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11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Tangier

Written by Jess Lee Updated Sep 13, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Tangier became famous in the mid-20th century as the louche destination for a European and American literary set. Today, the foreign writers and artists that partied here have long gone, and Tangier has revamped itself again into a thriving, modern city.

The major tourist attraction is Tangier's medina (old town), where the winding alleys hold small museums in restored mansions, historic monuments, and souqs. For atmosphere and photography, this area is one of the best places to visit in the city.

Tangier is also one of the best places to visit and base yourself while exploring the northern Atlantic Coast and the Mediterranean Coast. Some of the top things to do within day-tripping distance include exploring the Roman ruins of Lixus, the seafront panoramas at Cap Spartel, and visiting the Mediterranean Coast's Spanish enclave of Ceuta.

The busy port here has plenty of ferries heading to and from Spain, so Tangier is often the first taste of Morocco for overlanders. After disembarking, spend a couple of days here exploring the city before heading onwards farther south or east.

Help plan your stay with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Tangier.

1. Explore Tangier's Medina

2. visit tangier's kasbah, 3. dive into local history at the kasbah museum, 4. café hop in tangier's ville nouvelle, 5. admire the views at cap spartel, 6. day trip to lixus & larache, 7. day trip into spanish territory at ceuta, 8. enjoy the sea air on tangier beach, 9. day trip to asilah, 10. visit st. andrew's church, 11. discover spain's other enclave at melilla, history of tangier, tips & tours: how to make the most of your visit to tangier.

Tangier's medina (old city) tumbles down the cliff towards the ocean in a labyrinth of narrow alleyways.

During its fast-paced past, the medina was a playground for author Paul Bowles and America's legendary beatnik literary figures such as Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William Burroughs.

The central vortex of medina life is the square known as the Petit Socco , where old men sit for hours drinking tea and playing backgammon.

Just west of the Petit Socco on Rue Siaghine is the Church of the Immaculate Conception , built by the Spanish in 1880. East of the square is the Grand Mosque.

In the southeast corner of the medina is the American Legation Museum, once the US consulate building and the oldest American diplomatic post in the world. Morocco was the first country to recognize the newly independent USA and established its legation here in Tangier in 1821. The museum inside traces the history of the relationship between the US and Morocco, and the exhibits inside include George Washington's famous letter to Moulay Abdullah.

The Tomb of Tangier-born Ibn Battuta (Morocco's famed 14th-century traveler and writer) is found in the medina's northwest corner.

Tangier's Kasbah (a high-walled defensive fortress where the sultan once lived) takes up the northern section of the medina.

The main gate into the Kasbah (accessed from the northwest medina wall) opens onto a large courtyard, which leads to Dar el-Makhzen Palace, once the sultan's residence and today used as the Kasbah Museum.

The palace was built in the 17th century and enlarged by each reigning sultan. The carved wooden ceilings and marble courtyard showcase the intricacies of Moroccan craftwork.

The various cafés within the Kasbah, with views across the Mediterranean Sea below, offer some of Tangier's most scenic stops for mint tea and lunch.

Address: Porte de la Kasbah, Rue Tabor

This excellent museum inside the Kasbah is based in the restored Dar el-Makhzen Palace. The museum brings together an amazing number of exhibits tracing Morocco's tumultuous and complicated history.

For history lovers, the Antiquities Collection is a must-visit, displaying mosaics and statuary from the country's prime ancient Roman sites such as Lixus and Volubilis, as well as exhibiting a life-size model of a Carthaginian tomb.

There are also displays explaining Tangier's history and a large section devoted to Moroccan arts.

The Fes Room is particularly interesting, containing silks and illustrated manuscripts, as well as centuries-old ceramics decorated from golden yellow to the famous Fes-blue.

Address: Rue Riad Sultan, Kasbah

Tangier's ville nouvelle (new city) is a must for fans of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture as it features many fine buildings from this time period.

Here, you'll find the Terrasse des Paresseux (Terrace of the Idle), where you can look out at the spectacular ocean view that has captivated so many European artists.

With the harbor before you, look across the water for the hazy silhouettes of Gibraltar and southern Spain in the distance.

The Grand Socco (the main square) marks the end of the new city and entry to the medina. This is where Tangier locals come to stroll, play, and sit in the surrounding cafes for hours.

Just to the square's north is the Mendoubia Gardens, a shady spot full of fig and dragon trees.

Geography fans won't want to miss this Tangier side trip. Cap Spartel, about 11 kilometers west of Tangier, marks Africa's northwest tip. The promontory projects into the water, marking the boundary of the Mediterranean Sea with the Atlantic Ocean.

For atmosphere, the best time to come here is at sunset, when you can see dusk settle over the Atlantic.

The lighthouse here, at the tip of the promontory, is especially photogenic, and there's a great café next door where you can grab a coffee or a juice and take in the sea views.

Just below the promontory is the five-kilometer-long stretch of Achakkar Beach. At the beach's southern end are the Hercules Caves (Grottes d'Hercule) where, according to local myth, Hercules once lived.

The seaside town of Larache, 88 kilometers south of Tangier, is the closest settlement to the Lixus archaeological site, where Greek legend tells that Hercules gathered the golden apples.

The site was a trading center for first the Phoenicians, then the Carthaginians, and finally the Romans, but its history is thought to be much older than these conquerors.

The ruins include a temple, theater, acropolis, and baths, and although the site is overgrown, it's highly atmospheric.

After visiting the site, head six kilometers west into Laroche itself, where the petite seafront medina with its blue and white alleys are home to remnants of the town's Hispano-Moorish architecture.

If you're heading down the coast, Laroche is a good stop-off point between Tangier and Rabat.

One of Spain's enclaves on the Moroccan coast, this outpost of Spanish culture, 79 kilometers east of Tangier, is a major transport hub, with ferries across the Mediterranean Sea to Algeciras.

The old fortifications (built by the Portuguese) around the San Felipe Moat are the town's main sight, but Ceuta also offers a handful of small but interesting museums and art galleries to visit, as well as historic architecture to view.

The contemporary art galleries of the Museo de los Muralles Reales and Museo de la Basilica Tardorromana, which is based in the excavated ruins of a basilica, are two of the most worthwhile.

Those with an interest in religious art and architecture should also visit Ceuta's main square, home to the interesting Cathedral Museum and the 15th-century Church of Our Lady of Africa.

You will need your passport to enter Ceuta, as you are officially entering Spain. If you're traveling east along the Mediterranean Coast, Ceuta is a worthwhile stop off between Tangier and Tetouan .

Tangier's beachside district is intrinsically linked to the city's mid-20th-century heyday, when the beautiful and louche literary residents of Tangier made this one of the world's most famous strips of sand.

Its heyday is now long gone, but the beach area is still a good place for a stroll, with plenty of locals promenading and playing football along its length.

Swimming here is unfortunately not a good idea, as the water isn't very clean, but if you just want to get some sea air, stretch your legs, and take in a bit of local life, it's worth a visit.

Location: Off Avenue Mohammed VI

The little town of Asilah, about 40 kilometers from Tangier on the northwest tip of Morocco's Atlantic coast, has a history that stretches back to the Roman era.

More recently, it has been under the control of both Spain and Portugal. But the town's imposing ramparts, with surviving bastions and towers, now offer a setting for delightful seaside walks.

The Portuguese fortifications enclose an old town of pretty white-and-blue-washed houses with a distinctive Mediterranean feel.

The town is also famous for fried seafood dishes. Restaurants line the shore, making a great place to put your feet up while you sample some fish.

Tangier's Anglican church is one of the city's more relaxing spots and is a great place to visit if the hustle of the city is grinding you down.

The still functioning church (which has two morning services every Sunday) was built in 1905 and has a tranquil and rather stark interior, which incorporates traditional Moroccan architectural elements.

Outside, the small cemetery contains interesting tombstones from the early 20th century. Of particular note, writer and Tangier resident Walter Harris (author of Morocco That Was ) is buried here.

Except on Sundays, the church is kept locked, but visitors can simply knock on the door, and the caretaker will open the church up for you to view.

Address: Rue d'Angleterre

Along with Ceuta, Melilla is a Spanish enclave on Moroccan soil. Today it's a busy port town, with daily ferries to the Spanish ports of Malaga and Almeria, but Melilla's tourist attractions are also worth a day of your time if you're planning on traveling east along the Mediterranean Coast from Tangier.

Melilla's fortified old town (Melilla la Vieja) is the main focus of most of the town's sightseeing. Inside you'll find a handful of small museums; the cave and tunnel complex of Las Cuevas del Conventico, which were first excavated by the Phoenicians; and a 17th-century cathedral.

At nearby Three Fork's Cape , gaze out over the perfectly turquoise waters. From the lighthouse, you can see many small beaches and great blocks of anthracite rise out of the waters.

According to Greek mythology Tangier, or Tingi, was founded by the giant Antaeus. Tingi is mentioned by Carthaginian travelers as early as 500 BC, and Phoenician sailors visited even earlier.

After the destruction of Carthage, Tingi was affiliated with the Berber kingdom of Mauretania. It then became an autonomous state under Roman protection, eventually becoming a Roman colony in the 3rd century AD during the reign of Diocletian, and ending as the capital of Mauretania Tingitana.

In the fifth century, Vandals conquered and occupied Tingi and from here swept across North Africa.

A century later, Tingi became part of the Byzantine Empire and gradually fell into obscurity until the city's capture by Moussa bin Nasser during the first years of the eighth century. The city's inhabitants were converted to Islam, but many Berber tribes joined the schismatic Kharijite rebellion and seized the port city in AD 739.

When Moulay Idriss I established his kingdom at Volubilis in AD 788, Tangier became a focal point in the struggle between the Idrisid dynasty and the Umayyads. This struggle continued until the Fatimid dynasty from Tunisia assumed power in AD 958.

Tangier came under the successive sway of the Almoravides and Almohades, after which the city fell under the influence of the Tunisian Hafsid dynasty before passing into the hands of the Merenids.

By the 14th century, Tangier became a major Mediterranean port frequented by European trading vessels bringing cloth, spices, metals, and hunting birds in exchange for leather, wool, carpets, cereals, and sugar.

After an unsuccessful attempt to seize Tangier in 1437, the Portuguese finally conquered and occupied the city in 1471, converting the great mosque into a cathedral.

For nearly three centuries, the town was passed back and forth between the Spanish, Portuguese, and finally the English, when it was given to Charles II as part of the dowry from Catherine of Braganza.

The English granted Tangier a charter, which made the city equal to English towns.

In 1679, Moulay Ismail made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the town but maintained a crippling blockade, which ultimately led to a British retreat.

Under Moulay Ismail, the city was reconstructed to some extent but gradually declined until, by 1810, the population was no more than 5,000.

Tangier began to revive from the mid-19th century, when European colonial governments fought for influence over Morocco.

• The Full Day Private Tour of Tangier offers seven hours of sightseeing in Tangier, with pickup and private transport, a camel ride on Tangier beach, a walking tour of the Kasbah and medina (including visits to the Kasbah Museum and American Legation), and a trip out of town to Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules.
• If you're short on time and want to visit Chefchaouen as a side-trip from Tangier, the Full Day Trip to Chefchaouen offers pickup from your Tangier hotel and private transport to Chefchaouen, a three-hour guided tour of Chefchaouen medina, and free time afterwards to explore at your own pace. If time permits, the tour also adds in a trip to Cape Spartel on the return journey to Tangier.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

More Historic Medinas: The walled old towns of Morocco's cities and towns are one of the country's major historic highlights. Don't miss Marrakesh with its famous pink-toned medina full of souks, restored historic buildings, and home to the Djemaa El-Fna, and Fes, where strolling the labyrinthine, winding alleys of its high-walled medina are the major attraction of a visit. For a smaller, easier-to-get-around medina head to Meknes, which is one of Morocco's most easygoing towns.

More Seaside Cities: For a taste of modern Morocco, head to bustling Casablanca , home to the huge and beautiful Hassan II Mosque dominating the seafront, or to the capital Rabat, where the medina fronts the Atlantic coast. For holiday sun, the city of Agadir is Morocco's hot spot and a favorite Summer destination for European tourists.

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• Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa
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The Top Things to See and Do in Tangier, Morocco

Few port cities in the world have quite the allure of Tangier , with its magical literary past, historic tangle of streets in the Kasbah and its stunning Grand Mosquée. This gateway to Africa, barely an hour’s boat ride away from Europe, never ceases to mesmerise the many people who visit each year. Here’s our guide for the top things to see and do in Morocco ‘s best-loved harbour town.

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Beach Promenade

Natural Feature

Burgeoning tourism has meant much-needed funding for clean cities, sites and beaches around Morocco. The sands lining Tangier have benefited particularly well, shaded golden against the sparkling blue sea, and present a great escape from the busy city. It’s close to the bustling port – Tangier is a major African hub for maritime traffic from Europe – so you shouldn’t expect Maldivian levels of tranquillity. But the lively action, from braying camels to groups of young people parading, is what makes being by the sea such a special experience in Tangier.

St Andrew’s Church

American Legation Museum

Building, Museum

Petit Socco

Architectural Landmark

You’d never guess that the Petit Socco used to be the haunt of drug dealers and prostitutes. Today, it’s now an innocuous pedestrian square – a place you plonk yourself to drink mint tea or orange juice outside one of the popular, buzzing cafes and watch the world go by. If you want to act local, order a procession of fresh mint teas over the course of an hour or so. Unlike the teabag version, in Morocco, the drink is made simply with boiling water, a handful of fresh mint leaves and a touch of sugar. The result is thirst-quenching and utterly delicious.

Grand Socco

This lawned main junction, spiked with tall palms, is where new Tangiers flows into the old city. A mosque is on one side and a cinema on the other, with the wide road terminating in narrow cobbled streets. At this crossroads between the ages you can browse traditional market stalls to stock up on nuts, fresh fruit and even a flowing kaftan or two. The central fountain is surrounded by benches, and you can join the Tangier locals who converge here, shooting the breeze and relaxing in the balmy early-evening air.

While you’re in the Grand Socco, make a quick detour to this cinema, which screens mainstream and independent films. With its art deco-style good looks and origins in the late 1930s, this is an authentic Tangier experience. The cinema happily embraces its mixed cultural roots and, like Tangier, is a crossroad of cultures – showing films in French and Arabic.

Librairie des Colonnes

Book-lovers of every stripe adore the Librairie des Colonnes, a Tangier institution that dates back to 1949. It evolved into a stomping ground loved by some of the 20th century’s greatest writers, including Paul Bowles, Samuel Beckett, Truman Capote, Jean Genet and Tennessee Williams. The time-warped exterior of the building is charming, while the inside is lined with shelves upon shelves of books – some in English – making for a fascinating place to while away a rainy-day hour or two.

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This recently refurbished museum is housed in the former sultan's palace of Dar El Makhzen. The focus is on the history of the area from prehistoric times…

This museum, in an elegant five-storey mansion, is a must-see: Morocco was the first country to recognise the United States by opening its ports to the…

The Grand Socco is the romantic entrance to the medina, a large, sloping, palm-ringed plaza with a central fountain that stands before the keyhole gate,…

The medina, the top attraction of Tangier, is a labyrinth of alleyways both commercial and residential. It's contained by the walls of a 15th-century…

This was once the most notorious crossroads of Tangier, the site of drug deals and all forms of prostitution. Today the facades are freshly painted,…

St Andrew's Church is one of the more charming oddities of Tangier. Completed in 1894 on land granted by Sultan Hassan, the interior of this Anglican…

Tangier once had 17 synagogues and 27,000 Jewish residents. That number has dwindled and the only synagogue open to the public is Nahon – but it's a…

This eclectic museum is housed in a former synagogue. Here you will find an open 2-storey room with an engaging collection of B&W photographs of 19th- and…

The wide city beach is well maintained and a fresh corniche (beachfront road) works well for a seaside stroll, with parks, playgrounds and fancy glass…

King Mohammed VI's multibillion-dirham plan to reinvigorate Tangier's port is well under way, and his shiny new marina with space for 800 boats is…

This large park is full of strolling couples and children playing football. The Mendoubia Gardens are flanked by an elegant line of colonial buildings,…

The aptly named 'Idlers’ Terrace' provides sweeping views of the port, Spain and, on a really clear day, Gibraltar. A set of ancient cannons faces the bay…

Built in 1917, this Mauresque-style mosque and its colourful rose, green, blue and white minaret is an attractive sight towering above Grand Socco. Only…

This exhibition space on the corner has wide glass windows, but there's no need to window shop – walk in, it's free. The exhibits lean towards…

From the Petit Socco in the medina, the route leading towards the sea leads east past this grand green-shingled mosque, which at one time housed a…

The exhibition hall from the Institut Français hosts temporary exhibitions. It's easy to locate on Rue de la Liberté and free, so it's worth a stop if you…

This contemporary art gallery housed in the grand 19th-century former British consulate contains mostly temporary exhibitions. The art is usually well…

Galerie Conil has three locations in the medina close to Petit Socco and one in Ville Nouvelle, showcasing artwork predominantly by local mixed-media…

This modest tomb is purported to be the last resting place of Ibn Battuta, who was born in Tangier in 1304 and became the greatest traveller of the period…

Tangier, Morocco: Planning Your Trip

Planning Your Trip

Things to do, what to eat and drink, where to stay, getting there, culture and customs, money saving tips.

Tangier has long been romanticized by artists, Beat poets, and writers who have arrived at its busy shores seeking adventure. Tangier has also been a gateway connecting Europe and the rest of Africa. Cruise ships often dock at the city on their way from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and travelers in Europe find it easy to take a short flight or a quick ferry from Spain to the port of Tangier.

Although most visitors to Tangier come for a day, the charm of the city is best enjoyed by spending a few days here. This guide will help you prepare for the perfect trip to Tangier.

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Tangier is fall (September to November) or spring (March to May) when the weather is ideal and the holiday crowds aren't around. Summer can be unbearably hot, although the ocean breeze helps to keep it cooler than other Moroccan cities.
• Language: The two official languages of Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Tamazight, but Moroccan Arabic is what's most commonly spoken on the street. In Tangier, street signs are often in Arabic and French. Locals, especially those working in tourism, can often switch seamlessly between Arabic, French, Spanish, and English.
• Currency: The local currency is the Moroccan dirham, and one dirham is subdivided into 100 centimes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by a growing number of businesses, but it's a good idea to carry local currency as well, especially for shopping in the market.
• Getting Around: Many parts of Tangier that are visited by tourists are accessible by walking, but petit taxis are also available for getting around faster.
• Travel Tip: While hospitable and friendly folk abound in Tangier, be careful when you're in a touristy area and you're offered something for "free," because it is rarely free. Whether it's a guided tour, help buying ferry tickets, or directions to your hotel, expect to be asked for payment at the end.

Tangier doesn't have quite the offbeat charm it did in the 1940s and 1950s, when you could rub shoulders with the likes of Truman Capote, Paul Bowles, and Tennessee Williams. But if you give it some time and ignore the tourist tours, it will grow on you. Tangier is an interesting, cosmopolitan mix of African and European influences. As with many cities in Morocco , there's an old town (Medina) and a new town (Ville Nouvelle).

• Explore the Medina: Tangier's Medina (Old Walled City) is a lively place and feels like stepping back in time. Its labyrinth of alleyways is where you'll find the souks, marketplaces of stalls selling spices, tanned leather, food items, metals, and more. Tourist trinkets are plentiful here and if this is your only stop in Morocco, buy away. But if you plan to continue traveling in Morocco, you'll find better deals elsewhere.
• Tour the American Legation Museum :  Morocco was the first nation to recognize American independence, and the U.S. established a diplomatic mission in Tangier in 1821. Now a museum, the Tangier American Legation is located in the southwest corner of the Medina and worth a look. The museum houses some fascinating art including a room dedicated to Paul Bowles and works by Eugene Delacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and James McBey.
• Savor a Meal at Place de France:  This plaza is the gateway to the Ville Nouvelle, or New City. Adjacent to the Medina, the Ville Nouvelle has modern restaurants and some Western chains. For a bite to eat or some tea while enjoying the view of the sea, try Terrasse des Paresseux next to Place de France.
• Marvel at Moroccan Art at the Kasbah:  The Kasbah is located high on a hill in Tangier with some good views of the ocean. The old Sultan's palace (built in the 17th century) lies within the Kasbah's walls. It is known as Dar El Makhzen and is now a museum that houses fine examples of Moroccan art.
• People-watch at Grand Socco: This large square at the main entrance of the Medina is a busy transport hub and a good place to watch the chaos of traffic, carts, and people go about their daily routines while sitting in the plaza and enjoying a cup of tea.
• Enjoy a Nearby Beach:  Tangier does have some beautiful beaches, but the ones closest to town are rather dirty. If you want beach time in Tangier, consider taking a taxi about 25 minutes to Achakkar Beach, which is home to some incredible rock formations called the Hercules Caves.

The two dishes you'll most commonly see on restaurant menus—especially around the Medina—are tagine and couscous . Couscous is a North African staple grain that's been eaten by indigenous Berber tribes for at least 1,000 years. The fluffy grain is served topped with stewed vegetables or meats and always hits the spot. Tagine is the unofficial national dish of Morocco and it's served in the earthen clay pot called a tajine . The dish uses slow-cooked beef, lamb, or chicken with hearty vegetables, local spices, and dates for a touch of sweetness.

After you've tried the two most popular dishes, venture out for other Morrocan specialties. Bastilla—a savory meat pie traditionally made with pigeon—hearkens back to when Morocco and Spain were both ruled by the Moors. If you're an eggplant fan or just eggplant curious, zaalouk is a rich eggplant tomato sauce used as a savory dip.

Although Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol consumption is allowed and you'll find plenty of bars that cater to tourists around the waterfront and the Ville Nouvelle. But the most ubiquitous drink is mint tea, often called Moroccan mint tea because of how enmeshed it is in the local culture. The hot green tea brewed with spearmint and lots of sugar is served year-round and at all times of the day.

Tangier has a wide range of accommodations, from affordable youth hostels to five-star hotels, but if you want an authentic Moroccan experience, look for a local riad . Riads are traditional homes with an interior patio garden and oftentimes have a rooftop terrace, as well. The hustle of the street and walking through the Medina can overwhelm the senses, so retreating to your peaceful riad is usually a welcome respite.

Wherever you choose to stay, it's recommended to pick your accommodations and make a reservation before arriving. You may be confronted by hotel touts trying to convince you to stay at their hotel. To avoid stress, have the phone number and address of your lodging written down, and plan out how you're you're going to get there before arriving in Tangier.

If you take a taxi and your taxi driver pretends not to know the location of your hotel, take another taxi. Most upscale hotels can also arrange a driver for you, which alleviates much of that stress..

It may be hectic and overwhelming when you arrive, but once you get to your lodging and can drop off your luggage, the rest of your time in Tangier will be much more relaxed.

Many visitors make a stop in Tangier while visiting Spain. The easiest—and most likely the cheapest—way to get to Tangier is to go by plane. Flights to Tangier leave from almost all of the major Spanish airports.

If you're already in southern Spain, Tangier is just a 30-minute ferry ride away and serves as the gateway to the rest of Morocco. However, you first have to get to one of the small Spanish port towns of Algeciras or Tarifa near Gibraltar , which aren't easy to reach if you don't have your own vehicle.

The nearest big cities are Seville and Malaga , both of which also have international airports and direct flights to Tangier. If you want to save time and money, a plane is your best option. But if you want a bit of adventure, then nothing beats boating across the Strait of Gibraltar.

If you're coming from another city in Morocco such as Fez  or Marrakesh , there are easy train connections from both cities. The Tangier train station is about 2.5 miles southeast of the ferry port. The main long-distance bus station, CTM, is right outside the ferry port terminal. The buses in Morocco are comfortable and everyone gets a seat. 

The customs in Morocco are likely different from what you live at home, and part of respecting the local culture involves doing some research before going. It's a Muslim country so plan to dress more conservatively, especially if you're a woman . Covering your hair isn't necessary unless you're entering a mosque, and it's not uncommon to see local women with their hair out on the street. However, women should cover their legs and their upper arms, while men need to wear pants when entering a mosque.

Public displays of affection are frowned upon in general and can actually be unsafe for LGBTQ+ travelers. Save the smooches for when you're in your hotel to avoid any unwanted attention.

• Tangier is infamous among visitors for its persistent touts. Walking through the city and especially in the Medina, you'll be pressured—sometimes relentlessly—to purchase whatever good or service is being sold. To avoid buying things you don't really want, just make clear that you're not interested and move on.
• When you find something you actually do want to purchase in the Medina, be prepared to haggle down the price. If the price still seems too high after haggling, be prepared to walk away and you'll likely be called back with a better deal.
• There are two types of taxis in Tangier: local petit taxis and longer-distance grand taxis. For getting around the city, petit taxis are always less expensive and are easy to spot by their signature light-blue color with a horizontal yellow line.

Encyclopedia Brittanica. " Morocco-People ." Sept. 17, 2021.

Investopedia. " Moroccan Dirham (MAD) ." Aug. 30, 2021.

The Washington Post. " A guide to couscous: The history, different types and how to cook with it ." May 14, 2021.

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The inside guide to Tangier, Morocco's buzzy port city

The city of Tangier has been a gateway between Europe and Africa for centuries.

For centuries, the cosmopolitan, creative city of Tangier — poised at Morocco’s northern tip — has been a gateway between Europe and Africa. Whether you arrive here on a ferry from France or Spain, or catch a sub-three-hour flight from the UK, getting here is straightforward and, as the northern terminus of Morocco’s expanding road and Al Boraq high-speed rail network, it’s also a great base from which to explore the country. Don’t whizz through too hastily, though. Tangier is one of North Africa’s most exciting cities and there are plenty of reasons to linger.

In the 20th century, the likes of Matisse, Kerouac, Jagger and Hendrix did exactly that, drifting south from Europe to bask in Tangier’s dazzling sunlight and laid-back cafe culture. More recently, the city has been riding a wave of expansion and development, and has regained its creative confidence, with heritage-conscious Moroccans from Casablanca and Fez settling here to join forces with local talent. For designers, performers and multimedia artists, Tangier has become something of a magnet, blending an under-the-radar buzz with a breezy je ne sais quoi .

The city is stronger on sensory experiences than on monuments or museums, so take your cue from favourite meeting place La Terrasse des Paresseux (Idlers’ Terrace) on Boulevard Pasteur, and idle along. With telescopes, historic cannons and commanding views across the Strait of Gibraltar, this rampart-like pavement is a prime people-watching spot, as is Tangier’s palm-shaded main square, Grand Socco , a five-minute walk away. Its official name, Place du 9 Avril 1947, commemorates the day Sultan Muhammad V gave a stirring speech here, calling for independence.

The art deco facade of Cinéma Rif, North Africa’s first arthouse cinema.

Cinémathèque de Tanger , on Grand Socco’s southern flank, is one of Tangier’s artist-run creative hubs. Tucked behind the original facade of the art deco Cinéma Rif , it comprises North Africa’s first arthouse cinema and film archive, plus a cool cafe and workspace where hipsters tap at laptops under a wall of vintage posters. 

The tree-dotted lawns of the Mendoubia Garden lend a freshness to the north side of Grand Socco, while to the east, knotted alleyways beckon. This is the medina , Tangier’s old town, founded seven centuries ago and recently spruced up. There’s a Spanish feel to its fringes, where shops and cafes with striped awnings are topped by apartments with art deco lines or filigree balconies. To the south is the American Legation , with its noteworthy collection of US-Moroccan art. 

In the medina’s souks, clusters of merchants sell glistening buckets of olives, rainbows of babouche slippers, fragrant spices, freshly baked khobz bread and neat stacks of tangerines, Tangier’s signature fruit. Pause in Place Petit Socco for mint tea, either at Café Tingis — another people-watching spot — or on the rooftop at Palais Zahia , a boutique riad decorated in jewel-bright colours.

A merchant sells carpets in the medina.

The Kasbah , the lofty citadel in the medina’s northwestern corner, offers a different perspective. Enter via Bab el Assa, depicted by Matisse in the 1910s, and you’ll pass the beautiful Assa fountain , richly decorated with zellige mosaic tilework. There are more wonders in Dar el Makhzen , the palace that dominates the citadel, including the ceramics, silks and illuminated manuscripts of the Museum of Moroccan Arts and the Museum of Antiquities . The surrounding jumble of whitewashed houses hides a smattering of art galleries, murals and places to eat, including El Morocco Club , one of the best restaurants in town. The rooftops beyond gaze over Tangier’s new fishing port, part of an ambitious plan that has also created Morocco’s first urban marina, Tanja Marina Bay , southeast of the medina.

For a sunset stroll, descend to the corniche and beach or, better still, head west to Cap Spartel , a leafy nature reserve where a lighthouse watches over the mingling waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Back in town, catch a concert or reading at LABO Studios , the Institut Français or Instituto Cervantes . Cutting-edge events often take place, too: if homegrown hip-hop performance collective Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger happen to be in town, drop everything and go.

Published in the April 2022 issue of  National Geographic Traveller (UK)

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• City Guides
• People and Culture
• Travel and Adventure

• 1.1 Climate
• 1.2 Notable districts
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.4 By boat
• 2.5 By car or motorcycle
• 3.1 On foot
• 3.3 By taxi
• 4.1 The medina
• 4.2 Grand Socco and nearby
• 4.3 Elsewhere and around the city
• 7.1.1 In and around the Medina
• 7.1.2 In the city centre
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.1.1 Camping
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10 Stay safe

Tangier ( Ar. طنجة, Tanjah , Fr. Tanger ) is an important port city in Morocco . The third most populous city in the country, it's a popular entry point to Morocco and Africa as a whole due to its proximity to Spain , and an interesting destination in its own right.

Understand [ edit ]

Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many of the things that travellers love—a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people. It is an interesting mix of the cultures of north Africa, Spain, and France and indeed has a very international history, and has traditionally been home to people from several different cultures. At the beginning of the 20th century, for instance, a quarter of the city's population were Europeans and another quarter Jewish.

Founded sometime in the 5th century BCE, Tangier has been part of all major empires in the region throughout history. During the last centuries major European powers have contested for the city at the southern bank of the Strait of Gibraltar in order to gain control over the traffic between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This game even brought France and Germany to the brink of war in 1905. Deemed too important to be controlled by a single country, it was under joint international control from 1925 to 1956 (during that period known as the Tangier International Zone). During World War II and the Cold War it was also major center for spying activities by major powers, as well as a playground for gamblers, crooks and millionaires. Also, several Western cultural personalities such as William S. Burroughs, George Orwell, Henri Matisse and the rock band Rolling Stones have spent some time in Tangier. The American author Paul Bowles lived there for most of his life.

Today the city with a little less than a million inhabitants is the third largest city in Morocco, an important port, center of industry and a popular destination for daytrippers. Frequent ferries make the short crossing from Europe each day, and many cruise ships sailing between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic often include Tangier as a port of call. The Spanish coastline, 30 km away can be seen unless there's haze or fog.

Quite appropriately, Tangier is the birthplace of Ibn Battuta , considered by many to be one of the greatest travellers of all time and on a level with the Venetian Marco Polo. This Berber visited most of the known world at that time including most African regions north of Uganda and Eurasia as far as China.

Climate [ edit ]

The northwest of Morocco is the wettest part of the country. Compared to the south of the country, the summers are milder and the winters can be relatively cold. Facing the Atlantic directly, temperatures in Tangier are usually even a couple degrees cooler than at the Spanish side of the strait.

Notable districts [ edit ]

• Medina — the old town of Tangier is quite compact compared to the likes in other Moroccan cities. Still, it's easy to lose your orientation in its labyrinths of alleys. Landmarks include the Grand Mosque and several souks (markets).
• Kasbah — the northwestern part of the medina is made up of the Kasbah or fortification. The main building here is the Dar el-Makhzen that has served as residence for sultans and European colonial lords. Today it is a museum.
• Ville Nouvelle — the new city around Boulevard Pasteur is the commercial center of Tangier. Though not an attraction in any sense, it's where to go to find banks, cafés, modern shops and such.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Tangier receives flights from the largest cities in Western Europe and Morocco, most of them operated by the budget carriers like RyanAir and AirArabia.

Getting there/away: grand taxis depart to/from the arrivals exit, with fixed prices per destination—price for a full taxi (so consider arranging a group to share it beforehand)... day 05:30-22:30, night 22:30-05:30 (as of Sep 2019):

• Tangier Ville: 100/150 dirham
• Train station: 120/180 dirham
• Port Med: 300/450 dirham
• Hotel Movinpic or Hotel Andalucia: 150/225 dirham
• Asilah: 200/300 dirham
• Tetouan: 350/525 dirham
• Larache: 350/525 dirham

Cheaper options:

• Take a grand taxi to Asilah (20 dirham) or Gueznaia and exit when the road goes off to the airport (it's signposted). It’s a 1.8-km walk from there on a not-too-ugly road. Coming from the airport, a grand taxi running into Tanger can be easily caught at the crossing. Local buses run on the main road so it should be possible to catch one at the junction (N1-airport).
• Take a grand taxi or local bus to the university in Boukhalef (Faculty Science And Technology). From there it is 2.5 km to the airport. There is no sidewalk and for a short part, no houses, but seems well transited and people walk on the sides. Petit taxis from the university to the airport are 30 dirham. Also, buses 1, 2, and 20 go to the university in Boukhalef
• If you are coming by coach from cities further south on the N1 (Rabat, Casablanca...), ask the driver to drop you at the N1-airport junction, or in Boukhalef and walk or take a petit taxi . If in Boukhalef, you can walk on the main road or through the university.

For more international connections and ultra low-cost flights you may also want to consider flying to the airports of Rabat or Casablanca . From there you can take a high-speed train or intercity bus to Tangier.

By train [ edit ]

The country has an excellent railway system with 1,893 km (1,176 mi) of track and a fine intercity passenger service. In 2018 a high-speed rail service opened between Tangier and Casablanca , via Kenitra and Rabat . Travel times have been greatly reduced with a full length trip taking just over two hours. Regular intercity trains are available from Oujda , Fez and Meknès amongst others. A convenient way of travelling to and from Marrakesh is by using the overnight train, taking just under 10 hours. The train offers both couchettes and sleepers. All trains in Morocco are operated by ONCF , online ticketing are available.

If travelling from Europe , there are trains from several cities in southern Spain to Algeciras , across the Gibraltar Strait.

By bus [ edit ]

Tangier, as it's typical for Morocco, has two long distance bus stations: CTM one exclusively for CTM buses and Gare routière serving all other bus companies. Supratours coaches depart from the train station making them a convenient option in case the next leg involves travel by train.

• 35.751008 -5.791921 3 CTM Bus Station , La Rocade 9 ( 3km S from Tanger Ville Railway Station ), ☏ +212 39 931 172 . ( updated Dec 2022 )
• 35.728753 -5.860297 4 Gare routière ( Main Bus Station ), Rocade 9-Sud, Gueznaia ( 10 km SE from medina ). The new bus station on the outskirts of the city. Serves bus companies other than CTM, e.g. Nejme Chamal or Jana Viajes . ( updated Dec 2022 )

By boat [ edit ]

There are two ferry lines from Spain: Tarifa –Tangier and Algeciras –Tangier Med . Another option would be Algeciras– Ceuta route. Tickets for foot passengers generally cost around €40 single/€70 return (as of Jun 2023).

It travelling as a foot passenger from Algeciras to Tangier, it is usually more convenient to take a connecting bus to Tarifa (see below) and then a ferry from there to Tangier Ville port rather than a direct ferry from Algeciras to Tangier Med port, which is miles away from Tangier.

• Tarifa–Tangier Ville . There are two companies operating this line: FRS and Intershipping . There is not much of a difference, crossing always takes about one hour. The number of departures vary during the year, in the summer FRS has five departures in each direction, Intershipping ten. However, during major holidays and summer weekends, it can get really busy and chaotic in the ports. At that time there is reportedly even a risk that you don't get on the ferry you've reserved a ticket for, but have to wait for a later one. If you are coming from Algeciras, there is a free shuttle bus to Tarifa included in the ticket. (The shuttle bus departs in front of the ticket offices in Algeciras harbour.)
• Algeciras–Tangier Med . Operated by Intershipping , twice daily, €22, tickets can only be bought at Algeciras terminal (i.e. no online ticketing).
• Motril (port close to Malaga and Granada) - Tangier Med route operated by Balearia , once daily, 8 hrs.
• If you're coming from further north, GNV sails from Genoa with a stopover in Barcelona to Tangier Med, the cheapest ticket is €120 from Genoa one-way (as of Jan 2023).
• Besides, there is an irregular (no more than 2 departures per month) passenger service from Gibraltar to Tangier Med operated by FRS , 1:30 h, €37.50 (as of Jan 2023).
• By local bus from Tangier, 7 dirham (as of Sep 2022). The blue Alsa bus, numbered I-3, makes its first trip outbound from Tanger Ville station around 06:30 and its last inbound trip from Tanger Med at around 22:00, no precise timetable exists, departures roughly every hour. Buses are not available later at night, if you arrive late, you will need to get a grand taxi. Besides, there is an intercity bus connecting Tangier with Fnideq (Moroccan town close to the border with Ceuta), which passes Tangier Med, 10 departures daily. Tangier Med's bus stop is a white shelter without signs on the main road about 400 meters from the ferry terminal.
• By grand taxi. Grand taxis inside the port charge 300 dirham per car. If you want a cheaper ride walk instead onto the main road towards Tangier, where the standard price is 30 dirham per seat (as of November 2022), or up to double that late at night.
• Algeciras–Ceuta . Yet another alternative would be crossing from Algeciras to Ceuta and overland into Morocco. Prices are similar to the Tangier Ville and Tangier Med routes.

By car or motorcycle [ edit ]

When coming into Tangier by car, be careful of hustlers on motorbikes who will ride alongside you and attempt all manner of dodginess.

You can come by car by ferry from Algeciras and Tarifa in Spain or through the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (reached by ferry from Algeciras and ports in Spain). The ferry crossing varies from 1 hour to 3 hours. Shortest and cheapest will be from Tarifa to Tangier taking around 40 min. Tarifa is probably the most laid-back option as far as ports are concerned.

If you're coming from more southern parts of the country, take the toll highway from Rabat which is in a good shape.

Get around [ edit ]

Tangier is very easy to navigate around; the two main roads are Boulevard Mohammed V which runs from near the Medina through the ville nouvelle and Boulevard Mohammed VI (formerly Ave des FAR) which runs along from the beachfront from the port to Malabata. The exception is the Medina (old town), a complex array of alleyways some of which can only be accessed on foot. Mohammed V has a whole range of clothes shops, pharmacies and cafes as well as Hotel Flandria, Hotel Rembrandt. Hotel El Minzah lies just off this road. Mohammed VI runs along the beach front where you will find numerous hotels (Rif, Ramada, Sherezade, Solazure, Tariq, Movenpick), bars, discos, restaurants and cafes. Most hostels are on the roads heading uphill near the port area and in the Medina.

On foot [ edit ]

Walking is perhaps the best way to see the relatively compact Tangier. In the old town it's also the only way to get around, although you will occasionally encounter locals speeding on scooters along the narrow and bumpy alleys.

By car [ edit ]

The speed limit in the city is 40 km/h. The traffic can be quite busy and chaotic with not only all kinds of vehicles but also pedestrians on the lanes. However, there is also a heavy police presence supervising and directing the traffic, often replacing traffic lights. You should better have some familiarity with Tangier before driving yourself in the city, there are usually not many opportunities to stop and look where you should be going.

At many places there are official car guards (carrying a badge) who help you park and will watch over your vehicle for a fee.

By taxi [ edit ]

There are two types of taxis in Tangier. Grands taxis are cream-coloured mini-vans. Petits taxis are regular cars, painted turquoise. Petit taxis are common, but if the vehicle you want to take has no meter make sure you agree on a price first, and haggle! Grand taxis are also called "taxi collectif" and depart from stations when full (6 people). At stations, grand taxis have fixed prizes. However, they can also be waved down on the street (if they have any free spot), in which case the prize should be discussed before departing.

Most locals in Tangier will be unfamiliar with what we call the ville nouvelle . To help with agreeing fares and generally with navigating using taxis - the central main thoroughfare is simply known as the "Boulevard", the beach area as "Playa", the port as "Marsa", the medina as "souk barra", the hilly area to the west of Tangier with the Golf Course and Race Track as "California", the residential area heading towards the main road to Tetouan as "Idrissia", the thieves market as "Casa Barata".

For trips outside city borders, you have take a grand taxi—petit taxis are not allowed to take you there.

A return day excursion by private grand taxi to Chefchaouen is €50-100, and your driver will wait for you in Chefchaouen until you've finished. However, you can also just wait for a grand taxi to fill up with locals and safe substantial money.

Virtually all points of interest are located in or near the old town within walking distance from each other. If you wish to go elsewhere in the city and don't want to take a taxi, your other option is public bus ( network map [dead link] ). A ticket for ride on the green city buses [dead link] costs 3.5 dirham as of April 2016. Some bus lines run very infrequently (more than two hours between buses).

See [ edit ]

Tangier is a city where there are rather few individual sights. Instead, the whole city can be considered one single big sight. Take a simple walk along the beach (Ave Mohamed VI) to enjoy what the city is famed for. In the 35.7853 -5.8066 1 port you can see fishing boats bringing in fresh fish everyday. There are also restaurants serving very fresh fish. Moreover, here you can also see the frequent fast ferries arriving from and departing to Tarifa.

The medina [ edit ]

The 35.7869 -5.8112 2 medina , ie. the old town is probably Tangier's biggest attraction. Its narrow streets and many businesses are a quite interesting experience. You will very likely get lost, though. Also, be aware that both touts on the street and shopkeepers are very eager at selling you everything from fezzes and bracelets to mats and fake Rolexes (also see the stay safe section below ).

Landmarks in the medina include Grand Mosquee, the nearby petit souk and the fortress (Kasbah).

• 35.7885 -5.8128 5 Kasbah . The Kasbah and the Kasbah Museum, the former Sultan's palace deserves to be seen not only for its collection of artefacts from the Phoenician to modern times, but also for the building and garden. There is a small entry fee (20 dirham as of April 30, 2017) and varying opening times winter and summer. The terrace at the northern side of the Kasbah is the place to go for good views over the port, and if there isn't fog or haze, even the Spanish coast.  

Grand Socco and nearby [ edit ]

• 35.78518 -5.81449 13 Mendoubia Gardens . The continuation of the grand socco to the west, this garden features a large marble fountain and park benches. ( updated Jul 2019 )

Elsewhere and around the city [ edit ]

Do [ edit ]

Walk around the city. Get happily lost in the medina , which is most active in evening and night. Alternatively walk along Boulevard Pasteur with its view to the sea from Terrasse des Paresseux or the beachfront Avenue Mohammed VI and in the port area and look at the fishermen bringing in their catch. When walking around, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, described in the next section.

For nice views of the city and the seas, head to the aforementioned Terrasse des Paresseux, Kasbah or to the famous Café Hafa in the Drink section.

Events [ edit ]

• Tanjazz . Jazz festival with artists from all over the world performing. It comprises both large outdoor concerts at large squares in the city and smaller ones at indoor locations. Held yearly. ( updated Jun 2015 )

Buy [ edit ]

The medina is full of small shops, though beware that some of them are tourist traps and salesmen are seemingly outright desperate to get you to buy stuff i which you are not interested. Much of the brasswork is made in other towns but is available here. Leather goods are also available. Stay away from the tourist traps and you may find the price quite agreeable. Colourful leather slippers, men's and women's clothing can be reasonable priced. When shopping here, bargaining is essential as there are no fixed prices. It is advisable to negotiate prices in dirham rather than euros.

• 35.7639 -5.8225 1 Casa Barata . Sa-Th . There is a infamous market 6 km outside Tangier called "casa barata" (the house of cheap things). There are bargains to be had here but be wary of forgeries and stolen goods (these are sold alongside vegetables, electronics, clothing, shoes, spices, carpets, ironmongery and everything else one can think of). You can take a grand taxi from the station just next to English Church. It's just 5 minutes by taxi and the fare is 3 dirham each person. ( updated Jun 2015 )

There are other markets notably the souk in the medina (mainly vegetables, clothes and tourist items) and in Ben Mekada (vegetables). The latter does not cater for tourists and is known as one of the "rough spots" of Tangier and, where, in the 1980s, there were bread riots.

Eat [ edit ]

There are restaurants serving most major cuisines in Tangier. Though while you're here, why not try out the specialties of Maghreb ; different types of tagines (stews) and couscous as well as mint tea?

In the morning a "locals" cafe will give you a cafe au lait for 5 dirham. (Cafes where tourists congregate will charge you 10 dirham.) Usually there is a bread vendor at the cafe (by the port or the madina) who will serve you bread with cheese and honey for another 5 dirham. It's perfectly okay to buy your bread/breakfast elsewhere and eat it outside at the cafe. If the bread guy is next to the cafe the waiter will often collect.

You may quickly bore of tagines and street food is a great option for snacking throughout the day. Fresh orange juice costs about 5 dirham; sandwiches of egg, peppers, and sauce are about 10 dirham. Yogurt mixtures can be particularly creative, such as avocado and almonds, or fruit mixtures. Tiny stalls in the souk sell cooked vegetables like eggplant, with rice, and other tasty treats and a meal there can cost 10 dirham or so. In the early evening you may find squares of chickpea cakes sprinkled with salt and paprika.

In the evening, go to the plaza next to CTM bus station. There are several cafes and restaurants facing the plaza. The price and services are good because of the keen competition. Just wandering around in the medina will bring you across numerous Moroccan restaurants offering similar dishes, quality, and prices (main dish around 7 dollars), so you can basically just choose one at random and probably be satisfied.

Vegetarians will find plenty to eat in Tangier and Morocco in general, but vegetarian tagines can become boring after a couple of days and often contain lamb stock. Street food is a lot more creative and fun. If you've brought a camping stove, shop at the souk and make your own. Though, do remember to wash the fruits well. Or you can opt for pizza, Chinese or Indian all of which are available in Tangier.

Tap water isn't dangerous, but for visitors it is much safer (and inexpensive) to drink bottled water.

Budget [ edit ]

There are some fresh off-the-boat seafood restaurants for locals in the port behind the warehouses. At the port entrance, walk towards the water and keep to the right. It's on the docks towards the farthest point out behind some buildings; all outdoor seating for the most part. Order a tray of shrimp, a (big) salad and the calamari and fish tray. No menus or prices but it's quite inexpensive and authentic. For about 60 dirham you will get a serving of fish and seafood for one person that could easily feed two, including salad, bread and beverages.

Many cafes also serve snacks and many bars on the beachfront serve tapas. Also, some familiar global fast food brands have restaurants in Tangier.

In and around the Medina [ edit ]

• 35.78374 -5.81346 1 Restaurant Darna (de L'association Darna) , rue Jules Cot - Place du 9 avril ( from the main square, go uphill and take the stairs leading down to a large building with a large green gate. ), ☏ +212 5 39 94 70 65 . The Darna organization helping women and children in difficulties is operating a restaurant, popular among the western expats in the city. You get whatever they are serving that day, which includes bread, olives, salad and a main. Drinks (10 dirham) and dessert (15 dirham) are available for extra. Daily four-course menu 60 dirham . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• 35.785265 -5.809915 2 Restaurant Ahlen , 8 Rue des Postes . Moroccan cuisine served in a modest restaurant, a popular suggestion of several nearby accommodations. 50 to 90 dirham for a decent tagine or couscous, with bread, olives, cheese, and tea included . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• 35.786385 -5.813394 3 Abou Tayssir , 11 Rue d'Italie . A Syrian restaurant ( updated May 2022 )
• 35.786728 -5.813679 4 Chez Hassan Bab Kasbah , 8 Rue de la Kasbah . ( updated May 2022 )
• 35.78676 -5.813794 5 Riad Al Andalous Restaurant , Riad, Rue de la Kasbah . Moroccan cuisine ( updated May 2022 )

In the city centre [ edit ]

• 35.77979 -5.81227 6 Bocadillo Abdelmalik , Rue Mexique ( a block away from Terrasse des Paresseux ). Fast food. A fabulous and cheap sandwich of kefta, egg, fries on a baguette at around 14 dirham (June 2015) ( updated May 2022 )
• 35.7778 -5.8065 7 Oslo Pizza , Ave Mohammed V ( located on the Boulevard and on the beachfront ). Pizzas and snacks. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• 35.780612 -5.812099 8 Sandwich City , Rue jarraoui 3 . ( updated May 2022 )
• 35.779916 -5.810106 9 Eric's Hamburger 1 , Bd Pasteur . ( updated May 2022 )
• 35.779435 -5.810919 10 Sandwich Les Quatre Saisons , Avenue Moussa ibn noussair / Avenue Amrou ibn al aas . ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 35.78765 -5.81452 11 Café à l'Anglaise ( A L'Anglaise ), 37 rue de la Kasbah ( From the Place of 9 april take the street (Rue d'Italie) that starts in the arcade of the Kasbah. The street will go up of the hill. The cafe is next to the pastries chop. If you come from the museum of the kasbah walk down a little the cafe is just after the pharmacy. ), ☏ +212 635-186766 , [email protected] . 1AM-10PM . In the heart of the Kasbah on the highest peak of the Medina of Tangier with panoramic views, It has a range of veggie meals and all dishes are cooked in traditional wood oven. It is 100% organic. The juice comes huge with no additive and some fresh ginger and pomme grenade. €8 (Dec 2015) . ( updated May 2022 )
• 35.78258 -5.81247 12 Saveurs de poissons - Chez Poppeye ( Restaurant Populaire ), Escalier Waller, 2 ( near rue de la Liberté and the hotel El-Minzah ), ☏ +212 5 39 33 63 26 . Excellent seafood and fish restaurant, served with some kind of couscous and tajine as is typical in Morocco. Fruit juice is also a speciality. 100­-150 dirham . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7789 -5.8114 13 Le Pagode , 3 rue El Boussairi ( located near the town centre ). Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant with pleasant decor and friendly service. The food has received mixed reviews. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7771 -5.8082 14 Otori Sushi , 41 Av. de la Resistance ( located near the Grande Poste ), ☏ +212 5393 25533 . According to many reviewers the best Japanese food in Tangier, especially sushi. about 120 dirham/person . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7713 -5.8176 15 Restaurant Al Andalous , Rue Hafid Ben Abdel-Barr ( opposite the Al Andalous Mosque, Lalla Chafia. ). Moroccan Deli & Fish Bar with nice decor and typical Moroccan dishes. ( updated Jun 2015 )

Splurge [ edit ]

Many of the luxury hotels , including the iconic Hotel Continental, offer a good selection of both Moroccan and continental fare, though at prices much higher than what you will find elsewhere. There are also many restaurants along the Ave Mohamed VI (the beachfront) where one can enjoy a nice meal with a glass of wine on the beachfront.

• 35.7806 -5.8116 16 San Remo , 15 Rue Ahmed Chouki ( located near the town centre ), ☏ +212 5399 38451 . Italian and French cuisine, apparently decent food at elevated prices. mains around 150 dirham . ( updated Jun 2015 )

Drink [ edit ]

There are many places in Tangier to drink. Much depends on the current owner who tends to give the place a certain ambiance. Popular bars/discos with foreign (and local) clientele include Casa Pepe, Sable D'or, Morocco Palace, Marco Polo (popular with truck drivers) and hotel bars such as Ramada and El Minzah.

You could opt for a coffee, and there are no shortage of cafes; some of which are the best in the country. Some have amazing views (cafe Hafa), some good coffee, some are popular (cafe Tropicana, cafe Celine Dion), some with music (cafe in the Dawliz complex), some have good cakes (cafe Oslo), some are places to relax after a hard day shopping (cafe Madam Porte, cafe Vienna), and some are rather sleazy.

Fresh fruit juices are sold by street vendors during the summer months. The cafes also serve fresh fruit juices and often have wpanache, a delicious mix of fruit juices often with milk, apple and almond.

• 35.79133 -5.82175 1 Cafe El-Hafa ( Near avenue Hadj Mohamed Tazi, GPS +35.79133°,-5.82175° ). Opened in 1921, visited by famous writers and artists. View on the Straits of Gibraltar. Drink tea while looking at boats passing by.  
• 35.7808 -5.8085 2 Bar Tangerine , Rue Magellan 1 . Nice little bar for a drink in the evening or the weekend. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78151 -5.82271 3 La Fuga , Rue Ibn Zaidoun . Café and pizzeria. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78168 -5.81271 4 La Española , 97,Rue La Libérté . Bakery and tea house, specializing in cakes. ( updated Jun 2015 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in all categories. Rates may vary depending on the season. Many riads (traditional Moroccan mansions) nowadays function as hotels, with nightly rates around 300-500 D. These can be found mostly in the medina.

There is an enormous number of small hotels and hostels in or near the medina, nightly rates are 50 - 300 dirham. At these establishments, showers and toilets are communal and hot water costs extra. There are also a lot of small hotels at the port, which is walking distance to both the medina and the new city. To find these little hotels you exit the port of Tangiers and in about 100 m you'll see the Hotel Biarritz (white with hand-lettering in blue). Turn right up the rutted, dirty little alleyway next to it (yes, this is a street) and wind your way uphill to find several small hotels off the main drag on the unmarked Avenue Magellan.

• 35.78086 -5.80819 1 Magellan Hotel , Rue Magellan . Quiet and very basic, hot showers, has a garage for your car or motorcycle, and costs 150 dihams/night w/20 dirham for parking. Front rooms 2nd floor have Bay of Tangiers view and cooling breeze. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78256 -5.80944 2 Hotel Royal , 144 Rue Salah Eddine Ayoubi . Right up the hill from the port entrance, on the way up to the medina. Rooms w shared bath start around 120 dirham but it was easily talked down. Clean, hot water, very nice atmosphere, also has Wifi and satellite TV in the lobby.  
• 35.78187 -5.81266 3 Pension Gibraltar , Rue de la Liberation ( between av. Pasteur and Gran Socco ). Basic hostel, if you want clean sheets bring your own. triples 150 dirham, warm shower included .  
• 35.7807 -5.8075 4 Villa Muniria , 1 Rue Magellan , ☏ +212 39935337 . Visited by American authors of the Beat generation of the late 1950s. Is still a hotel, but is reportedly a bit run-down. This is where William S. Burroghs wrote his book Naked Lunch .  
• 35.78139 -5.8145 5 Hotel Hollanda , 139 Rue de Hollande .  

Camping [ edit ]

• 35.7594 -5.9367 6 Camping Achkkar ( Cap Spartel 10 km from downtown, near the Hercules Cave ).  
• 35.7916 -5.8319 7 Camping Miramonte ( 3 km west of downtown ). Reputedly the best campsite, also offers bungalow accommodation. ( updated Jun 2015 )

• 35.7874 -5.8095 8 Hotel Continental , 36 Rue Dar El Baroud , ☏ +212 5 39 93 10 24 . This hotel, situated in the medina and within easy reach of the port, is very much in the 'former glory' category, with past guests including Degas, Churchill, Kerouac and friends. Definitely spend extra for a nicer room if given the opportunity, it is not a lot extra and the best rooms were absolutely palatial. Get one facing the port if you can. It has a really nice terrace out front where you can enjoy mint tea with spectacular views of the harbour. Make sure not to confuse it with the Intercontinental which is a more modern hotel and not as central. 365-420 dirham for a double. . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7778 -5.8005 9 [dead link] Hotel Shehezerade , Rue de la Sena . On the beachfront, clean and comfortable, cheap and cheerful (€30-35). ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.77652 -5.79746 10 Hotel Solazure , Avenue Mohammed VI . On the beachfront but caters mostly to package tourists. Poor service and not particularly clean or cheap. €50-60 ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78724 -5.81001 11 Dar Jameel , No.6 rue Mohammed Bergach, Dar El Baroud , ☏ +212 61092780 . This new guesthouse/ boutique hotel is a stone's throw from the Hotel Continental and needs to be seen. A former restaurant and gallery, the house has been amazingly restored with typical Moroccan style. The view from the large terrace and penthouse is 360 degrees, taking in the medina, the bay of Tangier, Gibraltar and Spain. The 8 rooms/suites vary in price from €45 to €120 a night.  
• 35.7808 -5.8063 12 Hotel Marco Polo , Rue Antaki . Clean, modern and decent sized rooms with air conditioning and satellite television. A double room will set you back around 600 dirham although this can be negotiated down to 450 dirham. The reception will let you use the spare computer for internet access free of charge. Breakfast is not included. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78917 -5.81347 13 La Tangerina , 19, Riad Sultan , ☏ +212 39947731 , fax : +212 39947733 . A riad in the Kasbah.  
• 35.7737 -5.7792 14 Hotel Ramada Encore Tanger , Lot N°1, Baie de Tanger . On beachfront - 4-star hotel. Modern and reasonably priced with sea facing rooms (€80-100). ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7847 -5.7635 15 Hotel Mövenpick , Route De Malabata . in Malabata - Expensive but modern luxury hotel with an adjoining Casino. 5-star hotel (€160-180) ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78187 -5.8122 16 Hotel El Minzah , Rue de la Liberte 85 . Near the Medina - centrally located. Decor is traditional Moroccan arabesque. This is the most famous 5-star hotel in Tangier. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7757 -5.7998 17 Hotel Omnia el Puerto , 10 Avenue Beethoven . Not on the beachfront but is clean and comfortable 4-star hotel. (€70-80) ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7738 -5.81 18 Hotel Intercontinental , Bd. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah . Near the big Mezquita. Good service and clean. Not part of the Intercontinental chain. €50-70 ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.759 -5.9388 19 Hotel Le Mirage ( in Cap Spartel ). This is a 5-star hotel on the Atlantic coast, with a kilometer of clean beach. It is a little far from Tangier and an ideal secluded spot. Popular with Royalty and the discreetly rich. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.7799 -5.8043 20 Hotel Rif , Avenue Mohammed VI . Renovated 5-star hotel on the beachfront. Famous former guests include Winston Churchill and Jean Claude Van Damme. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.79311 -5.83451 21 Villa Josephine , 231, Rue Sidi Mesmoudi . Villa Josephine on the Old Mountain is an 11-room luxury residence with fine dining, bar and swimming pool. It is located away from the crowds downtown. ( updated Jun 2015 )
• 35.78871 -5.81419 22 Albarnous , Rue Ahmed Cheijh Ben Ajiba 18 B , ☏ +212539371919 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Elegant riad in the Kasbah, equipped with a hammam. €90/100 .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

Generally, central Tangier is a very safe city compared with many places in Europe though this does not necessarily apply to the suburbs. The only trouble you may encounter are the persistent touts whom you should ignore, or the con-men ready to fleece you (by trying to chat up to you then sometimes offer to smoke hashish), and you will encounter these almost exclusively in the medina. There are policemen everywhere and you will probably feel safer than at home. Tangier is generally safe for lone women.

Dressing like a local will help you blend in and get good reception from merchants, who will often quote you actual prices instead of inflated tourist prices. There are lots of expats in this city that speak Spanish first, then English and then French. A polite no thank you and then simply ignoring touts does get rid of them.

This is not the case if you are visiting Tangier as part of a tour (e.g. a day tour from Costa del Sol or a cruise excursion). In this case, as of May 2015, the souvenir touts are going to follow your group during the whole time you're in the medina. Yes, they may have interesting looking stuff for sale, but if you buy anything from anyone of them it will mark you as an easy target and the other ten touts in the gang will surround you until you get back on the tour bus. Save your shopping for the shops, which you will stop at. They are also eager to get to sell you something, but they do at least have a larger selection and won't follow you along.

If you are lost in the medina, you can easily find your way out by going uphill (souk/English church/Nouvelle Village) or down (port). Children and young men may ask you for money to lead you out (a couple of dirams), or to the Cafe Central, but if you are asked if you are lost and do not want help, say "Yes, but happily," and usually that gets a laugh and solitude.

When arriving via ferry from Spain, be aware that con men will await you at the harbour and offer you help filling in the immigration sheet (or just do it unquestioned) or advise you where you would get some tasty local food (and then of course expect a majestic tip). They can be quite persistent. Best not to talk to them at all.

Also, check the current exchange rate when you need to change euros. Don't simply trust the rate that locals tell you (even if different people confirm the same rate).

Go next [ edit ]

• Asilah — Town at the ocean with a splendid white medina and a lots of beaches, 20 km south. Grand taxi 50 dirham, bus 11 dirham.
• Larache — A lively and non-touristy town 85 km to the south featuring beaches and the Phoenician-Roman ruins of Lixus at the estuary of river Loukkos.
• Chefchaouen — Some 120 km southeast. This is a traditional Rif mountain village with blue and white houses surrounded by beautiful forested countryside.
• Tetouan — The other major city in the region, 60 km to the southeast. It has what some people call the prettiest medina of the country, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The coast further east features sand beaches, resorts and good diving.
• Ceuta — 65 km northeast, this is a Spanish enclave on the African mainland. The road there passes Jbel Musa which in antiquity was known as one of the Pillars of Hercules (the other one was the Rock of Gibraltar )
• Mainland Spain — You can buy train, bus and ferry tickets at the stations and ports listed above, although you may find it easier to purchase ferry tickets from travel agents rather than face the gauntlet of touts at the port. If you plan on leaving by ferry, it is important to note that the ferries from Tanger Med to Algeciras often do not follow a set schedule, and departure times can change even within a day of having purchased tickets. One alternative is to take a fast ferry to Tarifa, because these are more likely to run on time and at least one of the companies provides a free bus to the port at Algeciras. You can also flag grand taxis at the major bus stations and ferry port. If you're leaving Morocco, spend or exchange your dirham to another currency first. Legally, you may not bring out more than 1000 dirham, and you will probably not be able to exchange them abroad.
• Otherwise, buses and trains take you south to other major cities in Morocco such as Rabat , Marrakech and Casablanca .

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Home » Travel Guides » Morocco » 25 Best Things to Do in Tangier (Morocco)

25 Best Things to Do in Tangier (Morocco)

Since 2010, change has swept across this rakish city on the Strait of Gibraltar at a dizzying rate.

Heavy investment has moved the container port out of the city, the impenetrable Medina feels safer, the beaches are cleaner and the bay-front Corniche was regenerated in 2018. There has never been a better time to delve into Tangier and reconnect with the city of Delacroix, Matisse and Paul Bowles, and where William S. Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch.

You can try to make sense of the Medina, sip mint tea at a louche cafe, stroll along the Corniche and battle up to the 17th-century Kasbah and its magnificent archaeology museum.

Out of the city you can bask on Blue Flag beaches and journey to Cap Spartel and Cap Malabata to spot Gibraltar and Tarifa across the strait.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Tangier:

The maze-like Medina of the White City spills down the slope from the Kasbah in the north, granting brief glimpses of the Bay of Tangier through its gorge-like alleys.

Market stalls in the Medina laden with leather goods, carpets, spices, fruit, vegetables, fish and handmade copper and brass jewellery.

It is in this old city, previously a no-go for tourists, that you’ll also sense the changing mood in Tangier.

Vendors and young restaurant touts tend to be enthusiastic without becoming pushy, and you’ll always have plenty of tourists for company on the alleys leading up to the Kasbah.

The days of the International Zone are recalled at Petit Socco, with its cosmopolitan architecture at cafe terraces.

Recommended tour : Tangier Highlights Private 6-Hour Tour

2. Dar el Makhzen (Kasbah)

Presiding over the northern alleys of the Medina is the palace ordered by Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672-1727), after he re-conquered Tangier following two centuries of English occupation.

Dar el Makhzen, put up on the ruins of the English “Upper Castle”, was the seat of the Sultans of Morocco when they stayed in Tangier.

Sultan Abd al-Hafid (1875-1937), together with an entourage of 168 people, became a permanent resident here after being forced to abdicate in 1912 when the Treaty of Fez made Yusef of Morocco Sultan under the French Protectorate.

The palace is praised as one of Morocco’s finest man-made landmarks, and centres on two exquisite arcaded courtyards, graced with intricate arabesques, carved cedar, marble fountains and columns, some carved by the Romans.

Dar el-Makhzen holds the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities, also known as the Kasbah Museum.

Included in : City Highlights Discovery Tour

3. Kasbah Museum

The palace is an apt place to browse hundreds of years of workmanship in Morocco up to the end of Tangier’s English period in 1684. You’ll discover bronzes and mosaics from the Roman cities of Volubilis, Cotta and Lixus.

There are also ancient pieces from closer to home, including finds like urns, lead sarcophagi and a reconstructed tomb, all from a Phoenician necropolis on the ocean side of the Kasbah Hill.

Elsewhere there are ceramics and coins from the Almohad and Merinid-dynasty, silks from Fez, manuscripts, carpets and guns with inlay decoration, while you can enter the former throne room with a sublime artesonado coffered ceiling.

From the Portuguese period there’s a stunning Manueline window from the nearby coastal town of Ksar es Seghir.

4. Caves of Hercules

This cave, part natural and part man-made is steeped in legend and set on a headland between two epic Atlantic beaches.

The story goes that Hercules stayed here while preparing for his 11th labour.

This was to steal the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides.

Some ancient Greek writers placed the garden a little way down the Atlantic coast at the ancient city of Lixus.

On his way to the cave, Hercules had to contend with the Atlas mountain, and instead of crossing it he smashed through it, and so creating the Strait of Gibraltar.

There’s less far-fetched human history in the cave system, going back to the Neolithic period: The cave’s spectacular ocean-side opening is thought to have been cut by the Phoenicians, and bears a remarkable resemblance to the African continent.

It’s also not hard to discern the many grooves in the walls left by the Berbers who quarried millstones from the walls over many centuries.

Included in : Full-Day Tangier, Asilah, & Cape Spartel Tour

5. American Legation

In the very south of the Medina is the first property acquired abroad by the United States.

The American Legation was established in this Moorish-style stuccoed building in 1821 and is on the US National Register of Historic Places.

The property, holding a cultural centre, library and museum all oriented towards Arabic studies, symbolises the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship of 1786, still upheld today.

The building lost its diplomatic role after the capital moved to Rabat with independence in 1956, and is rented from the United States Government by a non-profit set up in the 70s to safeguard this historic building.

In the museum’s elegant galleries are well-curated exhibits chronicling the relationship between the US and Morocco, sprinkled with interesting documents, photographs, maps, paintings and correspondence.

One letter, penned by a diplomat, describes receiving lions as a gift, and wondering what to do with them.

6. Cap Spartel

Up the coast from the Caves of Hercules is the scrub-topped promontory that marks the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

Protected by reserve, Cap Spartel rises to more than 300 metres above the ocean.

The water off the cape has been the scene of battles in the American War of Independence and during the Spanish Civil War, and is named for an archipelago thought to have been submerged around 9400 BCE.

Spartel remains as a sandbank with a highest point 56 metres below the surface.

The lighthouse crowning the promontory dates from 1864 and was the first to be built in Morocco in modern times.

7. Achakar Beach

Between the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel is a glorious public beach awarded consecutive Blue Flags in recent years for hygiene, water quality, facilities and lifeguard provision.

But the headliner is the sheer natural wonder of this long and wide beach, facing west and backed by sloping, gravelly cliffs for breathtaking views of the sunset.

This is the open Atlantic so the surf will be too strong for kids, but the waves break a long way out, and there is a large shallow area where wee ones can paddle safely with supervision.

As with most Moroccan tourist beaches camel rides are on offer at Achakar Beach.

8. Corniche de Tanger

Another place where the investment of the last decade is unmistakeable is on the bay-front promenade.

This bends around the entire Bay of Tangier, from Merkala Beach in the west to Cap Malabata in the east.

The section that most people associate with the Corniche is between the new tourist port and Villa Harris, encompassing two beaches at the Plage Municipale and Plage Malabata to the east.

Traced by scores of restaurants and cafes, this promenade dates to the 19th century but has been transformed in the 2000s, with smooth paving, geometric lawns, clumps of palms and benches.

The views are staggering, over the sweeps of light sand out to Cap Malabata across the bay, and the outline of Tarifa on the other side of the Strait.

9. Parc Perdicaris (Parc Rmilat)

On the road to Cap Spartel you’ll pass along the southern edge of this blissful coastal forest, on the western edge of the city.

Parc Perdicaris adds up to almost 70 hectares and is named after the Greek-American consul and playboy Ion Perdicaris (1840-1925) whose estate was on this land.

When Perdicaris was kidnapped in 1904 it triggered an international crisis, and the response to the “Perdicaris Affair” by Theodore Roosevelt is thought to have helped him win the election that year.

Perdicaris planted the exotic eucalyptus trees in the park alongside the native palms, oaks, laurel trees, pines, acacias and walnut trees in the 1880s for the health of his wife who was suffering from tuberculosis.

There’s detailed info about the park’s abundant flora, and you can picnic on the steep slopes, casting your gaze on the ocean.

As of 2019, Perdicaris’ romantic hilltop villa is currently being restored after decades of in decline.

10. Grand Socco

Straddling the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle is Tangier’s former central marketplace, which has since been given a facelift and become a transport hub.

So where there were once storytellers, musicians and snake charmers there’s a landscaped space with palms and little lawns, all converging on a grand central fountain.

The name Grand Socco sums up Tangier’s story, being a Spanish corruption of “souk”. The borders are lined with cafes where you can witness life at the point where new and old Tangier meet.

And although large scale trading has gone, there are still plenty of stalls on Grand Socco, for fruit and arts and handmade crafts.

To the west are the Jardins de la Mendoubia, scene of a momentous event in Moroccan history, which we’ll talk about below.

11. Petit Socco

At one point the Petit Socco in the Medina was one of Morocco’s most important marketplaces, drawing people from across the region for its food and clothing stalls.

The buildings on the square’s frontages have a blend of North African and European styles, which hints at the character of this spot during its early-20th-century heyday.

At that time bankers and diplomats had their offices at Petit Socco, and the affluence of the time was reflected in its casinos, hotels and cafes.

During the days of the International Zone there were German, English and French post offices on this one square.

The glamour of that time had ebbed away by the 1950s, but echoes remain in the louche cafes (Tinjis, Central, Tanger and Al Manara), and in the stucco facades and wrought iron balconies

12. Tangier Highlights Private Six-Hour Tour

Even the most travelled visitors may feel overwhelmed by Tangier, and will need to turn to a trusted professional guide.

This tour squeezes all the essentials into just half a day, combining it all with a resident’s perspective.

You’ll get your bearings at Cap Malabata and then journey across to the Caves of Hercules, before diving into the Kasbah and the exciting alleys of the Medina.

The tour can be given in English, Spanish, French or Italian, and includes pickup from the airport or hotels across Tangier.

Book online: Tangier Highlights Private Six-Hour Tour

13. Plage Municipale

Hugged by the Corniche, the most convenient place to feel the sand between your toes in Tangier is the municipal beach, a broad crescent bordered to the west by the port.

As with urban beaches around the world the water quality may rule out a swim, and it may be some time before the Plage Municipale earns a Blue Flag.

But with the recent development of the Corniche the sand is now well maintained, and a pleasant place to enjoy the sunshine and sea air.

Camel rides are also available here, and these animals appear healthy and well looked after.

14. Tangier Grand Mosque

For non-Muslims, this is a sight to check out as you make your way around the Grand Socco on a tour of the Medina, getting a pic of the striking entrance and minaret on the way.

The Grand Mosque is the largest in the city, raised in 1685 on the foundations of a demolished Portuguese church, which before that had been a Roman temple.

The mosque took on its current appearance in 1815 under Sultan Moulay Sliman, and Sultan Mohammed V worshipped here on a way to make a momentous speech in Tangier in 1947.

15. Fondation Lorin

At the south end of the Medina, a couple streets in from the Jardins de la Mendoubia there’s a museum in the deconsecrated Lorin synagogue from the colonial era.

The Fondation Lorin documents social, political, cultural and sporting life in Tangier since the 1930s, with neatly presented displays of photographs, posters, newspaper clippings and plans.

The main focus is on the time of the International Zone, between 1924 and 1956. The museum also puts on regular exhibitions of contemporary art, and there’s regular exhibitions.

16. Gran Teatro Cervantes

A decaying Spanish artefact, the 1,400-capacity Gran Teatro Cervantes was constructed in 1913, and in its day was one of the most important stages in North Africa.

Some of Europe’s leading performers like the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso trod these boards in the early 20th century.

Fair to say that the now empty theatre a short walk south of the American Legation has seen better days, as you’ll tell from its crumbling Art Nouveau facade.

But in 2019 the property was officially handed by Spain to the Moroccan government, which has committed to restoring and reopening the venue as a theatre and cultural centre.

17. Tomb of Ibn Battuta

One of Tangier’s most famous sons is the Arab world’s answer to Marco Polo, a 14th-century explorer who embarked on a 29-year adventure across almost all of the Islamic world, as well as China, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

Like any spot in the Medina, his tomb can be a challenge to find, and sits on the tiny Rue Ibn Batouta, a couple of minutes southwest of the Kasbah.

Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll come across a sign and an information board detailing Ibn Battuta’s life in French, English and Arabic.

The gate for Bab El Assa has a number that you can call.

Eventually, a muezzin will appear and lead you to the sarcophagus, wrapped in a green cloth with verses from the Koran.

18. Jardins de la Mendoubia

At the western edge of the Grand Socco you can break out into some open space in the grounds of the city’s commercial court (Tribunal de Commerce). This estate was set up for the Mendoub, a representative of the sultan, during Tangier’s time as an International Zone.

Pavilions from the Mendoub were also used as the headquarters of the German consulate during their occupation from 1941. At the main entrance you’ll be greeted by a large arch carved with Arabic script, behind which are palms, lawns and flowerbeds.

The park has 30 bronze cannons dating back to the 17th century, and some of the oldest trees in the city, including a majestic banyan thought to date back 850 years.

It was in this park in April 1947 that Sultan Mohammed V gave a historic speech calling for Morocco’s independence.

19. St Andrew’s Church

In 1880 Sultan Hassan I granted a strip of land to Tangier’s British community to build an Anglican church.

The current, Moorish-style church was consecrated in 1905 after the initial construction proved too small for the congregation.

Pay a visit for the peculiar sight of a church tower designed like a minaret, the horseshoe arches of the interior, and the Lord’s Prayer written in Arabic script behind the altar.

Most fascinating are the historical figures commemorated in the church, or buried in the graveyard beside it.

Inside is a plaque for Emily Keene (1849-1944), who married the Sharif of Ouzzane in 1873 and is credited with introducing the cholera vaccine to Morocco.

Among the travellers, writers and soldiers in the graveyard there’s a plot for an almost legendary local bar-owner known only as Dean and reading, “Died February 1963. Missed by all and sundry.”

20. Dalia Beach

If you don’t mind going the extra mile for a perfect beach you can venture east along the rocky coastline, towards Ceuta.

Around a headland known as Point Cires from the Tangier Med Container Port is the Blue Flag Dalia Beach, held as one of the best beaches in Morocco.

A complete contrast to Achakar Beach, Dalia is on the Mediterranean side of trait, withdrawn from the coast in front of a bowl of rocky hills covered with pines.

The water in this small bay is spellbinding shade of pale blue.

There’s a little white fishing village on the west side, and blue wooden boats have been dragged up onto the sand.

21. Cap Malabata

Closing off the Bay of Tangier at its eastern end of the Bay of Tangier is the promontory, Cap Malabata.

Atop the cliffs is a lighthouse and a small castle, built in the early 20th century in a Medieval style.

The reason to come is to visit the cafe, and contemplate the view as the sun goes down with a glass of mint tea or powerful coffee.

Near the point where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, you can make out Spain and Gibraltar across the strait, or look back over the Bay of Tangier to see the city and port in lights.

22. Terrasse des Paresseux

A little way south and up the slope from the Gran Teatro Cervantes there’s a neat paved esplanade with sweeping vistas of the city, the Strait of Gibraltar and over to Tarifa in Spain.

Terrasse des Paresseux is armed with a quartet of historic cannons, and you can peer across the strait through fixed binoculars.

For people trying to reach Europe, it’s a place to pause and gaze longingly at a continent just out of reach.

Avenue Pasteur beside the terrace is a popular spot for “paseos” in the evening, and at tea you could indulge in a pastry from one of the many nearby cafes and patisserie shops, like Cafe la Española and Gran Café de Paris, once a haunt for Tangier’s beat crowd.

23. Plaza de Toros

We don’t approve of bullfighting, but this sight, which hosted its last bullfight 50 years ago, is more of a monument to Tangier’s recent mixed heritage.

This is one of eight remaining bullrings in Africa.

You’ll find it in the south-east of the city, off Avenue Yacoub El Mansour.

This forlorn 13,000 capacity area, dating back to 1950, is more of a destination for intrepid urban explorers who sneak inside to photograph the decay.

At the time of writing in 2019 there were rumours that the bullring would be renovated and find a new role, but nothing had been made official.

24. Tanjazz

It makes sense that a city linked with the beat generation should have a successful jazz festival.

Organised by Fondation Lorin, Tanjazz has been going since 2000, and takes place at multiple stages around Tangier’s streets and squares across eight days in mid-September.

The festival accommodates all of jazz’s many sub-genres, from big band to swing to bebop.

At the 2019 edition there was an international array of acts, from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal and the United States, but you could also hear African-infused jazz by Lidiop (Senegal), Fouad Hani (Morocco) and Tangier’s own Gnawa Express.

25. Mnar Park

In from Cap Malabata, about ten kilometres from Tangier, is a small resort furnished with a water park open to daily visitors.

This attraction has been upgraded in the last couple of seasons, and has large, interconnected pools, a shallow pool for littler children and a small line-up of slides, one with two-seater inflatable rings.

For frazzled parents there are grass spaces where you can lie back on sun loungers under palm fronds.

Mnar Park is on high ground, so as you climb the steps for the slides you’ll see Tangier’s skyline off in the near distance to the west.

25 Best Things to Do in Tangier (Morocco):

• Dar el Makhzen (Kasbah)
• Kasbah Museum
• Caves of Hercules
• American Legation
• Cap Spartel
• Achakar Beach
• Corniche de Tanger
• Parc Perdicaris (Parc Rmilat)
• Grand Socco
• Petit Socco
• Tangier Highlights Private Six-Hour Tour
• Plage Municipale
• Tangier Grand Mosque
• Fondation Lorin
• Gran Teatro Cervantes
• Tomb of Ibn Battuta
• Jardins de la Mendoubia
• St Andrew's Church
• Dalia Beach
• Cap Malabata
• Terrasse des Paresseux
• Plaza de Toros

• Dominican Republic
• Fuerteventura
• Gran Canaria
• Riviera Maya
• San Sebastián

• article', 'event':'header_language'}); utag_data.event_category = 'header'; utag_data.event_action = 'change language'; utag_data.event_label = 'plans>article'; utag_data.event = 'header_language'; " class="wpml-ls-link"> Español
• Barcelo. com
• Places of Interest
• Food and Drinks
• Sea and Beaches
• Routes and Walks
• Sports and Adventure
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• Health and Wellness
• Leisure and Entertainment
• Museums and Art

• Things to do

What to see in Tangier, the city that inspired great artists

Information

A first visit to Tangier often leaves a bittersweet feeling, perhaps because one has cities such as Marrakesh or Fez in mind. Nevertheless, this port city a stone’s throw from Spain has something that captivates visitors, making them return again and again. Artists such as Delacroix, Paul Bowles and Matisse all succumbed to the city’s charms.

If you arrive by ferry, the first image you have will be from the sea, where you can sense the hustle and bustle of the port and the coming and going of boats and goods. From there you can walk to the historic quarter where the life of locals is played out, largely focused on commerce and tourism.

If you only have three or four days in the city, make sure you plan well, as you will need at least two days to explore the essential things to see in Tangier , including its museums, the medina, the souks and, naturally, the quiet beaches. And while you’re at it, you may as well set aside two more days to do some day trips in the surrounding area. Nearby excursions that may be of interest include the Hercules caves and the towns of Asilah and Tetouan. Although you can go alone, the best thing to do is visit as part of a guided tour so you can learn about the history of each of the places.

The kasbah and its museum

9 April 1947 Square

Great Mosque of Tangier

Tangier’s souk

Tangier’s beaches

Cape Spartel

Hercules cave

Chefchaouen

Where to stay in Tangier

What to see on a trip to Tangier

If you’re already exploring, you will have noticed the city’s large size. In fact, Tangier is home to around one million people. Nevertheless, the best things to see in Tangier are concentrated in just a few neighbourhoods, which means you can easily explore on foot. Must-visit places include the kasbah, the medina, 9 April 1947 Square, the Great Mosque and the famous Café Hafa. Be careful when walking around at night and avoid empty streets (basic rules in any city).

One of the most beautiful places in Tangier is the so-called kasbah, the name given to the fortified complex situated on one of the city’s hills. This area in the highest part of the medina, loved by locals and visitors alike, is composed of a higgledy-piggledy maze of narrow streets that are home to small squares, workshops, and one of the best viewpoints above the city walls. In the Kasbah of Tangier not only should you wander around at your leisure but also pinpoint places of interest such as the former Dar-el-Makhzen (or the Sultanate) palace, which dates from the seventeenth century and houses a museum that is well worth a visit. Inside you can admire architecture typical of a palace from the time as well as the archaeological remains of Roman cities such as Volubilis and Moroccan crafts.

Another essential thing to see in Tangier is the medina.  This working-class neighbourhood, which spreads out around 9 April 1947 Square and includes the kasbah, is the city’s historic centre and, as such, is very lively during the day. As with all Arabian urban layouts, the narrow streets do not follow a strict plan, and shops and street vendors are constant features. Take your time to explore it, visiting the bazaars, and, if you like photography, you can take some snaps of one of the prettiest parts of Tangier.

This historical place is named after the day, in 1947, on which Mohammed V gave a speech on the square in support of Moroccan independence. The large meeting place has different areas with benches, a large marble fountain and palm trees. Be sure to visit the Sidi Bou Abib mosque and both the Grand Socco and the Petit Socco markets. The best way to soak up the square’s atmosphere is by sitting on a bar’s terrace, enjoying a Moroccan mint tea and whiling away the time.

Thanks to its colour and very tall minaret, the Great Mosque of Tangier never goes unnoticed. Ever since it was built in 1684, its appearance and even its worshippers have changed on occasion with the mosque even functioning as a cathedral when the city was under Portuguese rule. After being rebuilt with a new Alaouite aesthetic it resumed as a mosque from the nineteenth century. You can reach the mosque through the Petit Socco. Don’t miss it, because it is one of Tangier’s must-visit places.

One particular pleasure that you shouldn’t pass up on when in Tangier is visiting the hundred-year-old Café Hafa . Comprising several terraces with magnificent views of the Strait, the café has a bohemian atmosphere, which groups and figures from the world of music and literature have had a hand in creating, such as the Rolling Stones, Juan Goytisolo and Paul Bowles (who lived for much of his life and died in Tangier). Its whitewashed walls, with an arresting touch of indigo, are the perfect backdrop for some fantastic Instagram snaps. Although when it was founded in 1921 it was intended as a local neighbourhood bar in the Marchane district, it soon became one of the most in-demand places among tourists and famous people.

In Tangier you will find hundreds of shops across the whole city, but there are only two main souks, the Grand Socco and Petit Socco. The Grand Socco, which surrounds 9 April 1947 Square, boasts all types of items and stalls selling fresh produce. On certain days local producers even come to sell their goods. In the Petit Socco you will mostly find stalls and workshops selling crafts. Take your time to choose and haggle, an art in which vendors are true specialists. From traditional slippers and rugs to lamps and gold and silverware, you’ll certainly find something you like.

After a day of shopping or exploring Tangier’s medina, what could be better than enjoying the fine, golden sand of Tangier’s beaches . You don’t have to go far to enjoy a dip in the sea or some sun, since the city has an extensive urban beach running parallel to the seaside promenade. Plus, not only will you be able to enjoy a clean, well-kept beach during the day, but at sunset it is common for locals to head down to the sand, spreading out their blankets and having dinner with their families while listening to the sound of the waves. You can also opt to head to other further-off beaches such as those at Cape Spartel or near the Hercules caves, where it’s not unusual to find yourself alone if you go in the low season. Surprising, right?

Tangier’s beach

Day trips from Tangier

A Tangier city break can be turned into a combined trip that also includes excursions to places just a few hours from the city. What’s more, guided excursions are very convenient and inexpensive and will mean you don’t have to worry about how to get there (road signs are not very good). Some excursions even include food.

This is one of the most popular day trips from Tangier. Declared a Nature Reserve, the cape boasts a lighthouse dating from the mid-nineteenth century, built by the architect François Léonce Reynad, who was inspired by the designs of mosques. The lighthouse reaches a height of 30 metres and has a beacon that can be seen up to 23 nautical miles away. In addition to enjoying the surroundings, if you go just before evening you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful  sunsets above the sea.

If you are visiting Tangier with your family, a trip to the Hercules caves is a must, since children will be amazed by the stories of myths and heroes. The caves are named after Hercules because, as legend has it, the hero (Heracles in Greek mythology and Hercules in Roman) rested in them after separating the land to create the Strait of Gibraltar and placing a pillar on each continent. A visit to the caves is short and inexpensive (the cost works out at roughly one euro). Despite the fact they are easy to get to, the caves are not suitable for people with mobility problems. Inside you can observe how they were once used as a quarry to extract stone, which has formed an unusual sgraffito effect, while watching the crashing waves.

If there is one Moroccan city that people fall in love with at first sight it is Chefchaouen. Its blue and white streets flood the town with a special light that fills visitors with vitality. On a day trip from Tangier you will have just enough time to explore the medina, walk through the kasbah and its gardens, browse the dozens of shops selling crafts, and stop off at the museum. If you’re looking for a rug, you’re in the right place, as here you can find original options at good prices.

With a medina declared a Unesco Heritage Site, the city of Tetouan is a highly-recommended place to visit from Tangier. Just exploring the medina is enough to warrant a day trip. Watching craftspeople working in the doorways of their workshops or shops and exploring the narrow streets lined with green and white houses is a delight. Don’t miss the Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah, where you’ll find the city’s jewellery shops, and which leads to the Royal Palace, another must-visit. If you have the chance, try to visit when one of its famous festivals is taking place, such as the Mediterranean Film Festival or the Comic Strip Festival.

Around 45 kilometres from Tangier is the charming fishing town of Asilah, where time seems to have stood still. The town is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get lost amid its streets on your way to the souk or browse in shops selling crafts and antiques. Sooner or later you will end up sat on a stretch of the wall, in front of the sea, or next to the port, watching the fishermen while they mend their rigging far from the crowds. You can sample delicious grilled fish accompanied with a tasty salad at any one of the restaurants. Although Chefchaouen gets all the glory in terms of picturesque spots, Asilah also has its fair share of idyllic places.

Very close to the port and the city centre is the Barceló Tangier . Situated in a modern area with views of the bay, this four-star hotel makes a perfect base for discovering the Moroccan city. It boasts 138 rooms equipped with all essential mod cons, perfect for couples, families or even business trips. What’s more, it also has a large swimming pool in case one day you prefer to relax at the hotel and not head to the beach (which is just two minutes away). You can also have a meal or a light bite at its restaurant serving international cuisine, the snack bar or the café. The Barceló Tangier is without a doubt a safe bet for enjoying a city break in Tangier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What places cannot be missed in Tangier?

Some must-visit places in Tangier include the medina and its kasbah, 9 April 1947 Square, the souks and the Great Mosque. You should also set aside some time to enjoy the beaches and the atmosphere of Café Hafa.

What is there to see in the surrounding area of Tangier?

The surrounding area of Tangier is home to beautiful towns and places of interest that make excellent day trips. These include Cape Spartel, the Hercules caves, Asilah, Tetouan and Chefchaouen. There are also nearby beaches which you can enjoy in solitude.

Where is there to stay in Tangier?

Tangier boasts a large number of varied hotels, but remember that the standards of local chains are lower than Spanish ones. To be on the safe side, the Barceló Tangier is a hotel in a good area with lots of guarantees.

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Tangier Travel Guide - Read the perfect guide to travel in Morocco Tangier City

Tangier, morocco is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. explore the real morocco with an authentic guide to tangier's tourism and culture. learn about its traditions, history, religion, and much more.

In this article, we explore how to go about traveling to Tangier City and what it offers in terms of activities, sights, and attractions. We also share some useful tips on how to get around and where you should stay during your trip.

Tangier Morocco Travel - The perfect guide to Tanger City

Welcome to this comprehensive guide to Tangier , Morocco. Tangier is a city with a lot to offer, from bustling souks to luxurious hotels.

We've written this Tangier Travel Guide to help you to know places to visit in Tangier and avoid the tourist traps and see the best of Tangier if you are planning a Tarifa to Tangier Day trip or Seville to Tangier day trip .

Find out what to expect on your trip with our guide. Tangier is a city with a rich history and culture. We want to share Tangier's hidden treasures and help you get to know the city better.

A brief history of Tangier 

Tangier is an ancient city on the northern coast of Morocco.

It´s located on the opposite side of the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain at 17 miles away. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it is a multicultural city with an intriguing history.

Tangier was an important trading port during antiquity. Later became a significant naval base for Spain and Portugal.

Tangier was an independent city with its flag during the Moroccan colonisation period. It was a cosmopolitan city with different sectors managed by the Moroccan Sultan.

Tangier became a hub for international business people, and adventurers during the Cold War. But, despite its wealth, Tangier's economy suffered. 

The city was plagued also by spies , street hustlers, and a Spanish regime.

Morocco did not even govern for most of its history, and its eccentric inhabitants included also artists. 

It was a semi-independent international zone for years, and it was the subject of a negative reputation.

But, it is one of the absolutely most attractive places on Earth, and I recommend that you spend a few days here.

Tangier is a beautiful and historic city. The Medina has been preserved and renovated over the years. Too to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also has many modern buildings.

Protected by a 15th-century wall, many inhabitants live in The Medina neighbourhoods.

The population European neighbourhoods has declined considerably since integration with Morocco in 1956.

Tangier has been the summer seat of the Moroccan royal residence since 1962. 

Located in the city center, The Old Medina, it's straightforward to find. It's also close to the beach and a short walk from some of the city's best restaurants.

When looking for a home in Tangier, we have several things to consider. One is whether the area has been taken over by new construction or if it's more of an older neighbourhood. Another point of consideration is how close you are to the beach and where precisely that beach is located.

Where is Tangier, the beautiful City of Morocco?

Tangier is the largest city in northern Morocco. It is the country's principal port and a popular tourist destination. Tangier is located on Morocco's Mediterranean coast and was under Spanish rule for about two centuries until France took it in 1956.

If you are planning a holiday in Morocco , you may be wondering, "Where is the city of Tangier?" If so, you have come to the correct place! This colorful city is known for its fascinating souks, aka markets. The Medina is a maze of many narrow streets , each with its unique atmosphere. You can get lost in these alleys or get back to the center by taking a taxi or walking around.

The city has a particularly rich and extensive history, dating back to the 5th century B.C. The city has been home to numerous cultures and civilizations and was considered a strategic Berber town and Phoenician trading center . In 1923, the city was given international status by foreign colonial powers, and it became a popular destination for Europeans, Americans, and diplomats. Many writers have also made Tangier their home.

You can also enjoy a typical Moroccan meal at one of the many riads in the city. The Riads are a great way to experience the culture and lifestyle of the Moroccan people. You can enjoy Moroccan food prepared by locals in a cozy setting. Riads are an excellent choice for tourists on a budget. Hostels can be comfortable and have shared kitchens and bars. Mid-range guesthouses are another option.

You can quickly get to Tangier by train if you're traveling from Casablanca. There is a direct train every day from Casablanca . If you're coming by car, you can purchase a ticket in advance online. Be sure to pay for luggage at the CTM office. Once you arrive in Tangier, you'll be dropped off at the city's central bus station, Place al Jamia al Arabia. From here, you'll need to hire a taxi to get into the city center.

Book Full-Day Trip with Ferry Tarifa to Tangier

Booking a Day Trip From Seville

Tangier Map

This image of Tangier map gives an overview of the geography of Tangier, a city in northern Morocco.

Tangier today. Has the city changed?

Tangier is a city with a rich history , culture and identity. The city has been changing for the past few years, but has it changed as much as people think?

This enchanting city in northern Morocco is an old city with a rich history dating back to the Phoenicians . It was once a significant trading seaport and the gateway to Africa. But today, the city is struggling to keep up with other cities in Morocco.

Tangier has been changing over the past few years, but not as many people say it has changed.

But City Tangier has changed a lot since the 1960s. It's now a much more modern city, with high-rise buildings, shopping centers and restaurants. As a consequence, the city has lost its charm. But, people are still living in Tangier and are still proud to call the city home.

The majority of the population lives in old quarters with very little tourism. There is a lot of Moroccan pride and culture here.

The Old Town (Vieux-Tangier) is where most tourists stay while they visit Tangier . It's best known as "the walled city" because it was built around a rocky hill on which sits an ancient fortress.

As the "NEW TANGIER", Tanger center or the seaport of Tangier is a good example.

Tanja Marina Bay (the port Tangier began construction in March 2010), nestled in the heart of Tangier Bay, now offers the most significant number of berths in Morocco and a range of services that meet international standards.

The new Tangier Marina has a total capacity of more than 1400 berths, divided into two basins: the first one of 774 berths (15 hectares) for boats from 7 to 92 meters long, and the second basin (11 hectares) of 626 berths for boats from 7 to 30 meters long.

The port of Tangier has several catering and entertainment areas, a covered car park (435 places), a yacht club (the Royal Yacht Club of Tangier), a fuel station, shops and other services and equipment available to boaters.

Fuente foto Wikipedia

Planning Your Trip - How to Plan a Trip to Tangier, Morocco

When planning a trip, it is essential to know what to expect.

Before planning your trip to Tangier, you should consider the weather conditions in the city.

Morocco has unpredictable weather . Summers can be excruciatingly hot, but temperatures can also drop considerably nighttime.

It can be hazardous if you plan to camp in the desert. In addition, Morocco's temperatures can fluctuate drastically between morning and midday and after dusk. Winter temperatures can reach zero celsius!

There are several ways to reach Tangier. First, you can fly into Casablanca by air and then catch a ferry that takes between 45-60 minutes to Tangier. Remember to buy a ticket in advance, as some taxi drivers try to charge more than one hundred Moroccan Dirhams for the same journey. You can also take a train from Tangier to Casablanca. The train is the most convenient mode of transportation in Morocco. Moreover, trains are affordable and fast, making them the ideal means of travel between major cities.

If you are staying in the city, plan a day exploring the surrounding areas. You can choose to stay in the city for a few days or use it as a basis for visiting other towns and villages nearby. In most cases, one or two days is sufficient to explore the sights and sounds of Tangier. However, it would be best if you also planned for the number of days you'd like to spend in Tangier.

Potential dangers and advice. Is Tangier safe?

• Tangier is one of the safest cities in Morocco, and there are more risks in any other city. Be vigilant but don't let it ruin your holiday. Similarly, women traveling alone do not encounter any particular problems. You are probably vigilant, taking care to avoid pickpockets in crowded areas. However, it's important to stay cautious of these people specifically to avoid getting into trouble in the first place.
• Although the Medina of Tangier can seem dark and deserted, especially in the popular areas, it is very well supervised. If you have any questions or accidentally get lost, you will always find people to help you. The idea is also to let yourself be guided in the alleys and abandon yourself to them; that's where the good surprises come!
• On the other hand, although few incidents are reported in the evening, avoid walking alone in the Medina or Kasbah.
• Drivers in Tangier are known to be reckless! Watch out when crossing and always have time to brake when you see a car coming. Also, it would be best to be very careful of everyone on the road while traveling, as they tend not to know how traffic signals work.
• However, the locals recommend that women' alone' leave the Medina by ten o'clock at the latest or return to the hotel by taxi.
• Don't risk anything carrying your personal belongings in Tangier. The whole country is rising, but plenty of thieves are still around. So keep your bags within sight or on your person when you're near popular areas!

Places to visit in tangier: Two must-see places to visit in the city Tangier

Morocco is a land of mystery, charm and culture. Choose from two must-see places in Tangier: the Kasbah and the Medina. Kasbah: Explore Morocco's most iconic location with a guided walking tour.

The Kasbah is a large complex of fortifications, buildings and gardens on the hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Tangier. It is home to timeless architecture, an enchanting view and world-class dining.

THE TANGIER MEDINA

Medina: Moorish architecture, winding streets, decadent palaces and mosques provide an authentic insight into the country's history and culture.

Things to Do in Tangier

If you've never been to Morocco, you might not know that Tangier is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, this city has served as a strategic route between Africa and Europe since Phoenician times.

Its hillside medina features the Dar el Makhzen palace of the sultans, now a museum of Moroccan art. You can also check out the American Legation Museum, which documents the early diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Morocco.

The museum is in a Moorish-style 1821 former consulate. If you're interested in history, wander the Medina's winding, steeply-piled narrow streets. You'll notice ornate doors leading into private homes.

The whitewashed walls of these dwellings are an impressive sight. There are numerous restaurants and cafes and traditional stores where you can purchase souvenirs or indulge in a delicious meal. You'll be struck by the unique blend of Moroccan and Andalusian culture.

You'll also find Berber women selling fresh fruits and vegetables. You'll also find an interesting mixture of architectural styles and a myriad of shops, bazaars, and restaurants.

Don't be surprised if touts try to trick you! Prepare to haggle down prices if you want to save money. A bit of haggling will go a long way!

Tangier Medina

The city's Medina is a photogenic, exotic destination. The Grand Socco is the iconic entrance to the Medina. It is home to the famous literary quarter, including William Burroughs ,Tennessee Williams, Henri Matisse, and Jack Kerouac. You'll find palm trees, an incredible fountain, and booths with stalls and merchants selling their wares and listen the Tangier sound.

The most popular thing about Tangier is the Medina.

The Medina of Marrakesh is one of the largest and most historic medinas in the country, with origins dating back to 1464. That said, it's almost as if nothing has been restored since then - making it all that much more charming.

The Medina is a tightly-packed, maze-like part of old Moroccan cities that offers a kaleidoscopic scenery.

The main entrance to the Medina is from the 9 April Square, the gateway to the Grand Socco - can be accessed from Semmerine Street- where a white concrete archway welcomes visitors to the Medina in a completely local style.

In Morocco, there are spaces for shops, people, and animals when you enter the Medina. Many farmers sell vegetables they grow themselves, their crops and animals there, and you can feel the essence of the Medina before you enter the depths of their markets. You rarely get mugged as a tourist in this area.

Sometimes Moroccans ask if they can be your tour guide. The best thing to do is to be frank and firm in your tone, telling them that you prefer to visit the city and that this is not your first trip to Tangier.

The Medina is probably Tangier's most popular tourist attraction. With its narrow, winding streets, houses resplendent with decorative paintings and dozens (or hundreds) of arabesque doors, it does seem like another world. As well as being inhabited by locals, some of them are highly recommended craft shops that are well worth a visit.

A good idea after this first visit is to arrive via As-Siaghin Street is to stop and buy snails. It is one of the products that you can find most often when strolling through the Medina of Tangier.

There are many street vendors selling snails. Anyone who likes to eat them should not hesitate to try them at several stalls because each one has, like Seville, a special flavour.

The price of these street stalls is always low. In addition to the snails, some of the stalls offer chickpeas and some vegetables.

The Medina was featured in James Bond episodes and spy fiction. However, the city today has a thriving arts and cultural scene.

In The Medina, visitors can experience this vibrant place's past and present side.

Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Assilah and Larache are known for their preserved medinas, which provide visitors a rich heritage. These architectural marvels are packed with historical sights and on-going cultural excitement.

Tangier Grand Socco

Tangier Petit Socco

The Old Kasbah

Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures

Tangier American Legation Museum

Visiting the Church of Saint Andrew in Tangier, Morocco

Tangier cinemas - café cinéma rif.

The Tangier Nahon Synagogue

Visit the museum de la fondation lorin in tangier.

Phoenician Tombs in Tangier

Visit the Caves of Hercules Tangier morocco

Tangier Teatro Cervantes

Sour Al Maâgazine

Ville nouvelle of tangier, best riads to stay in tangier.

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses filled with art, color and style. The intricate design of the riads is what makes them special. They offer a home away from home for travelers seeking a unique Moroccan experience. They can be found in major tourist destinations, with some even offering free WiFi and breakfast. The design of these buildings is what makes them stand out from other hotels or homes.

They often have intricate designs that follow the tradition of Moroccan architecture and come with all the living amenities one might need to live comfortably while traveling.

Dar Nakhla Naciria

Dar Nakhla Naciria is a short walk from Tangier's historic Congress Palace & Casbah, while the restaurant can provide stunning views of the breathtaking Mediterranean. It is also just a 12-minute drive from Malabata Beach.

Riad Dar Saba - House of Saba

Situated in Tangier, just less than 1 km from the American Legation Museum, Riad Dar Saba - Casa de Saba offers air-conditioned rooms. There is also a shared lounge for guests, and parking is available.

Dar Sami, Riad Bab

This riad is located in Tangier, 1.5 km from Tangier Beach and 200 metres from Dar el Makhzen. It provides accommodation with free Wi-Fi, is fully air-conditioned and has a shared lounge. The flats have a private bathroom with a shower.

Dar Chams Tanja

Dar Chams Tanja offers excellent views of Tangier Bay and the Strait of Gibraltar. The guest house is located near the souks and has a hammam.

Dar Sultan is conveniently located next to Tangier's most popular beaches, making it an excellent choice for both young travellers and families on holiday. It is also just a short walk from the city centre, making it easy to get around.

Located in Tangier's medina, Riad Dar Nour offers an outdoor terrace and a massage room. It also has free access to public Wi-Fi and offers guided tours.

Dar Yasmine

Dar Yasmine is a restaurant offering free Wi-Fi. It is located in the city of Tangier, Morocco.

Riad Slama, located in Tangier, Morocco, offers a wide range of services. They provide room service, including a terrace, and offer the option to enjoy one of their many swimming pools or penthouses.

Riad Tingis

Located in Tangier, 1.1 km from Tangier Beach, Riad Tingis offers air-conditioned accommodation with a terrace in Tangier. The property is 2.9 km from Malabata, 1.9 km from American Legation Museum and 2.9 km from Tanger City Shopping Centre.

Riad Mokhtar

Riad Mokhtar offers a sun terrace and views of the sea. It is 5 km from Marjane Supermarket in Tangier. This riad has TVs in each room to see favourite programmes or enjoy a good conversation with friends.

Tangier Hotels

In tangier, Morocco, the hotels are always synonymous with a good atmosphere. Surrounded by lively cafés and restaurants and just a stone's throw from the beach, many are perfect for a good stay.

Barceló Tangier

You will find everything you need at the Barceló Tangier, a four-star hotel in Tangier. This hotel has 138 spacious rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool and quality service. If you don't want to go out for lunch or dinner, there is also a cafeteria, a snack bar, a restaurant and even a pub. If you prefer the beach to the large swimming pool, it won't take you more than two minutes to get to the sand.

Hotel Farah Tanger

Hotel Farah Tanger is a hotel in Morocco. Hotel Farah Tanger has many rooms with comfortable beds, and a swimming pool. The hotel also has a restaurant with food that tastes like home but is made on the spot. The staff at Hotel Farah Tanger try very hard to make your stay happy, safe, and memorable.

Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences

A Hilton is a hotel chain that offers rooms, suites, and luxury accommodations all over the world. Sometimes this is called “a five star hotel”. The Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences is a four-star large resort in Morocco with many different types of rooms to choose from when you stay there.

Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata Tanger

Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata Tanger is a hotel located in Tangier, Morocco. The hotel has 414 rooms, a spa, and an indoor swimming pool. There is also extensive gardens around the building.

El Minzah Hotel Tangier

El Minzah hotel is a luxury resort located in Tangier, Morocco. El Minzah hotels are known for their elegant architecture, marbled entrances and interior corridors, and marble-clad pools strewn with sunbeds on which to rest. El Minzah Hotels are often the scene of lavish balls and other social events.

Royal Tulip City Center Tangier

Luxury hotel. Lovely property. Great breakfast. Very popular for couples. 

Grand Mogador Sea View & Spa Tangier

The grand Mogador Sea View & Spa Tangier is a hotel in the city of Tangier, Morocco. Grand Mogador Sea View & Spa Tangier provides lodging and services to travelers and their companions at an affordable price.

Tangier Restaurants

One of the world's oldest cities, Tangier is not only a destination for visitors but also for chefs. The city is home to some of the best Moroccan cuisine in the world, and has become a popular destination for foodies from around the world.

Tangier is well-known for its fusion of cultures and cuisine, which makes it a popular hotspot for foodies. The city is home to some of the best Moroccan cuisine in the world, with many restaurants boasting authentic flavors as well as creative takes on traditional dishes

Restaurant Bachir

Family oriented restaurant. The value for money was excellent. Amazing seafood, very fresh and tasty. Very reasonably priced. We went there several times for lunch. Most of the staff only speak Arabic, but it was easy to communicate and order food even if we did not. The menus are also in English. No alcohol. We suggested that you visit this place before. It has really friendly staff, a clean place and tons of hearty food for low prices. Definitely recommended! You should definitely try the Harira for starters and the kebabs for dessert. Rue Zyriabe, Tangier 90000 Morocco. +212 642-287939

Chez Hassan Bab Kasbah

Moroccan Mediterranean Vegetarian Friendly.A good restaurant experience in Morocco, recommended by our riad host for lunch. We liked it so much that we ate there for dinner too. The kefta is really good, but what stole the show for me was the grilled squid. I would eat it every day if I could. The waiter is a very nice guy, and Hassan is an extremely nice man too. I had the vegetable tagine and it was very delicious. The homemade chilli is absolutely amazing. A must try when you are in Tangier! The food is quite good and inexpensive. 8 Rue de la Kasbah, Tangier 90000 Morocco

La Terrasse Dar El Kasbah

Authentic Moroccan food is a delicacy not to be missed. With stunning flavors and spices that are impossible to find elsewhere, you really need to try this glorious cuisine. 12 Bis Rue de la Kasbah, Tangier Morocco.+212 661-882408.

Tradicional moroccan cousine is the must-have dish in a Moroccan restaurant. It is traditionally served in a tagine, which is a large clay pot with a high conical lid. The couscous is slow cooked while the meat and vegetables are slowly simmered in an aromatic blend of herbs and spices until they are fork tender. Live music. Rue Goethe Je Ibn Ajroum résidence jade, Tangier 90000 Morocco +212 668-120234 .

Restaurant Hammadi

A fancy Moroccan restaurant in the Medina, Hammadi is a cheap and good restaurant. The chicken-olive and lamb-lead tagine were tasty. The musicians were playful and funny. A good place to have a good time. 2 Rue de la Kasbah, Tangier 90000 Morocco+212 5399-34514

Le Bistro du Petit Socco

The Moroccan food is simple and basic but, served with a view of a square from the first floor and surrounded by lovely people, it is also one of the best places to eat in the Rue de la Marine. A magical location, the rooftop offers a list of delicious dishes to enjoy. Rue de la Marine, Tangier 90000 Morocco +212 627-337509.

Top tea terraces in Tangier, Morocco

• Morocco Palace
• Café a la Anglaise (Rue de la Kasbah, 37)
• Gran Cafe de Paris

Cafe Hafa is a popular cafe in Tangier. It is located right by the beach and offers both food and drinks. The cafe also has a nice view of the ocean, making it a great spot to watch the sunset with friends. Locals and tourists like to come here after a long day of shopping and wandering around the city. The coffee is delicious, they have mouth-watering pastries, and it's close to local shops making it easy to grab lunch before heading back out.This cafe is a great place to relax and enjoy the view. There are sofas, tables and chairs outside where you can sit and have tea or coffee in the afternoon sun. This cafe is also known for its delectable desserts which are made by by local Moroccan pastry chefs. It's a lovely stroll through a calm neighborhood but be warned that it is mostly uphill.

Morocco Tangier Beach

A trip to Tangier's famed beaches is an absolute must. If you haven't been here yet, I suggest you do so.

Tangier Beach is the most beautiful place on Earth. It is a small, white-sand beach in Morocco. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and warm.

The beach has a breathtaking backdrop of mountains and cliffs, which provide a natural barrier to the Atlantic Ocean. It has a serene atmosphere with no high-rise hotels or tourist attractions nearby, which makes it an ideal spot for relaxation.

The best way to enjoy Tangier Beach is to wake up early and walk out barefoot on the sand and wash off in the sea before the crowds come. The best times for this are early morning or late evening. Remember that you'll need water shoes and towels since most of the sand is covered with shells, which can get uncomfortable if they get.

Tangier Markets

• La Fine Bouche
• The Market on Rue de Fes

Famous People In Tangier

from Delacroix to Bacon, William Burroughs and the rolling stones Burroughs, George Orwell, Henri Matisse and the rock band rolling stones William Buroughs,  Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, The rolling stones, and many others have stopped by Café Hafa for a mint tea to enjoy a bit of kif and look out over the Mediterranean to Spain

The 3 most beautiful Tangier Bookstores

There's a plethora of bookstores in Tangier that cater to every budget and taste. There are bookstores that sell new, rare, vintage books and others that sell only used or second-hand books. Some are old-school, small and quaint while others are large, modern and lavish.

• LPMarocaine - Moroccan Bookstore 3 Rue de Fès +212 5399-32482
• Mexique Bookshop Rue du Mexique +212 80-8545879
• Les Insolites 28 Khalid Ibn El Oualid +212 5393-71367

How to get to Tangier Morocco

How to get to Tangier Morocco. Tangier is one destination that can be reached via ferry from Tarifa. The ferries take about thirty minutes to cross and are very popular with travelers. Another option for getting to Morocco is from Algeciras to Tangier. It is also possible to fly from different airports or drive from Seville or Cádiz and get there.

Getting to Tangier from the Airport

How much distance km have between seville to tangier.

Seville is in southern Spain and Tangier is in northern Morocco at the Mediterranean Sea. The distance between Seville and Tangier is 1000 Km.

How many kilometres is the distance Tarifa to Tangier

The distance between the two cities of Tarifa and Tangier is 919 kilometres.

How many kilometres is the distance Tangier to Casablanca

The distance from Tangier to Casablanca is approximately 1,000 kilometres. For more information on the distance from Tangier to Casablanca, please reference Google Maps.

How many kilometres is the distance Tangier to Gibraltar

The distance between Tangier and Gibraltar is 6,939 kilometres. It's a long but worthwhile trip.

Distance from tangier to Marrakech

The distance between the cities of Tangier and Marrakech is almost 1,800 miles. Traveling from Tangier to Marrakech takes about 21 hours.

How many kilometres is the distance Tangier to Chefchaouen

Tangier is a city in Morocco with a population of 1,300,000 people. Chefchaouen is a city in Morocco with a population of 350,000 people. The distance between the two cities is 228 km.

How many kilometres is the distance Tangier to Spain

Spain is approximately 4,715 kilometres from Tangier.

Flying to Tangier

How can i get to tangier by train.

The railway from Tangier to Fez and Casablanca was completed in 1891, but it took another 20 years for trains to reach all of the other cities along the route. In order to get there by train, you must first travel from Marrakech or Rabat through Casablanca and then on to Tangier.

From France, getting to Tangier by train is not as difficult as it may sound. The French national railway company, SNCF, offers many different types of trains throughout the year that can take you from anywhere in France to Tangier and Casablanca with "Ligne à Grande Vitesse" (LGV) .

Bus to Tangier

The bus to Tangier is a new ferry service that connects the city of Tangier, Morocco to the Spanish-controlled enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. The service began operating on May 1st, 2017 and runs twice daily between Tangier and Ceuta.

Tarifa to tangier Ferry: Geetting Tangier by Ferry

The Tangier Ferry Terminal is located in the city of Tangier, Morocco. It is a major ferry port for ferries to Spain and Portugal. The terminal has three docks: one for cars, one for trucks, and one for buses. Ferries depart from each dock every 30 minutes and can take up to two hours or more to get across the Strait of Gibraltar into Spain. Click here if you want a Tarifa to Tangier day trip with Ferry tarifa Tanger

Travel Experiences to Tangier and Best Day trips

Tangier is the perfect place to explore Morocco's culture and cuisine. With its port, diverse architecture, and rich history, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time

• https://www.labelleseville.com/en/daytrips/seville-to-tangier-day-trip/
• https://www.labelleseville.com/en/daytrips/tangier-from-seville-in-2-days/
• https://www.labelleseville.com/en/private-tours/seville-to-tangier-1-day-trip-private/
• Visit Cap Spartel
• Travel Tangier to Casablanca
• Day trip to Ceuta from Tangier
• Travel Larache From Tangier
• Ruins of Cotta
• Visit Tower Al Kamra ou Borj Al Kamra 
• Ruins of Lixus
• Day Trip to Chefchaouen

The most popular thing about Tangier is the Medina. If you want visit Tangier, we have 2 day trips from Seville to Tangier

Living the best moments : top essential sensations if you travel to Tangier

When you leave Tangier, you will leave with beautiful images and unforgettable memories. You will feel that you have made a journey that enriches both the person and the soul.

Tangier, known as a multicultural enclave, has long been considered a point of attraction for many artists and writers from around the world at different times. They were attracted by its climate, its landscapes and its "quirky" side.

People who visit the city today have fallen in love with its streets, its people and its excellence. You will be able to enjoy the cultural and historical offer of this ancient international city, but also one of the most important in Morocco.

When one thinks of Morocco, one thinks first of all of Tangier's Medina , the souk and the handicrafts. Tangier, a very touristic city, is no exception to the rule. Therefore, after seeing the caves, you will have the opportunity to see the souk and the Medina of the city. By discovering the souks of Tangier, you will undoubtedly immerse yourself in the authentic soul of the city.

You will undoubtedly be surprised by the interesting mix of modern buildings with narrow streets and typical houses. You will be able to take a unique photo worthy of the most beautiful postcards.

Our trip to a city with a multicultural flavor, combining North African and Southern European culture, is perfect for those who wish to learn more about the remarkable Moroccan culture.

Together we will visit the most important places of the Moroccan city.

Among them, we find first of all the Caves of Hercules, which have been a tourist attraction since 1920.

The Caves of Hercules

The caves are natural limestone caverns that open to the sea and into which the sea slides at high tide. They are located about ten kilometers from Tangier. Its name comes from ancient mythology. According to it, Hercules, Greek demigod and son of Zeus, took refuge there before stealing the golden apples, offered by Zeus to Hera, but stolen by the Hesperides.

Tangier Souks and Moroccan Gastronomy

The closer you get to the heart of the souks, the narrower and more mysterious the alleys become. If you feel like it, you can do some shopping in some of them. When you arrive in the Medina, you will have the opportunity to stroll through its streets or along the promenade. You will also have the opportunity to taste the delicious Moroccan gastronomy in some of its most typical restaurants.

Moroccan cuisine is a Mediterranean cuisine characterized by its variety of dishes coming mainly from the Berber cuisine, although it also has Arab, Jewish and Andalusian influences. You probably won't be able to resist couscous, tajine or pastilla.

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    109 €   

Tarifa to Tangier Day Trip: Morocco Tour from Tarifa

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Tangier in 2 days from Tarifa with ferry and Hotel

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    55 €   

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Introducing Tangier

About tangier, tangier travel guide.

Although a major industrial centre and port, Tangier's economy relies heavily on tourism, and cruise ships are an important source of visitors, who rapidly discover an intriguing mix of east and west in the narrow winding streets of the Medina (Old Town) and the attractive broad boulevards of the newer part of the city, with their art deco architecture. Tangier also has excellent beaches, and great opportunities for exploring further afield. One of Morocco 's oldest cities, Tangier dates back over 2,000 years and cruise visitors will soon find that it offers a rich heritage combining many cultures, together with thriving modern development.

Sightseeing:

Tangier is a very walkable city, not least in the Old Town, which is very well preserved and very much a 'living' part of the city, although many of the shops and stalls cater primarily to tourists. The Kasbah, as it is known, is without doubt the main draw in the city itself. Outside Tangier, day trip possibilities are varied - a major attraction being the Caves of Hercules, about 14 km (9 miles) west of the city, which offer not only great scenic appeal but archaeological interest too. Highlights • The Kasbah • Kasbah Museum • Grand Socco market square and Mendoubia Gardens • American Legation Museum • Museum of Contemporary Art • Tomb of Ibn Battuta

Tourist Information Centres

Tangier Tourist Office 29 Boulevard Pasteur, Tangier, Morocco Tel: +212 3999 48050. Website: www.tourisme-marocain.com

The souk in the Medina is a good stop for cruise ship passengers seeking clothing and souvenirs, while the Casa Barata (Cheap House) flea market can be good for bargains, but beware of fake goods. There is also a large market in the Grand Socco. Best buys include brass and leather goods, pottery, carpets, carved wooden goods and other handicrafts.

Restaurants

Cheap eats and snacks are readily available in the Medina area, while more plush international establishments cluster on the seafront. It's worth trying local specialities like harira (a rich soup), couscous, tajine (fish or meat stew) and djaja mahamara , a flavoursome stuffed chicken.

When to go:

Tangier has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered by the Atlantic. The weather is hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in winter. Rain falls from November to March.

Nearest Destination:

Transfer distance:, transfer time.

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• Tangiers Tetouan Al Hoceima

ABOUT TANGIERS

Want to discover Tangiers? There are a thousand and one ways to do so. Tangiers has long served as an unofficial cultural capital for a number of writers and artists from all over the world, attracted by its climate, its landscapes and its colourfulness. It also attracts property developers mainly from the Rif and elsewhere. Situated on the Strait of Gibraltar which separates Africa from Europe about 15km from the Spanish coast and on the edge of the Rif mountain range, it offers an exceptional view of the other side.

Tangiers has long been an important strategic location. With its two thousand five hundred years of existence, it has a population of 974,000 today and is one of the oldest cities in North Africa. 

Its medina, Kasbah, bazaars and souks are among the most lively in the country and its beaches are superb, about 7km long. In the last century, Tangiers became one of the favourite places of the international jet set.

An important seaside resort, Tangiers has varied hotel and tourist infrastructure and a medina that attracts huge numbers of visitors.

At the entrance of the Medina, the Grand Socco is the busiest place in the city. The square is bordered by the former residence of the Mendoub (representative of the Sultan) and its park.

The Mendoubia park is splendid with its giant banyan fig tree and its many centuries-old dragon trees. You can also see the Kasbah Museum, the Tangiers Cinematheque and the Caves of Hercules.

Tangiers has long been a welcoming destination for artists and intellectuals. The second Moroccan economic hub after Casablanca, Tangiers' industrial activity is diversified: textiles, chemicals, mechanics, metallurgy and marine industries.

The infrastructure of the city of the Strait is important: a port managing the flow of goods and passengers (more than one million passengers per year) integrating a marina and a fishing port.

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• Tours to Morocco
• Morocco Destinations

Tangier tourist information

Although it was somewhat abandoned for years, the situation has changed to make Tangier an interesting city to start discovering Morocco. For several reasons:

It is completely renewed thanks to the fact that the current king has bet strongly on the development of the north of Morocco. He has also fixed his summer residence in this place. Many people speak Spanish, so the language will be an advantage. Remember that Tangier belonged to the Spanish protectorate until 1956. Now they are renovating the area of ​​the port of Tangier.

It is 35 minutes by boat and, with luck, you will see cetaceans in the Strait. Or an hour from Madrid with Iberia. If you book the tickets in time you can get quite affordable the plane ticket.

You will feel a culture shock when you arrive, at that moment you will notice whether you like it or not, and if you like it, you will surely know other parts of Morocco, even on your own.

If you do not like it, you can always anticipate your return ticket, but I recommend you spend a night, at least you will know a new experience.

It is a very safe city if you take certain elementary precautions. You will try one of the best teas of mint you can imagine in the Haffa cafe. Stroll in the evening by the boulevard, or by the street Mexico. You will feel the hustle and bustle of the souks ..... and many more experiences.

Visit the Medina of Tangier

The Tangier medina is a small labyrinth of alleys, stairs and doors that hide surprises behind them.

The tangerine is hospitable and friendly and should not be confused with the false guides and rogues who assault you on the street and of whom the Medina of Tangier is especially stocked.

At the top is the Kasbah or fortress, from where you have a spectacular view of the harbor, the Great Mosque, the Spanish cathedral, the hills.

If the walk up to the kasbah of Tangier has left you tired and do not want to waste your time taking buses, you can follow the tour in a petit taxi.

Another activity not to be missed is to visit the Fondouk market, near the Rue de la Liberté. We must be careful not to pass the door, in whose interior black soil and wet we find all kinds of stalls, especially fruit and vegetables, and both here and anywhere in Tangier pleases the freshness of huge baskets Freshly mint mint. On the top floor of this market is where you will find the Fondouk, full of beauty of traditional and patient crafts.

The gallery that runs through the Fondouk, completely open to light, is distributed in small rooms also open to visitors, each provided with an ancient loom from which come beautiful carpets and chilabas.

The fondouk is very close to the mythical Hotel El Minzah, perhaps it is time to stop by to refresh yourself, have a cocktail at the bar and then savor one of the best meals in the whole country. At dusk, when the sun begins to decline, it would not be a bad idea to catch the traditional contemplative art of the Moroccan.

It is certainly the best time of day to wander around while sipping a mint tea at Café Hafa, made up of stepped terraces that seem to dart off the hill into a steep sea between flowers and shrubs and you can, while You can see the call to prayer. Or you can opt for the also legendary Cafe de Paris, in the Place de France, where the majority of customers spend their time watching those who walk down the street. It is not surprising that, according to the legend, it was during World War II center of encounter of spies of all the countries. Of the nightlife I do not speak to you, just to say that there is march until the wee hours of the dawn.

Bay of Tánger

There are also good beaches to escape from Cabo Espartel to the west and Cabo Malabata to the east, which border the splendid Bay of Tangier. If one is determined to go to Cabo Espartel, he will do so by a path lined with juicy vegetation between which peer villas and some palaces, and will encounter the immense, white and blinding Atlantic beach.Have to be very careful on the beaches Briex and the Atlantic in general because there are strong currents. If you feel the current dragging you in, let yourself be carried away since after a couple of hours you will return the same current to the shore, and if you fight to get out, in the end you will die drowned by exhaustion.

Walking through it you could almost reach Asilah, a town worth knowing, apart from its wonderful beach, for its artistic vocation. Not in vain, the month of August is dedicated to exhibitions and concerts. There is held every Sunday morning a curious fair of donkeys, an animal very common in Morocco.

You will be amazed by the extraordinary cleaning of your Medina and the striking doors of the houses, sometimes completely flat, painted in different colors, and murals. To make sure that one has not been lost in a children's story, it is best to go out to eat, if you are lucky enough to grab a table, to the populous Bar Garcia, which will bring you back to reality. And there is much, much more, Tangier is always to be discovered.

Do not forget... 1. That if you travel in Ramadan, the daytime fasting month, you will find problems in the services, although you will enjoy night celebrations. 2. The best form of transportation within the city is the petit taxi, three passengers. It is advisable to set the price in advance. 3. Visit the Caves of Hercules, in Cabo Espartel, where the action of nature and the hand of man have eroded its stone. 4. If you have the opportunity, enter into this society through the hammam or community bathroom. 5. If you want to see the world's largest exhibition of military miniatures, head to the Forbes Museum, the luxurious Mendoub Palace (Rue Shakespeare). 6. In Asilah on Sundays there is a donkey fair. The borders of the roads of the country are so carried by this noble animal. 7. For those who wish to enjoy nature, Tangier has several campsites at different distances. The nearest is three kilometers. 8. There are wonderful gardens, such as the palace of the Sultanate, in the Kasbah, or the Mendoubia Gardens, next to the Grand Socco. 9. It is worth it, if one is not going to travel around the rest of Morocco, approach at least to visit Tetouan and the village of Xauen. 10. In the maps some streets appear with the old name and the modern, well, Rue de la Liberté is also called The Houria.

Museum of the Kasbah of Tánger

Newly restored. The imposing silhouette of Dar el Makhzen dominates the casbah of Tangier. This former governor's palace, built in the 17th century, stands around a splendid courtyard adorned with enameled porcelain. The Museum of Moroccan Arts is housed in the princely rooms, which honor its name with its painted wooden ceilings, sculpted plaster, mosaics ... Everything there invites to admiration. All the regions of Morocco have enclosed between these walls their best ambassadors. The north, with its arms decorated with marquetry, its utensils of pottery with subtle motifs of flowers or feathers. Rabat, with its iridescent carpets and characteristic central medallion ... The Fez hall is dazzling: silks of delicate reflections, books superbly bound, calligraphic and illuminated, ancient dishes combining the most daring colors, from yellow gold to the famous " Blue of Fez ". From the tiny to the monumental, the Museum of Moroccan Arts is a universe of beauty. Dar el Makhzen, Kasbah Square. Address: In the Dar es-Shorfa palace. Closed on Tuesdays. Hours: from 09:00 hrs. At 1:00 p.m. Price 10 Dh. Tel: 0539 93 20 97.

Museum of Art Contemporary of Tánger

Dedicated to Moroccan artists, it also offers interesting temporary exhibitions. The permanent exhibition includes works by Chabia Tallal, Fatimi Hassani and Mohamed Hamidi. Closed on Tuesdays. Hours: 09:00 hrs. At 12:30 a.m. And from 15:00 hrs. At 18:30 hrs. Address: Rue El Masella, in the house of the former British consulate. Price: 10 Dh.

Museum of the Legacy America

In an old palace ceded to the government of the United States of America, is this museum. It is an impressive palace in three heights, built as a bridge over an alley of the medina. It houses a collection of paintings by Moroccan artists and foreigners living in Tangier, as well as an interesting collection of objects related to the city's history. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Hours: from 10:00 hrs. At 1:00 p.m. And from 15:00 hrs. At 5:00 p.m. Address: Rue de Amerique, Petit Zoco. Price: Free at the indicated time, outside this time schedule telephone appointment. Tel: 0539 93 53 17.

Gallery Delacroix de Tangier

French Cultural Institute of Tangier. They show temporary exhibitions of painting Time: 10: 00-13: 00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 hrs. Address: 8, Rue de la Liberté. Price: Free. Tel: 0539 93 21 34.

Exhibition Hall of the Instituto Cervantes de Tangier

Temporary art exhibitions. Hours: 10: 00-13: 00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 hrs. Address: 9, Rue de Belguique. Price: Free.

Fondation Lorin de Tangier

Also known as the International Museum of Tangiers, it is located in one of the oldest synagogues in the city. They organize temporary exhibitions. Hours: 11: 00-13: 30 and from 16:00 to 19:30 hrs. Address: 8, Rue de la Liberté. Price: Free

History of Tangier

From Tangiers it is also said that there flourished the "Gardens of the Hesperides", where their trees produced fruits of gold.

Another theory bases the birth of Tánger to the inhabitants of Candan, philistine town.

According to the facts, Tangier is shown as one of the most powerful Phoenician metropolis. Founded by the Phoenicians who came from Tire, an eminently traveler and merchant people, who crossed the Mediterranean, establishing cities there where they carried them, carrying their culture, Tangiers preserves only its founders two necropolis. One is located on the Marshan hill, facing the sea, the other on the Kasbah.

Later, the Carthaginians settled on Tangiers, developing a great commercial activity, based on the exchange of local products, wool, hides, as well as gold, ivory and slaves, which the Berbers brought from the Sudan accompanying the caravans , For iron and bronze utensils, ceramics, weapons and perfumes brought from Carthage (now Tunis).

After the destruction of Carthage by the Romans, Morocco was conquered by the great power of Rome, becoming Roman province by the Emperor Claudius and Tangier rose to the rank of administrative and military capital of Mauritania Tingitana.

Tingis or Traducta Julia, as it was later called, knew the apotheosis of the Roman civilization. They created towns, cities, roads and became the starting point of products, such as oil, wheat, furs and animals towards Rome. In the middle of the fifth century the Roman Empire began its decline, dragging with it the colonies founded by them and it was not an exception Tangier.

The Vandals seized Tangier, remaining for a century, until it was reconquered again by the Roman general Belisario, who disembarked with his army by defeating the Vandals. Again they settled there but began the end of the Roman occupation of Tanger. In 683, Oqba Ben Nafí invaded Morocco, entering Tangier.

At the beginning of the 7th century. Another Arab army occupied the north of Africa driven by Moussa Ben Nousair, arriving at Tangier where it did not find great resistance on the part of its inhabitants. He appointed governor of the city to a converted Berber, of Jewish origin, Tarik Ben Ziad.

In the year 711 it was the one who, crossing the strait, invaded the Iberian peninsula and gave name to the present Gibraltar (gibel in Arabic means mount). Likewise his lieutenant Tarif Ben Malek invaded the Spanish Atlantic coast and perpetuated his name at the current rate.

During the reign of Idriss i e Idriss ii, Tangier was ruled by local authorities. To the death of idriss ii, its reign is divided between its children, happening this in the year 829.

The city of Tangier was granted to kacem, who was later defeated by his brother Omar and had to take refuge on the banks of the river Tahadart where he dedicated himself to prayer. Even today, there is a tradition of going to the place. (Sidi kacem).

Tangier was dominated by the "Idrisses" until the arrival of the Almoravids at the end of the eleventh century, who led by an excellent leader, Yussef Ben Tachfin, invaded all the cities of the empire reaching Algeria.

This military man is said to have been a just man, a skilled warrior who knew how to command with intelligence, considering himself to be the first great ruler who ruled over the lands of Morocco. (1061-1106) Legend has it that his tomb stands under the shadow of an ancient tree behind the Koutoubia of Marrakesh, the city he founded.

In 1148, Tangier succumbed under the forces of Caliph Almohade, Abd El Moumen and in 1196 by Yacoub El Mansour.

During the thirteenth century, the beginning of the Merinid era, the Tangiers square will know some years of independence with the Emir El Hamdani.

At his death, at the hands of his own subjects, his son succeeded him. By those years and already under the reign of Yacoub Ben Abdelhalak, Tánger underwent a tremendous siege by land and by sea.

In 1359 the city is conquered by Abú Salem, brother of Abu Inam, that coming from the conquered Spain took the throne.

Continuing with the vicissitudes in the history of this city with universal destiny, I must mention a world-known explorer, writer and geographer, Abu Abdellah Mohamed Ben Ibrahin El Luati El Tangi, known by Ibn Batouta. Born in Tangier in 1283. Being contemporary with Marco Polo, his image and fame was never overshadowed by him.

An impenitent traveler, he dedicated his life to the study of geography. Ibn Batouta died in 1377. In 1889, when Sultan Moulay Hassan visited the city of Tangier, he declared his tomb as the sanctuary of Sidi Ahmed Ben Allal. It is said that he commented: "This tomb you see here, is none other than that of the famous Ibn Batouta, who will be venerated by all."

During the reign of Edward I of Portugal, the Portuguese, who had already occupied Ceuta in 1415, attempted to seize Tangier in 1437. The city was successfully defended by Salah Ben Salah, Lord of Tangier and Arzila. The Mujahideen inflicted a hard defeat on the Lusitanian army. Again in 1458 there was another attempt, being repelled.

In 1464, under the reign of Alfonso V, the Portuguese fleet commanded by Luis Méndez de Vasconcellos tried again. Finally August 28, 1471 Tangier was occupied by Alfonso V and Don Juan, son of the Duke of Braganza. During the long period of occupation (1471-1662), the city experienced a flourishing of commerce. In 1581, Portugal loses its independence and passes, along with Tangier to depend on the Spanish Crown. As a result of this, all the Portuguese colonies gradually lost all the character of commercial centers becoming mere fortifications.

This situation remained until 1643, when Tanger, under the governor Rodrigo de Silveira, again relied on the authority of Lisbon, which still under Spanish jurisdiction, enjoyed broad political and administrative autonomy, being its rulers Portuguese After this, Portugal regains its independence being proclaimed king D. John IV, of the dynasty of the Braganza.

The city of Tangier and in order to protect it from its enemies, was surrounded by wide walls, of which at the moment some vestiges remain. P ortugal, in order to secure his alliance with England, negotiates the wedding of Infanta Catalina de Braganza, daughter of Queen Louisa de Braganza, with King Charles II. Passing Tangier to be part of the dowry that brought the Infanta to the wedding. King Charles II declared in Parliament: "The acquisition of Tangiers should be regarded as a jewel of incalculable value to the British Crown." Portugal, after 190 years of occupation, on January 30, 1662, being Governor Luís de Almeida, ceded the keys of the city to Sir Henry Moudaunt, II Count of Peterbourought, settled in the "Castle of the Portuguese" in the Kasbah .

The British occupation only lasted for 22 years (1662-1684), but during that short period the city consolidated as an important capital. THE GODDESS VESTA This statue of white marble of more than 2 meters is the most important Roman vestige discovered in Tangier. I met on 10 August 1935 on a property of D. Moises h. Azancot, in the big souk.

Restaurants and bars

Tangier attractions.

One of the best in Tangiers and the most popular. Traditional Moroccan cuisine, fish and seafood very good and fresh. It is located at the back of the Solazur and Ramada hotels, it has good service and the value for money is very good. They do not sell alcohol. Residence Racha 2, Av. Oujda (nejma). Tanger. Tel: 039946963.

House of meals specialized in dishes of fish and seafood. Just a short walk from the Solazur hotel. Good quality and reasonable prices. They sell alcohol. Good service, although sometimes they forget things and you have to make sure they have understood your request.

Located next to the Medina, in a magnificent setting. At their tables you can taste among other typical dishes of Moroccan cuisine the "pastilla" and the soup of "flour". The evenings are usually enlivened with Moroccan folk music. It is better to go at night or rather late at noon, because it is full of groups of day trips. The food is excellent. They sell alcohol and the service very good. Address: Rue de la KasbaTeléfono: 0539 93-45-14.

Vietnamese food is the most Asian restaurant in Tangier. Be sure to order the spring rolls with pumpkin and lettuce. They sell alcohol.Tél: 05 39 93 80 86 - 3, Rue El Boussairi. in the center

Elegant restaurant in front of the beach. Impeccable table service. Great variety of fresh fish and seafood, as well as a good wine list. Tél. 05 39 32 24 63  - 3 Av Mohammed VI. Promenade.

CHELLAH BEACH

Restaurant with summer terrace on the seafront. Live music in the evenings. Mediterranean and international food. They sell alcohol.Tél. 05 39 32 50 68 - Av Mohamed VI.

The Home of ITALIA

Restaurant pizzeria, located on the side of the palace Moulay Hafid, with a nice terrace where you can taste the exquisite pizzas cooked in wood-fired oven. Be sure to order spicy oil to season the pizzas. Tél. : 05 39 93 63 48 -  (Palais Moulay Hafid) Merchan

Upcoming tours

• Excursion to Tangier - 1 day trip from Spain Duration: 1 days Next Date of departure: Daily departures 95 €
• Tangier - 2 days - Hotel Chellah Duration: 2 days Next Date of departure: Daily departures 95 €
• Tangier - 3 days - Dar el Kasbah Duration: 3 days Next Date of departure: Daily departures 95 €
• Tangier - 3 days - Riad Dar el Hayet Duration: 3 days Next Date of departure: Daily departures 109 €
• Tangier - 2 days - Hotel Barceló Duration: 2 days Next Date of departure: Daily departures 119 €

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Tanger Outlets purchases Asheville Outlets for $70M, cites tourism as a strength

ASHEVILLE - Tanger Outlets announced the $70 million purchase of Asheville Outlets in a Nov. 13 news release, adding to its network of 37 shopping centers across the nation.

"We are excited to add Asheville Outlets to the Tanger portfolio. Asheville is a dynamic and growing market with outsized potential," said Stephen Yalof, President and CEO of Tanger, in the news release.

Currently, Asheville Outlets is made up of 70 stores with national brands like Nike, J.Crew and Bath and Body Works having stores at the outlet.

In the news release, Tanger pointed to capitalizing on increased visitor travel — notably mentioning the Asheville Regional Airport's $400 million expansion to accommodate the city's more than 12 million annual visitors — as primary benefits for the Asheville Outlets location. The private purchase was all-cash.

"Asheville Outlets is the dominant shopping experience in the market and will benefit from the rapidly growing residential population and tourist visits for years to come. As part of the Tanger platform, we will drive additional value by increasing center productivity through selective re-merchandising, elevating the center's food and beverage offerings and adding high-performing retail partners," Yalof said.

The 382,000-square-foot outlet opened in 2015 after its transition from Biltmore Square Mall. The outlet was developed by the real estate company New England Development. The Citizen Times reached out to New England Development for comment.

The name of the outlet will officially transition from "Asheville Outlets" to "Tanger Outlets Asheville" in early January 2024.

For more information, visit tanger.com/asheville .

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Will Hofmann is the Growth and Development Reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Got a tip? Email him at [email protected] .