Marrakesh enchants with riads, souks and gardens – but there is no open queer scene here. Homosexuality is a criminal offence in Morocco, and foreign visitors can also be prosecuted; this page is therefore primarily an information and safety guide.
Safety & legal situation
- Legal situation: Article 489 of the penal code punishes “lewd or unnatural acts” with a person of the same sex with six months to three years in prison and a fine of 120 to 1,000 dirhams. Extramarital relationships are also a criminal offence.
- Prosecution: The law is enforced: in the first half of 2023 alone, the government reported 441 criminal proceedings under Article 489; in 2023 there was a raid near Casablanca with around 80 arrests, and in Marrakesh four people, including a foreigner, were arrested in September 2023. Arrests following tip-offs were also reported in 2024.
- Apps and outing: In 2020 online campaigns called for men to be outed via fake profiles on dating apps; dozens were publicly exposed. Only meet acquaintances from apps with great caution, never spontaneously in private places, and don’t share recognisable photos.
- Discretion: Avoid displays of affection in public, keep private photos and chats on your phone to a minimum, and if anyone attempts blackmail, don’t respond – contact your embassy instead.
- German Foreign Office advice: Same-sex sexual relations are a criminal offence in Morocco and foreigners can also be prosecuted; fines and prison sentences of up to three years are possible. The Foreign Office expressly advises reserved behaviour and avoiding signs of affection in public (as of October 2026).
The situation on the ground
Marrakesh long had a romanticised reputation among gay travellers, not least thanks to Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, whose Jardin Majorelle is now one of the most visited places in the city. However, there is no visible scene with dedicated bars or clubs; queer life takes place privately and very discreetly. There are a few specialised travel agencies and international hotels that are explicitly LGBTQ-friendly. For travellers this means: the city is wonderful to explore, but with clear restraint in public.
When to go?
- October – April – travel season: Pleasant temperatures for the medina, gardens and excursions into the Atlas Mountains; in high summer it often gets hotter than 40 degrees.
- November/December – Festival International du Film de Marrakech: The major international film festival brings cinematic glamour and a cosmopolitan crowd to the city (check dates with the organiser).
Tours & activities in Marrakesh
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Practical tips
- Many riads and hotels are discreet and hospitable; some establishments require couples to show a marriage certificate – ask when booking whether a double room for two men or two women is no problem.
- Be careful about who you spend time with: acquaintances who become overly familiar very quickly may be aiming at blackmail or theft.
- Alcohol in public is prohibited and can lead to arrest; even the smallest amounts of drugs are severely punished.
Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organiser each year. Be sure to check the current security and legal situation with the German Foreign Office before travelling.
Places in Marrakesh
First listings coming soon.