Staying in Fes
Is Fes Safe? Fake Guides, Common Scams and Safety Tips
Fes is a safe city, but the medina has its own codes. Fake guides, small scams, solo travel and evenings out: everything you need to know to explore with confidence.
5 min read
It is a question we are often asked, especially before a first trip to Morocco: is Fes safe? The short answer is yes. Fes is a city you can explore on foot from morning to night, where violent crime against visitors is rare and where people are remarkably hospitable. But the medina has its own codes, and some hassle can be irritating if you are not prepared for it. Here is what you need to know, drawn from our years of hosting. For choosing a well-located place to stay, see also where to stay in Fes.
The real issue: hassle rather than danger
In Fes, the main risk is not being attacked but being approached. In a city that partly lives from tourism, some people offer their services insistently: guiding you, showing you a shop, taking you to the tanneries. It is not dangerous, but it can spoil a walk if you do not know how to respond.
Fake guides and classic scams
Unofficial guides, often called fake guides, approach visitors near the gates and along the main streets. A few scenarios come up again and again:
- “This street is closed” or “the madrasa is closed today, follow me”: rarely true, and the detour ends in a shop.
- “The tanneries are closing soon, it is the last day of dyeing”: the tanneries work almost every day. All our tips for seeing them without pressure are in the Fes tanneries.
- Children or young men offering to take you back to your riad, then asking for a large sum on arrival.
- Guided walks that turn into shopping tours where your companion earns a commission on what you buy.
- A taxi without a meter, with the price set at the end.
How to respond calmly
- A smiling but firm “no thank you”, in English, French or Arabic (la, shukran), is enough in most cases. There is no need to explain yourself.
- Walk with confidence, as if you know where you are going, even when you do not.
- To ask for directions, turn to a shopkeeper sitting in their shop rather than someone who approaches you.
- Carry the riad’s card with its address and phone number.
- If you get lost, head for a main street or a well-known square, then call your riad.
- In taxis, ask for the meter to be switched on or agree on the fare before getting in.
Licensed official guides
Official guides are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and carry a badge. They know the city’s history and tailor the visit to your interests. Ask your riad to book one, and say in advance if you do not want to visit any shops. Our Fes medina guide will then help you explore on your own.
Pickpockets and crowds
As in any busy city, pickpockets may take advantage of the crowds in main streets such as Talaa Kebira at peak times. Wear your bag in front of you, keep your phone in a closed pocket and carry only the cash you need for the day.
The medina at night
In the evening, once the stalls have closed, the medina becomes very quiet. The main streets stay busy, but some lanes are poorly lit. Stick to the main routes, use your phone torch if needed, and do not hesitate to ask your riad to meet you at a gate or a restaurant.
Solo female travel in Fes
Many women travel alone in Fes without problems. You may receive comments or persistent compliments in the street: the best approach is to ignore them and keep walking. Clothing that covers the shoulders and knees attracts less attention and is appreciated in a traditional city. Rooftop cafés, riads and tours with a licensed guide all offer moments of calm. Our Fes travel tips go into more detail on what to wear.
Health and everyday hazards
- Drink bottled water and wash your hands before meals.
- In the lanes, step aside when you hear balak!: a donkey or a handcart is coming through.
- Protect yourself from the sun in summer, and watch out for uneven steps.
- Outside the medina, take care crossing the avenues: traffic is heavy.
Emergency numbers and official advice
In Morocco, the police can be reached on 19, the gendarmerie on 177 and the fire and ambulance service on 15; 112 works from mobile phones. Before you travel, check your government’s advice, such as the US State Department’s Morocco page or the UK Foreign Office travel advice.
How your riad helps
A good riad is your best ally for a relaxed stay. At La Petite Maison, we meet you at the medina gate when you arrive, sketch you a map and point out easy routes, book trusted licensed guides and stay reachable on WhatsApp throughout your stay. Discover the riad and our rooms, or write to us with any question before your trip. And to make the most of the city, read our selection of things to do in Fes and our tips for getting from the airport to the medina.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fes dangerous for tourists?
No. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The annoyances come mainly from fake guides and small scams, which are easy to avoid with a few precautions.
How do I avoid fake guides in Fes?
Decline politely but firmly, walk confidently, ask shopkeepers for directions and, on a first visit, book a licensed guide through your riad.
Is Fes safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, many women travel alone in Fes without problems. You may get comments in the street, which are best ignored. Clothing that covers shoulders and knees attracts less attention.
Can you walk around the Fes medina at night?
Yes, along the main streets, which stay busy. Some lanes are poorly lit once the shops close: stick to the main routes or ask your riad to come and meet you.
