in Fes’ medina, I was not a happy camper. Some of these alleys were deserted. And narrow. And dark. And dead-ended. I felt so trapped”.

The Medina’s layout makes things worse. Many paths lead nowhere, end up in residential areas, or become narrow passages that feel more isolated as you leave the main streets. Things get really quiet after 9:30 pm when shops close, and busy areas become empty and dark.

The good news is that Morocco’s government has put up color-coded signs throughout the Medina. Blue signs show you the way past palaces and plazas, while pink ones lead you through artisan workshops. These signs are a great way to get back on track when you’re lost.

Unwanted attention and harassment

Solo female travelers, especially, may encounter street harassment, which can be the most uncomfortable aspect of visiting Fes. This attention ranges from staring and comments to more aggressive behavior.

A local resident explains: “Young guys on a street corner stop their conversation and stare blatantly as women pass. Whether she wears jeans or a jellaba makes no difference. Yet more insulting are the lewd phrases in English or French that they sometimes mutter.”

Unfortunately, female travelers often bear the brunt of this behavior. One visitor shared: “As a Western, solo female traveler, you will receive a lot of unwanted male attention in Morocco… Fes was the city where I received the most unwanted male attention.”

While cultural differences, social factors, and gender relations in Moroccan society all contribute to this behavior, it’s important to note that many visitors may not be aware of the traditional customs of this ancient city. Fes is a deeply spiritual and Islamic city, and its residents take pride in preserving their customs. As a result, some young men may react to the way certain foreign women dress, especially if their clothes are revealing or go against the city’s conservative dress codes. This can unfortunately trigger inappropriate attention or harassment.

Though this attention rarely turns physical, it can significantly affect the experience of visitors who are unprepared for it. Understanding the cultural context and dressing modestly can help mitigate unwanted attention and ensure a more comfortable visit to Fes.

These three main issues – scams, getting lost, and unwanted attention – are crucial to know about before visiting Fes. Still, thousands of tourists explore this amazing city daily without any serious problems. Next, I’ll show you specific ways different types of travelers can avoid these issues and really enjoy what Fes offers.

Safety Tips for Different Types of Travelers

People experience Fes in their own unique way. My years of watching tourists find their way through this ancient city have taught me a lot. Let me share some safety tips that work best for different types of visitors as they learn about Fes’s winding streets.

Solo travelers

The challenges of traveling alone in Fes hit women particularly hard. Your first step should be finding a place to stay with positive reviews from other solo female travelers. This gives you a safe home base for your adventures. Many women have told me about getting too much male attention here. Some say they’ve been approached up to 20 times in one day, which can really take the fun out of sightseeing.

Here’s what you need to do when you’re out alone in the Medina:

Project confidence: Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you’re lost. Looking uncertain might make you a target.
Minimize eye contact with pushy vendors or men who try to talk to you. Any response usually leads to more attention.
Respond firmly to people who won’t leave you alone. A clear “no thank you” and walking away should solve most problems.
Guided tours are one of the best ways to avoid harassment and enjoy a stress-free visit to Fes. When you’re accompanied by a certified local guide, you’re far less likely to be approached or bothered—many of the street harassers know that interfering with tourists under a guide’s supervision can lead to serious consequences, including legal trouble.
Booking a guided tour with us not only ensures your safety but also enriches your experience. Our guides are locals who know the hidden gems, the real history, and the best routes to explore. You’ll get valuable cultural insight, avoid tourist traps, and feel more confident navigating the Medina.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, our tours offer peace of mind, meaningful encounters, and a deep understanding of this spiritual and historic city—all for a symbolic price. It’s more than just safety; it’s about making your journey truly unforgettable.

Wear loose clothes that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees. While this won’t stop all attention, it shows respect for local culture and helps reduce unwanted interactions.

Trust your gut above everything else. If something doesn’t feel right, just walk away politely but firmly. Head to busier areas or back to your hotel.

Couples

Moroccan culture sees public behavior differently than many other places. Keep public displays of affection limited to hand-holding or a casual arm around the shoulder. Even these simple gestures might raise eyebrows in the city’s more traditional areas.

A couple learned this the hard way when a restaurant owner asked them to tone down their affection, even though one partner was Moroccan. This shows how local customs matter, whatever your relationship status.

Women with male partners usually get less harassment, but it still happens. The same clothing advice applies whether you’re alone or with someone.

Your hotel staff can be your best resource for safety tips. Most riads welcome you with mint tea and conversation. This is your chance to ask about safety, common scams, and specific advice about the neighborhood.

Families with children

Families need to watch out for different things in Fes. The city’s narrow, packed streets mean you’ll need to keep a close eye on your kids. Hold their hands in busy areas – motorbikes zoom through what look like walking-only paths, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Kids need extra care with food safety. Here’s what helps:

Only drink bottled water (use it for brushing teeth too)
Choose street food carefully – stick to what’s cooked fresh
Clean vegetables well, preferably with white vinegar to kill germs
Eat earlier than locals to avoid smoky restaurants

Traffic poses another big risk for families. Moroccan drivers often ignore traffic rules. Use crosswalks whenever you can and keep young children close in crowded spots.

Mid-morning works best for families exploring the Medina – shops are open but crowds are smaller. The Medina gets much harder to navigate after shops close around 9:30 pm, so head back before dark with kids.

The good news? Most families feel perfectly safe during their time in Fes. With some planning and awareness, sharing this ancient city’s magic with your children creates unforgettable memories that far outweigh any hassles.

How to Prepare Before You Arrive in Fes

As someone born and raised in this ancient city, I’ve learned that good preparation is the key to turning what could be an overwhelming experience into a smooth and memorable visit to Fes. That’s why I’ve put together a helpful pre-arrival checklist for travelers—based on real, everyday life here—to help you navigate the unique challenges of Morocco’s cultural capital with confidence and ease.

What to pack for safety and comfort

Pack clothes that respect local customs. Morocco’s Muslim culture means modesty matters—especially in traditional Fes. Women need long, loose-fitting clothes that cover their shoulders, knees, chest, and back. Men should pack collared shirts and trousers or knee-length shorts. Comfortable sandals work best since you’ll take off your shoes often when entering homes and religious sites.

A simple medical kit should include:

Prescription medications with their generic names
Stomach remedies (Imodium or equivalent)
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Insect repellent and sunscreen (SPF 15+)
Simple first-aid supplies

This preparation keeps minor issues from ruining your trip and saves you from searching unfamiliar pharmacies.

Keep your essential documents ready – passport, travel insurance info, and accommodation details. Make paper and digital copies of everything. Create a card with emergency contacts in French or Arabic that includes your accommodation’s address, emergency numbers, and any medical conditions.

Apps and tools to download

Navigation can be tricky, so download Maps.me or Google Maps with offline maps of Fes. These tools help you navigate the maze-like Medina with its 9,000 narrow alleys that confuse even seasoned travelers. The Medina’s chaos makes these apps crucial unless you want to rely on guides that can get pricey.

Google Translate with Arabic and French language packs will be your friend. Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is different from standard Arabic, so the Darija Dialect app helps with authentic local conversations.

Rome2Rio shows transportation routes, but you might prefer the official ONCF Trafic app for trains or CTM for intercity buses. XE Currency Converter helps you quickly convert dirhams to your home currency – perfect for market haggling.

The Pharmacie de garde Morocco app points you to the nearest open pharmacy if you need medicine.

Understanding local customs

Local cultural norms are crucial. Always use your right hand to eat and accept things – Moroccan culture sees the left hand as unclean. Take off your shoes before entering homes, and say yes to mint tea offers to avoid offending your hosts.

Watch your public behavior carefully. Never criticize Islam or Morocco’s royal family – this can lead to serious trouble, even legal problems. Ask before taking photos of locals to show respect.

Table manners matter here. Wash your hands before meals and wait for your host’s “bismillah” (in the name of God) before eating. Traditional meals often involve sharing from communal plates. Use bread as a scoop and stick to the food right in front of you.

These customs do more than just show respect – they help you blend in and stay safe instead of standing out as a tourist.

Staying Safe While Exploring the City

After guiding many travelers and spending years walking the alleys of Fes, I’ve come to realize that timing and smart choices can make all the difference. While many travel guides focus on surface-level tips, they often miss the small but crucial details that help visitors truly enjoy this ancient maze without the stress.

Best times to explore the Medina

The Medina looks completely different as the day goes by. The sweet spot is mid-morning (9:00-11:30 AM) when shops are open but the narrow paths aren’t too crowded. You won’t enjoy walking around in the hot, packed afternoons nearly as much, so morning visits give you the best chance to soak in the culture.

The early mornings might catch you off guard – they’re oddly quiet with closed shops. Stay away on Friday afternoons too. Most businesses shut down for prayers, leaving you with a maze of closed storefronts.

Camera buffs will love the soft morning light that lights up the ancient walls. The afternoon sun casts harsh shadows that make it tough to find your way through the dim alleys.

Areas to avoid after dark

Night changes everything in the Medina. Most shops close by 9:30 PM, and the busy streets empty out and go dark. If you need to go out after sunset, stick to the main, bright streets.

Deep inside the Medina gets risky at night. Some quiet spots have seen muggings. One traveler said these twisted, empty alleys can feel very scary.

There’s a reason many riads and restaurants will walk you home. The locals know the risks, so they offer this free service to help you get back safely after dinner.

How to choose safe accommodations

Where you stay in Fez matters! Choose a riad near a car-accessible point in the Medina — trust us, you’ll thank yourself when you’re not dragging your bags for long distances through winding alleys.

Areas near the main Medina gates — such as Bab Bou Jeloud, Bab Ftouh, or Bab Rcif — tend to stay active and well-lit at night, making them safer options to stay. While the new city and train station offer more modern security, they lack the charm and authenticity of the Medina.

Check for these safety must-haves when booking:

24-hour reception desk
“Walk home” escort services from nearby restaurants
Secure locks and proper lighting
Staff who know the area and can give safety tips

Most riads — like LA CASA DAR RAYAN — welcome you with a warm glass of mint tea. This is the perfect moment to ask about safety tips, common scams, and local events happening nearby. The staff’s insider knowledge will give you a real sense of how safe your part of Fez truly is.

What Locals Want Tourists to Know About Safety

Curious what locals in Fes really think about tourist safety? Through my daily interactions with residents and years of experience guiding travelers, I’ve gathered valuable insights and practical tips straight from the heart of the city. These are the kinds of things you won’t find in guidebooks—but they can make your visit feel much more secure and enjoyable.

How locals help protect tourists

The Moroccan government has invested by a lot in tourist safety. They’ve put a strong police presence throughout Fes’s popular areas. These officers do more than just patrol – they have special training to help visitors and handle tourist-related problems.

Most people don’t know that Morocco has special tourist police officers who focus only on keeping foreign guests safe. You’ll find these officers mainly in tourist hotspots like Fes.

The government has also set up CCTV systems in public spaces to keep tourist areas safer with live monitoring.

Local business owners take guest safety very seriously, which tourists love. Hotel staff give detailed safety tips when you check in. Restaurant owners often send someone to walk you back to your hotel after dark. One tourist mentioned, “Most places will have someone walk you back to your accommodation after dinner.”

Yes, it is part of Morocco’s community spirit that people step in to help others in trouble. This comes from their deep-rooted hospitality and religious values.

Common misunderstandings to avoid

The biggest problem? Thinking every friendly local is trying to scam you. Experienced travelers say real help in Morocco comes only when you ask for it. People who offer help without being asked usually want money.

This creates an interesting situation where tourists avoid talking to locals and miss real connections. The main difference: honest help rarely comes from someone who approaches you first on the street.

There’s another reason tourists get confused – they think Fes is dangerous. The truth is, most visitors never face any serious safety issues. Problems usually involve minor theft or scams rather than violent crime.

Tourists often think their clothing choices don’t matter. But dressing modestly shows respect for local culture and reduces unwanted attention by a lot.

Many visitors also misread Morocco’s bargaining culture. What looks like aggressive behavior is normal negotiation here. Learning to bargain with confidence instead of feeling scared makes your Fes experience much better.

Conclusion

My many years of living and working in Fes have shown me that this ancient city can be either magical or overwhelming—depending entirely on how well-prepared you are. Fes isn’t just a city; it’s a living museum with over 9,000 alleys, traditions that go back centuries, and a rhythm all its own. Visitors often arrive with ideas shaped by travel blogs or other Moroccan cities, only to find that Fes requires deeper understanding and respect to truly enjoy.

In the past, some tourists faced uncomfortable experiences like pushy sales tactics, minor scams, or even verbal street harassment—especially when unaware of local customs or norms around dress and behavior. But in recent years, things have changed significantly.

The Moroccan government has made major efforts to improve tourist safety, especially in Fes, which holds the title of Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Police presence has increased in key areas, and tourist complaints are now taken seriously, often resulting in fast action and even refunds when visitors are pressured or misled. These changes have built a stronger sense of security, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the city more confidently.

Through my daily work as a local guide and resident, I’ve seen just how valuable a guided tour can be—especially for first-time visitors. Tourists who explore with us at Casacado Voyageurs almost always say they felt safer, more relaxed, and better informed. When you’re with a licensed guide, street scammers or harassers usually won’t approach. They know that guides can identify them and report them, and that the law is now firmly on the tourist’s side.

But more than just safety, our tours are designed to help you see the real Fes—the stories behind the doors, the hidden corners, the wisdom of its traditions, and the life that still pulses through this medieval city. And all this comes at a fair price that respects both our visitors and our heritage.

So if you’re planning to visit Fes and want to truly experience its beauty, culture, and soul—without the stress or hassle—I encourage you to book a private tour with us. We’ll make sure your visit is smooth, informative, and full of unforgettable moments.

Your comfort and safety matter. And with the right guidance, Fes will leave you not only amazed, but deeply moved.