With its colorful medina, palm-shaded squares, lavish palaces, and historic cafes that serve fresh Moroccan mint tea, Tangier is a feast for the eyes. It is one of the oldest cities in Morocco, with a multicultural heritage.
Tangier is also a haven for artists, poets,
and musicians, having inspired the greatest, such as Paul Bowles, Henry
Matisse, William Burroughs, and even the Rolling Stones.
Our two-day
itinerary will help you plan a trip to Tangier. It includes all the main
sights and day trip ideas, as well as tips on where to stay and where
to eat.
Our first stop in Tangier is St. Andrew’s Church. Consecrated in 1905, this Anglican Church decorated in high Fassi style is known for its beautiful interiors. Go for a stroll through its flourishing gardens and check out the graveyard where many historical figures have been laid to rest. Moroccan explorer Walter Harris is buried here, as well Hooker A. Doolittle, an American diplomat. An interesting fact is that Henri Matisse painted St. Andrew’s Church in his famous “Landscape Viewed From a Window” painting during his visit to Tangier in 1912. Entrance into the garden and graveyard is free and visitors are welcome to leave a donation when entering the church.
Located a 2-minute walk from St. Andrew’s Church just outside the palm-studded Grand Socco, Cinema Rif is an old movie theatre with a retro vibe. This beautifully restored Art Deco structure houses two movie theaters, a video library, and a cute café lined with vintage furniture and old movie posters. Originally opened in 1938, this cultural institution was re-designed by French architect Jean-Marc Lalo in 2005. Nowadays, Cinema Rif shows both alternative and mainstream films.
Across the road from Cinema Rif, you will find the Grand Socco. A circular square plaza with a large marble fountain in the middle, it is Tangier's main square and the best point of departure for an exploration of the city’s medina and souks. This vibrant transport hub connects the old part of the city and the Ville Nouvelle and reflects the spirit of Tangier and its people. Park benches and grass areas shaded by large palm trees make Grand Socco a popular hangout spot among both locals and tourists. It is also worth mentioning that the Grand Socco is where the sultan Mohamed V delivered a historic speech claiming the independence of Morocco back in 1947.
With its labyrinth of narrow alleyways dotted with whitewashed houses and marketplaces of stalls where you can purchase spices, delicious foods, and tanned leather, Tangier’s Medina is a small mythical world with a life of its own. Here, you will find Musée Dar Niaba, an architectural gem that offers a memorable journey through Tangier’s diplomatic history with its impressive collection of artifacts and art. Opened in 2022, Dar Niaba is one of the newest additions to the museum scene in the city. In addition to exhibits that focus on diplomatic relations between Tangier and foreign powers, the museum also has a small art collection worth checking out.
Our next stop is the picturesque Petit Socco (Little Souk). One of the most famous areas of the Medina, this small square is one of those important places that show the essence of Tangier and its people. Watch the locals as they play backgammon and unwind with a refreshing drink Tingis where writers and artists like William S. Burroughs and Camille Saint-Saëns spent their days back in the 1950’s.
We begin our afternoon walk with a visit to Tangier’s beautiful Kasbah. An elevated section at the northern end of the old walled city, the Kasbah is a charming part of the Medina known for its world-class museums.
Situated inside the old sultan’s palace of Dar El Makhzen, the Kasbah Museum is where you want to go first. Made of marble and granite, the building looks spectacular. The museum’s interior showcases an extensive collection of artifacts, statues, antiques, and other artworks. There is a nice collection of mosaics, pottery, giant replica maps, wood textures, and jewelry, from all over the Mediterranean. To sum it all up, the Kasbah Museum is the best place in the city to learn about Moroccan history, art, and architecture.
Located just a stone’s throw from the Kasbah Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art is the next stop on our Tangier travel itinerary. Housed within the old restored Kasbah Prison, the museum offers both permanent and temporary exhibits of contemporary art. The Museum of Contemporary Arts is spread across several floors and houses artwork by modern artists from Morocco’s northern region such as Fathima Hassan and Chrabia Tallal.
You will find the magnificent 15th-century Bab Al Bahr gate right next to the Kasbah Museum. It is, without a doubt, the most impressive entrance to Tangier’s Medina. From this getaway, the soldiers defending the city looked out for invading fleets. Today, people visit Bab Al Bahr to enjoy spectacular views across the Strait of Gibraltar, especially at sunset.
We end our afternoon walk at the Ibn Battouta Museum which focuses on the life of the greatest traveler of the 14th century, Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battutah. Born in Tangier, this world-famous Moroccan explorer traveled through Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. It is estimated that Ibn Battouta covered more than 120,000 kilometers throughout the Islamic world. This modern interactive museum is amazing and offers a treasure trove of artifacts, manuscripts, and interactive exhibits. Learn about the life of Ibn Battouta and his geographical discoveries through the museum’s immersive displays and engaging narratives.
Start the morning at Cafe Hafa. This 100-year old cafe was frequented by poets and artists such as Paul Bowles, and William Burroughs. Jimi Hendrix was here, even the legendary Beatles. Nestled on a cliffside, Café Hafa in Tangier has a simple style with plastic tables spread across a few terraces. The main reason why people come here are the mesmerizing views of the Mediterranean Sea. Arrive early in the morning, as the outdoor café gets packed with both tourists and locals later in the day. Relax with a sweet Moroccan mint tea for 12 dirhams or a cup of black coffee for 15 dirhams and enjoy the views of the Strait of Gibraltar.
Just a short walk from the legendary café is Tombeaux Pheniciens, a cemetery of 98 tombs of which nearly 60 are carved into the rocks. Also known as the Phoenician Tombs, this Roman necropolis has a huge historical significance. For those who don’t know, the city of Tangier was founded by the Phoenicians. However, the main reason tourists visit Tombeaux Pheniciens are the spectacular sunset views.
While you are in the neighborhood, pay a visit to Marshan Park. Located just a short walk from the tombs, Marshan Park is a beautiful green area where locals come to unwind and enjoy nature. It is a great place to bring your kids, as there is a nice playground for the little ones. There is also a nice walking path for visitors who wish to go jogging in the morning.
In the afternoon, we are back in the Medina to check out the remaining tourist attractions. First on the list is Boutique Majid, the best-stocked antique shop in all of Tangier. Opened in 1970 by Abdelmajid Rais El Fenni and Mie Nielsen, this family-owned antique boutique offers an impressive collection of super-rare Moroccan antiques. Whether you wish to purchase antique Moroccan textiles of the finest quality, buy local works of art, or go in the back to check out the spectacular collection of carpets and ceramics, there is so much to choose from.
You won’t have a problem finding the Grande Mosque in Tangier, as its large minaret is visible from basically anywhere in the city. With a pyramid-shaped dome with metallic finishing, walls covered in white stucco, and colorful green and orange ceramic tiles, the Grande Mosque is a feast for the eyes. The interior is just as beautiful with a nicely decorated prayer room and a picturesque courtyard with a fountain. The only downside is that you can’t visit the Grand Mosque interiors unless you’re a Muslim. However, the mosque is still worth visiting to admire the beauty and the details of the exterior.
Finally, go for a walk through the Medina towards the American Legation Museum. This cultural center, research library, and museum is actually the very first American public property outside the United States. Located in the southwest corner of the Medina, the museum has a colonial-era vibe and houses everything from a Moroccan stars and stripes carpet to an entire room dedicated to Paul Bowles. You will also have an opportunity to see an impressive display of paintings including works by James McBey and Eugene Delacroix.
There is no shortage of bars and restaurants in Tangier that serve alcohol. Bars like Blue Pub, Pub Carrousel, Tangerinn, and El Contacto offer a wide selection of alcoholic drinks. Wish to enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine and have a glass of wine? Book a table at Alibaba Restaurant. Casa Pepe is probably one of the few stores that sell booze in Tangier. The shop has an extensive selection of imported and Moroccan cold beers, as well as an impressive selection of wines in all price ranges.
However, during Ramadan, it is much harder to find places that sell alcohol in Tangier. Your best bet is to visit the fancy upscale hotels and resorts along Tangier’s seafront in the evening. Some of these hotels will serve you alcohol during Ramadan, but only when the sun goes down. It is recommended to bring your passport to prove you are a tourist. Casa Pepe officially doesn’t sell alcohol during Ramadan, but a few travelers say that tourists can purchase alcohol from the shop in the evening.
The best places to stay in the city are those that offer easy access to the Medina. Tangier has a wide range of accommodation options, from reasonably priced hostels to boutique villas and 5-star hotels. Travelers looking for an authentic experience while visiting Tangier can book a local riad which is a traditional Moroccan home.
The city of Tangier is well worth visiting for its beaches alone. You will find Municipal and Malabata beaches in the city itself, whereas other beaches with golden sands and a rocky composition can be reached by public transportation, car, or taxi. Don’t expect to find posh 5-star resorts or glamorous beach clubs along these stretches of coastline.
Just west of the port in Tangier, Merkala beach is nestled in a small bay. It is definitely less touristy than the Municipal and Malabata city beaches.
Sol Beach is located between Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. Although the beach is small in size, Sol attracts both locals and tourists. There is a nice restaurant on the beach that offers Mediterranean cuisine with a Moroccan twist. Just a short walk over the small rocky outcrop at the southern end, visitors will find Achakkar Beach.
No visit to Tangier is complete without spending a few hours on Dalia Beach. Snap a photo of the cute fishing boats or enjoy a drink at one of Dalia’s laid-back beachfront bars.
Beaches that lie to the east of Tangier around 10km from the city are called Beaches of the Strait. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural surroundings, Playa Blanca is the most beautiful beach along this stretch of coastline.
So, what is the best time to visit Tangier? The truth is that it all depends on what you want from your vacation. The good news is that Tangier is less touristy than other Moroccan cities like Casablanca and Fez. However, the city does receive a large number of visitors in the peak of the holiday season in summer. As you’d expect, it gets really hot and humid in summer here. Sightseeing can be unbearable during this time of year because of the high temperatures. On the other hand, winters in Tangier are known to be windy and wet. Therefore, the best time to visit Tangier is in spring (March to May) and in autumn (September to November) when you can benefit from pleasant weather and avoid large crowds of fellow tourists.
Thinking about going on a day trip from the south of Spain to Tangier? Thanks to the regular FRS Iberia ferry from Tarifa, this trip is fast and easy to organize. Unlike other ports in Spain, the Tarifa Port at the southern tip of Spain is small and easy to access. You will be arriving at the Port De Tangier Ville which is located just a short walk from the main tourist attractions in Tangier. So, the best option to get from Spain to Tangier is to catch the FRS Iberia ferry from Tarifa to the Port De Tangier Ville in Morocco.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the port in Tarifa for about 40 euros. Travelers who wish to take their own car on the ferry will have to pay around 170 euros. There are usually 8 sailings daily between Tarifa and Tangier. On average, travelers will find direct ferries departing Tarifa every two to three hours in the mornings and early afternoons. The ferry crossing from Tarifa to Tangier only takes one hour. Keep in mind that anyone taking the ferry from Tarifa to Tangier is required to travel with a valid passport. Wish to bring your dog/cat with you? You’ll be pleased to hear that the Tarifa ferry to Tangier is pet-friendly!
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