Would you take daughters into Marrakech medina on your own?

[Alljan]

Daughters are 11 and 8. The three of us are travelling to a nice hotel outside Marrakech for the week and I have booked a private tour of the medina on the morning of one day. Specifically booked the morning so quieter. Daughters are sensible for their ages but haven’t been to a country like Morocco before.

My ex husband is apoplectic at the thought of the risk I am potentially taking. Could anyone who has been with kids recently advise as to whether it was too much for kids? My ex was controlling and thinks I don’t make good decisions which isn’t true but has put a lot of doubt in my mind.

I was sexually assaulted there,10 years ago now, so it would be a hard no from me. I’ve since read that the general rapey-ness of the place has improved in the last few years, in fairness. But I still wouldn’t risk it with young girls. I’ve traveled extensively, and there are so many beautiful places to go where the men don’t grope women as a hobby.

Absolutely fine. Was there in the summer with a young DD. Stay in the busy areas m, dress respectfully and you'll be fine. I found the men incredibly helpful to parents - I kept getting lost and being helped. It's really touristy, the most likely issue you'll face is enthusiastic selling.

Agree with @BaleOfHay Was there in January. Always felt safe and if you're having a private tour you should be fine. We loved Marrakech.

Private tour is fine BUT only ever go to the medina during daytime - from my experience (and I have been to almost 100 countries) Morocco is the dodgiest place ever, I have never experienced a place this bad - do not venture out at night it’s really unsafe (especially if you see a bunch of kids). Everyone just wants your money or even worse could happen. It’s not worth the risk

It's very very touristy.

There are a lot more tourists than locals.

I have been with my DD who was 16 and we stayed in the medina and it was fine.

You do need to get used to over the top salesmanship though which if you've never been to an Arabic country might be a shock.

Don't know about Morocco but I'm just back from Tunisia and there was no issue with medinas there.

Yes, you'll be absolutely fine especially with an official guide. The medina is busy but not dangerous to children.

Absolutely fine. The tourist police are SO hot on respectful behaviour since Covid. I was there 12 months ago, and felt absolutely safe
The only thing I'd be aware of is that it can sometimes be difficult to look at things without being under pressure from the stall holder. So tell your children to look, but not pick up items.

There are often ‘official’ tours of the medina you can book at hotels. That might be a bit safer as they restrict them to the safest touristy areas. Just check your tour is with an official travel provider

My friend and I (both with temperamental exes) took our daughters when they were 10 and 12. We had an amazing time. Just follow the dress code and stick to the main areas. The people were fantastic and we didn't have any hassle at all. Go and enjoy!

I travelled solo in Morocco, spending 6 weeks in Marrakech when I was in my early 20s, didn’t have any issues at all. I’ve returned many times since and honestly never had a negative experience.

Im a female with very fair hair and blue eyes, so many people warned me off but I had nothing but positive experiences. I’d be approached in the souks by stall holders but nothing a polite but firm bit of banter couldn’t solve.

You will be fine, they're police everywhere you go in Marrakech. The only thing I can say is don't go with anyone who says he is going to show you Madina for cheaper or for free.
And as you know everywhere there's tourists there will be bad people and good people so be cautious about your wallet and if you like something at the souk don't buy it from the first seller keep looking you might find it cheaper down the alley of medina.
If you can afford a guide then it's worth they will show lots of nice and historic places.

Yes! But make sure you were modest clothes

With a tour guide you’ll probably be fine , most are local and maintain good connections with local business owners etc. Most likely scenario is that you’ll end up paying lots for henna at some expensive place affiliated with your tour guide.

Thanks all - appreciate the range of experiences and that by going in the morning and having a private guide we should be ok.

I've been twice and have daughters the same age. I think I'd do the medina with a (male) guide.

I went in my 20s and didnt feel threatened. I always dressed modestly. I did find the constant sales pitches a bit wearing though after a time.

Friends had awful experience recently...grabbed by the henna tatoo ladies and they demanded 50 euros, agressive....one friend spat on as didnt want to buy some fake dvd tat.....locked into a carpet shop for 3 hours. they are seasoned travellers and would not return. others have had no issues.

We’ve just come back and found the thousands of mopeds screaming through the medina more of a risk to life than the blokes tbh. You will be fine if you’re respectful and don’t stray off the main bits - which are huuuge. Have a great time

Just make sure you follow the dress code in the country

I've always found Morocco and Marrakech in particular to be very safe. I think it's very important to dress modestly and I've walked round the medina with just my daughter when she was 18 without a problem. I have wandered round the backstreets in various cities and towns in Egypt and Tunisia with her when she was various ages from about 7 onwards and have never felt remotely threatened. Compared with Luxor, the amount of harassment in Marrakech is very mild.

On a guided tour you’ll be fine, I wouldn’t go on my own (we spend an hour and a half going in circles - it’s the most confusing place on earth).

The henna ladies are scammers, do not let one grab your hand. We had one problem with a guy who wanted money for ‘guiding’ us (he just followed us), but he was seen off when we made a bit of a scene without any real fuss.

It’s really fun and a great experience with a guide. I had no inappropriate behaviour, unlike in Cairo which was fucking disgusting- really horrible to be a woman there.

No way on earth should you take your daughters there.
Disgusting outlook to women, and young girls especially.
Dont go.

I'd say no as my friend and her 2 DC were not treated well there.

I went when i was 21 with my mother, did get leered at a lot, but there were also many friendly people. My mum also got the usual jokes from men offering to buy me for camels, one man gave me flowers which was sweet. The only creepy thing was getting groped on my bottom a few times by one man, but that was it. I actually loved Marrakech and would like to go back. I would advise to dress modestly however, and just have your wits about you. I found the men in Turkey far worse, and have been seriously SA'd there so it puts me off going back. I think if you all stick together you will be fine, the sights and sounds are amazing!