How safe is it really?
Violent crime against tourists is rare. The everyday challenge is verbal hassle — comments, persistent vendors, occasional cat-calls. Annoying, not dangerous. A confident posture and short 'la, shukran' handles 90% of it.
Best cities for first-time solo women
Chefchaouen (calm, walkable, low-pressure), Essaouira (windy, mellow, artistic), Fes (intense but the medina has clear etiquette), Marrakech (highest hassle level — go second, not first).
What to wear
Cover shoulders and knees in medinas. Loose linen, midi dresses, long sleeves. A scarf is your best friend — sun cover, modesty layer, dune wrap. Tight athletic wear draws extra attention.
Accommodation strategy
Stay in riads with female owners or staff (many are run by women) — they look out for solo guests. Booking.com and Hostelworld reviews mention this explicitly. Avoid the cheapest medina dorms in Marrakech.
Transport safely
ONCF trains are excellent — book a women-only compartment. CTM and Supratours buses are safer than grand taxis. For private drivers, book through your riad, not on the street.
Dealing with persistent attention
Wedding ring (real or fake) deflects many questions. Sunglasses help — eye contact is often misread. Walk with purpose. If hassled, step into a shop or café — Moroccan business owners will help.