Tangier: A Tourist’s Guide To Northern Moroccan City

Morocco is situated in the northernmost tip of Africa, with the bustling city of Tangier nestled in its northeastern corner. Tangier has long been exaggerated 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 city’s charm is best enjoyed by spending a few days here. Apart from visiting the most popular tourist attractions, holidays in Tangier are all about discovering the city and stumbling upon surprises.

Sounds exciting?

Let’s dive in!

Taking A Quick Look At Tangier City

Since this is a comprehensive guide about Tangier, let’s start by taking a quick look at Tanger city, its location, its climate, some of its history and what makes it worth visiting.

Overview

No other city in Morocco has the same reputation as Tangier. It became notorious in modern times thanks to tales of espionage and drugs, but the city’s story extends further back.

From an ancient Greek to a Phoenician, and later a Roman port, Tangier was occupied by many nations and peoples like the Moors and the Portuguese in 1471. Carthaginian settlers in the fifth century BC initially founded it. The city was also precious to the Berber people as it held the name of a Berber god: Tinjis.

Tangier fell later under English rule in 1662. It was called ‘English Tangier’ during that short period until the Sultan of Morocco abandoned it in 1684. It became part of Morocco in 1956 after undergoing international control from 1904 to 1956 – except during the Second World War. This varied and complex history lives between the walls of the monuments the city preserves as part of its historical identity.

An important port and trade center, the city has excellent road and rail connections with Fes, Meknes, Rabat, and Casablanca, an international airport, and regular shipping services to Europe. The building trades, fishing, and textile and carpet manufacturing supplement the city’s vibrant tourist trade.

Tangier and its suburbs dominate the surrounding region, which occupies the country’s northernmost area. It is situated on a peninsula immediately north of the Gharb lowland plain and adjacent to the Rif Mountains that lie to the southeast.

Beyond the city, the region is poor in resources. Vegetable growing and poultry breeding have traditionally been the main rural economic pursuits.

During the early to mid-20th century, Tangier was periodically under the collective administration of several countries. During this time, many Westerners settled there, and the city became a place of great political and artistic ferment.

Tangier was famous as a destination for artists and writers from Europe and the United States during the 1950s and ’60s and, to a lesser extent, in later decades. One of the most famous Moroccan writers to reside and work there was Mohamed Choukri (Muḥammad Shukrī), whose For Bread Alone (1973), the first of three autobiographical works, chronicled coming of age in Tangier.

The city has also become one of luxury and fine dining. Its main forte comes from making tourism its main economic activity that is constantly developing and growing. In this manner, Tangier grew from being the swelling of the earth, as the English diarist Samuel Pepys called it, to a city of immense development and economic prosperity.

The Weather in Tangier city

In Tangier, the summers are warm, humid, arid, and mostly clear, and the winters are long, cool, wet, windy, and partly cloudy. Over the year, the temperature typically varies from 47°F to 84°F and is rarely below 40°F or above 92°F.

The warm season lasts for 3 months, from June 22 to September 21, with an average daily high temperature above 80°F. The hottest month in Tangier is August, with an average high of 84°F and a low of 68°F.

The cool season lasts 4 months, from November 23 to March 22, with an average daily high temperature below 66°F. Tangier’s coldest month is January, with an average low of 48°F and a high of 61°F.

Precipitation amounts to 710 millimeters (28 inches) per year: so it is at an intermediate level. It ranges from 2 mm (0.1 in) in the driest months (July and August) to 135 mm (5.3 in) in the wettest one (December). The sea temperature ranges from 16 °C (61 °F) in February and March to 23.5 °C (74 °F) in August, and there’s an average of 2960 sunshine hours per year.

Where Tangier is located?

Tangier is an important seaport on the northern coast of Morocco, located near the western entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar. This strait connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea.

Experience the Best of Tangier: A Full Traveler’s Guide

This guide will find all the information you need about Tangier: most popular beaches, must-visit attractions, things to avoid, food recommendations, Nightlife, and the perfect wear for this conservative city.

Is it safe to travel to Tangier?

Yes, Tangier is safe for travelers, but there are some things you should know before you go so that unwanted surprises do not spoil your trip. Tangier is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s also home to friendly people who are warm and welcoming to visitors.

It is generally a safe place to visit, and you can expect a relatively low risk of being a victim of a crime or terrorist attack. However, you should still exercise caution in certain areas and take common-sense precautions while traveling.

As a solo traveler, though it is safe to walk around Tangier city both day and night still, it requires caution, while strolling in well-lit and busy locations is fine. Especially in the medinas, you never know what’s around the corner. Particularly as tourists, petty crime is prevalent in this area.

How to get to Tangier?

You can get to Tangier by ferry from Spain, France, and Italy. Most ferries arrive at the port of Tanger Med, located about 40km from the city. You can look at the ferry routes to Tangier for more information about schedules and tickets.

From Tanger Med, you can reach Tangier by bus or taxi. The port of Tanger Ville, situated in the heart of Tangier, serves ferry routes from the Spanish city of Tarifa.

Alternatively, you can reach Tangier by plane. The Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is approximately 10km from the city serving connections from several European countries. Taxi services are available at the airport, but there is no public transport to Tangier.

How to Get Around Tanger?

Here are several ways you can explore and get around Tangier city:

1. By Public Transportation

The city is quite compact, so many visitors find walking the easiest way to get around. If you prefer to take the bus, good routes include bus 13 from the rail station to the Port of Tangier via Avenue Mohammed VI and the 17 services from the bus station to the train station. A single trip costs 5DH.

2. By Taxi

If you don’t want to navigate Tangier on foot, take one available petit or grand taxi. Licensed petit taxis are blue and can be found at the airport and popular tourist sites.

You’ll pay 85DH for a 5-mile journey. Cream-colored grand taxis are not licensed and are more expensive. A typical 5-mile trip is 120DH.

3. By Car

It’s easy to drive in Tangier, although some areas are pedestrianized. The main roads are Boulevard Mohamed VI (previously Ave des FAR), which goes from the port to Malabata along the beachfront, and Boulevard Mohamed V from the Ville Nouvelle to the medina.

A compact car from leading rental companies like Europcar costs 316DH per day.

How Many Days In Tangier Is Enough?

If you’re wondering how many days in Tangier you should plan, consider what you may want to do. Will you use it as a base to explore surrounding areas like Asilah, Tetouan, and Chefchaouan, or will your journey go onwards?

Despite being many people’s first port of call in Morocco, Tangier isn’t a destination that demands much of your time. Rather than being a city full of unmissable attractions, Tangier is the perfect place to acclimate to what Morocco is like.

With two to three days, you shouldn’t have trouble covering all the main attractions in the city and come away with some great memories.

On the first day, you will take a walk around to get to know the city, visit the medina, old kasbahs, royal palaces, and museums, or Alternatively, take a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour to attractions such as Grand Socco square and the Place des Nations, from which you can take in the Ville Nouvelle’s art nouveau townhouses.

On the second day, you can take an amazing bus loop around the scenic region on the edge of Tangier. Alight at the oceanside Caves of Hercules, known for an Africa-shaped rock window; visit Cape Spartel to admire the Atlantic-and-Mediterranean panoramas from its French-built lighthouse, and hop off at woodland Perdicaris Park to ride camels.

On the third day, you will go beyond Tanger and visit the nearby cities such as the blue city of Chefchaouen, Tetouan, or seaside Asilah, with an arty blue-and-white medina.

What’s The Best Time To Visit Tangier?

Visit Tangier in late spring, from March to May, or in late summer, from September to November, for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Peak season is from June to August, and although all attractions are open, the city can be bustling as day visitors from Spain or other countries boost numbers.

Bring warm clothing if you’re visiting in winter, as temperatures can become chilly from December to February.

Also, remember that Ramadan may affect your travel when booking.

What To Pack When Traveling To Tangier?

In preparation for your Tangier adventure, the following is a list of things to consider packing that will make your trip as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Here is what to pack when traveling to Meknes Morocco:

For Women Traveler:

• Conservative clothing is worn throughout the city (clothes should not be tight or too revealing)
• Bathing suit (for beach resorts, hotels)
• Brimmed Hat, Visor, Hat, headscarf
• A tracksuit
• Light gloves
• Windbreaker or warm sweater for cooler months
• Travel Footwear: broken-in sneakers or hiking shoes, sandals, socks.
• Feminine hygiene products (tampons, etc.)
• Condoms
• Hairbrush
• Shampoo, Conditioner
• Sunglasses
• Deodorant
• Headphones
• Soap
• Shaving Cream, razor
• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush, toothpaste
• Camera
• Extra Camera Batteries
• Electrical plug adapter and or converter
• Travel Alarm
• Flashlight / extra bulbs

For Men Traveler:

• Boxers and Underwear
• Socks
• T-shirts
• Sweatshirts
• Belts
• Sleepwear
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit
• Jeans
• Casual running shoes
• Tank tops
• Sandals and flip flops
• Scarves and gloves
• Winter coat and jacket
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and mouthwash
• Shaving cream
• Casual running shoes
• Sunscreen and moisturizer
• Soap, shampoo, and conditioner
• Deodorant
• Hair gel, hair clay, and comb
• Contact lenses
• And a good toiletry bag to put them all in!
• Headphones
• Reading material
• Camera

For Children:

• Shorts/Trousers
• Dresses/Skirts
• T-Shirts/shirts
• Sweaters/cardigans
• Socks
• Tights/Leggings
• Underwear
• Shoes
• Hat
• Pajamas
• Jewelry
• Sunglasses
• Coats/rain jackets
• Scarves
• Gloves
• Shower Gel
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Kids bubble bath/soap
• Kids shampoo
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste – adults & kids
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Lip balm
• Contact Lenses
• Glasses
• Cleanser/Toner/Moisturiser
• Body Lotion
• Hand sanitizer
• Books
• Teddy/Soft toy
• Puzzles
• Playing cards

Important Notes

To feel the most comfortable, you will want tops with at least some sleeves. Moroccan women will usually have their sleeves covered by their elbows, but as a tourist, that is not necessary. Stay away from strappy tank tops. If you are wearing pants, you will want a longer shirt.

We have seen that Moroccan women tend to wear shirts covering their upper thighs when they wear pants, especially if the pants are tighter. You’ll also want to stay away from low-cut shirts.

If you are coming in the summer, light cardigans are an ideal item of clothing. Pack a neutral-colored cardigan with sleeves that you can throw on over tank tops.

Pack a heavier cardigan for the winter months for stylish warmth. Also, pack at least one long light skirt to stay cool. A skirt will be your coolest option, and loose pants are another great option.

11 Exciting Activities & Things To Do In Tangier

You can easily spend a few days in Tangier without getting bored. There are a lot of cultural, historical, and colorful sites to explore and many meaningful things to do.

1. Explore the Medina

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 older 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. 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 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.

If you are someone who enjoys getting lost in historical cities, I invite you to read my previous article on the best Moroccan old medinas.

2. Tangier’s Kasbah

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 leading to Dar el-Makhzen Palace, once the sultan’s residence and 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.

For more in-depth information about Kasbahs, check out my previous article on the best old kasbahs in Morocco.

3. Visit the Historical Museum

One of the best things to do in Tangier is to explore its lively neighborhoods on foot to truly experience a city awash with color, history, and culture.

The various influences that have shaped Tangier over the centuries can be seen everywhere, from the city’s architecture and historical monuments to the fascinating museums.

Some of the best historical museums in Tangier are:

Museum of the Kasbah

This museum is located in the former Governor’s Palace, known as Dar al-Makhzen or Dar al-Sultan. According to the Muslim calendar, it was built in 1737-1738 AD by Ahmed ben Ali ben Abd Allah al-Rifi during the reign of Moulay Isma’il.

This building served as the city’s sultan’s residence, court, and prison. It is located within the walled enclosure of the Kasbah, which contains a central courtyard with an open-air courtyard.

Moreover, it is famous for its unusual architecture, such as the six marble columns and the various rooms crowned with carved and painted wood domes, representing an important part of the heart of Tangier.

American Legation Museum

Likely not the kind of museum you’d expect to find in Morocco, the American Legation Museum focuses on Morocco being the first country to recognize an independent America in 1821.

As America’s first diplomatic mission, the building was the first American property outside of the United States and now has exhibits on the relations between the two countries.

American visitors will likely get the most out of this museum, but there are aspects of the museum, like the art and colonial architecture, which will interest everyone.

Fondation Lorin

This is an art museum on the Rue Es-Siaghine in Tangier, Morocco. It was named one of the oldest synagogues in the city. It is located near the Place du 9 Avril 1947 and Mendoubia Gardens. Since 1994, it has been housed in an old synagogue.

It displays items such as newspapers, photographs, posters, and plans related to Tangier’s political, sporting, musical, and social history since the 1930s. It also has several contemporary paintings, and exhibitions are regularly held at the Fondation Lorin.

4. Caves of Hercules

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.

Access to the Caves of Hercules is simple, and no special equipment is required. However, please note that the inside of the cave is exposed to the sea, and, as such, the ground could be wet. Unless you’re visiting in the warmer summer months, we recommend bringing something warm to wear due to the humidity inside the caves. Also, if you’re into photography, remember to bring your camera.

You’ll love taking photographs in the cave’s depths, where a crack in the rock resembles the outline of Africa. The deep blue tones of the sea seen through the crack offer a fantastic contrast with the cave’s darkness, ensuring a wonderful photograph.

The caves are split into three distinct parts. First, you will see a small square with modern colonnaded porticos. From there, you need to head down a small slope until you see a small cave on your left-hand side, where you need to pay to enter.

A small gift shop also sells a wide range of charming handmade souvenirs, which you can purchase upon leaving the cave. Across the three levels of this cave, you’ll find everything from a very frothy waterfall (has someone put soap in it?) to a man with parrots who will let you pose for photographs with them (not for free, of course!) and a sculpture of Hercules himself.

Once you’ve paid to enter, you’ll enter a large room, the entrance hall to the Caves of Hercules. To enter, you’ll need to pass through an iron-barred gate.

Once through, you’ll reach a large cavity with carved walls (more due to human activity than the effect of natural phenomena) and the famous crack in the rocks resembling the African continent, through which you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the deep blue sea.

The lighting system, a feature of the latest restoration project, produces pleasant tones and contrasts.

5. Cap Spartel & Cap Malabata

Cap Spartel

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 meters 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.

Cap Malabata

Cape Malabata is a cape located about 6 miles (10 km) east of central Tangier, Morocco, facing the Strait of Gibraltar. The cape features a lighthouse and a medieval-style castle built in the early 20th century.

If you love to experience a stunning view with great picture-taking potential, this cape is worth a visit.

6. Enjoy Tangier’s beaches

Tangier is well worth visiting for its beaches alone. Suppose you’ve been on holiday to southern Andalusia and have fallen in love with its seemingly endless sandy beaches and secluded natural spots. In that case, you’re going to adore the beaches of this city.

Achakkar beach

While it isn’t the largest beach, it’s big enough for a pleasant afternoon of swimming and sunbathing. You can get fairly close to the beach by car, but you’ll still need to walk a little to descend to the coastline.

This beach is a great place to visit after spending the morning at the Caves of Hercules or for killing time before you head to Cape Spartel to enjoy a wonderful sunset.

Dalia beach

This beach, with multiple fishing boats grounded on the sand and gorgeous natural surroundings, is a good option due to its accessibility, lively atmosphere, and services for beachgoers. It is a great place for sampling traditional local food as you enjoy stunning sea views.

Dalia’s beachfront bars more than hold their own compared to restaurants elsewhere. The only downside is that they tend to be fairly busy and noisy. It offers an authentic insight into what life in Morocco is really like. However, if you go during the low season, you’ll have them all to yourself!

Mikki beach

Mikki beach is considered one of the best Morocco beaches close to Tangier, with more than 1,500 meters of fine golden sands and all the beach services you could need.

It would be a real pleasure to sit at one of its beach bars and watch life go by as you enjoy a refreshing drink as the sun starts to go down.

7. Explore Interesting Parks

Want to spend time alone or with your family in a lovely park? These parks in Tangier are the best choices for a nice picnic or to relax and admire nature.

Parc Rmilat

With an area of almost 70ha, Perdicaris forest, best known as Rmilat Park, is a veritable botanical park hosting hundreds of exotic and native species.

A wooded park popular for picnics, exercising & panoramic sea views from its hilly hiking trails. This park is a beautiful place to rest and relax and a very excellent place for photography enthusiasts.

Mnar Park

Mnar Park is an oasis of greenery and freshness that offers all the necessary services to live beautiful moments of relaxation and distraction with family or friends.

You will find a water park with slides, a kart circuit, and a recreation area for children. Mnar Park also has a refreshment Sunset Cafe and Restaurant that will allow you to enjoy delicious meals with Mediterranean accents.

8. Stroll the Mendoubia gardens

The Mendoubia or Mandubiyya refers to the former residence and office of the Mendoub, the representative of the Sultan of Morocco in the Tangier International Zone from 1924 to 1956. It now houses the commercial court of Tangier. Its surrounding gardens are open to the public.

The garden was created to house the offices and residence of the Mendoub, the permanent representative of the Sultan at the time when Tangiers was an international zone. Pavilions of this prestigious building were used, in March 1941, as the headquarters of the German consulate.

The visitor will be fascinated, amongst other things, by the architecture of the place and by the enormity of a hundred-year-old tree located at the entrance to the Mandoubia.

9. Grand & Petit Socco

The Grand Socco or Place du 9 Avril 1947 is a historic circular roundabout separating the old Medina from the newer area of downtown Tangier, Morocco.

The term socco is a Spanish corruption of the Arabic souq (or souk). Long ago, it was surrounded by a mosque, a few shops, several banks, half a dozen modest restaurants with covered outdoor seating areas, several cafés, the Cinema Rif, an Amendis office, and a pharmacy.

It is still busy, noisy, and congested, but it has now become a meeting point and a good central point for travelers who want to explore the city.

Then we have Petit Socco, also known as the “Place Souk Dakhel” or Zoco Chico in Spanish, a small square with its surrounding streets in the medina quarter of Tangier, Morocco.

The words combine the French word petit, meaning ‘little/small,’ and the Spanish word zoco (often spelled as socco in northern Morocco), meaning souq, bazaar (Persian), or marketplace.

The square was once known for drugs and prostitution.

10. Chill and admire views at Cafe hafa

Inaugurated in 1921, the mythical Café Hafa is one of Tangier’s oldest and busiest cafés. This peaceful place is located on a cliff in an atmosphere of indescribable beauty. Built on the rocks of the Marshan Gorge, this café with undeniable charm seems to float on the waters of the Strait.

Its cosmopolitan atmosphere has seduced bohemians and travelers from around the world for decades and has inspired many writers and artists such as; Jean Genet, Paul Bowles Mohamed Mrabet, Luis Eduardo Aute, and members of the Beat Generation.

11. Tanger Med (The Port)

Tanger Med is a Moroccan industrial port complex located 45 km northeast of Tanger and opposite Tarifa, Spain (15 km north) on the Strait of Gibraltar, with handling capacities of 9 million containers, one of the largest industrial ports in the world, and the largest port in Africa. 7 million passengers, 700,000 trucks, and the export of 1 million vehicles.

Tanger Med also consists of an industrial platform for 1100 companies representing an annual export business volume in 2020 of 8000 million EUR, operating in various sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, food processing, logistics, and textiles.

The port has plenty of tourist information and galleries with beautiful examples of local, national, and international art.

What To Avoid When Visiting Tangier City?

Scams and pickpockets, and petty crimes, in general, are around the corner. Still, if you’re cautious and follow some of the few simple principles listed below, you’re unlikely to ever be in danger in this city.

Here are a few things you should not do when visiting Tangier:

1. Exposed dress

When it comes to the dress code in Morocco, you are free and can dress as you wish. Just remember that Morocco is a Muslim country.

It is advised to avoid necklines, shorts, tank tops, and mini skirts. Do as you feel, Moroccans are used to tourists, but you’ll be more comfortable if you dress more properly.

2. Tour guides should be avoided

Those that say “no money” are most likely after your cash. They will attempt to persuade you to visit their stores or bring you somewhere and then demand payment for their services.

Say no firmly. If they start walking with you, they will demand money, regardless of their age or how friendly they are. Trust only the tour guides recommended by your hotel staff.

3. Entering any mosque

Not everyone knows this, but tourists can visit not every mosque unless they are Muslims and they come to pray. However, a mosque is allowed for tourists, so be sure to get informed before entering a mosque you would like to visit.

4. Going out at night

Walking at night requires caution, while strolling in well-lit and busy locations is fine. In the medinas, you never know what’s around the corner.

Particularly against tourists, petty crime is prevalent in this area.

5. Culture and religion

Tourists should respect local customs in Morocco, especially in Tangier, and like any other city. For instance, if you go to the city during Ramadan, be careful not to consume alcohol in public.

It is also recommended not to drink, eat and smoke in public, or at least with discretion, especially in less touristy areas. Also, another thing to keep in mind is that if you see shoes near the entrance of a place, be sure to take yours off.

If you would like to learn more, I recommend you check my previous article on the religion in Morocco and things not to do for tourists in Morocco.

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The Bottom Line

Its past may occupy Tangier, but the city’s gaze is equally and firmly focused on the future.

The city is extremely rich in history – it was the forbidden fruit everyone wanted to eat, underwent starvation, had a bad reputation, hosted international art in all its forms, luxurious hotels, and highly developed sites. The city succeeds in making every visitor feel at home.

With its fascinating and uniquely alluring culture, Tangier was a favorite destination of many famous artists and writers of the last century. So it’s worth spending a few days to discover the features and see what this Moroccan city offers.

Thanks for taking time to read all the way to the end.

Cheers!

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