travel tips for tangier

20 Top Things to Do in Tangier Morocco – The Complete City Guide

The Complete City Guide to Tangier Morocco. Is Tangier worth visiting? What can you see and do in Tangier? In this in-depth city guide, you’ll find an overview of the most interesting places to visit in Tangier, recommendations about where to stay and where to eat and information about how to get around the city. 

Ever since I first came to Tangier Morocco, this city has never stopped fascinating me. I lived there for 6 months and it’s still to this day one of my favorite cities in the world.

It has everything I ever wanted from a city: a sense of exotic mystery, the most interesting history, beautiful sights, and unspoiled beaches.

On top of that, Tangier is an uncontrolled mix of North Africa, Spain, Portugal and France, the ideal melting pot for my culture hungry mind.

Each day ferries cross the Strait of Gibraltar to this city from Europe, making it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa.

How to take the ferry between Tarifa (Spain) and Tangier.

Together with my friend, blogger, and dancer, Ruby Josephine , who lived for 5 years in this North Moroccan city, we created the Ultimate City Guide to Tangier.

In this guide, you’ll read about the best places to visit and things to do in the city, the best restaurants of Tangier, the best hostels and riads, how to get around, etc.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Morocco Travel essentials and resources

• Morocco Travel Guide: 19 things you should know before you go
• Where to go: The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco
• Plan your trip: 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco
• Is Morocco safe: 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco
• Tours and experiences: Book a customized tour
• Where to stay : Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp
• Travel Insurance: Find the best travel insurance for Morocco
• Getting around : Rent a car in Morocco or travel by bus or train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Things to do see and do in Tangier Morocco

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

Here’s an overview of things to do and places to visit in the city. You can easily tackle all the places in one day. 

1. Cafe Hafa

Cafe Hafa is practically an institution of historical Tangier and is a must-see for anyone passing through.

It has existed since 1921, as it so proudly proclaims at its entrance, and resides on a cliffside with a stunning panorama of the Mediterranean sea.

This outdoor cafe is almost always packed in the afternoons with locals and tourists playing music, cards, and sprawling out across the tables. If you prefer to go while it is quieter, the mornings are the way to go.

Either way, it is always the perfect place to have a traditional sugary sweet Moroccan mint tea and relax as you enjoy one of the best views in the city. Being one of the cheapest teas in town, a full glass costs only 7-10 dirham.

While it is not a restaurant, you can order a steaming bowl of bissara, a Moroccan soup made of fava beans and split peas topped with olive oil and cumin.

For an afternoon snack, my friends and I often buy pastries at bakeries along the way and bring them to eat with our tea.

There are also old men wandering around the cafe selling salted almonds and peanuts for a couple of dirhams a handful.

The cafe is located in the heart of Merchan, a more residential area on a hill just above the Kasbah, at the end of Rue Hafa.

To get there you can take a petit taxi and tell them simply that you would like to go to Cafe Hafa- everyone in town knows it.

You can also walk, depending on where you are coming from. It’s a lovely stroll through a calm neighborhood but be warned that it is mostly uphill.

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2. Phoenician tombs

The Phoenician tombs are located between Cafe Hafa and the top entrance to the Old Kasbah .

It’s true that these tomb structures are very often filled with water and litter, but they are still interesting and of great historic value.

The top of the cliff where the tombs are located offers fantastic views over the city and the harbor.

This is a place where the locals go to relax so if you have time, go there at sunset, take some drinks and snacks and sit down for a while.

On a sunny day, you can see Tarifa in Spain.

3. Get lost in the Old Kasbah

Getting lost in the old city is an absolute must when visiting Tangier! What is so interesting about the old medina is the miles and miles of tiny, narrow, endless paths in between the buildings where one can get lost in no time.

Wandering the narrow streets of the medina used to be my favorite pastime when I was living in Tangier and I would absolutely suggest it if you want to get a real feel of the city.

It can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming but it’s part of the adventure.

Walking randomly in any old town is always an enjoyable experience. I walked in the medina of Tangier almost on a daily basis while I was living there. It’s clean and there is practically no harassment from sellers as in other Moroccan cities, like Marrakesh.

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It’s located right on one side of the Grand Socco and about 3 km from the train station. It’s also the place where most of the hostels and riads are located.

4. Kasbah Museum

When I, Ruby,  first saw the Kasbah Museum, it was not as a curious tourist, but as a choreographer holding rehearsals in the open building behind the museum’s gardens.

It wasn’t until I had lived there almost a year that a took a more traditional walk around this beautiful building- I had been missing out.

While, at first, I knew at least that the gardens are lovely, I can now wholeheartedly recommend the entire place as a wonderful site to pay a visit.

This museum was once known as “Dar el Makhzen,” which translates roughly to “The Sultan’s Palace,” and was the residence of Portuguese governors between 1471 and 1661.

It is now hosting a collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, most of which come from the north of Morocco.

It is located in the Kasbah and can be reached easily by walking from anywhere in the city center or by petit taxi. The entrance fee is 20 dirhams per person and is open from 10am-6pm every day except Tuesdays.

5. Petit Socco

Right in between the hike from the Grand Socco to the port, you will come across a smaller square, lined with a few cafes and several shops and galleries.

The Petit Socco is a popular stop for a coffee at Cafe Tingis , an old beatnik-era institution, or the slightly more modern Cafe Central.

It snakes off into several small, winding streets of the old medina where you can find more hidden shops and markets to explore.

6. American Legation

The American Legation is a museum, cultural center, and research library that holds historical and artistic artifacts and is home to a rich history of diplomatic relations between the United States and Morocco.

It was, in fact, the very first American public property outside of the US and the renovated building has kept up its colonial-era historic feel. It is located in the old medina at 8 Rue d’Amerique and costs 20 dirhams to enter .

Also, fun fact: Ruby’s husband (a Moroccan man she met here in Tangier) proposed to her in the gardens of the American Legation, creating yet another very small piece of multi-cultural history that happened in that location. You can read a tiny bit about their Moroccan wedding here .

7. The Grand Socco & Cinema Rif

The Grand Socco goes by a few different names- Souk Ibarra, if you’re a local, but it is officially called Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947 after a famous speech given by King Mohammed V in support of Moroccan independence on, of course, April 9, 1947.

Whatever you call it, this large open plaza in Tangier will most likely be a central marking point for anyone visiting.

It is home to a large market on one side which is a wonderfully chaotic and sensory place to explore and a towering beautiful mosque just across the roundabout.

Bab Fass is the grand archway that leads into the old medina and up to the Kasbah and on the other side you can have tea and people watch from the cafe at Cinema Rif .

Cinema Rif is an old movie theatre where you can watch both alternative and mainstream films. It also has a cafe that is very popular among the young locals and artists of Tangier.

It’s definitely worth going there to have a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the retro- ambiance of this artsy building. 

While the Grand Socco is always full of life and activity, if you venture out at night, you will find large crowds full of families taking an evening walk and loud street vendors selling everything from clothes to cotton candy to snail soup (a specialty in Tangier- I dare you to try it).

This is an easy point to reach by taxi or on foot from anywhere in the city.

8. Markets in Tangier – Grand Socco Market & Berber Farmer Market

Like any other city in Morocco, Tangier also has a few colorful souks  (markets) that are a pleasure for the eye and nose to visit.

 The biggest souk is the indoor Grand Socco Market, located at the Grand Socco (see above), where you can daily buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, olives, herbs, etc.

Every Sunday and Thursday, an outdoor farmer market is held on the streets near St. Andrew’s Church (see section below).

The Berbers from nearby villages come to Tangier to sell their products, mainly fresh fruits, and vegetables from their farms.

It’s a colorful and chaotic experience to walk through these streets filled with all the fruits and veggies you can get in Morocco!

On the square opposite St. Andrew’s Church you can also buy Tajines, antiques, clothes and random old trinkets. 

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9. St. Andrew’s Church

Visiting an Anglican church in Tangier, Morocco may sound a bit out-of-the-ordinary, but St. Andrew’s is a beautiful, historic sort of sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city.

 It was consecrated in 1905 and the overgrown, flourishing gardens in the churchyard are home to the grave sites of many historical figures.

The chapel was also once painted by the famous French artist Henri Matisse during his stay in the city in 1912.

You can visit St. Andrew’s for free and often the guard will give you a tour of the grounds and chapel.

Being very close to the Grand Socco, it is an easy walk from the old medina and is located, appropriately enough, on Rue d’Angleterre (the English Road).

10.Teatro Cervantes

My dream is that someday this theater is fully renovated, keeping its beautiful old art deco style and that I can create a dance performance for its stage.

In the meantime, however, I’ll have to make do with wistfully visiting the crumbling facade.

The Gran Teatro Cervantes was built in 1913 by the Spanish and was considered at one point one of the most prestigious theaters in North Africa.

Now, however, restoration is on constant hold due to ongoing disputes between city officials and the Spanish government. For this reason, the interior is closed to the public, but the exterior is worth visiting for a look and a photo.

You can always try and ask permission to enter the theater at the Spanish Consulate in Tangier. However, it might take at least one week and some money before you’ll know if you’re allowed to enter the Gran Teatro Cervantes. 

The theater is located on Rue Anoual, easily reached on foot from anywhere in the city center or by petit taxi.

11. Sour Al Maâgazine

Sour Al Maâgazine, also known as “ Faro Square “, has been for a long time the meeting place of friends and especially lovers in Tangier. Some very beautiful romantic songs have been dedicated to this popular avenue of Tangier.

In the summer, this avenue is always full of people enjoying a breathtaking view of the port and the bay of Tangier. People also come to enjoy the constant light breeze coming from the Mediterranean sea.

It is located on Pasteur Avenue and it’s only a 7-minute walk to get to the Grand Socco and the entrance of the Old Kasbah .

12. Gran Cafe de Paris

Gran Cafe de Paris is one of the oldest cafes in Tangier and is part of Tangier’s bohemian history.

The cafe opened in 1927 and was a place of inspiration for many known artists and writers like Jack Kerouac, William Burrough, Paul Bowles and Tennessee Williams – just to name a few –  to gather here, have a coffee, smoke a cigarette and discuss life and literature. 

Part of the movie  The Bourne Ultimatum  was filmed in and around Tangier and this cafe has also a moment of fame in the movie. 

The interior of the cafe has a peculiar atmosphere. Strange how inspiring the old leather of the chairs, the dark paneled walls, the stale smell of cheap tobacco and the rustling sound of newspapers can be.

The waiters are dressed in red jackets and it gives you a feeling of an old private ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ (but women are allowed here as well).

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The Best Tangier City Tours

If you prefer a more organized trip to explore Tangier, here are a few fun and interesting city tours you can join.

13. Explore Tangier with the Tanger Ville Hop On Hop Off Bus

Tangier has now official Hop On Hop Off Buses that will bring you to all the different places of interest in one day!

These red double-decker buses run daily from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October and from 9 am to 5 pm from November to March between the historical center of the city to the modern part.

You can hop on and off the bus at the 11 stops as often as you want. Here’s a detailed itinerary of the Tanger Ville Route.

You can board the bus at any of the 11 stops. Tickets can be purchased when you board the bus and cost 130 MAD per person .

These tickets are valid for 48 hours and can also be used for the  Espartel Tour Route Bus   (see Day trips from Tangier below). 

14. Explore Tangier with a local guide

There are also opportunities to explore Tangier with a local guide. During the Tangier City Discovery Tour , a local guide will take you to all the places of interest in and near the city, including the Hercules Caves (see below). Learn more about this tour here .

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Things to do around Tangier – The Best Day Trips

If you have time, you should definitely go on a day trip to  Cap Spartel  and the  Caves of Hercules !

Both places can be visited together in one day and I would recommend making the 5km walk from one site to the other along the beautiful beach called ‘Robinson Plage’. 

15. Cap Spartel

Cap Spartel is a cape located 14 km from Tangier. The cape rises to a height of 326 m and there’s a beautiful lighthouse at the end of the cape.

Cap Spartel

What makes this place so special? On a sunny day, you have an amazing view of where the Atlantic Ocean and The Mediterranean Sea meet. 

16. Caves of Hercules

The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are a bit of a symbol for Tangier, with their strange sea entrance, shaped like a map of Africa.

The main caves are part of a massive archaeological cave complex located 14 kilometers west of Tangier.

The caves are part natural and part man-made. The natural part was formed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean while the man-made part was used by Berber people to cut stone wheels from the walls.

The caves date back to 2500 BC and the name comes from the legend of Hercules as it’s believed he slept in these caves before attempting one of his 12 labors.

A visit to the natural caves to admire the sea entrance shaped like the map of Africa is  free . To visit the man-made caves, you have to pay  5 MAD .

Although this is very cheap, I don’t think it’s really worth it. There isn’t really anything special in the man-made caves, unless you want to take a picture with a monkey or parrot on your shoulder (see  Common Scams in Morocco ).

How to get to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel from Tangier:

It’s very easy to get to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel. Any  Petit Taxi ( the small blue taxis ) in Tangier will take you there.

You might have to bargain for the price as the driver will very likely charge you  100 MAD  but know that a one-way ride to the Caves or the Cap is  50 MAD .

You can also take the blue Hop On Hop Off Bus  that follows the  Espartel Route .  This bus departs from Socco Alto and you can hop on and off the bus at any stop along the route (which include Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules).

One ticket costs 140 MAD and you can also use the ticket for the Tangier Ville Route Bus (see City Tours in Tangier ).

You can also join the Tangier City Discovery Tour (see City Tours in Tangier ) which includes a visit to both places.

I recommend you visit the Caves of Hercules first, then walk north along the beach towards Cap Spartel.

It’s only one hour of walking and it’s very enjoyable, especially on a sunny day. Along the way, you’ll come across abandoned holiday houses, caves and cliffs. 

18. Ruins of Cotta

The ruins of Cotta, an ancient Roman settlement founded in the 2nd century, are very close to the caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel .   

The remains of a factory building, a temple, and some baths complex have been unearthed here, and it is believed that the inhabitants of the settlement made a living by producing a type of fish sauce as was the case with the town of Lixus  (see 4. Ruins of Lixus ), one of Morocco’s oldest continuously inhabited sites. 

Unfortunately, you can’t visit these ruins anymore as a rich Arabian sheik (or so the story goes) has bought land around the ruins, thus fencing them and preventing tourists from accessing the area. 

19 . Borj al Kamra

The Al Kamra Tower or the  Borj Al Kamra is one of the oldest historical sites in Asilah . It was built in 1509 when the city was under Portuguese occupation so it’s a perfect example of Portuguese architecture in Morocco.

This tower was built under the orders of the King of Portugal Emmanuel I to serve as a residence for his married daughter to the Portuguese governor of Asilah. He wanted to make a beautiful and huge building to allow his daughter, very attached to his country, to see Portugal from the coast of Morocco.

Construction began in 1505 and it took four years to achieve an architectural marvel that centuries later is among the oldest historical monuments in the city.

Getting to Asilah from Tangier is very easy as the cities are only 50 km from each other. It’s possible to get there by taxi or by train.

Moroccan Railways (ONCF) have a train from Tangier to Asilah every 4 hours. Tickets cost between 19 and 50 Moroccan Dirhams and the journey takes 42 min . It’s also possible to get there with a shared Grand Taxi (the big beige ones) for 45 to 75 Moroccan Dirhams .

You can also go on a guided day-tour from Tangier to Asilah , combined with a visit to Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves. Learn more about this tour here.

20. Ruins of Lixus

Lixus is the site of an ancient Roman-Berber city located in Larache. Megalithic stones found in the vicinity of Lixus suggest that the site was originally inhabited by sun-worshipping people with knowledge of astronomy and mathematics and then became a Roman city.

Photo source: Wikipedia

The main gate to the ruined city is just off the highway. Only about a quarter of the ancient city has been unearthed from the ground so far.

The ruins that are visible, although badly damaged and a bit overgrown, hint at how big and important this city once was, and it’s totally worth a visit.

There is no entrance fee at the moment but if there is a guardian on duty, he will usually be happy to lead visitors through the site for a small tip.

Larache is located 88 kilometers south of Tangier following highway A1. You can reach this city from Tangier by train , by taxi or by bus .

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Where to stay in Tangier

Tangier is a city that is worth taking the time to discover, so you will want to stay there at least a night or two. It is a city rich in traditional architecture. One of the best experiences you can have in Morocco is staying in a Riad , typical rich Moroccan houses with indoor courtyards and fountains, designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).

Tangier also offers a wide choice of hostels for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening.

If neither a Riad or a hostel is the right choice for you, the city also has plenty of beautiful mid-range guesthouses .

Best budget hostel to stay in Tangier

• Our top pick in Tangier: Tanja Lucia Hostel

This hostel is a mix between a hostel and an art gallery so you can expect plenty of beautiful paintings hanging on the walls of the lobbies.

The dorms have fewer beds than in other hostels around Tangier (only four beds per rooms) so the rooms are generally much quieter than in other places. 

The staff of this hostel takes cleanliness very seriously and the whole lodging is cleaned every morning. The sheets on the beds are washed and changed every day.

The hostel also provides shampoo and towels to all their guests. The atmosphere of this place was very relaxing and I stayed there for almost two weeks as I was getting internet work done thanks to their excellent wifi. 

Tanja Lucia also has a very big rooftop terrace that overlooks part of the old city. This was my favorite part of the hostel and the perfect place from which to write on a sunny day. 

If you’re looking for comfort and quality, don’t look anywhere else, Tanja Lucia is The best and cheapest hostel in Tangier. 

Click to check out rates and availability for “Tanja Lucia Hostel”

View from the rooftop terrace of the Melting Pot

Best guesthouse to stay in Tangier

If you want the comfort of your own private luxurious room and private bathroom right in the heart of the old Kasbah, I would absolutely recommend a stay at the Dar Nour .

The owners are dear friends of mine and made me feel so welcome in Tangier during my whole stay in their guesthouse.

Having lived themselves as expats in Tangier for years, they know the city very well and can advise you on all the best restaurants in the city and everything you should do while you are there.

They also own the restaurant “Le Salon Bleu” which is located only 5 minutes away.

Each room at the Dar Nour has a completely unique style and atmosphere and includes a private bathroom and shower.

The Dar Nour has a terrace with a view of the beach and a massage room can be used to relax after a long day walking around the old city. The property also has free wifi in every room and in all the common areas.

A traditional breakfast composed of fruits, pancakes, cakes, and cheese is offered every morning. Local specialties are proposed in the property’s dining room and a bar is at your disposal at night.

If you want an awesome stay while in Tangier, Dar Nour is an absolute must!

Click to check out rates and availability for “Dar Nour”

On the rooftop terrace of Dar Nour

Best Riads to stay in Tangier

Tangier is a city that is rich in its architecture and fascinating history. One very special type of Moroccan building that combines both architecture and history is the Riads.

They are typical Moroccan buildings that started appearing during the Idrisid dynasty. they usually have indoor courtyards with gardens and fountains. One notable feature of their construction is that they are designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).

No stay in Morocco would be complete without at least one night in a Riad. Here are some of the best riads in Tangier.

• Riad Tingis

Riad Tingis, located in the center of Tangier, offers a sun terrace and beautiful views of the sea.

Each room at this riad comes equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area where you can relax. Some rooms offer a view of the mountains or the garden. Every room comes equipped with a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. Riad Tingis also features free WiFi throughout the property.

Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Tingis”

Anoth Riad definitely worth checking in Tangier is Dar Nakhla Naciria .

Where to eat in Tangier Morocco

1. restaurant bachir.

This is hands down the best restaurant to get as close to home-cooked Moroccan food as you can possibly find in the city. It’s a local, bustling place with plastic-wrapped tables and giant baskets of bread plopped down in front of you as soon as you are seated.

The food is always fresh and delicious (beware that because of this, sometimes they don’t have everything on the menu), and the waiters, while constantly running around to keep up with the demand, are kind and helpful.

It is also ridiculously cheap, with a bowl of bissara going for only 7 dirhams and a chicken tagine for about 20 or 30. It is where I immediately take all of my friends and family who visit me here.

Make sure you say hi to Bachir himself, the owner, who is always hanging around at the cash register. This place is located on Rue Zyriabe, a busy street close to boulevard Mohammed V, lined with many local spots to grab a bite.

2. Dar Naji

Located off of the beaten tourist track in a more residential part of the city, this restaurant serves delicious local specialties in an Arabic lounge-like environment.

Get ready to chill out on old cushions in low lighting and enjoy a slow-cooked meat tagine, couscous on Fridays, or ask for my absolute favorite, r’fissa- a chicken and bread dish that is pure comfort food.

A meal here is also on the cheaper end, costing between 30-60 dirhams per person. You can walk or take a petit taxi to Dar Naji, located at 11 Rue Ajroum.

3. Le Bistro du Petit Socco

If you want to sit, have a good, hearty and flavorful meal, and people watch for an afternoon, this is the place to do it. Located just on the edge of the Petit Socco, this small but charming bistro offers Moroccan food with a bit of French flair.

I have never been disappointed by a dish here and the owners are always friendly and accommodating. I would say it is in the medium price range in terms of places in Tangier, a main dish going for about 60-80 dirhams.

Moroccan Tajine

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Where to buy alcohol in Tangier

Since Ruby lived in Tangier for such a long time, she also found out where to buy alcohol in Tangier Morocco. 

If you’re on the hunt for a bottle of wine or are in need of some drinks to take to a friend’s house, it may seem near to impossible to find alcohol anywhere in the city. Do not despair.

While, of course, being a Muslim country and due to legal restrictions it may not be as easily accessible as in some cities, there are several shops that do sell alcohol in Tangier.

Always keep in mind, however, that drinking in public in Morocco is prohibited and in general, being drunk outside is never a great idea. In the comfort of wherever you are living or staying, however, you have some options of where to buy and enjoy a bottle:

1. Casa Pepe

39 rue Ibn Rochd .

This little market is just off of the main boulevard Mohammed V and not only sells wine, beer, and spirits, but also a collection of imported items from Europe including pork products, if you’re missing bacon or ham.

2. La Fine Bouche

24 Rue de Fes

Another store selling alcohol, imports and specialty items (it’s where I always buy natural peanut butter- my one guilty pleasure from home).

3. The Market on Rue de Fes .

This place doesn’t have a name that I know of, but it is a hole-in-the-wall market selling drinks of all kinds, both alcoholic and sodas. It is at the top of the street in between Avenue Belgique and Rue Mexique, just to the right of a well-known local pastry shop called Alaska.

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How to get to Tangier Morocco

1. getting to tangier from the airport.

Tangier has an international airport where many flights, especially from Europe, arrive on a daily basis. 

You can only get from the airport to the city center of Tangier  by taxi. These taxis will be at the exit of the terminal and have fixed prices. A ride from the airport to the city center costs  100 MAD .

To get from Tangier to the airport, you can take a  Petit Taxi  (the blue ones) from anywhere in the city. Some taxi drivers will try to charge you more but know that the fixed price to the airport is  100 MAD  as well. 

2. Getting to Tangier by Ferry

Arriving in Tangier by ferry is a great way to start your journey in Morocco . I particularly enjoyed seeing the land getting closer and closer from the boat and felt so excited when Tangier was in sight.

There are currently two Ferry companies operating in the Strait of Gibraltar bringing people from Tarifa to Tangier and vice versa.

The FRS service runs up to 8 times per day with a sailing duration of around 1 hour while the Inter Shipping service runs up to 6 times per day with a duration of 2 hours.

Taking a ferry across the straight to Spain is also a great way to renew your Moroccan travel visa .

Tangier ferries also connect Morocco with Spain, Italy & France with crossings available to Tarifa, Algeciras, Malaga & Barcelona (in Spain), Genoa & Savona (in Italy) & Sete (in France).

Tangier Ferry crossings are operated by FRS , Inter Shipping , Balearia , Trasmediterranea , Grandi Navi Veloci , Grimaldi Lines & AML   and, depending on the time of year, you’ll find a choice of up to 69 ferries crossings daily.

3.How to get to Tangier from Casablanca

Getting from casablanca to tangier by bus.

Since most people will arrive and start their visit to this superb country in Casablanca, I decided to include practical information on how to transit between the two cities.

The best way to get from Casablanca to Tangier is by bus with the number one bus company in Morocco called CTM .

I’ve traveled around Morocco with different companies and I have to say that CTM although being slightly more expensive than other bus companies, also provides much more comfortable buses.

The trip between the two cities will cost between 120 and 190 Moroccan dirhams and takes around 5 hours .

There is a direct bus leaving from Casablanca and arriving in Tangier. Buses leave every four hours, and they operate every day.

You can catch the bus at the CTM bus station in Casablanca on Rue Léon (see map below). You can reserve your ticket in advance at the bus station or book it online .

However, if you book your ticket online, you still have to go to the CTM office to pay for your luggage on the day of departure so make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.

In Tangier, you’ll arrive at the main city bus station “Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia (see map below). From there you’ll have to take a taxi (see  Getting around in Tangier ) to reach the city center.

Getting to Tangier from Casablanca by car

If you have your own car or if you are renting one , the road from Casablanca along the coast is definitely a pleasant drive. The driving distance between Casablanca and Tangier is 338.82 km. It should take around 3 hours to reach the northern city.

Driving from Casablanca to Tangier is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the coast and take great pictures.

You will also drive through other beautiful cities such as Rabat (the capital of Morocco) and Larrache (where you can visit the Ruins of Lixus ). To drive from Casablanca to Tangier simply follow highway A1 towards the north along the coast.

Driving on highways and on countryside roads in Morocco is usually quite safe, however, if you drive in big cities like Casablanca, Tangier, or Marrakech , it can be quite challenging.

In large cities, it can often feel very chaotic. You will definitely feel a big difference between the cities, the smaller towns and rural areas when it comes to driving.

Another thing worth noting is that in large Moroccan cities, red lights and stop signs are sometimes completely on the far right of the road, so they are super easy to be missed if you don’t pay attention. Sometimes they can also be a bit hidden behind tree branches.

Getting to Tangier from Casablanca by train

Another great option to get to Tangier from Casablanca is to take the train. Traveling around Morocco by train is a great option because they’re cheap and they are a great way to see the incredible Moroccan landscapes.

In Morocco, it’s very easy to buy your train tickets in person directly at the train station.

All the information on prices and timetables can be found on the ONCF website , once you know which train you will take you can head over to the Casablanca train station to buy your ticket.

Make sure to bring cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card. There is a direct train leaving daily from Casablanca and arriving at Tangier. It leaves five times a day.

The journey takes approximately 5 h. Once you are in Tangier, you’ll need to take a taxi to reach the old city (see  Getting around in Tangier  in the section below).

Top things to do in Casablanca – The Complete City Guide

How to get around in Tangier

Taking a taxi or a city bus in tangier.

In Tangier there are two types of taxis (as everywhere else in Morocco), Petits Taxis (small taxis) and Grands Taxis (big taxis).

The Petits Taxis are smaller cars and they are ultramarine with a yellow stripe down the side. They are used to take short rides within the city, charging 50% more at night.

Tangier suffers a constant shortage of taxis, so always remember that you can flag down a taxi that already has passengers but still has spare seats left.

The Grands Taxis are used to take long rides from Tangier to the surrounding towns and cities or from the airport to the city center. The Grand taxis in Tangier are typically beige colored four-door Mercedes from the eighties without air conditioning.

The Grand taxi is commonly a shared taxi in Morocco, the taxi will usually not leave the city before it’s full unless you pay for the entire taxi (all 6 seats) just for yourself.

They can be found at the port when arriving by ferry, at the airport, in bus stations, at the train station and at the bigger hotels in the cities.

If you wish to go around the city and don’t want to take a taxi, your other option is to take the public bus .

The Alsa website has all the information concerning the schedules, prices and bus lines of Tangier. A ticket for a ride on the green city buses costs 3.5 dirhams as of April 2016 and there are plenty of bus stops all around the city.

How to get to the bus stations in Tangier

There are two different bus stations that you can use in Tangier to take buses from and reach the neighboring cities.

One of them is the main Tangier city bus station, “Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia and the other one is the CTM Gare Voyageurs (new private bus station) on the Route to Tetouan, about three miles from the city center of Tangier.

While the first one ( “Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia ) is very central and conveniently located, I would still recommend taking a bus or a taxi to travel the extra miles to reach CTM Gare Voyageurs .

I took buses from both bus station and although the prices were almost the same from both places, the quality and comfort of the buses at CTM Gare Voyageurs were of a much higher standard.

“Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia is located about 2km to the south of the city center. The location is at the following address: Avenue Idriss 1er Tanger Morocco.

This bus station can be pretty busy since it is so central and because the buses are slightly cheaper.

Here you will find a variety of bus companies all offering buses to different parts of the country, it’s also possible to find shared taxis leaving for the neighboring towns such as the shared taxis for Chefchaouen here.

CTM Gare Voyageurs is not so conveniently located but the extra comfort these buses provide makes the extra mile worth it.

The bus station itself is on the Route to Tetouan, about three miles from the city center and directly across Morora railway station. It is possible to get there by taxi or by taking bus 10 on Avenue Pasteur.

How to get to the train station in Tangier

If you want to travel onward to Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca or any other Moroccan city that has a train service, you will need to make your way to one of the train stations in Tangier.

There are two train stations directly in the city, one is called Tanger Ville and the other one Morora however from our experience, Tanger Ville is much quieter and more efficient and is definitely the one that you’ll want to get to for trains to Casa, Marrakech, Fes, etc.

This railway station has been enlarged to accommodate the new high-speed train and it has lost a bit of its original charm but It’s only about a 7-minute taxi ride from the port making it super easy to be reached from almost anywhere in the city.

You can also avoid taking a taxi by taking bus number 13 to the Tanger Ville station , or the railway company’s Supratours shuttle.

All the information on prices and timetables for the Moroccan trains can be found on the ONCF website , once you know which train you want, you can head over to the train station to buy your ticket.

Make sure to have cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card.

One last tip before I finish this (lengthy) guide. 

I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook .

It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.

10 tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic

I hope this guide was useful to you and I wish you a fantastic stay in Tangier!

If you have any questions or if you’ve already been to Tangier, we love to hear from you in the comments below!

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• What you need to know before you go: 23 Travel Tips for Morocco
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18 thoughts on “20 Top Things to Do in Tangier Morocco – The Complete City Guide”

Great article! I am Moroccan, learning from you about Tangier!

Happy to hear Mo :)!

Thank you so much for an excellent and comprehensive blog. It will be very useful. I was wondering if you had any further info on being a solo female traveller? Is it safe in Tangier? You also mention the beaches at the start but dont include anything about swimming – are these beaches popular for swimming/sunbathing in the summer? Thank you!

Thank you Caitlin! Tangier is safe for a solo female traveler, I just don’t recommend wandering alone in the medina after sunset, as for any city in Morocco. You can definitely swim and sunbathe at the beaches, not sure how popular they are in the summer as I’ve only spent the winter months in Morocco. Warm wishes, Cynthia

Siempre es bueno ir en un tour? Se puede viajar sola? Si conoces gente de Marruecos por internet que muchas chicas se conocen con marroquíes, no sería buena idea?

Ruby, Thank you so much for all of this amazing information!! I lived in Tangier for a few years when I was very young (the 1950’s) and have not been back since. We lived in a community just outside town (walkable – I did it once from the American Library downtown and got into mountains of trouble for terrifying my parents) called “California”. I’m hoping you know of it (was all expats then) and could point me in the right direction to find it today, if it still even exists. I have a trip planned to Morocco in May, 2024 and would love to visit a favorite childhood haunt. Thanks, Andy

Great blog and post. I have been mostly following your recommendations and sights for morocco. Been great so far!

Hope to meet you in your journey someday.

Salam, Naseel

Thank you Naseel, really happy to hear! Enjoy your trip and hopefully see you one day 🙂

It’s 60 DH for visiting the caves, it’s not free , and yes the man made cave is still 5 DH

Thank you for this update!

Hello, I enjoyed reading your blog. I will be in Tangier on September 10-13 and was wondering If you will be in town? I would love to treat you to a cup of tea at Cafe Hafa and learn about your trips. Let me know either way , thank you

Hi Andrea, thanks so much for the invitation but I’m currently in Kyrgyzstan and will be in Central Asia until October. Wishing you a great time in Tangier!

Nice post. I’m looking forward to visiting Tangier in a couple of weeks. I’ll definitely check out Cafe Hafa and Cinema Rif.

You will love those places Steven! Have a great time in Tangier!

Hi Niko, am in Tangier right now, love it and loved your article, really informative and so helpful. one question, is there a dance studio around here in the centre where I can take dancing lessons? anything appreciated, I live in Chiang Mai, taking lessons there

I’m sure there are a few dance studios near the center. I’m not 100% sure where they are but I would recommend contacting Ruby at https://www.rubyjosephine.com/ She’s been living in Tangier and teaching dance and leading dance workshops there. All the best.

What an incredible guide and what an honor to be a part of creating it! Thank you for this great collaboration! x

It was an honor to work together on this post with you Ruby! You’re the expert on Tangier!! Looking forward to future collaborations 😉

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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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13 Top Things to Do in Tangier + 3 Day Quick & Easy Itinerary

If you’re looking for a handful of the top things to do in Tangier, then you’ll NEED this 3 day itinerary and guide.

Below you’ll discover the top 13 things to do in Tangier AND with our easy 3 day itinerary you won’t need to stress over how to see it all ! From the Kasbah and the Medina, to the museums, historical and cultural icons such as the Rif Cinema and Cafe Hafa, Tangier is brimming with things to do!

Tangier is Morocco’s port city at the north western end of Africa. A city where you’re able to sit and enjoy Moroccan mint tea, while admiring the Strait of Gibraltar with views of Spain in the distance. A place where you can immerse yourself in history, take in some culture and enjoy a mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean .

Tangier is a city steeped in compelling history, shaped by European and Arab invasions throughout the centuries. It is homeland to the great explorer Ibn Battuta, a legend in his own right. And more recently, Tangier has earned a reputation among artists – famous painters, writers, poets and musicians who have found inspiration here.

It’s a city of contrasts with much to offer. From travellers coming for a day or two from Europe, to those visiting as a start or end point of a greater Moroccan road trip.

Along with top things to do, get our tips on where to stay in Tangier, how to get there, which day trips to take and the best beaches to check out. This guide and itinerary can help you if you’re visiting Tangier for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or more. So read on for the top 13 things to do and see in Tangier, that you absolutely don’t want to miss!

Table of Contents

Where is Tangier

Tangier or Tanger in French, is a busy port town and city, in the north west of Morocco. Incredibly Spain is only 40km north of Tangier, an easy 1 hour and 20 minutes by ferry. And on a clear day, you can even see Tarifa , Spain’s southern most point, across the Strait of Gibraltar.

🗝 To better understand what makes Tangier unique, it helps to know a few of the historical influences. Read on if you’re interested in knowing more. Alternatively, skip ahead to get started with your Tangier itinerary.

* This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!

Historical Influences in Tangier

Prior to the 10 th century BCE, Tangier was initially established as a Berber village, before becoming a Phoenician trading post. However, as a result of its prominent location it has had a rather turbulent past.

In a nutshell: This part of Morocco was occupied by the Carthaginians and Romans in its early stages. The Vandals occupied in 429 CE, but were later overthrown during Berber unrest. It was then retaken by the Byzantine Army in 533 CE before the Arab and Muslim invasions of North Africa in the early 8 th century. Then due to it’s ideal location, Tangier was used to further launch an invasion into Spain. However, they too were overthrown as part of the Berber revolt in 740. It was in 790, that Moulay Idris I the founder of the Idris Dynasty, took Tangier as part of the Morocco we know today.

14th to 20th Centuries

Tangier was taken by the Portuguese in the late 14 th century. Who later shared control with Spain. Before it was gifted to England’s King Charles II as part of a dowry when he married Catherine of Braganza in 1661. The British however withdrew from the city in 1684 due to pressure from the then Moroccan ruler Sultan Moulay Ismail. However, in doing so they destroyed large parts of the city and its port.

In the late 19 th and early 20 th century, France had a major influence on Morocco. Which in 1905 triggered a major international crisis, as Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany was pushing for Morocco’s independence. However in doing so he only forced a strengthening of the French British relations. In 1912, Morocco was divided between France and Spain. Spanish Morocco in the far north and south. While French colonies covering the area between. Thus forcing Sultan Moulay Hafid into exile in his Kasbah in Tangier.

In 1923, Tangier became an international zone between Britain, France and Spain. With Portugal, Italy, Belgium and Netherlands later added. It was during this time that the city started to establish itself as the cosmopolitan city it is today. Having a melting pot of ethnicities, a place where all religious and ideological groups could gather and find sanctuary. In 1956, the international zone was abolished, and Tangier returned to the now independent Morocco under the rule of Sultan Mohammed V.

Present Day

Today Tangier has become a major destination for both commerce and tourism. Second only to Casablanca in terms of Morocco’s economic hubs. And growing significantly over the last 15 years, within industrial, commercial and residential development.  

This growth has come about due to the presence of the Tanger Med Port, which is one of the largest cargo ports in Africa. As well as the recently redeveloped terminal of Port de Tangier Ville passenger ferry and the relatively new high speed rail system between Tangier and Casablanca.

Artists Who Found Inspiration in Tangier

Tangier was somewhat of a mecca for many great artists over the 20 th century. From painters and writers to musicians.

Henri Matisse, first came to Tangier in 1912 and returned in 1913, painting various images during his stay. Including ‘ Window at Tangier ‘ of the St Andrew’s church painted from his balcony window.

In the late 40’s to 50’s Tangier become a highly desired destination for many well known writers. Including Author Paul Bowels who later returned with his wife to live in Tangier. As well as poet and Actor Peter Orlovsky with his partner and fellow writer Irwin Allen Ginsberg. And in 1954 William Burroughs spent 4 years in Tangier where he wrote his novel Naked Lunch .

In the 60’s and 70’s Tangier, along with other locations in Morocco became a popular spot for various rock artists. This included The Rolling Stones who first visited in ’67, spending time enjoying what the city had to offer. They then returned in ’89 spending three days recording ‘ Continental Drift .’ Jimi Hendrix stayed on his way down to Essaouira in ’69. Not forgetting the Beatles also enjoyed their time in Tangier over this period. Then in ’75, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant sailed out of Tangier after their massive drive across the country.

Planning Your Tangier Itinerary

So what with, the colourful and transient history, along with the strong international interest Tangier has attracted, it is a very different type of Morocco. In comparison to Marrakech and Fes , Tangier’s Medina has a more Mediterranean feel to it… it’s unique and an experience all of its own.

Below we explain everything you’ll need to know to help you get the very best from your Tangier experience and itinerary. Read on for our travel tips on getting there and getting around, the best places to stay, and of course a full list of the top 13 things to do and places to visit in Tangier.

💥 Tangier Itinerary Inspo! To get your itinerary planning juices flowing – browse some of these popular activities. Read about our cooking class experience in Fes to find out if it’s something you’d like to try in Tangier.

How to Get to Tangier

Tangier has a host of options when it comes to both domestic and international travel.

Internationally, the options include Tangier Ibn Battouta airport (TNG), and passenger and car ferries arriving from Spain, France and Italy at Tanger Med Port and Port de Tangier Ville.

Internally, Tangier has great options for domestic flights, trains both high speed and standard, and bus. And of course you can also self-drive!

International Flights

Currently there are 12 airlines operating out of Tangier Ibn Battouta airport (TNG) with Ryanair, Air Arabia Maroc and Royal Air Maroc being the major. Multiple nonstop flights come from Europe each day.

From the United States there are no direct flights to Tangier, but with Royal Air Maroc you can book direct flights into Casablanca from New York (JFK) Washington (IAD) and Miami (MIA).

International Ferries

As mentioned above, pedestrian and drive-on passenger ferries arrive into both Tangier Med Port and Port de Tangier Ville. FRS are currently the only operator running between Tarifa Spain and Tangier Ville. We took this ferry for our day trip from Tarifa . And given the central location of this port, Tangier Ville is conveniently positioned near the main Medina in Tangier.

In Tangier Med, further from town, there are three ferry operators. These include FRS, Baleària, and Africa Morocco Link (AML) which run multiple trips per day from Algeciras, Spain.

Then from Barcelona you can book with Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV) and La Meridionale. Or from Marseille France, or Grenoa Italy, GNV run once a week.

Browse ferry bookings here with Ferry Hopper to grab the best ferry for your Tangier itinerary.

Domestic Transport Options to Tangier

Morocco has a great bus system with various operators running multiple trips per day between all major destinations. CTM and Supra Tours are two that we used throughout our three month Morocco itinerary. They are both equally reliable and comfortable – you can read our post travelling with Supra Tours here.

Book tickets direct through the CTM or Supra Tours website. As a guideline of transport times and costs to Tangier with CTM you can expect the following –

• Tetouan – travel time 1 hour from 25 MAD
• Casablanca – travel time 6 hours from 90 MAD
• Chefchaouen – travel time 2 hours and 30 minutes from 75 MAD
• Fes – travel time 6 hours and 30 minutes from 145 MAD

*Prices vary according to season

ONCF operate Morocco’s railway network. The state owned company operates several lines and trains within the country, with more planned.

Fun Fact: from Tangier to Casablanca you can hitch a ride on Africa’s first high speed train system – Al Boraq! This has significantly reduced travel speed.

ONCF train lines currently get you to Tangier from destinations such as, Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech and even Fes. Note: that if you travel by train you have the option of travelling in first or second class. Prices between the two are not massive, so if you prefer to travel in a little more comfort, with a little more leg space then 1st class may be a better option.

And if you are something of a train enthusiast, then you can take Al Atlas Classic train from Fes to Tangier. One option will get you there direct in just over 4 hours. And the second option will get you there a little quicker in just over 3 hours, with a change in Kenitra from the Al Atlas onto the Al Boraq.

Tickets can be booked direct through the ONCF website. As a guideline of transport times and costs to Tangier with ONCF you can expect the following –

• Casablanca – travel time just over 2 hours, economy from 180 to 260 MAD
• Marrakech – travel time is 5 1/4 hours with a transfer in Casablanca, economy from 300 to 320 MAD
• Fes – travel time 3+ to 4+ hours, economy costs from 110 to 180 MAD

*Prices vary according to season and class of travel

Self-Driving with a Rental Car

Tangier is obviously a great starting point for a Moroccan itinerary or road trip, with various ferries operating out of this busy port. Read above for the ferry options available when arriving into Tangier from Europe.

Alternatively, booking a rental car is another great choice, as Morocco’s highways are reasonably easy to navigate. Many people choose to self-drive as this allows a greater independence and ability to explore off the beaten path.

Goggle Maps tends to always get you to where you need to go. Just note, when venturing further into the main city centres, you’ll need to keep your wits about you. Obviously roads will get rather busy, so we recommend, expect the unexpected and keep your eyes three cars ahead. And if you’re exploring the Medinas, then you’ll need to park up and walk on foot.

We use the Qeeq rental car booking platform to book our rental cars when travelling. They always manage to scope out the cheapest deal, especially if you make the most of their new user coupon.

13 Top Things to Do in Tanger

So now we have covered all the formalities, let’s get to the bits you really want to know about. That’s right my friend, get ready for the top 13 things to see and do in Tangier for an itinerary to remember!

The Medina and Souks

As with most of Morocco’s cities, Tangier old town or Medina was once the central part of the city. Surrounded by old fortified walls, within is a maze of alleyways, accessed only by foot which lead you to various souks, riads, museums, cafés, mosques and hotels.

If you’re only in town for the day and looking for a little culture, food and shopping then this is where you need to be.

Starting at the waterfront by Port de Tanger Ville , the northern wall wraps around the coast overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. From here you can enter the Medina via Bab dar Dbagh .

The main road leading through Bab dar Dbagh divides after 200m. Rue Dar Baroud continues straight ahead in a north direction following the coastal wall. While Rue de la Marine heads west (or left), taking you further into the Medina.

If you follow Rue de la Marine, this will take you through to Petit Socco. A great place to stop and grab a coffee or mint tea at either Café Tinjis or Gran Café Central before heading on.

From Petit Socco you can either head north along Rue Almohades, which we found had some amazing shops. It includes a lot of general souks, with various carpet shops, leather goods, antiques and souvenirs. But also several boutique stores.

Alternatively, you can keep heading west along Rue Siaghine up the hill towards Bab Al Fahs. This will pop you out at the Grand Socco… the next on our top things to do in Tangier list.

Boutique Stores in the Medina

If you like unique clothing with a Moroccan twist, then visit owner and fashion designer Kaoutar Sahel at her store Youmes Creations . She weaves her love for Moroccan culture into a thoughtfully curated collection. Everything in her shop is gorgeous, and if you’re lucky you’ll also meet her mother on the Singer sewing machine. They are a lovely family! We also love Bobois Tanger for handmade wooden homeware. The owner Julien Bouchet, is a super interesting guy to chat to, and his work is fantastic.

Other Things to Check Out Within the Medina

The American Legation Museum – This historic building was the first American public property outside of the US and is also the only US National Historic landmark on foreign soil.

It was built in 1821 and was used by the US as a diplomatic office for the following 140 years.

It now serves as a museum, predominantly used to highlight the long history and relations between Morocco and the US. This started back in 1777 when Morocco became the first country to recognise American independence from Great Britain and which lead to a Moroccan – American Treaty of Friendship in 1786.

The Fresh Food Market – Check out this cool market if you’re in town for a couple of days and looking for fresh produce, meats and some seafood. You’ll find this souk on your left as you leave the Medina heading towards the Grand Socco. It also has entrances from the Grand Socco if you’re coming at it from this direction.

This covered market is mainly used by locals. It’s tight and can get a little busy at times, but this just adds to the authenticity. So shop like a local and grab yourself some fresh fruit for your travels.

Grand Socco

This is the large square at the western side of the Medina, just outside Bab Al Fahs . It’s also a great alternative entrance point to the Medina . From here you can make your way back down the hill towards the port, rather than coming up.

Essentially, it’s a large roundabout with a fountain. But it’s a popular hang out location among locals because of the grassed and paved area. It’s a great social place at the end of the day, where you’ll find the likes of ice cream vendors and sometimes even a little entertainment. Across the road is Cinema Rif, a Tangier icon, which undoubtedly earns a place on our list of top things to do in Tangier.

Cinema Rif is at the Grand Socco, opposite Bab Al Fahs, you can’t really miss it! It’s both a working cinema and café. But it’s special given that it’s an old theatre, the kind you might remember from your childhood. It shows both alternative, classic and mainstream films. If you plan on catching a movie during your stay in Tangier, check to see what languages the movies are displayed in before booking.

If, however you’re just looking for a place to grab a drink and slice of something sweet, then this iconic place is worth it. As you’ll most likely see when you visit, many gather at the Cinema Rif to people watch with a coffee and cake.

Saint Andrew’s Church

Saint Andrew’s church is just three minutes walk south west of the Grand Socco. From Cinema Rif, head towards Sidi Bouabid mosque, down Rue d’Angleterre keeping the mosque on your right. The entrance to the church garden is at the junction of this one way street, on the opposite side of the road.

It’s open from 10am to 1pm, then reopens again from 2.30pm to 5pm, six days a week, but closed on Friday. Entrance into the garden and graveyard is free and the church is by donation.

The garden and graveyard has many well established trees, providing plenty of shade, so is great for a stroll around midday or in the afternoon.

And be sure to ask the groundskeeper and custodian about the St Andrew’s Church in the Henri Matisse painting. It’s pretty cool to think that you are walking within a famous painting!

Don’t miss the beautiful Kasbah like we did on our first visit to Tangier. It was like discovering a whole new Tangier when we discovered the Kasbah on our second visit. It’s a lovely part of the Medina to explore, to brush up on your history, as well as a great place to shop. There are a high concentration of boutique shops as well as a collection of luxury hotels and boutique accommodation.  

The Kasbah is part of the Medina, but an elevated section at the northern end. We recommend that you start your visit from Bab Kasbah and everything else is a walk downhill .

Within the Kasbah you’ll find Espace d’Exposition de la memoire d’Ibn Battouta or the Ibn Batutta Museum. The Kasbah Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum.

To get here, from the Grand Socco, enter the medina via Bab Al Fahs. Then follow Rue d’Italie which becomes Rue de la Kasbah. After the parking lot at the top of the hill, turn right into Place du Tabor and in front of you will be Bab Kasbah.

Ibn Batutta Museum

As you may well have guessed, this museum covers the life of the great explorer Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Battutah , or more commonly known as Ibn Batutta. Known as the greatest traveller of his time, Ibn Batutta travelled extensively through Africa, into Europe, the Middle East and Asia. In fact, he far exceeded the travels of Marco Polo exploring most of the eastern hemisphere throughout his journey. He was born in Tangier in 1304 and later returned in 1354 and is believed to be buried within the Medina.

This new museum is a tribute to Ibn Battuta’s life and travels. It’s a modern interactive museum, with translations in both Arabic, French and English. It’s really well displayed and walks you through his astonishing life. If you like history or want to know more about this incredible Moroccan explorer, we thoroughly recommend a visit.

The Tomb of Ibn Batutta – If you are an Ibn Batutta enthusiast, then you may want to prioritise a visit to his tomb. This is the site believed to be Ibn Battuta’s final resting place.

It is small and rather inconspicuous considering his accomplishments, but it does have a placard outside. Unfortunately, is was closed when we visited. You can find the tomb on Rue Ibn Batouta located not far from the Kasbah Rose Hotel.

The Kasbah and Contemporary Art Museums

We have listed these two together as they sit side by side, and can be covered under one entrance fee.

The Kasbah Museum is found within what was formerly the Sultan’s Palace or Dar al-Makhzen. Which was where the last Sultan of independent Morocco was exiled during the French protectorate of Morocco.

The museum focuses mainly on the history of the area, which also includes displays of various antiques, arts, carpets, crafts and firearms.  It houses a central open courtyard and roof top garden.

Two of its main displays are the mosaic of Venus and the giant replica maps. Note that the displays are in French and Arabic only, but a small pamphlet is available at the ticket desk for English speakers.

The Contemporary Art Museum opened on the 24 th December 2021, housed within the old restored Kasbah prison.

The space is a combination of both permanent and temporary exhibits, with a key focus being to display and pay tribute to artists from Morocco’s northern region.  

Stretched over several floors, with elevator and wheel chair access. It’s a beautiful and thought provoking space, that allows its visitors a place to view and interact.

Both the museums are open from 10am – 6pm, 6 days a week, closed on Tuesdays. I loved the fact that there weren’t many tourist here, and so it was one of my favourite top things to do in Tangier.

Bab Al Bahr

This gate is right next to the Kasbah museum and offers an amazing view across the Strait of Gibraltar. Given that it is close to the museums, it’s definitely worthy of a quick visit.

The Phoenician Tombs

The Phoenician Tombs are found north west of the Kasbah and can be visited either on your way to, or back from Café Hafa.

Due to Tangier’s turbulent past these are one of the only few remaining relics connected to its early beginnings. These tombs are a free open air necropolis, carved into the hillside overlooking the Straight of Gibraltar. Providing a great vantage point out over the port and a popular place with Tangier residents in the late afternoon.

We had read a little about the tombs, but seeing them in person kind of took my breath away. Perhaps it was the day we visited, with the beautiful clear skyline but I definitely recommend the walk and the visit. Note: they can be full of litter, fortunately during our visit they were in the process of being cleaned up.

Yes, it’s a café, but could also be described as an experience . If you are in Tangier and do only one thing outside of the Medina, then this has to be at the top of your things to do list!

Cafe Hafa opened in 1921 and so has officially celebrating its 100 th anniversary… crazy right! But this open air café hasn’t changed a great deal during its time. This means Cafe Hafa has achieved somewhat an icon status. In fact, over the 100 years, it has served the likes of Paul Bowles, William S Burroughs, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Positioned over open tiered terraces from the main entrance drown the steep hill side. The views are incredible and the experience a cultural must. Cafe Hafa is a place to grab a mint tea, sit, relax and enjoy the moment. However, be warned it can get very busy. Especially over summer and on the weekends when the weather outside is at it’s best.

Cape Spartel

Cape Spartel was one of our favourite top things to do in Tangier, as we are nature lovers!. The area of Cape Spartel is a national park on the most north western point of Africa and is at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

Here you will find the Cape Spartel lighthouse. Which doubles as a small museum providing the history of the area, not to mention a great view from the top. It also has a café and some grassed areas if you wish to stop for a coffee or picnic.

Cape Spartel is a great day trip destination for a Tangier itinerary, if you also include Hercules Cave and the surrounding beaches. You can expect an easy 3.6 km walk down the coast from the lighthouse to the cave. So pack your swimsuit and a bit of lunch to hit the beaches while you walk along the coastline.

☀️ We wrote a dedicated post on taking a day trip from Tangier to Cape Spartel and the Hercules Caves!

Cape Spartel is around a 25 minute drive from Tangier and the easiest way to get to there is by taxi. You can either take a Grand Taxi by yourself from any pick up point, or a collective if you’re looking for a more economical way.

Collective taxis are our preferred way to travel beyond the cities for day trips in Morocco. They are budget friendly, and you simply turn up and wait till the taxi fills to six passengers. This never takes longer than 15-20 minutes. The collective taxi point we used in Tangier to get to Cape Spartel was at the top of Rue Sidi Bouabid just before the roundabout, and it cost 20 MAD per passenger.

Hercules Cave

The popular Hercules Cave is both man-made and a natural cave formation. The natural cave has one land entrance, but also opens out to the sea. From this angle the cave opening has a striking resemblance to the African continent. The man-made caves were originally made by local Berber tribes who used the caves for carving stone wheels.

Fun Fact: Legend has it that this is where Hercules stayed the night before stealing the golden apples as part of his 12 labours given to him by King Eurystheus.

Word of warning, the cave is a popular tourist destination, so can get exceptionally busy. If you’re in Tangier during the peak season, it would be best to get there early before the buses arrive.

Beaches for a Tangier Itinerary

As you can imagine, one of the top things to do in Tangier is check out the lovely beaches, both in the city, its outer suburbs and others further out of town.  So, if your itinerary in Tangier includes some beach days, then read below.

Note that most beaches don’t have shade or changing rooms. So bring sunblock, some money to rent a beach umbrella and dress wisely. Also these beaches can be a little busy over the hectic summer holidays of July and August, so outside the busy season is the best time to visit.

In the City

If you don’t mind the crowds or can’t be bothered getting a taxi, then Tangier has several spots for you to chose from. Well it’s actually just one long stretch of beach that has been named by sections. And all are accessible straight off the main cornice.

At the port end nearest to the Medina, you have Plage Municipal, which then leads onto Plage de Tanger, with Plage Malabata at the opposite end.

Word of warning: don’t take your eye off your bag while sitting on the beach. Yes we had ours swiped from right under our nose (post coming soon).

Merkala Beach

Just west of the port, less than 10 minutes by Petit Taxi is Merkala beach. Tucked in a little bay, looking out onto the Strait of Gibraltar with a cliff on its western side and a rocky coast on the east.  This little beach is less touristy and a great place for a couple of hours.

Playa Blanca, Plage Sidi Kankouche and Plage Oued Alian

These three beaches lie to the east of Tangier around 10km from the city centre. It takes just 20 – 30 minutes to get there by car or taxi. All have little beach bars for that morning, midday or afternoon snack.

The sand is perfect and the water is clear, so go, enjoy and catch some sun rays on your Tangier itinerary.

The Atlantic Coast: Achakkar Beach

Just south of Cape Spartel lie several great beaches. With most being within walking distance of each other, therefore you can take your pick depending on what you’re looking for.

The first little bay you will find is Plage Sol. Which is about a 20 minute walk down from the Cape’s lighthouse. It’s a lovely bay and a great place to either take a dip or stay for the day. Just a 20 metre walk over the small rocky outcrop at the southern end you will find Achakkar Beach. Which is home to Mikki Beach and Kabana Beach Club, if a party beach is your buzz. But if not there are also many other spots along the beach to enjoy.

At the end of Achakkar beach out on the headland is where you will find Hercules Caves. Further south of the cave is a huge stretch of beach that includes Sidi Kacem beach.

Longer Day Trips for a Tangier Itinerary

If you’re wanting to explore a little further or have a couple of extra days then there are several day trip options. In fact you might decide to switch out one of the top things to do on this list, with a day trip from Tangier. All of which are easily reached by bus or car.

Just 45 minutes south west of Tangier on the Atlantic coast is the adorable coastal village of Asilah. Its 15th Century Medina, is protected by its rampart walls that rise up from the Atlantic Ocean. This giving the town an endless sound of the ocean on its door step.

There are several watchtowers along the walls for you to wander around and enjoy an early morning or afternoon stroll. Inside the Medina you will discover its beautifully preserved whitewashed buildings, connected by its wider alleyways, helping you to slowly stroll and enjoy what this slower passed town has to offer. In recent years Asilah has become a bit of an Art hub, with numerous galleries popping up throughout the town. It also holds an annual art festival at the start of the summer, in which various parts of the Medina are turned into large canvases.

Asilah is on the main train line that runs south of Tangier. But make sure you get on the right train as not all stop on their way through. Alternatively, click to find out more about this guided tour of Asilah.

Tetouan is just over an hour drive, or bus ride east from Tangier. It sits in the Martil valley, with the central part of the city rolling down slopes of the Rif mountains and out to the Mediterranean.

Here you can visit the medina, which has more of a working vibe then a central tourist destination. With a lot of its inhabitants living and working within it. Tetouan also has large Jewish and Spanish quarters as Tetouan was once the capital of the Spanish protectorate of Morocco. Wherein you’ll find Mulay Mehdi square and the Church of Our Lady Victories, to list just a few.

Chefchaouen

Known as Morocco’s blue city, Chefchaouen is a 2 hour and 30 minute drive or bus ride from Tangier.

If you’re visiting for the day then the Medina has plenty to keep you occupied. Spend the day strolling the alleyways, hunting out that perfect photo, add in a little shopping, a stop into the Kasbah museum and if you want to stretch your legs, walk out to the Spanish Mosque.

💥 Below are the best day trip tour options from Tangier to Chefchaouen

Read: our guide to Chefchaouen

Quick 3 Day Itinerary to Tangier

There we go! So far we’ve shared with you the top things to do in Tangier… including some of the best beaches to visit, as well as possible day trips. Next up, I’ll explain how to best organise your 3 day itinerary in Tangier.

👇 And don’t forget to read on below, for our recommended top stays in Tangier!

Day 1 Itinerary in Tangier – Medina and Kasbah

Take your time wandering the streets of the Kasbah to start your day. Beginning at Bab Kasbah you’ll be able to meander along at your own pace, making your way slowly from top to bottom. Check out the Ibn Battuta Museum and tomb, walk the outer wall, darting in and out of smaller alleys. Photographing doorways and bougainvillea along the way, stop for the view at Bab al Bahr. Visit the Kasbah Museum and Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Then in the late afternoon or early evening, begin wandering the streets of the Medina. Once again take small alleyways left and right, admiring carpet shops, craft shops and boutique stores. Chat to locals, drink mint tea at the Petit Socco and enjoy Moroccan shopping.

💥 Get help navigating the city with these walking tour options!

Day 2 Itinerary in Tangier – Day Trip to Cape Spartel

Grab a tour, taxi or collective and head to Cape Spartel for the day. Starting with a visit to the lighthouse and small museum, enjoy the views over the Atlantic Coast.

Then begin your walk down the hill towards the Atlantic Coast beaches. The walk is a pleasant one, easy to navigate and a nice way to see the cape. Fill a couple of hours sunbathing at a beach of your choice (we like Sol beach, but there are more further along).

Then before making the trip back to Tangier don’t miss the opportunity to see the Hercules Cave.

Read: Our guide on how to visit Cape Spartel

Day 3 Itinerary in Tangier – Beaches / Beyond the Medina

If the weather is right then why not check out some more of the local beaches in and around Tangier. Otherwise explore a few of the top things to do in Tangier that sit outside the Medina and Kasbah.

From the top of the Kasbah, heading away from Bab Kasbah, make your way towards the Phoenician Tombs and then on to Cafe Hafa for a mint tea. Find yourself a seat, anywhere you possibly can, and then take your time, admire the view and people watch!

Then either walk or take a taxi back to the Saint Andrew’s Church. Before making your way to the Grand Socco, to see the Cinema Rif. Stop into the fruit and veggie market, and then head back through the Medina for any last minute shopping or museum visits.

Where to Stay in Tangier

Below we recommend the best places to stay for a Tangier itinerary. If you’re backpacking and need budget, something mid-range or high-end and boutique, we’ve picked the best!

First up, we think the Medina is the best location to stay in Tangier. So we have concentrated on finding the best Medina stays for you, as this is where most of our main sights on our Top Things to Do in Tangier list are located. In which case, having accommodation that’s in walking distance is a must.

Also, we have tried to find unique riad or dar stays, which you should really do at least once while you’re in Morocco. Not sure what a riad is? Read this review of our riad stay in Essaouira .

Or read on for our top picks of places to stay for your Tangier itinerary!

Budget Accommodation

Bayt alice hostel.

For those travelling with backpacks, looking for a more communal experience to meet other travellers, then Bayt Alice would be our top choice.

Located in the Medina not far from the Tangier American Legation Museum, it’s the ideal location for those looking to explore.

With various rooms both private and shared dorms available, you have plenty to chose from. All rooms have a private bathroom attached, with access to the communal living room and terrace.

Family & Midrange Accommodation

Kasbah rose.

If you’re travelling with kids then you need to know that finding a hotel with family rooms and high reviews isn’t easy. However, families are welcome at the beautiful Kasbah Rose , when booking two rooms.

Opened in 2015, this light and lovely guest house is situated at the top end of the medina on top of the old Kasbah walls. Providing amazing panoramic views from numerous angles.

It has five rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms and seating areas, with a terrace and balcony available in two of the rooms.

Breakfast can also be included, depending on offers or can be arranged on request.

Family Apartment with Sea View

Alternatively, not far from the Medina is this highly reviewed, cute little apartment that can sleep a family of four.

In this cosy little place, you’ll be close to the main beach in Tangier and the medina. With a fully equipped kitchen you’ll also be able to self cater.

If you are travelling with a rental car, then you’ll be interested to know that there is free parking available. Overall the hosts are extremely helpful, and they have put a great deal of time and love into decorating and creating a pleasant experience for their guests.

Dar Nour – Mid-Range Accommodation

This is our pick for a mid-range but unforgettable couples getaway.

Dar Nour bed and breakfast is located at the top end of the medina, close to the Kasbah, museums and boutique shopping. All rooms are beautifully furnished with traditional Moroccan décor. Each room has an ensuite bathroom, with some of the rooms also including an additional seating area.

Included in your stay is a traditional Moroccan breakfast, featuring local specialties and seasonal favourites. There is a roof top terrace offering amazing views over the Medina, with sea views of the coastline. It also has a small massage room, a rooftop bar available on the terrace and Free WIFI throughout.

Riad Dar Saba – Saba’s House – Luxury Accommodation

This luxury boutique riad would be our premium pick for those looking for that something extra.

Opened in 2019, this art deco styled boutique hotel provides a total of four suites and two double rooms. These rooms have been named and themed after some of Tangiers most famous inhabitants and guests.

The hotel, provides a Mediterranean breakfast with room service also available. In the lounge you’ll find a grand piano and cocktail bar that serves tapas and snacks. And on the roof top terrace is a hammam.

It’s located at the northern end of the Medina, not far from the coastal rampart walls. Therefore, providing spectacular ocean views from its lavish roof top terrace. The perfect place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset with a glass in hand.

Map of the Top Things to Do in Tangier

Is tangier worth a visit.

In short, YES!

This was our second visit to Tangier. Our latest being a week, on the back of a three month trip though Morocco. Admittedly our first Tangier itinerary was only a day trip from Tarifa in Spain . But it was an awesome introduction, and proved that a day trip to Tangier is also a great way to see this North Moroccan Medina.

During our three months we visited all the major destinations, including Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Chefchaouen and more. So you can’t help but compare it to the various other cities in Morocco and in all honesty Tangier holds its own.

So whether you only have a day, or a week, or you’re planning a Moroccan road trip, Tangier is definitely worth your time!

If you liked our itinerary and guide of top things to do in Tangier then you might like to read our other dedicated blogs in Morocco –

💙 Chefchaouen – Top Things to Do in the Blue Pearl 🛵 Marrakech – A Three Day Guide to Marrakech 👟 Fes – Two Days in Fes with our Awesome Self Guided Walking Tour 🏄‍♀️ Essaouira – A Complete Travel Guide to Essaouira

Don’t forget to save or pin our 3 day itinerary and guide of t op things to do in Tangier for later

We now travel full-time and have plenty more itineraries and guides to share on all the destinations we visit. Sign up to follow our journey! (And don’t worry we won’t spam you with unnecessary emails.)

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March 30, 2023 at 11:02 am

Great 😃 thnaks for this amazing 😍 article so much info and and value I will definitely share it with my friends

April 5, 2023 at 5:04 pm

Glad you like it! 🥳

November 6, 2023 at 4:22 pm

Thank you for the article. Useful and very well explained, I’ll be using it in the following days. Keep travelling and sharing it!

November 20, 2023 at 10:57 pm

Many thanks! I’m glad to hear it is appreciated 🙂

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She Loves Wanderlust

Africa · 8 January, 2021

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Tangier, Morocco

Last Updated on 24 January, 2024

Read More:  The Ultimate 2 Week Morocco Itinerary

Getting there.

Good news! There are more ways to get to Tangier than any other Moroccan city.

By boat – Algeciras (Spain) to Tangier is the most popular route to Morocco. High-speed ferries travel almost every hour, year-round and take around 30 minutes to cross. There are also slower ferries that are a little cheaper. A roundtrip ticket for a foot passenger, on a high-speed ferry, costs 37 Euros. R oll off the ferry and you’re immediately in the heart of Tangier.

Tarifa (Spain) to Tangier –   high-speed ferries leave every 2 hours from Spain’s windsurfing capital, Tarifa, and take 35 minutes to get to Tangier. FRS offers good service on this route, a round-trip adult ticket sets you back around 37 Euros.

By plane  – an international Tangier-Ibn Batouta Airport is around 11km from the city to which you get to directly from Spain, France, The Netherlands or Belgium. It also directly connects Tangier and other Moroccan cities – Nador, Agadir, Casablanca, and Marrakech. To find your flight check Skyscanner . 

By bus – the main long-distance bus station, CTM, is right outside the ferry port terminal about 5km from Tangier city centre. You can catch buses to all the major towns and cities in Morocco. Check CTM website to find out if there are buses to your chosen city and the timetable. 

By train – the Tangier train station ( Tanger Ville ) is about 4km southeast of the ferry port and bus station. You can take a petit taxi to and from the station (just make sure the meter is on), or check with your accommodation who might be able to arrange a transfer you. Check ONCF website to find out if there are trains to your chosen city and the timetable.

Read More:  Overnight Train From Marrakech to Tangier

Where to stay.

Staying in Tangier is easy thanks to the wide range of accommodation available. There is a great range of small hotels, hostels and riads to choose from, especially near the medina

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Hilton Tanger City Center Hotel & Residences   (luxury) – not your traditional Moroccan dar or riad, but very beautiful and luxurious hotel located about 10min away from the Medina. It’s close to the beach, has a rooftop terrace with stunning views, and screams comfort!

Things To Do

Buy a bus ticket from the bus station if you’re travelling somewhere else after tangier, stroll the beach promenade.

The town’s main beach is a large sweep of sand that’s extremely popular with locals who use it for swimming, sunbathing and soccer. Along the promenade, there are cafés, restaurants and beach clubs for you to enjoy.

Caves of Hercules

 Located about 30min drive from the Medina, this part natural and part man-made cave is worth getting out of your local neighbourhood and checking out. It was believed that the cave is one end of a subterranean ley tunnel over 24 km long which passes under the Strait of Gibraltar and emerges at St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar. Legend has it that the Barbary macaques entered the Rock of Gibraltar from Morocco this way. Mythological tradition also holds that the Roman god Hercules stayed and slept in this cave before doing his 11th labour.

Cap Spartel

About 13min drive from Caves of Hercules, Cap Spartel is the promontory at the entrance of Strait of Gibraltar.  It rises to a height of 326m above sea level and is the most North Western point of mainland Africa. Worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty and the views all the way to the Spanish coast.

Achakar Beach

Located between Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartle, Achakar beach is a lovely beach with a vast expanse of sand. The beach is known for being very clean with the purest seawater.

Parc Perdicaris (Parc Rmilat)

This blissful coastal park is located on the way to Cap Spartel. It adds up to almost 70 hectares and is a perfect place to have a picnic or a stroll. The park was an old property of a US diplomat but now it belongs to the Moroccan State, which is in charge of its maintenance and preservation.

Explore Kasbah neighbourhood

Visit Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures

The former sultan’s palace of Dar El Makhzen. The focus is on the history of the area from prehistoric times to the 19th century. However, the exhibits are presented in French and Arabic only. Work your way anticlockwise around the first courtyard before heading inside to the rest of the displays, followed by a walk in the charming Andalusian garden.

Visit The American Legation Museum

The first property acquired abroad by the United States, this museum spanning over five floors is an elegant mansion that is a must see. There you will find some unusual displays such as an 1839 letter from a hapless US consul who had been given two lions as a diplomatic gift as well as an impressive display of paintings. There is also a small bookshop and a wing dedicated to American author Paul Bowles.

Enjoy a Mint Tea in Petit Socco 

Once known for drugs and prostitution, Petit Socco aka the “Souq Dakhli” located in the Medina is nothing else now but a square with cafés perfect for an afternoon mint tea and people watching.

 Relax at The Grand Socco

What used to be a place for a major market is now a large, palm-ringed cobblestone plaza perfect for sitting on a bench to take a moment and relax. If you climb the steps to the highest point of the circle, you will find a café where locals play  parchís –  a very popular Spanish board game. 

See The Grand Mosque of Tangier

The largest Mosque in Tangier located in the Medina is a beautiful sight to check out from outside as non-muslims aren’t allowed inside. Snap a picture of the stunning entrance and don’t forget to look up for the minaret.

Explore the Medina  

I couldn’t help but think of Alchemist by Paulo Coelho when wandering through the Medina of Tangier, and that made it extra magical. I loved the streets with orange trees which were picture perfect as well as more beautiful doors. The markets weren’t as great as in Marrakech or Essaouira, but it was still interesting to wander around.

Visit Cap Malabata

Located about 25min drive from the Medina, there is a lighthouse and castle built on top of the cliffs in the early 20th century. Come here for the café and the breathtaking views as the sun goes down.

Where To Eat

How To Get Around

The best way to get around Tangier is by foot which will allow you to explore the city better, stop for pictures and take it all in. You can also get around using petit taxi just make sure the driver has the meter on. Grand taxis are much more expensive and you have to negotiate the rate in advance. 

The best time to visit Tangier is from September to November and March to May when the weather is perfect – not too hot, but also not too cold. I have visited in late December and the evenings were rather chilly but days were still comfortable enough to explore it by foot.

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Guarding the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has for centuries been Europes's gateway to Africa. Its blend of cultures and influences is unique in Morocco – for much of its history it wasn't even governed by Morocco.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Tangier. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures

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…

Tangier American Legation Museum

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…

Grand Socco

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…

Petit Socco

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

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…

Nahon Synagogue

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…

Musée de la Fondation Lorin

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…

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Dec 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Tangier deftly balances a mix of cultures not found elsewhere in the country, and makes a perfect place for a gentle immersion into the madness of Morocco.

Feb 25, 2019 • 7 min read

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THINGS TO DO IN TANGIER: THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR YOUR TRIP TO TANGIER

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Things to do in Tangier: itinerary through the highlights of the city, including travel tips and information on what to eat and where to stay.

Tangier is the gate to Africa beyond the “non plus ultra” boundaries of what they used to call the inhabitable world.

The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Tangier that welcomes you to a completely different land from nearby Europe.

From the highest points of the city you can see the European coast on one side and the African coast on the other. And it’s incredible that two lands that can almost touch each other are actually so different.

While landing at Tangier from Casablanca, my friend Cinzia and I can see the two continents from the window.

This is my third trip to my dear Morocco .

Our travel itinerary consists of getting to Tangier in the evening, visiting the city in the morning and taking a road trip to the lovely blue pearl of Chefchaouen .

During our trip we took what we ironically called “a little detour to Ceuta “.

But let’s slow down. I will tell you soon about our funny adventure to Ceuta.

Now it’s time for me to introduce you Tangier and the things to do in this fascinating city.

OUR ITINERARY.

We can split our itinerary in two. One part of the itinerary will be around the medina , the old city, and the other part around Ville Nouvelle , the new city.

So let’s find out first the things to do in the medina of Tangier.

THINGS TO DO IN THE MEDINA OF TANGIER.

As you read also in other posts I have written about Morocco, in the medinas there is not a specific itinerary to follow.

So basically the best thing to do is to wander around the little streets and alleys.

Going up and down, turning around and around, you will eventually pass by Petit Socco, the Kasbah and other points of interest in the medina.

Let’s discover them together.

PETIT SOCCO.

Petit Socco is a square that doesn’t really look like a square.

It’s more like a crossroad inside the medina where people come and go all the time.

The perfect place to enjoy some mint tea!

OLD SPANISH CHURCH.

Not far from Petit Socco you will find the old Spanish church .

It’s a little church of Misión Católica Española, a community that helps children and women victim of abuse or who generally live in difficult situations.

GRAND MOSQUE.

If you get back to Petit Socco and walk a little bit further you will see the Grand Mosque of Tangier.

It was once a Portuguese church. But today it’s the largest mosque of Tangier and only Muslims can get in.

PANORAMIC VIEW OVER THE PORT.

Once you pass the Grand Mosque you will end up to a panoramic terrace that offers a view over the port of Tangier .

Here you can see the iconic Strait of Gibraltar that separates Europe from Africa.

THE KASBAH.

Now we start going up over steep streets and stairs to get to the highest point of the city: the Kasbah .

The Kasbah of Tangier was once the sultan’s fortress protected by high fortified walls.

Today you can visit a museum of the history of the area from prehistory to the 19th century inside the former sultan’s palace and the gardens.

In the Kasbah there are a few panoramic viewpoints over the sea .

Around here there are some unfortunate looking guys who will ask you to follow them to the Kasbah. Do I need to tell you? No, right. Just ignore them.

Now we finally head down back to the medina. After you go up, you always go down!

We say hi to all the cats we see around and get back near Petit Socco.

So let’s leave now the medina behind and explore Ville Nouvelle of Tangier.

THINGS TO DO IN VILLE NOUVELLE OF TANGIER.

The new city of Tangier looks way different from the medina.

The streets of Ville Nouvelle are a good place for a nice walk around.

And in the new city of Tangiers there are many points of interests and things to do.

Let’s go see them!

GRAND SOCCO.

Once you leave the medina behind, you will get to Grand Socco , a square between the medina and Ville Nouvelle .

Grand Socco is the big brother of Petit Socco.

It’s a large square with a fountain in the middle surrounded by palm trees.

The landmarks of Grand Socco are the minaret of Sidi Bou Adib Mosque and Cinema Rif .

MENDOUBIA GARDENS.

Right next to Grand socco there are the Mendoubia Gardens , a park which is very popular among local people.

And of course among cats too!

The Mendoubia Gardens surround also St. Andrew’s Church.

ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH.

St. Andrew’s Church is an Anglican church that mixes elements of the Anglican religion to elements of the Muslim religion.

Inside the church there are in fact Moorish decorations and a cleft that indicates the direction of Mecca.

Moreover the bell tower is in the same style of the Muslim minarets and on the wall behind the altar you can see the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic and some passages from the Qur’an!

So although it is an Anglican church, St.Andrew’s church is rich in elements of the Muslim religion .

Another peculiar thing of the church is the courtyard where there is a peaceful garden with the graves of some English characters and soldiers who died during the Second World War.

Let’s leave now the peace of St. Andrew’s Church and walk towards the large alleys of Ville Nouvelle.

ALLEYS OF VILLE NOUVELLE.

We take now a nice walk around the streets and the alleys of Ville Nouvelle , like Boulevard Mohammed VI with its viewpoints over the sea.

Or Boulevard Pasteur with its colonial buildings and Librairie des Colonnes .

And we finally pass by Place de France where we see the elegant building of Consulate General of France before ending our walk in Rue de la Liberté .

WHERE TO EAT IN TANGIER.

We arrived in Tangier in the afternoon and decided to have dinner at Le Salon Bleu .

The restaurant is located in the upper part of the city, right in the Kasbah.

The best thing about this place is its location and the terrace that offers nice views over the kasbah .

Dinner is amazing, just like everywhere in Morocco.

We had a mixed appetizer with cheese patties, cherry tomatoes and cheese, local bread, delicious Moroccan olives, and sauces like hummus, avocado and banana cream, and pumpkin cream.

As our main course we shared the traditional chicken tajine with olives and sesame .

After dinner we were a little cold for the cool breeze in the terrace, so we decided to go inside and order the usual mint tea and my beloved gateaux marocains .

WHERE TO STAY IN TANGIER.

We stayed at Fredj Hotel and we really enjoyed it.

It’s in Ville Nouvelle, in a short walk from Grand Socco.

Our room is fabulous and has a nice and large bathroom.

We loved our private terrace in particular where we enjoyed amazing views over the Strait of Gibraltar.

You know, it’s not every day you stay at a hotel with Europe and Africa view!

Breakfast is plentiful and there is just about anything, from sweet to savory, from local food to Western food.

The reception staff is nice and helpful and they allowed us to leave our car in their private parking even after check-out time.

So we recommend it for sure!

If there is no availability or if you are looking for something else, have a look at this map to choose where to stay.

I wouldn’t recommend the area near the port and along the Corniche because it’s not very safe at night.

OUR ROAD TRIP TO CHEFCHAOUEN.

And after this quick stop at Tangier we are ready to get on the car and hit the road to Chefchaouen.

While having a look at the route we decide to take the panoramic street along the coast and take a detour to Ceuta before driving to Chefchaouen.

This unpredicted change of plan made our trip full of memories and fun. We didn’t expect at all to find what we found in Ceuta!

But I will tell you all about it in my next post !

CASABLANCA: THINGS TO DO IN ONE DAY

FES: A SCAVENGER HUNT IN THE MEDINA

RABAT: THINGS TO DO IN ONE DAY

MARRAKECH: A 4 DAYS ITINERARY

CEUTA: A LITTLE PIECE OF SPAIN IN MOROCCO

CHEFCHAOUEN: THINGS TO DO IN THE BLUE PEARL OF MOROCCO

TRAVEL TO MOROCCO

2 Replies to “THINGS TO DO IN TANGIER: THE PERFECT ITINERARY FOR YOUR TRIP TO TANGIER”

Hello Tangier is one the very beautiful cities in Morocco that mixed between authenticity and modernity. It is place you can fall in love easily. I hope Covid will over soon and we back to travel again.

Hi Youss! We all hope that 🙏🏻 I miss Morocco already!

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Day Trip Tangier: Exploring Morocco’s Northern Gem in One Day

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Perched on the northernmost tip of Morocco, Tangier is a mosaic of cultures, colors, and contrasts. A day trip to this enchanting city promises a journey through time, from its ancient medinas and kasbahs to its bustling ports and chic cafes.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply an avid traveler, Tangier on the mediterranean coast offers a tantalizing taste of two continents in just one day – see our complete guide to Tangier here.

Let’s embark on an unforgettable adventure through the winding alleys, vibrant bazaars, and serene beaches of this captivating gateway between Europe and Africa.

Tangier Itinerary for One Day

Here’s a suggested itinerary for things to do in Tangier to make the most of your time on your Morocco trip:

Kasbah and Medina: Start your day by exploring the historic heart of Tangier. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the city’s medina, where you can see traditional Moroccan houses, shops, and street vendors. Make your way to the Kasbah, a fortified area on a hill overlooking the city. The Dar el Makhzen (Sultan’s Palace) is now a museum showcasing Moroccan arts and crafts (see our guide to Tangier museums ).

Café Hafa: After your Medina tour, take a break at Café Hafa. Opened in 1921, this iconic café offers breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar and Spain. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea.

Petit Socco: Head to Petit Socco, a small square in the Medina. It’s a lively area filled with cafes, where you can grab a bite to eat. Try some traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine or couscous.

Grand Socco: After lunch, walk to the Grand Socco, a larger square that serves as a gateway between the Medina and the new city. It’s surrounded by modern buildings, theaters, and the Mendoubia Gardens.

Cap Spartel: Take a short drive or taxi ride to Cap Spartel, the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. There’s a lighthouse here, and the views are spectacular.

Caves of Hercules: Just a few minutes from Cap Spartel, these natural caves are a popular attraction. According to legend, Hercules rested here after completing his twelve labors. The caves have an opening shaped like the continent of Africa.

Beach Time: Head to one of Tangier’s beaches , like Tangier City Beach or Achakar Beach , to relax and watch the sunset.

Dinner in the New City: For dinner, venture out of the Medina and into the new city. There are numerous restaurants offering both Moroccan and international cuisines.

Nightlife: If you still have energy, Tangier has a vibrant nightlife and amazing Tangier culture . There are several bars, clubs, and lounges where you can enjoy music and drinks, though this all depends when you have to head back to the ferry port (tarifa port) or ferry terminal for your return trip.

Getting to Tangier

If you’re coming from Spain, the easiest way to get to Tangier and have a Morocco day trip is by ferry. There are several ferry companies that operate between Spain and Tangier, including FRS, Balearia, and Trasmediterranea.

The most popular departure point in Spain is Tarifa, which is located at the southern tip of the country and is just a short ferry ride away from Tangier.

The ferry from Tarifa to Tangier takes around 1 hour, and there are several departures each day. You can book your ferry tickets in advance online or at the port. Keep in mind that during peak season, the ferries can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if possible.

From Other Parts of Morocco

If you’re coming from other parts of Morocco, there are several options for getting to Tangier. The easiest and most convenient way is by train. Tangier has a modern train station that is well-connected to other major cities in Morocco, including Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakech.

Another option is to take a bus. There are several bus companies that operate between Tangier and other cities in Morocco, including CTM and Supratours. The buses are generally comfortable and affordable, but keep in mind that the journey times can be quite long.

If you’re coming from outside of Morocco, the most common way to get to Tangier is by flying into Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport. The airport is located about 14 kilometers from the city center, and there are several taxis and buses available to take you into town.

Exploring Tangier

When you have just one day to explore Tangier, you want to make the most of it. Here are some of the best things to do in Tangier that you can fit into your Tangier day trip.

Historical Sites

Tangier is a city steeped in history, and there are plenty of historical sites to explore. A walking tour of the Tangier Medina and Kasbah is a great way to get a sense of the city’s history and architecture.

Make sure to visit the American Legation Museum, which is the first American public property outside the United States. You can also visit the Grand Socco, which is a bustling square that has been a center of Tangier life for centuries.

Cultural Experiences

Tangier is a melting pot of cultures, and there are plenty of cultural experiences to be had. Take a guided tour of the city to learn about the different cultures that have left their mark on Tangier.

You can also visit the Hercules Cave, which is a natural wonder that has been attracting visitors for centuries. If you’re interested in traditional Moroccan architecture, make sure to visit a riad, which is a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard.

Shopping in Tangier

No trip to Tangier is complete without a visit to the souks. These bustling markets are filled with vendors selling everything from spices to textiles. You can also find unique souvenirs, such as leather goods and ceramics. If you need to get around the city, you can take a petit taxi or a grand taxi. These taxis are a great way to get around quickly and affordably.

Food in Tangier

Tangier, a vibrant city in northern Morocco, offers a rich culinary experience that reflects its diverse history and culture.

Types of Cuisine in Tangier:

• Moroccan: Traditional dishes like tagines, couscous, and pastilla are staples. A local restaurant like Restaurant Ahlen , Restaurant Kebdani , and El Morocco Club are popular choices among locals and tourists alike.
• Mediterranean: With its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, Tangier boasts a variety of seafood dishes. Le Saveur du Poisson and Restaurant Al Maimouni are known for their Mediterranean offerings.
• French: Reflecting its colonial history, French cuisine is prominent in Tangier. El Morocco Club , Restaurant O Saveur , and La Table du Marche Tanger offer a fusion of French and Moroccan flavors.
• Middle Eastern: Apart from traditional Moroccan dishes, you can also find Middle Eastern favorites. Abou Tayssir – Syrian Restaurant is a notable mention.
• International: For those looking for a mix of flavors, places like Alma Kitchen & Coffee and Restaurant Palais Zahia offer international dishes.

Dining Options:

• Fine Dining: For a luxurious dining experience, places like El Morocco Club and Restaurant O Saveur are top picks.
• Moderately Priced: Restaurants like Restaurant Kebdani , Salon Bleu , and Restaurant Anna & Paolo, Tanger offer a balance of quality and affordability.
• Cheap Eats: For budget-friendly options, Restaurant Ahlen , Chez Hassan BAB Kasbah , and Cafe hafa are recommended.

Day Trips from Tangier

If you’re looking to explore beyond Tangier, there are plenty of exciting day trip options available. Here are some of the best day trips you can take from Tangier:

To Chefchaouen

One of the most popular day trips from Tangier is to the picturesque town of Chefchaouen, also known as the “Blue Pearl.” This charming town is famous for its blue-painted buildings and narrow streets, making it a photographer’s dream.

You can wander through the town’s winding alleys, visit the Kasbah Museum, and enjoy the stunning views of the Rif Mountains. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, including the delicious goat cheese and honey on this amazing tour.

If you’re interested in exploring the rich history and culture of Morocco, a day trip to Tetouan is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its Andalusian architecture and traditional crafts. You can visit the Royal Palace, explore the medina, and admire the beautiful mosques and palaces.

Don’t miss the chance to try the local seafood, which is some of the freshest and most delicious in the country and if you can stretch to it, its really worth doing the VIP tour or booking a tour guide.

For a more laid-back day trip from Tangier, head to the charming coastal town of Asilah. This picturesque town is known for its beautiful beaches, colorful murals, and relaxed atmosphere. You can stroll along the beachfront promenade, explore the medina, and admire the town’s unique art scene. Be sure to try the local seafood, which is some of the best in the region.

No matter which day trip you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring the beauty and culture of Morocco.

Travel Tips for Tangier

If you’re planning a day trip to Tangier, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most of your experience. Here are some travel tips to help you navigate your way through this vibrant Moroccan city.

Language and Communication

The official language of Morocco is Arabic, but many people in Tangier also speak French and Spanish, especially in the tourist areas. English is also commonly spoken, particularly in hotels and restaurants. However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French to help you communicate with the locals.

Safety and Etiquette

Tangier is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and other petty crimes. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. When taking a taxi, make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand, and only use official taxis or “petit taxis” with meters. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites, and be respectful of the local customs and traditions.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Tangier has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are not as bad. Summer can be uncomfortably hot, especially in the afternoon. If you’re planning to take a bus tour, keep in mind that the open-top buses can get very hot in the sun, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat.

When it comes to where to stay, there are plenty of options in Tangier’s new town, which is more modern and geared towards European tourists. If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, consider staying in the old town, where you can immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and enjoy mint tea in a traditional Moroccan café.

Overall, Tangier is a unique and fascinating city that offers a glimpse into the African continent from a European perspective. Whether you’re interested in shopping, taking a camel ride, or simply soaking up the local culture, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant Moroccan city.

Tangier in History and Culture

Tangier is a city with a rich history and culture that has been shaped by its location at the crossroads of Africa and Europe. This city has been a strategic point of interest for many international powers throughout history, which has contributed to its unique blend of cultural influences.

Historical Significance

Tangier has been inhabited since ancient times, and its strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean has made it an important port city for trade and commerce. The city was founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC and has been ruled by various empires throughout history, including the Romans, Vandals, and Byzantines.

One of the most significant events in Tangier’s history was the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century, which marked the beginning of Islam in Morocco. The city was later conquered by the Portuguese in the 15th century, who built the famous Dar el Makhzen palace. The city was then taken over by the British in the early 20th century, who established the American Legation in Tangier, which is now a museum.

Cultural Influence

Tangier’s rich history and strategic location have contributed to its unique blend of cultural influences. The city has been a melting pot of different cultures and customs, which has resulted in a diverse and vibrant community.

Tangier has been a popular destination for writers and artists throughout history, including Paul Bowles and Yves Saint Laurent, who were both inspired by the city’s beauty and culture. The city’s rich history and culture are also reflected in its architecture, which features a mix of Moroccan, Spanish, and European styles.

One of the most famous landmarks in Tangier is the Cap Spartel lighthouse, which overlooks the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans. The city is also home to the Blue City, which is a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant blue buildings.

Tangier’s cultural significance has been recognized by UNESCO, which has designated the city as a World Heritage Site. The city is also home to a large Jewish community, which has contributed to its unique cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in tangier for a day trip.

Tangier is a vibrant city with plenty of sights to see. Some of the best places to visit on a day trip include the Kasbah, the American Legation Museum, the Hercules Cave, and Cap Spartel. You can also take a stroll through the Medina and the Petit Socco to experience the local culture.

How much does a day trip to Tangier cost?

The cost of a day trip to Tangier can vary depending on your mode of transportation and the activities you choose to do. Generally, a ferry ride from Tarifa to Tangier costs around €35-€50 per person. Once you arrive in Tangier, you can explore the city on foot or hire a taxi to take you around. The cost of hiring a taxi can range from €20-€50 depending on your bargaining skills.

What is the best way to get from Tarifa to Tangier for a day trip?

The best way to get from Tarifa to Tangier for a day trip is by ferry. There are several ferry companies that operate between Tarifa and Tangier, including FRS and Inter Shipping. The journey takes around 1 hour and can cost between €35-€50 per person, depending on the time of year and the company you choose.

Is Tangier worth visiting for a day trip?

Yes, Tangier is definitely worth visiting for a day trip. The city has a rich history and culture that is waiting to be explored. From the bustling Medina to the tranquil beaches, Tangier has something for everyone. Plus, it’s a great way to experience a different country and culture in just one day.

Can you do a day trip to Tangier from Spain?

Yes, you can do a day trip to Tangier from Spain. The most popular route is from Tarifa, which is a small town in southern Spain that is just a short ferry ride away from Tangier. You can also take a ferry from Algeciras or Malaga, but these routes are less frequent.

Is Tangier tourist-friendly for a day trip?

Yes, Tangier is generally tourist-friendly for a day trip. However, like any city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night. It’s also a good idea to hire a reputable taxi driver to take you around the city.

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By: Author Kate O'Malley

Posted on Last updated: December 20, 2023

Home >> Destinations >> Africa >> Morocco Travel Guide >> Best Things to do in Tangier Morocco

From the waterfront, on a good day, you can see from Tangier Morocco to Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Discover the Best Things to do in Tangier

Table of Contents

Things to do in Tangier Morocco Quick Guide

• Explore the Tangier Kasbah

See the Rock of Gibraltar from Bab Haha Gate

• Visit Musee de la Kasbah
• Sip Mint Tea at Cafe Baba’s in the Kasbah and discover the small cafe’s most famous customers.
• Go Shopping in the Souks
• Shop Up A Storm With a Private Tangier Shopping Guide

Explore the Tangier Medina

• Soak up the Vibe at Gran Café de Paris

Indulge at the Famous El Minzah Hotel

• Visit Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
• Take a Camel Ride on Tangier Beach
• Enjoy Sidi Kacem Beach and Lunch at L’Ocean Restaurant
• Take a Day Trip From Tangier to Chefchaouen

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Tangier Morocco Travel Guide

Where is tangier.

Tangier is in northwestern Morocco on the Maghreb coast; the capital of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region , and the Tangier-Assilah prefecture of Morocco.

Guarding the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel, Tangier has for centuries been Europes’s gateway to Africa.

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We’ve got you covered with great travel safety tips and the best anti-theft travel gear so you can relax while you travel.

About Tangier Morocco

Europes’ gateway to Africa; Tangier. A classic port town with an international, cross-cultural influence unique in Morocco. An interesting mix of North African, Spanish, Portuguese and French.

However, it’s not just a fascinating cultural landscape that makes Tangier one of the best cities to visit in Morocco.

The allure of Tangier’s literary and artistic past, coupled with a reputation for being an international haven for spies continues to invoke a sense of exotic mystery.

Wondering What to Pack for Morocco? Packing List for Morocco – Whether you are exploring the souks in Marrakech, riding a camel through the Sahara or hiking the Atlas Mountains. We’ve got you covered with what to pack for Morocco.

History of Tangier – The Tangier International Zone

Due to its position on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier was considered too significant to be controlled by any single country.

So, from the mid-’20s to the late ’50s the city was deemed a semi-independent international zone.

Tangier became a cosmopolitan mecca for eccentrics, spies and artists.

A Place of Pilgrimage for Famous Artists

The city was a place of pilgrimage for artists and Beat Writers during the ’50s and ’60s. William Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch in Tangier during the 1950s at the Hotel El-Muniria.

William S. Burroughs, George Orwell, Matisse, Tennessee Williams, Allen Ginsberg, and Jack Kerouac are just some of the famous artists who also called Tangier home at one time or another.

Not surprisingly, Tangier was also a playground for gamblers, crooks, and millionaires.

New Tangier

Far removed from its seedy past of international espionage, sleaze, and hustle, contemporary Tangier is reinventing itself.

In addition to foreign investment, King Mohammed VI has shown a keen interest in making Tangier a world-class, high-end tourist destination.

A new luxury port next to the ancient Tangier medina aims to attract the wealthy Mediterranean yachting scene.

Restoration of the old medina is taking place as well as beautification projects of the city boulevards.

New shopping malls, hotels, and resorts are emerging, and new high-speed train service will reduce travel from Casablanca to Tangier from five to two hours.

Tangier is set to buzz and thrive again as it did during the heady times of the “Interzone”.

Is Tangier Safe?

Overall, Moroccans are friendly and honest, and Tangier is a relatively safe city. Probably the biggest issue is tenacious touts and con-men trying to overcharge you.

You will mostly encounter this around the main tourist areas of the medina and along the beachfront promenade. Be firm but polite and move on.

Engaging with them will only encourage the touts to pursue you, and some vendors can become quite aggressive.

Beware of Fake Guides

As with Fez, be wary of fake guides. These friendly locals will start to accompany you and give you a tour of the town. They will stay with you for as long as you allow and then demand money for their time.

Some fake guides will take your money then leave you stranded. Always hire guides through reputable sources such as hotels or authorised tour companies.

Pickpockets in Tangier

As with most crowded tourist areas in Morocco, pickpockets and petty thieves will be common. Try not to carry too many valuables and keep only a minimum of cash on hand.

You can find out more on how to keep your valuables safe when you travel .

What to Wear in Tangier Morocco

Much like Casablanca , Tangier is one of the more progressive cities of Morocco, so it is quite acceptable to see foreign women without head coverings.

However, it is not so acceptable to see foreign women in overly revealing clothing.

Trying to blend in will go a long way to getting a good reception from locals and staying safe by not drawing attention to yourself as a tourist.

You can read more here about how to blend in and dress like a local when you travel.

Much like anywhere in the world, common sense is advised. Always consider what personal safety precautions might be appropriate for the situation such as crowded medina’s or walking on your own at night.

Where to Stay in Tangier Morocco

We have stayed in a combination of apartments as well as hotels and riads while in Morocco.

In Tangier, we stayed in a newly refurbished two-bedroom, two bathrooms, self-contained apartment in the  City Bleu Tanger Apartment complex  overlooking the main port area.

Expect around €50/night for an apartment of this size.

We have also stayed with Riad Arous Chamel in the middle of the medina. In addition to the main hotel-style riad, Riad Arous Chamel offers a sperate self-contained riad style house which was two bedrooms, one bathroom with a roof terrace overlooking the beach, perfect for four adults.

Expect around €65/night for the self-contained house.

Accommodation in Tangier is very reasonably priced, and there are plenty of well priced self-contained apartments for rent as an alternative to a traditional hotel.

There is also a good selection of hotels and resorts to suit everything from budget to luxury.

Find The Best Accommodation Deals for Tangier Here

Whether you’ve caught the ferry from Spain to Tangier for a day trip, or, are on your last stop in Morocco en route to Europe. There’s plenty to do and see in Tangier.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tangier Morocco.

Visit the Tangier Kasbah

At the highest point of Tangier, overlooking the city and the bay of Tangier is the Tangier Kasbah. One of the oldest districts of Tangier, the Kasbah is a picturesque area of whitewashed houses and stunning panoramas.

Spend an hour or so wandering around the Kasbah, exploring its brightly coloured tangle of streets. A map near the Bab Haha gate highlights the best self-guided walking path.

From the Bab Haha Gate on a clear day, you can see the famous Rock of Gibraltar.

Musee de la Kasbah

Visit Musee de la Kasbah; the 17th-century former Sultans Palace; Dar el Makhzen. The museum boasts a selection of mosaics, Moroccan artworks and artefacts. It is also worth a visit for the beautiful buildings and gardens.

Entry: Approx 20 Dirhams. Opening times vary according to the season.

The Famous Clientele of Cafe Baba in the Tangier Kasbah

For over 75 years, the unassuming Cafe Baba in the Tangier Kasbah was the place where many high profile visitors to Tangier went to sip tea or smoke hashish.

The Rolling Stones were customers when they holed up in Tangier while awaiting a verdict of drug charges in the UK.

Cafe Baba’s smoke what you like policy and the international clientele of expat intellectuals, artists and rock stars appealed to the band who frequented the old fisherman’s cafe. A scene the owner referred to as “Clever Hippies”.

The Tangier Kasbah and Cafe Baba’s has been a hangout for all walks of life including royalty, dignitaries, rock legends and famous filmmakers.

Shopping in the Souks

Souk shopping is an essential activity in Morocco. Understandably, anyone who has been to Marrakech may feel they have shopped the souk of all souks, but this doesn’t mean you should miss the Tangiers souks.

Thursdays and Sundays are the most popular days for locals to shop at the souks.

In addition to the usual sensory overload of fresh produce and livestock one expects from a souk, these are the days traditional Berber women will come to the city from the Rif mountains to sell their fresh produce and homemade wares.

The perfect time to be on the lookout for a unique keepsake from Tangier.

While the Tangier medina may not be in the same league as Fez el Bali or even Marrakech , it has an interesting mix of architectural styles that make it unique.

It is here you see the first European influences on Africa in the mixed European colonial, Andalusian and Moorish Architecture.

Much like any Medina, expect a complex maze of streets with an assortment of bazaars, shops, and restaurants.

More than likely you will get lost, but unlike Fez or Marrakech, helpful locals will usually point you in the right direction without too much fear of falling victim to a scam.

That’s not to say you don’t have to be wary of the tout bearing a Rolex for sale.

Get a Tangier Shopping Guide

You can buy almost anything in the souks and Medina from antiques, fabrics, even doors and most shopkeepers will ship internationally.

If you are unsure about shopping in the medina on your own or wish to make a purchase without fear of being overcharged; hire a guide to help you navigate the shops and show you how to negotiate.

Most hotels will be able to recommend a reputable guide for a reasonable cost. You can also hire a private guide for the day and combine sightseeing with some shopping and bargaining guidance from a local.

Private full-day Tangier tours start at approx. $40 USD. Get more details here .

Soak up the Vibe at Gran Café de Paris

Stop in for coffee at Tangier’s most famous cafe; Gran Café de Paris. Relax in an oversized leather chair while waiters in sharply pressed suit coats deliver impeccable service reminiscent of the 1950s.

The cafe was a favourite hangout of the famed Tangier literati during the time of international rule. Burroughs even used it as a place to write while mingling with double agents and diplomats.

An iconic landmark, the cafe was most recently featured in the movie The Bourne Ultimatum.

Gran Café de Paris is the perfect place to get a feel for Tangier, it’s past and it’s present. As it did in Tangiers heyday, the cafe still attracts an eclectic mix of clientele.

Order a café au lait and soak up the atmosphere of the infamous Gran Café de Paris as you watch the daily trade on the Petit Socco.

For another iconic Tangier experience, treat yourself to a stay at one of the most historic and best hotels in Tangier – The  El Minzah Hotel. Or, if this lovely waterfront establishment is not within your budget, pop in for a long poolside lunch.

The service and food are what you would expect from a hotel of this calibre.

Set in lush gardens surrounding the pool; Hotel El Minzah is the perfect place to relax and indulge.

Opened in 1930; the luxurious hotel has been a favourite with dignitaries, politicians, and Hollywood stars.

The walls just off the foyer are lined with photographs of famous guests such as Sir Rex Harrison, Rita Hayworth, Rock Hudson, Prince Albert of Monaco, Jacques Cousteau, Yves Saint Laurant, and many others.

Everyone from Winston Churchill to John Malkovich has stayed at this iconic establishment.

If you want to stay at El Minzah Hotel, rooms range from €130/night to upwards of €400 for a suite. El Minzah is currently undergoing a significant refurbishment so rates may increase.

You must book well in advance as it is often booked out. Check Latest Rates for El Minzah Here

Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules

15 kilometres, approx 30 minutes west of Tangier are Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. Both considered as Tangiers’ top attractions and one of the more popular day trips from Tangier.

Cape Spartel

Cape Spartel is the most North Western point of mainland Africa. From the lighthouse, you have views across the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.

Caves of Hercules

It is said the Greek hero Hercules once spent time in the cave after completing the 12 labours that guaranteed his immortality. The cave has two openings. One to sea and one to land.

The opening facing seaward ironically resembles the shape of the African continent.

As you descend the stairs and enter the vast cavern, you will pass vendors who will try to sell you fossilised seashells or take your picture in front of the cave. As with every situation like this in Morocco, be firm and move on if you don’t wish to make a purchase.

Enjoy Tangier Beaches

Tangier is not short of stunning beaches. The most popular is Tangier Beach, a short walk from the Medina.

The beach will be quite crowded during the day with people lunching along the seashore and tourists taking advantage of the chance to take a camel ride in Morocco.

A popular photo opportunity for those who don’t get the chance to make it to the Sahara Desert.

Cost of Camel Ride in Tangier : Expect around 10 Dirhams for a bumpy ride down the beach.

Sidi Kacem Beach

For an escape from the beach vendors and tourists on day trips to Morocco from Spain; head to Sidi Kacem beach, one of the best beaches in Tangier.

Not far from the caves of Hercules, Sidi Kacem beach offers miles of idyllic golden sandy beaches on the Atlantic coast.

One of the best features of this beach is the L’Ocean Restaurant situated right on the beachfront.

Seated on the terrace, in the shade of a fig tree, you can sample some of the best seafood and Mediterranean cuisine in Morocco while overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. L’Ocean is mostly frequented by locals so expect weekends to be busy, especially in the summer months.

Day Trip From Tangier to Chefchaouen

Morocco’s Blue City, Chefchaouen is considered one of Morocco’s most beautiful towns. The blue-washed mountain village perched beneath the dramatic peaks of the Rif Mountains is where people go to chill and unwind from the rigours of travel.

While tourists now flock to the incredibly photogenic village, its authenticity isn’t entirely lost – yet.

Chefchaouen also has a reputation for being the centre of the marijuana growing region of North Morocco. One reason the city has been on the backpacker radar for some time.

While the ease of availability seems to be widely accepted in the city; with this lapse in law comes to the annoyance of touts trying to peddle weed to tourists.

Regardless, this is a mild hassle compared to the constant haranguing in places like Marrakech.

With the rise in tourism, Chefchaouen is rapidly experiencing a kind of renewal. With it comes a range of quality accommodation and plenty of good food options.

Where is Chefchaouen

It is 119 kilometres from Tangier to Chefchaouen. A little over an hour by car, so it is a perfect day trip from Tangier.

Getting from Tangier to Chefchaouen

A Grand Taxi which is a shared public taxi will cost about 850dhs/€85 each way. As it is shared, it may not always take the most direct route.

Also, make sure you agree on a price with the driver at the beginning of the journey.

Local buses running from Fez to Tangier stop at Derdara which is approx 8 km from Chefchaouen centre. From here you can grab one of the passing grand taxis for approx 5 Dh or, there are usually petit taxis at the bus station. Don’t pay more than Dh 10 to get to the medina.

Guided Day Tour

Full day, guided Tangier to Chefchaouen tours start at approx €89 pp. You can find out more here .

Want to spend more than a day in Chefchaouen? Browse current rates for  Hotels in Chefchaouen here.

Spend More Than a Day in Chefchaouen : Plan your 2-day Chefchaouen itinerary and immerse yourself in Morocco’s famous blue city.

Plan Your Trip to Tangier

Travel essentials for tangier and morocco.

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Lightweight Packable Wind/Rain Jacket

Oversized Scarf for Men & Women

Anti Theft Day Pack

Stall Mates Flushable Individually Wrapped Wipes for Travel

Travel Hand Sanitizer

How to Get to Tangier

Flights to tangier.

Not all major airlines fly in and out of Tangier. Connections in Casablanca or Europe may be necessary from major international ports.

Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair also fly into Tangier. Tangier-Ibn Batouta Airport (TNG) is 12 km, about 20 minutes from the city.

Travelling from the airport is very hassle-free as the government has set fixed taxis fares – Expect to pay –

• 150 Dh at night.
• 120 Dh from the airport to the Tangier Ville train station.

You can catch a grand taxi (public shared taxi) from the roundabout for around 10 Dh to the city.

A private airport transfer will cost approx €18 pp or €49 for a group of up to seven people. You can book or find out more here .

Domestic Flights within Morocco

Royal Air Maroc operates domestic flights from all major cities in Morocco. Flying can be an expensive and inefficient way to move between cities.

The train is the most efficient and economical way to travel in Morocco.

Ferry to Tangier

Only 20 miles separate Tangier from Spain, so there are frequent ferries that make the short crossing from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar each day.

There are also many cruise ships sailing between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic that will include Tangier as a port of call.

The main ferry from Spain to Tangier runs between Tarifa and Tangier with a second route between Algeciras and Tangier.

The ferry from Gibraltar to Tangier is currently only running one day a week.

See our Complete Guide to Catching the Ferry from Spain to Morocco 

Tarifa to Tangier Ferry

• The Tarifa to Tangier ferry route is mainly operated by two ferry companies – FRS and Inter Shipping. The ferry from Tarifa docks in Tangier Ville port in the City.
• Expect to pay around €75 return / €41 one way.
• FRS runs a one hour transfer up to eight times per day.
• Intershipping runs a two-hour service up to seven times per day.

Algeciras to Tangier Ferry

• There are seven ferry services per day from Algeciras to Tangier. Travel time approx. 90 minutes.
• Expect to pay around €65 return / €36 one way.
• Note- the ferry from Algeciras to Tangier arrives at the Tangier new port – Tanger-Med about 40 KM, one hour travel time from Tangier.

Tip: Check ferry services for ticket specials or savings on combined routes.

Day Trips to Morocco From Spain

Travel to Tangier by ferry from the Costa del Sol and spend a full-day exploring the exotic sights of the Kasbah, marvel at snake charmers and wander through the colourful stalls of the Bazaar and enjoy an authentic Moroccan lunch.

Tour includes:

• Air-conditioned bus transport
• Local guide
• Round-trip ferry tickets
• Hotel pickup from Malaga, Torremolinos, Marbella, or Estepona

See here for full tour details

Train to Tangier

The train is the most convenient and cost-effective way to travel between major cities in Morocco. Overall, the trains in Morocco are fast, comfortable and relatively inexpensive.

All services offer first and second-class fares. First-class is recommended, especially for longer trips as they will be airconditioned, have more room and allocated seating. It is also not that much more expensive than the second class so worth it.

• There are approx. 15 services per day from Casablanca to Tangier depending on the day. Up to four of these services are on the old rail line. Approx travel time of about five hours. You will need to change trains at Sidi Kacem. Expect around 195 dirhams for a first-class ticket (recommended) 132 dirhams for second class.
• The new  Casablanca—Tangier high-speed rail line has now been completed and offers around 10 services a day between the two cities. Travel time is a little over two hours. Expect to pay between 99-299 dirhams depending on carriage class and type of ticket. 
• The Tangier to Fez service runs five times per day. Approx travel time five hours. Expect around 155 dirhams for a first-class ticket (recommended) 105 dirhams for second class.
• Seven services depart Marrakech for Tangier each day and four from Tangier to Marrakech. One of these services is an overnight train. Some of the day services require a change of trains at either Sidi Kacem or Casa Voyageurs. Approx travel time 10 hours. Expect around 195 dirhams for a first-class ticket (recommended) 132 dirhams for second class.
• Expect to pay 350 Dirhams for a sleeper compartment on the overnight trains which is usually cheaper than a first-class ticket.
• The train from Marrakech to Tangier also stops in Casablanca and Rabat.

For up to date timetables, you can check the official website of the national train operator,  ONCF   or visit  The Man in Seat 61  for more on train travel in Morocco.

By Car to Tangier

Tangier Morocco is an approx 3.5 hours drive from Casablanca, nearly three hours from Rabat, almost six hours of Marrakech and four hours from Fez.

Find out More About Travelling in Morocco

Driving from Marrakech to Fez – That Atlas Mountains

8 Reasons to Visit Casablanca

The Best Things to do in Marrakech

Camping in the Sahara

Lose Yourself in Fez

Catching the Train from Casablanca to Marrakech

Is Tangier Worth Visiting? A Journey into the Heart of Morocco

• Post published: September 3, 2023
• Post category: Travel Tips
• Reading time: 9 mins read

Tangier, a city steeped in history, a gateway between two continents, and a melting pot of cultures, has long been a source of fascination for travelers. Situated at the northern tip of Morocco, this enchanting city has often left tourists wondering, “Is Tangier worth visiting?” In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the captivating aspects of Tangier that make it a must-visit destination. From its rich history to vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, Tangier offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Is Tangier Worth Visiting?

A glimpse into tangier’s rich history.

Tangier’s allure lies in its unique position as a city that has witnessed the passage of empires, cultures, and historical events. Its strategic location at the meeting point of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean has attracted conquerors, traders, and artists throughout the ages.

The Phoenician Legacy

Tangier’s history can be traced back to the Phoenician era, making it one of the oldest cities in North Africa. The remnants of their influence can still be seen in the city’s architecture and culture.

The Roman Connection

Tangier was once part of the Roman Empire, known as Tingis. Explore the well-preserved ruins of ancient Tingis and discover the city’s Roman heritage.

Tangier in the Modern Era

Tangier’s role as an international city in the 20th century during the International Zone period adds another layer of intrigue to its history. Renowned writers such as Paul Bowles and William S. Burroughs were captivated by Tangier’s mystique during this era.

Immerse Yourself in Tangier’s Vibrant Culture

The Artistic Heartbeat of Tangier

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Tangier is its vibrant and diverse culture. The city has been a haven for artists, musicians, and writers for decades, inspiring creativity and expression.

Tangier’s Art Scene

Explore the art galleries and studios that have sprung up in Tangier. Meet local artists and immerse yourself in their work, which often reflects the city’s unique spirit.

Music and Melodies

Tangier’s music scene is a harmonious blend of Arab, Berber, and Andalusian influences. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience live performances that transport you into the heart of Moroccan culture.

Culinary Delights

Savor the flavors of Tangier through its delectable cuisine. From tagine dishes to fresh seafood, Tangier’s food scene offers a mouthwatering journey through Moroccan gastronomy. Including a Tangier food tour in your travel plan offers an opportunity to get acquainted with the rich cuisine while interacting with locals.

Nature’s Masterpiece

Tangier’s natural beauty is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The city’s diverse landscapes offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The Beaches of Tangier

Relax on the pristine beaches of Tangier, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. With their golden sands and crystal-clear waters, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules

Visit the legendary Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea converge. Explore the mysterious Caves of Hercules and take in the breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Wander through the historic Kasba h district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its narrow streets, ancient architecture, and panoramic views of the city make it a must-see destination.

Modern Tangier – A City of Contrasts

Tangier’s Transformation

Tangier is not just a city steeped in history; it’s also a city on the move. Its modern developments and forward-thinking initiatives are reshaping its future.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Tangier’s modern port facilities and transportation links have positioned it as a key player in international trade and commerce.

Investment Opportunities

Tangier is attracting investors and entrepreneurs from around the world. The city’s business-friendly environment and special economic zones make it an attractive destination for business ventures.

Is Tangier worth visiting? it’s an enchanting destination that will captivate your senses with its history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Tangier promises a journey filled with unforgettable moments and cultural treasures like the private day trip to Morocco from Spain . So, pack your bags, embark on this adventure, and discover the magic of Tangier for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tangier safe for tourists.

Tangier is generally safe for tourists. Like any other city, it’s essential to take standard precautions such as safeguarding your belongings and being aware of your surroundings.

Are there guided tours available in Tangier?

Yes, Tangier offers a variety of guided tours, including historical, cultural, and culinary tours. These tours provide an excellent way to explore the city’s rich heritage.

What should I try from Tangier’s cuisine?

Don’t miss trying the traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagine (slow-cooked stew), couscous, and seafood specialties. Also, indulge in Moroccan mint tea and local pastries like pastilla.

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Tangier Travel Guide: Tips and Recommendations

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, make sure to include Tangier in your itinerary. This unique city has been a gateway between Africa and Europe for centuries, and its blend of cultures and influences is unlike anywhere else in Morocco. From its bustling markets to its serene beaches, Tangier has something to offer every type of traveler.

As you plan your trip to Tangier, keep in mind that the best time to visit is during the fall or spring months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. You can explore the city’s historic medina, visit the Great Mosque, or take a stroll through the beautiful Gardens of La Mendoubia. For a unique experience, head to the Caves of Hercules, where the mythical hero is said to have rested after his labors.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the sun on the beach, Tangier has something to offer. With its unique blend of African and European influences, this city is a must-see destination for any traveler to Morocco.

History and Culture

Historical overview.

Tangier has a rich and fascinating history that spans over 2,500 years. The city has been inhabited by a variety of different cultures and civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Portuguese, and French. It was also once an international zone, governed by a committee of foreign powers.

In 1956, Tangier was returned to Moroccan control, and since then it has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Today, the city is a melting pot of different cultures and influences, making it a unique and exciting place to visit.

Cultural Influence

Tangier’s cultural influence can be seen in its art, architecture, and cuisine. The city has been home to many famous writers and artists, including Paul Bowles, who lived in Tangier for many years and wrote about his experiences in his famous novel “The Sheltering Sky.”

The American Legation, located in the heart of the old city, is a testament to the strong ties between Morocco and the United States. The Legation was the first American public property outside the United States, and it played an important role in the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Tangier’s cultural heritage can also be seen in its ancient Phoenician tombs, the old Kasbah, and the Sultan’s Palace. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past and are a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture.

Geographical Overview

Tangier is a city located on the northern coast of Morocco, overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. It is situated in North Africa and is the second-largest economic hub in the country. The city is known for its unique blend of cultures and influences, making it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Strait of Gibraltar

Tangier is located on the Strait of Gibraltar, which separates Europe from Africa. The strait is only 14.3 km wide at its narrowest point, making it one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. From Tangier, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the strait and the southern coast of Spain, which is just a short distance away.

North Africa

Tangier is situated in North Africa, a region known for its rich history and cultural diversity. The city has been ruled by various empires and civilizations throughout its history, including the Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Arabs, and Portuguese. Today, Tangier is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that reflects its diverse heritage.

Mediterranean

Tangier is located on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline, which attracts visitors from around the world. The Mediterranean climate in Tangier is mild and pleasant, making it a great destination for travelers looking to escape harsher climates.

Getting Around

When it comes to getting around Tangier, there are several options available to travelers. Here are some of the most common ways to get around the city:

Renting a car is a great option for those who want to explore Tangier and its surroundings at their own pace. Several car rental companies operate in the city, and you can find their offices at the airport and in the city center. However, keep in mind that driving in Tangier can be challenging, especially for those who are not used to the local traffic rules. It’s also worth noting that parking can be difficult to find in some areas of the city.

Taxis are a popular and affordable way to get around Tangier. Petit taxis are the most common type of taxi in the city, and they are easily recognizable by their blue color. They are metered, and you can find them at taxi stands or flag them down on the street. It’s important to note that some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists, so it’s always a good idea to negotiate the fare before getting in the taxi.

The train is a convenient and comfortable way to travel between Tangier and other cities in Morocco. The main train station in Tangier is Gare de Tanger Ville, which is located in the city center. The national railway company, ONCF, operates trains that connect Tangier with cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh. You can buy tickets at the station or online, and it’s recommended to book in advance during peak travel seasons.

CTM is a popular bus company that operates in Morocco. They have a bus station in Tangier, and you can find their schedule and fares on their website.

It’s always a good idea to have a map of Tangier with you when you’re exploring the city. You can find maps at tourist information centers or download them online. Maps.me and Google Maps are great options for digital maps that you can use offline.

Attractions

Tangier is a city that offers a lot to see and explore. From the historic Kasbah to the beautiful beaches, there is something for everyone. Below are some of the must-see attractions in Tangier.

The Kasbah is the oldest part of Tangier and is surrounded by walls that were built during the 15th century. The Kasbah is home to the Dar El Makhzen palace, which was built in the 17th century and is now a museum. The Kasbah also offers stunning views of the city and the sea.

The Medina is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Medina is home to the Grand Socco and Petit Socco, which were once the center of Tangier’s nightlife. The Medina is also home to the American Legation Museum, which is the first American public property outside of the United States.

Tangier is home to several beautiful beaches, including the popular Plage de Malabata and Plage de Achakkar. These beaches offer stunning views of the sea and are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

Caves of Hercules

The Caves of Hercules are a popular tourist attraction in Tangier. These caves are located near the sea and are believed to have been used by Hercules during his 12 labors. The caves offer stunning views of the sea and are a great place to explore.

The Souks are a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are filled with shops selling everything from spices to clothing. The Souks are a great place to explore and to find unique souvenirs to take home.

American Legation Museum

The American Legation Museum is the first American public property outside of the United States. The museum is located in the heart of the Medina and offers a glimpse into the history of the United States and Morocco.

Kasbah Museum

The Kasbah Museum is located in the Dar El Makhzen palace and offers a glimpse into the history of Tangier. The museum is home to a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the city’s rich history.

Cap Spartel

Cap Spartel is located at the northernmost point of Tangier and offers stunning views of the sea. The cape is also home to a lighthouse that was built in the 19th century.

Dar El Makhzen

Dar El Makhzen is a palace that was built in the 17th century and is now a museum. The palace is located in the Kasbah and offers a glimpse into the history of Tangier.

Phoenician Tombs

The Phoenician Tombs are located near Cap Spartel and are believed to date back to the 5th century BC. The tombs offer a glimpse into the history of Tangier and the Phoenician civilization.

Tangier is a gateway to Africa and offers a variety of sights and itineraries for travelers. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or just relaxing on the beach, Tangier has something for everyone.

Food and Drink

When visiting Tangier, you will be able to enjoy a delicious variety of Moroccan cuisine. The city is famous for its aromatic spices, fresh seafood, and sweet mint tea. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Tangier.

Local Cuisine

One of the most popular dishes in Tangier is the tagine, which is a slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices. You can also try couscous, which is a traditional Moroccan dish made with steamed semolina grains and served with vegetables, meat, or fish.

If you are a seafood lover, then Tangier is the place for you. The city is located on the coast, so you can find fresh seafood in many restaurants. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include grilled sardines, fried calamari, and shrimp tagine.

Cafes and Bars

Tangier has a vibrant café culture, and you can find many cozy cafes throughout the city. One of the most famous cafes in Tangier is Cafe Hafa, which has been serving mint tea and pastries since 1921. The café is located on a hill with a stunning view of the sea.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a drink, then head to one of the city’s bars. The El Morocco Club is a popular bar that serves delicious cocktails and has a lively atmosphere. If you prefer a more relaxed setting, then check out the Tanger Inn, which is a cozy bar with a fireplace and comfortable seating.

When it comes to alcohol, Morocco is a Muslim country, and it is not widely available. However, you can find alcohol in some bars and restaurants in Tangier. Just be aware that it can be expensive.

Accommodations

If you’re planning a trip to Tangier, you’ll need to find a place to stay. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available, from luxurious hotels to traditional riads.

Tangier has a range of hotels to suit all budgets and tastes. Some of the most popular options include:

• El Minzah Hotel : This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Tangier and offers stunning views of the city. With its elegant décor and excellent service, it’s a popular choice for those looking for a touch of luxury.
• Mamora Hotel : Located in the Petit Socco area, this hotel is a great choice for budget-conscious travelers. It offers comfortable rooms and a central location, making it easy to explore the city.
• Hilton Garden Inn : This modern hotel is located in the Tangier City Center and offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant.

No matter what your budget or preferences, you’re sure to find a hotel that meets your needs in Tangier.

For a more traditional experience, consider staying in a riad. These traditional Moroccan houses are typically located in the old medina and offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. Some of the most popular riads in Tangier include:

• Dar Nour : This beautiful riad is located in the heart of the medina and offers a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its traditional décor and friendly staff, it’s a popular choice for those looking for an authentic Moroccan experience.
• Riad Tanja : This charming riad is located in the Kasbah and offers stunning views of the city. With its rooftop terrace and comfortable rooms, it’s a great choice for those looking for a cozy and welcoming place to stay.

No matter where you choose to stay in Tangier, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Tangier is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for traditional Moroccan handicrafts or modern luxury goods, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste and budget.

Local Markets

The local markets in Tangier are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city’s vibrant culture and unique shopping scene. From fresh produce and spices to handmade crafts and clothing, these markets offer a wide range of products at affordable prices.

One of the most popular local markets in Tangier is the Grand Socco, which is located in the heart of the city. Here, you can find everything from traditional Moroccan pottery and textiles to fresh fruits and vegetables. The market is also a great place to sample local street food and watch street performers.

Another popular local market is the Marché Central, which is located near the port. This market is known for its fresh seafood, spices, and traditional Moroccan clothing. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts to take back home.

The souks in Tangier are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city’s traditional shopping scene. These narrow, winding streets are lined with shops selling everything from handmade crafts and textiles to traditional Moroccan spices and perfumes.

One of the most popular souks in Tangier is the Souk El Kasbah, which is located in the historic Kasbah district. Here, you can find a wide range of traditional Moroccan handicrafts, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry. The souk is also a great place to sample local cuisine and watch traditional Moroccan performances.

Another popular souk is the Souk Dakhel, which is located near the Grand Socco. This souk is known for its traditional Moroccan clothing and accessories, including kaftans, babouches, and leather goods. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts to take back home.

Travel Tips

Best time to visit.

The best time to visit Tangier is during the fall (September to November) or spring (March to May) when the weather is ideal and the holiday crowds aren’t around. The temperature during these months ranges from 18°C to 25°C, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer can be unbearably hot, although the ocean breeze helps to keep it cooler than other Moroccan cities. If you do choose to visit during the summer months, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and stay hydrated.

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It is recommended that you exchange your currency at a bank or authorized exchange bureau, as the rates are generally better than at hotels or airports. Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and tipping.

Tipping is a common practice in Morocco, and it is customary to leave a small tip for services such as restaurants, cafes, and hotels. A tip of 10% is generally expected, but it is always up to your discretion. It is also a good idea to carry small change for tipping taxi drivers and other service providers.

In terms of safety, Tangier is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is always a good idea to take precautions such as avoiding dark alleys and carrying only the necessary amount of cash. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you in crowded areas.

Tangier has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The temperature during the winter months ranges from 8°C to 16°C, and it can be quite rainy. The summer months are hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.

If you plan on visiting Tangier during the summer months, be prepared for high temperatures and humidity. It is important to stay hydrated and wear light, breathable clothing. The beach is a popular destination during this time, but be aware that it can get crowded. It is also a good idea to book your accommodations and activities in advance, as this is peak tourist season.

That’s it for our travel tips for Tangier. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to have a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful Moroccan city.

Nearby Destinations

If you’re planning a trip to Tangier, there are a number of nearby destinations that are definitely worth visiting. Here are a few of our favorites:

Chefchaouen

Located just a few hours away from Tangier, Chefchaouen is a picturesque town that’s known for its blue-painted buildings and stunning mountain views. It’s a great place to relax and unwind, and the local markets are a must-see for anyone interested in traditional Moroccan crafts.

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. With its vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and rich history, it’s a city that’s full of life and excitement. Be sure to check out the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which is always bustling with street performers and food vendors.

As Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca is a bustling metropolis that’s full of energy and excitement. It’s home to some of the country’s most impressive architecture, including the famous Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in the world. If you’re a fan of art deco design, be sure to check out the city’s many historic buildings.

No matter where you choose to go, there are plenty of transportation options available to help you get there. If you’re looking to explore more of Morocco, you can take a bus or a train to other cities like Rabat or Fes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Spain from Tangier or nearby ports like Tarifa or Algeciras. And if you’re coming from further afield, there are direct flights to Tangier from cities like Lisbon and New York.

Transportation

If you’re planning a trip to Tangier, you’ll need to know how to get there. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available, including ferry and air travel.

Tangier is located on the Strait of Gibraltar, making it a popular destination for travelers arriving by ferry. The Port of Tangier is the main ferry port in the city, and there are regular ferries that connect Tangier to several ports in Spain, including Algeciras and Tarifa.

Ferries are a convenient and affordable way to travel to Tangier, and the journey takes around an hour. You can book your ferry tickets online in advance, or you can purchase them at the port on the day of your departure.

If you’re traveling from further afield, you may prefer to arrive in Tangier by air. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is located around 12 kilometers from the city center and is served by several airlines, including Royal Air Maroc, Ryanair, and Air Arabia.

The airport has several facilities to make your journey more comfortable, including restaurants, shops, and currency exchange services. You can also take a taxi or bus from the airport to the city center.

Whether you arrive in Tangier by ferry or air, you’ll find that the city is well-connected and easy to navigate. English and Spanish are widely spoken, so you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating with locals or finding your way around.

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Best Places to Stay in Tangier: A Comprehensive Guide

Kate Abroad

1 Day in Tangier Itinerary for 2024

Planning one day in Tangier? If so then you have come to the right place. I have been to Tangier many times since I live in Morocco and love exploring this vibrant city in the North. 

It quietly sits on the northernmost coast of Morocco and is an oasis for day trippers from Tarifa, Spain who are looking to experience a bit of Moroccan culture. 

However, you could easily spend a few days exploring the medina and heading up the coast to Cap Spartel since there are just so many amazing things to do in Tangier. 

But, if you’re short on time then this Tangier itinerary is perfect for you. Many of the attractions listed are centrally located and within walking distance of one another. 

Therefore, you’ll quickly and easily get a taste for everything Tangier has to offer. 

So, put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore this amazing Moroccan city like a local. 

How to Get to Tangier, Morocco

There are several different ways to get to Tangier. You could hop on the ferry from Tarifa, Spain since the journey takes only an hour and costs around €40.00. However, ferries to Tangier are also available from France and Italy. 

However, if you are visiting from Rabat, Marrakech, or Casablanca, you could easily take the train to Tanger Ville train station in Tangier, with high-speed train options in Rabat and Casablanca. It’s located around 3 km from the port and you can use a petit taxi or bus to get to the city center. 

Lastly, you can use CTM buses to access Tangier from Chefcheuon . Generally, the trip takes around 3 hours with 3 departures daily.

Tickets cost around €7.00 and you’ll arrive at the Tangier bus station, which is about 5 kilometers outside the city center. Again, just use a petit taxi to get into the city center. 

Things to do in Tangier in one day

Grand socco.

Start your day in Tangier in Grand Socco. This incredible square sits at the entrance to the Medina and features a central fountain that is lined with palm trees. It is filled with cobblestones and you can see iconic local landmarks like Cinéma Rif.

Grab a tea at the cinema and watch the people go by. Or, head to La Terrasse and hang out with the locals as they play Parchis. 

If you have time, walk to nearby St. Andrew’s Church and see if you can take a scenic walk through the cemetery here. After all, this is a charming little Anglican Church that dates back to 1894.

The interior is unique and actually has the Lord’s Prayer written in Arabic over the altar. It’s an idyllic little spot with odd opening hours. So, getting inside can sometimes be challenging. 

Explore the Medina

No trip to any Moroccan city would be complete with a visit to the city’s Medina. They can be found in every Moroccan city and feature souks filled with vendors selling everything from spices to bread to t-shirts to lanterns. 

The walls of Tangier’s Medina are actually from a 15th-century Portuguese fortress and you can enter from the Grand Socco via Bab Fass. This is an exceptional place to walk around to get a taste for Moroccan culture. You will get lost and that is all part of the fun. 

As you walk around and shop, don’t forget to haggle since haggling is a way of life in Morocco. I typically start at 50%-70% of the asking price and go from there. But, if you see a Moroccan carpet you like, be sure to grab it. 

Eventually, you’ll make your way down to Petit Socco, which is another charming square in the city. Relax at Café Tinjis with a coffee or order traditional Moroccan couscous ot tagine if you’re feeling a bit hungry.  

Visit the Tangier American Legation Museum

Easily one of the best museums in Tangier, this stunning, five-story mansion features a wealth of Victorian-style rooms that are recreated to show you what life was like for American delegates living in Morocco back in the 1800s.

After all, Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States as a nation in 1777. So, the two countries have a long and friendly relationship that is reflected in this stunning museum.

You’ll see colorful rooms as well as unique artifacts like a Moroccan Stars and Stripes rug, exquisite paintings, and a letter from a US consul in 1839 who received two lions as a diplomatic gift. You could easily spend an hour exploring these beautiful rooms and taking photos of the charming interior courtyard. 

Explore the Kasbah and the Museums There

The part of the Medina sits atop a hill and offers excellent views of the port down below. It is filled with boutique hotels, picturesque restaurants, and exceptional museums. Walk along the cobblestones and after taking in the views, visit some local museums. 

The three museums of the Kasbah include the Ibn Battouta Museum, the Kasbah Museum and the Modern Art Museum. You probably won’t have time to visit all three, but I found the Kasbah Museum to be fascinating. 

Once a sultan’s palace, this excellent museum details the region’s history from prehistoric times to the 19th century. Highlights include a Venus mosaic from Volubilis, statues, and two expansive replica maps.

Finally, you visit culminates with a stroll through and amazing Andalusian garden that will instantly whisk you away from the city. 

Stop by the Phoenician Tombs

Make your way out of the Kasbah and find Avenue Hadj Mohamed Tazi. You’ll walk down a long, stone pathway that is flanked by Roman statues and ruins since you are heading towards a Punic Roman necropolis. 

In total, 98 tombs sit here and many are actually carved into the rock itself. They now collect dirty water and litter, which is a bit of a shame.  But, this is a great place to sit and enjoy stunning panoramas of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Just take some time to sit with the locals and soak in the views. There is also no shade here, so you might want to save your visit for later in the day. 

Cafe Hafa, or “the Edge” cafe in English, is an institution in Tangier. Therefore, it will be busy at any time of day. However, it is well worth a visit since this place has been around since 1921 and has had celebrity patrons like Henri Matisse, The Rolling Stones, and Yves Saint Laurent.

Grab a seat and a table and try some traditional Moroccan Harira, or chickpea soup. Pair it with a delicious mint tea since the tea here is second to none and is served with fresh mint and sugar in giant glass cups.

However, if you’re feeling a bit more hungry then you can head to their separate restaurant which serves delicious swordfish and vegetable tajine. 

The only thing better than the tea is the view since this boho chic outdoor cafe sits on a cliff and has multi-level terraces that take you down to the ocean. So, relax and enjoy the view because this is what life in Tangier is really about. 

Visit the Beach

If you have a bit of time and want to make the most of your Tangier day trip itinerary then visit either Plage Municipale or Plage Malabata.

These two main beaches in Tangier are a great place to walk. There is even a large promenade that you can use to take a stroll while looking out at the ocean.

You will also likely get asked to do some horseback riding. But, just say, “no thank you” and they will move on. It can also get extremely windy by the beach. So, have some sunglasses handy to protect your eyes. 

Where to Eat in Tangier

Tangier is brimming over with amazing eateries that are just waiting to be enjoyed. One excellent restaurant is  La Terrasse.

It’s a great place to try authentic Moroccan dishes like anchovy tagine. However, you can get a nice bagel sandwich with salmon too. Just don’t forget to order a fresh juice to go with it and enjoy the fun and funky decor inside.

They also have a great rooftop and a cute little store where you can do a bit of shopping. 

Another great place to eat is Chez Hassan Bab Kasbah. This restaurant also serves traditional Moroccan dishes like seafood tagine and grilled brochette and is very reasonably priced. In particular, the grilled calamari is exquisite and you will love digging into the olives flavored with spicy harissa. 

FAQs About 1 Day in Tangier Itinerary

1 day in Tangier is enough time to see the city’s major highlights but it is not enough time to enjoy incredible day trips to places like Cap Spartel and  the Caves of Hercules.  However, it is enough time to get a great feel and taste for the city.

Yes, Tangier is worth a day trip from Spain. There is plenty to see and do in this vibrant Northern city and I recommend visiting before moving on to places like Chefcheoun. 

2 days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Tangier. You can spend one day exploring the attractions in the center of the city and can then spend your second day going on an amazing day trip to Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves. 

Yes, Tangier is worth visiting. It is a city that is home to amazing museums, stunning coastal views, and a vibrant medina that is a great place to explore. 

Where to Stay in Tangier

If you’re exhausted and just want to unwind for a night then there are plenty of places to stay in Tangier.

You can try the Tangier Kasbah Hostel which is budget-friendly and well-located in the Kasbah. Rooms are lovely, feature traditional Moroccan decor, and give you access to an amazing rooftop terrace. Tangier is safe so you won’t have issues finding a good place to stay. 

Otherwise, try staying in a traditional Moroccan riad like Riad Tingis . A riad is a traditional Moroccan-style home where all of the rooms are situated around a central courtyard. This riad is located in the Old Medina and features traditionally appointed rooms that include access to a delicious continental breakfast. 

In Short: Tangier Day Trip Guide

I hope you enjoyed this 1 day in Tangier itinerary and that you are excited about visiting this magical city. 

It is a great place to get acquainted with Moroccan culture and history since this Northern city is just a short ferry ride away from Spain and many other European countries. 

Author Bio: Kelly was born and raised in New York City and recently moved to Morocco in January of 2023. She is a full time digital nomad and blogger who runs various travel websites. Travel Morocco Today is where she shares all of her best Morocco travel tips so that you can travel like a local, not a tourist. 

Africa Travel Resources

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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.

   Best Seville Guided Tours - Seville private tours

    290 €   

Seville 4-hour Private Tour – Half-day sightseeing tour of Seville

   Glorieta Bécquer - Seville private tours

    50 €   

Guided Tour Ibero-American Exhibition Seville of 1929

   Day Trips - One day trips

    149 €   

Stay in Doñana and El Rocio from Seville 2 days and 1 night

   Doñana - Half day trips

    25 €   

Doñana National Park 4×4 Southern Area Tour from el Rocio

   Day Trips - Tangier

Seville to Tangier Day Trip – Day in Tangier & Morocco (book with labelleseville.com)

   Day Trips - Half day trips

    35 €   

Carmona from Seville Half Day Trip – Book your trip!

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Tangier travel guide

Located where Africa meets Europe, Tangier – legendary “interzone”, favourite hang-out for artists, writers and rock stars, compelling refuge for eccentric expats and international spies – is still one of the most vibrant cities in Morocco.

Arriving in Tangier, whether approaching it from Spain and the sea, or over the hills from the south of Morocco, always sparks a frisson of energy and anticipation. With its whitewashed houses tumbling over seven hills into the bright blue Mediterranean and the Straits of Gibraltar, and Spain only 14km (9 miles) away, Tangier rests at the most northwestern tip of Morocco, and Africa. It has for millennia been a vital crossroads – between East and West, Africa and Europe, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean – and has adopted an eclectic and unique set of influences and styles. 

Cosmopolitan Tangier

In 1912, after the Treaty of Fez carved Morocco up between Spain and France, Tangier came under "Spanish Morocco". In 1923, the city was granted special status as an International Zone, to be governed by France, Spain and Britain. This arrangement, together with the city’s special privileges as a free port, attracted many European and American expatriates and adventurers.

Although Tangier is as much a part of Morocco as Rabat or Marrakech, it retains a cosmopolitan flavour quite distinct from the rest of the country. It used to have a reputation for seediness, but the city has undergone a transformation in recent years and is a much more appealing place.

The new town is full of history and a relaxed Spanish feel, and the beautiful whitewashed medina overlooking the strait is a fascinating place to explore. Due to the hispanic influence of the past, Spanish tends to be more widely spoken than French in and around Tangier.

Things to see in Tangier

A walk through the Ville Nouvelle

Like all Moroccan cities, Tangier consists of a walled medina, or old town, as well as a modern quarter built during the Protectorate, called the ville nouvelle (new town). At the centre of the ville nouvelle is the Place de France and the tree-lined Boulevard Pasteur, with its cafés and restaurants, banks and travel agencies. A terrace at the end of Boulevard Pasteur has a fine view of the harbour; in the evenings it is a favourite meeting-place for tourists and locals alike.

Off the Boulevard Pasteur, on the Rue Magellan, is Villa Muniria, where William Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch . Rue de la Liberté (Zankat el Houria), the site of the elegant El Minzah Hotel, leads down to the old marketplace of the Grand Socco. In the Institut Français, opposite the Minzah, is the Galerie Delacroix.

Just off Rue de la Liberté, on Rue d’Angleterre, is a large white villa, formerly the British Consulate, which houses the Musée d’Art Contemporain de Tanger, showing works by contemporary Moroccan painters. Also on Rue d’Angleterre is the Anglican church of St Andrew, built in the late 19th century.

Easily accessible from Rue du Portugal is the Old American Legation, a building given to the Americans by Sultan Moulay Slimane, whose government was the first in the world to recognise American independence in 1776. It now houses a small museum on the city’s history. The Grand Socco is the terminus for city buses and has a taxi rank. There are city beaches, but those outside, accessible by car or taxi, are cleaner and quieter.

The Medina and Moroccan Arts

Tangier’s medina is a maze of narrow streets on the hillside above the harbour. Rue es-Siaghin (Silversmiths’ Street) leads downhill from the Grand Socco to the Petit Socco; side streets to the right are filled with shops. The 17th-century kasbah, or fortified precinct, occupies the highest point in the medina, perched on a cliff-top above the sea. Here Sultan Moulay Ismail built Dar el Makhzen, a palace that today houses the Musée des Arts Marocains et des Antiquités, or Kasbah Museum, displaying illuminated Qur’ans, textiles, wood and metal work, Berber carpets, jewellery and ceramics. In the former treasury, the Bit el Mal, rooms overlooking the méchouar (courtyard) house the sultan’s gigantic cedarwood strongboxes that were once filled with gold and gems. Cross the méchouar to the observation point for a spectacular view across the strait to Gibraltar and Spain. 

Palais Mendoub and gardens

A 15-minute walk west of the kasbah, along the coast, brings you to Palais Mendoub, former home of the late American billionaire Malcolm Forbes. It was here that he held his $2-million 70th birthday bash, an event that recalled the extravagant parties given by Barbara Hutton in Tangier. The Mendoubia Gardens, opposite the palace, are delightful.

Sea views at Café Hafa

Five minutes further west along the coast in the Marshan quarter is the delightful Café Hafa. Perched halfway down a cliff with marvellous views out to sea, for decades it has been a meeting place for Tangier’s literary intelligensia and expatriate community. 

Matisse in Tangier

The painter and sculptor Henri Matisse (1869–1954) lived in Tangier from the end of January to mid-April 1912, and from October 1912 to mid-February 1913. These two brief periods had a lasting influence on his work. Lured to Tangier by the special quality of the light, he initially had to brave several weeks of rain. Yet he completed 23 paintings and some 60 drawings. Obliged to work indoors, he painted the still life The Vase of Iris (February 1912). The bad weather also explains the luxuriant vegetation in Park in Tangier, painted at the end of his first stay. Other works from his time in Tangier are portraits of men, painted with a few strokes of colour, and three paintings of the young Jewess Zorah. There is little doubt that the intense blue that characterises Matisse’s later works was inspired by the sea at Tangier.

Discover more of Morocco...

• Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech

• Tetouan, jewel of Morocco's Mediterranean coast

• The Andalusian-influenced region of the Rif

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At the meeting point of two seas as well as two continents, Tangier’s strategic location has made it a highly sought-after locale since ancient times. Founded by Mediterranean trading nations, ruled by empirical Romans, and squabbled over by European powers before finally returning to the Moroccan nation in 1956, it’s perhaps no surprise that the city defies comparison with any other in Morocco.

Brief history of Tangier

Tangier medina, the ville nouvelle.

For the first half of the twentieth century, Tangier was an international city with its own laws and administration, plus an eclectic community of exiles, expatriates and refugees. It was home, at various times, to Spanish and Central European refugees, Moroccan nationalists and – drawn by loose tax laws and free-port status – to over seventy banks and four thousand companies, many of them dealing in currency transactions forbidden in their own countries. Writers were also attracted to the city, including the American novelist Paul Bowles, who called it his “dream city”, and William Burroughs, in whose books Tangier appears as “Interzone”, spent most of the 1950s here. Tangier was also the world’s first and most famous gay resort, favoured by the likes of Tennessee Williams, Joe Orton and Kenneth Williams.

Rooted in an enduring eccentricity, Tangier’s charm is undeniable. Until fairly recently, the city’s tourism future didn’t look too rosy, having, over the years, gained a reputation as somewhere to avoid due to continuing reports of a large population of hustlers and unsavoury characters known to prey on foreign arrivals. King Mohammed VI, however, has provided much of the impetus for Tangier to re-invent itself under a flurry of renovation and building projects that will culminate in 2016 with the completion of a remodelled port and marina that aims to compete with better-known holiday ports along the Mediterranean.

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Tingis is Amazigh (Berber) for a marsh, revealing the site’s Berber origins, though it was colonized around the seventh century BC by the Phoenicians, a seafaring people from what is now Lebanon. In 42 AD, the Romans made Tingis the capital of their newly created province of Mauretania Tingitania (roughly the north of modern Morocco). In 429 AD, with the collapse of the Roman Empire’s western half, Tangier was taken by the Vandals, after which point things become a bit hazy. It seems to have been regained a century or so later by the Roman Empire’s resurgent eastern half in the form of the Byzantines, before falling to Spain’s rulers, the Visigoths, in the early seventh century.

Andalusian and European Influence

In 707, Tangier was taken by the Arabs, who used it as a base for their invasion of the Iberian Peninsula four years later. However, with the Christian reconquest of Spain and Portugal from the eleventh to fifteenth centuries, Tangier was itself vulnerable to attack from across the Straits, and eventually fell to the Portuguese in 1471. In 1661, they gave it to the British (along with Bombay) as part of Princess Catherine of Braganza’s dowry on her wedding to Charles II. Tangier’s Portuguese residents, accusing British troops of looting and rape, abandoned the town, but new settlers arrived, many of them Jewish refugees from Spain, and Britain granted the city a charter guaranteeing freedom of religion, trade and immigration. The British also introduced tea, now Morocco’s national drink. Under virtually constant siege, however, they found Tangier an expensive and unrewarding possession. Moulay Ismail laid siege to the city in 1678, and in 1680, England’s parliament refused any further funding to defend it. Four years later, unable to withstand the siege any longer, the British abandoned Tangier. The city then remained in Moroccan hands until the twentieth century, growing in importance as a port – one of its exports, mandarins, even took their name from the city, being known in Europe as tangerines.

Tangier’s strategic position made it a coveted prize for all the colonial powers at the end of the nineteenth century. European representatives started insinuating themselves into the administration of the city, taking control of vital parts of the infrastructure, and when France and Spain decided to carve up Morocco between them, Britain insisted that Tangier should become an International Zone, with all Western powers having an equal measure of control. This was agreed as early as 1905, and finalized by treaty in 1923. An area of 380 square kilometres, with some 150,000 inhabitants, the International Zone was governed by a Legislative Assembly headed by a representative of the sultan called the Mendoub. While legislative power rested with the assembly – consisting of 27 members of whom 18 were European – the real power was held by a French governor.

Morocco takes control

At the International Zone’s peak in the early 1950s, Tangier’s foreign communities numbered sixty thousand – then nearly half the population. As for the other half, pro-independence demonstrations in 1952 and 1953 made it abundantly clear that most Tanjawis (natives of Tangier) wanted to be part of a united, independent Morocco. When they gained their wish in 1956, Tangier lost its special status, and almost overnight, the finance and banking businesses shifted their operations to Spain and Switzerland. The expatriate communities dwindled too as the new national government imposed bureaucratic controls and instituted a “clean-up” of the city. Brothels – previously numbering almost a hundred – were banned, and in the early 1960s “The Great Scandal” erupted, sparked by a number of paedophile convictions and escalating into a wholesale closure of the once outrageous gay bars.

Tangier today

After a period of significant decline, the early 2000s saw Tangier reborn as one of the country’s premier beach holiday resorts as both the Moroccan government and foreign investors directed more interest (and more funds) towards the city and its future. Marketed mainly towards the domestic market as well as day-tripping Spaniards, Tangier’s regeneration shows no sign of fading. Construction work began in 2011 on a five-year project that will eventually see the old port transformed into a glitzy residential marina complete with designer shops and a five-star hotel.

The layout within Tangier’s Medina, like most throughout Morocco, was never planned in advance. As the need arose, a labyrinth of streets and small squares emerged that eventually became the various quarters there today.

Looking at it today, the Petit Socco, or Zoco Chico (Little Market), seems too small ever to have served such a purpose, though up until the nineteenth century the square was almost twice its present size, and it was only at the beginning of the twentieth century that the hotels and cafés were built. Up until the 1930s, when the focus moved to the Ville Nouvelle, this was the true heart of Tangier, and a broad mix of people – Christians, Jews and Muslims, Moroccans, Europeans and Americans – would gather here daily.

In the heyday of the “International City”, with easily exploited Arab and Spanish sexuality a major attraction, it was in the alleys behind the Socco that the straight and gay brothels were concentrated. William Burroughs used to hang out around the square: “I get averages of ten very attractive propositions a day”, he wrote to Allen Ginsberg. The Socco cafés lost much of their appeal at independence, when the sale of alcohol was banned in the Medina, but they remain diverting places to sit around, people-watch, talk and get some measure of the Medina.

Sprawling westwards and southwards from the ancient Medina is the European-built Ville Nouvelle. Much of its architecture and layout, especially immediately outside the Medina, is of Spanish origin, reflecting the influence of the city’s large Spanish population during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

The Grand Socco is the obvious place to start a ramble around the town. Its name, like so many in Tangier, is a French–Spanish hybrid, proclaiming its origins as the main market square. The markets have since long gone, but the square remains a meeting place and its cafés make good spots to soak up the city’s life. The Grand Socco’s official but little-used name, Place du 9 Avril 1947, commemorates the visit of Sultan Mohammed V to the city on that date – an occasion when, for the first time and at some personal risk, he identified himself with the struggle for Moroccan independence.

A memorial to this event (in Arabic) is to be found amid the Mendoubia gardens, flanking the square, which enclose the former offices of the Mendoub – the sultan’s representative during the international years – and now home to the local Chamber of Commerce. Here there’s also a spectacular banyan tree, said to be over 800 years old. Essentially now an open grassed area, the gardens are popular with local families who enjoy the small playground.

Malcolm Forbes: Tangier’s last tycoon

The American publishing tycoon Malcolm Forbes bought the Dar el Mendoub, Rue Mohammed Tazi, in 1970. His reason, ostensibly at least, was the acquisition of a base for launching and publishing an Arab-language version of Forbes Magazine – the “millionaires’ journal”. For the next two decades, until his death in 1990, he was a regular visitor to the city, and it was at Dar el Mendoub that he decided to host his last great extravagance, his seventieth birthday party, in 1989.

This was the grandest social occasion Tangier had seen since the days of Woolworths heiress Barbara Hutton, whose scale and spectacle Forbes presumably intended to emulate and exceed. Spending an estimated $2.5m, he brought in his friend Elizabeth Taylor as co-host and chartered a 747, a DC-8 and Concorde to fly in eight hundred of the world’s rich and famous from New York and London. The party entertainment was on an equally imperial scale, including six hundred drummers, acrobats and dancers, and a fantasia – a cavalry charge which ends with the firing of muskets into the air – by three hundred Berber horsemen.

Forbes’s party was a mixed public relations exercise, with even the gossip press feeling qualms about such a display of American affluence in a country like Morocco. However, Forbes most likely considered the party a success, for his guests included not just the celebrity rich – Gianni Agnelli, Robert Maxwell, Barbara Walters, Henry Kissinger – but half a dozen US state governors and the chief executives or presidents of scores of multinational corporations likely to advertise in his magazine. And, of course, it was tax deductible.

After Forbes’s death, Dar el Mendoub passed into the hands of the state and was used to house personal guests of King Hassan II, before being converted into a museum. It has now reverted back to being a VIP residence for royal and state guests.

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Is Tangier Safe? Your Ultimate Guide to Safety in Tangier

When it comes to exploring new destinations, one common concern that often crops up is safety. Travelers, both seasoned and novice, are keen on understanding the safety aspects of a place before planning their trips. Tangier, with its rich history and cultural allure, is no exception. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the question on everyone’s mind: Is Tangier Safe?

Understanding the Local Dynamics

Tangier’s historical transformation.

To truly grasp the safety landscape of Tangier , it’s crucial to appreciate the city’s historical evolution. Once an international zone, Tangier has undergone significant changes over the years, transforming into a bustling cosmopolitan hub. The city’s past, marked by diverse influences, has shaped its present, creating a unique blend of cultures.

Current Socio-Political Scenario

In assessing the safety of Tangier, we must consider its current socio-political climate. As of the latest updates, Tangier stands as a stable and peaceful city within the Kingdom of Morocco. The Moroccan government has implemented various measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors alike.

Crime Rates and Safety Measures

Low crime rates in tangier.

Contrary to misconceptions, Tangier boasts relatively low crime rates compared to many Western cities . The city’s focus on promoting tourism has led to enhanced safety measures, contributing to a secure environment for both locals and tourists.

Police Presence and Vigilance

Tangier takes pride in its robust law enforcement infrastructure. With a visible police presence across key areas, the city has effectively deterred criminal activities. Visitors can explore the city with confidence, knowing that security is a top priority.

Tourist Experiences

Positive testimonials from travelers.

A testament to Tangier’s safety is the multitude of positive testimonials from travelers who have experienced the city firsthand. Many commend the warmth and hospitality of the locals, emphasizing the sense of security they felt throughout their stay.

Exploring Tangier’s Attractions Safely

Tangier is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders. From the bustling Medina to the scenic Kasbah , visitors can navigate these attractions without compromising their safety. The city’s efforts in maintaining tourist-friendly environments contribute significantly to this positive experience.

Practical Safety Tips for Visitors

Navigating Tangier Safely For an optimal experience, visitors can follow some practical safety tips: Stay Informed: Keep abreast of local news and updates. Respect Local Customs: Adhering to cultural norms fosters a harmonious environment. Secure Belongings: Exercise caution with valuables to prevent petty theft.

In conclusion, the question, “ Is Tangier Safe? “ can be answered with a resounding yes . Tangier stands as a safe and captivating destination, welcoming travelers with open arms. By understanding its history, appreciating its present, and adhering to practical safety measures, visitors can embark on a journey filled with enriching experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tangier worth visiting.

Yes , Tangier, located at the northern tip of Morocco, offers a unique blend of cultural influences, vibrant markets, and stunning coastal views. With its rich history, diverse architecture, and a lively atmosphere, Tangier is a captivating destination for travelers seeking an authentic and memorable experience.

What to do in tangier?

Tangier, a vibrant city in Morocco, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Here are some must-visit attractions and activities:

Kasbah Museum: Explore the historic Kasbah district and visit the Kasbah Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits detailing Tangier’s rich history.

Medina of Tangier: Wander through the narrow streets of the Medina, where you’ll find traditional markets, charming shops, and a lively atmosphere.

Cape Spartel: Head to Cape Spartel to witness the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

Grand Socco: This central square is a bustling hub where locals and tourists gather. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, visit nearby shops, and try some local delicacies.

American Legation Museum: Explore the American Legation Museum, housed in a historic building. It showcases the long-standing diplomatic ties between the United States and Morocco.

Tangier Beach: Relax on the beautiful Tangier Beach, known for its golden sands and the refreshing Mediterranean waters.

Chefchaouen Day Trip: If time allows, consider taking a day trip to Chefchaouen , the famous “Blue City,” known for its blue-washed buildings and stunning mountainous backdrop.

Try Moroccan Cuisine: Don’t miss the opportunity to savor authentic Moroccan cuisine. From couscous to tagines, Tangier offers a variety of delicious dishes.

Can you get a ferry from gibraltar to tangier ?

Yes , you can take a ferry from Gibraltar to Tangier. There are regular ferry services operating between Gibraltar and Tangier, providing a convenient way to travel between the two locations. Besides, the ferry journey from Gibraltar to Tangier typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the specific ferry service and sea conditions.

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Travel to Tangier from Spain. What to see and good tips to know

Published by youssef on july 22, 2020 july 22, 2020.

Travel to Tangier! Tangier is a different city, its multiculturalism makes it very attractive and it is also the perfect entrance to Morocco from Spain. Tangier has been the protectorate of many countries, making it a cosmopolitan and international city. You will be surprised how a city that is so close to Spain can create such a great cultural contrast.

Tangier is a busy Moroccan port city located at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. And, it is true, Tangier is bustling and, precisely, this is one of its charms, unlike many other tourist cities. It is possible that, upon arrival, you may feel overwhelmed by the cultural contrast, but we encourage you to let yourself go and discover everything that Tangier can offer you as a destination for your holidays.

Tangier, the perfect entry to Morocco from Spain

It is true that Tangier does not have such a rich historical heritage as the imperial cities of Morocco: Marrakech, Meknes, Fez and Rabat. Still, the easy access from Spain and its location in the north of the country, make it a perfect destination from which to start a tour of Morocco.

To get to Tangier, you can choose almost any type of transport: plane, boat, car, bus … From the main Spanish cities, you will find cheap and direct flights.

If you prefer to travel to Tangier with your car, you can do it from the ports of Motril, Almería, Algeciras or Tarifa. From these points, you can board the ferries that leave from here and reach the city of Tangier. These boats leave approximately every hour. You can buy your ticket at the same port or in advance through an online agency. To travel with your vehicle, you need:

• Valid driving license.
• International insurance.

Travel to Tangier by boat or ferry

To travel by boat, you do not necessarily have to do it with your car, but you can make this journey by buying a single passenger ticket. You can do the following routes:

• Algeciras – Tangier (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
• Tarifa – Tangier (55 minutes).
• Motril – Tangier (approximately 8 hours).

In this sense, the ports of Tangier and Casablanca register the highest number of passengers since there are ferries in other parts of Europe. It is important to know that Tangier has two ports: one located in the same city (Tangier Ville) and another located 40 kilometers away (Tangier Med). Make sure in advance what your destination port will be.

Another important aspect if you travel in Summer is the famous “Operation Marhaba”, at which time many Moroccans return to their country to spend their holidays. It could be that during this period, there are busy routes and long queues.

If you decide to travel to Tangier by bus, you will also go through the Strait and take one of the ferries that leave from Spain. The difference is that your bus ticket already includes the boat trip. All travelers must report to the customs and immigration services before crossing the Strait.

If you want more information about the companies that operate between Spain and Morocco, you can consult this page.

What to see in Tangier. 10 places you can’t miss

Tangier is a very varied destination where the ocean meets the sea, the water coexists with the mountains and the hectic life of the medina is combined with that of the new city. In Tangier you can find beaches in every corner, even under its walls. Many travelers say that you need just one day to get to know Tangier, we recommend at least two nights to soak up its essence.

Here are the visits that you cannot miss on your trip to Tangier:

• Medina of Tangier: when you visit any city in Morocco, you cannot miss a walk in the Medina. Furthermore, it is a pedestrianized area where cars are not allowed. The Medina has a lot of life, it is the ideal place to find all the typical Moroccan products and to get an idea of its people, their lifestyle and their working hours.
• The Grand Mosque of Tangier: This mosque has been a symbol of conquests and cultures that have passed through Tangier. Its history has turned it into a space that brings together the rich and varied history of Morocco, in addition to being a striking architectural point.
• Plaza 9 de abril: also known as the Great Souk. You can have a drink on the terraces, see the Sidi Bouabid Mosque from outside and observe the life of the natives.
• The Mendoubia Gardens: peculiar gardens where silence prevails and where you can enjoy a pleasant walk. Here is the Bab El-Fas gate to enter the medina.
• The Kasbah of Tangier: this beautiful area is one of the oldest in the city. It is the old walled city with labyrinthine streets where it is easy to get lost. Let yourself go, you will be surprised to walk and not know where each street will end, due to its architectural irregularity.
• The Central Market: it is an experience that you have to live on your visit to Tangier. Also, from there you can go to Siaghine Street and discover the Jewish quarter.
• Calle Italia: you will be able to see a little piece of the Spanish Tangier in the form of a movie theater built in 1913 with a capacity of 700 seats where films in Spanish were shown. It is called the Alcázar Cinema.
• Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules: if you have the opportunity, don’t miss this place located on the outskirts of Tangier. A relaxed area with views of the strait just 14 kilometers from the city.
• Go to the beach: as we mentioned at the beginning, Tangier has many beaches, both in the Atlantic Ocean and in the Mediterranean Sea. Which one do you prefer to go to?
• Tangier Port: If you like to appreciate the local life, you can take a walk around the port and discover how fishermen work.

Tips for your trip to Tangier

Traveling to Tangier is safe but we do recommend that you take certain precautions. Check for visa and necessary documentation before you t ravel to Morocco .

If you want to travel to Tangier with a guided tour to get the most out of your trip to Morocco, we recommend this  12-day tour  to get to know the country in depth, departing from Tangier.

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Inside Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ ‘magical’ Morocco getaway

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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are taking fans inside their luxurious getaway to Tangier, Morocco.

The “Live with Kelly and Mark” stars, both 53, took to social media over the weekend to share pics from their relaxing vacation and luxurious accommodations at the Villa Mabrouka .

“Scenes from a magical weekend,” Ripa wrote via her Instagram Stories, sharing a stunning view of the ocean, flowers and palm trees.

Ripa also included plenty of pics from the luxury hotel they stayed at, which starts at $530 per night . One of the snaps showcased the entryway with its black-and-white checkered floors and a gorgeous stained glass chandelier hanging from the grand white ceiling.

The longtime television personality was even able to sneak in a mirror selfie in the entryway that showed her smiling while wearing in a casual athleisure outfit.

Of course, Ripa’s posts also included plenty of pictures of her and her husband of 28 years enjoying their escape from reality.

When the duo weren’t staying at the hotel, they ventured to the Tangier American Legation –– America’s “oldest diplomatic property” and museum.

Consuelos appeared to also be taking photos while walking around the garden and taking in the stunning views.

After exploring during the day, the couple got all dolled up to attend a party at the hotel’s terrace restaurant, L’Orangerie.

Ripa wore an ivory blazer over a white dress, while Consuelos opted for a long white T-shirt under a tan blazer and tan pants.

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The long white dining table at the bash seemed to be set for around 50 guests and had small table lamps and vases with white flowers running down the center.

The Villa Mabrouka opened its doors last spring and has just 12 rooms in the entire property, which once belonged to famed fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

The hotel includes views of the Mediterranean Sea, two crystalline swimming pools, three restaurants and access to garden pavilions where you are “transported immediately into the feeling of paradise,” according to their website.

Ripa made it back in time for Monday’s live taping of “Live with Kelly and Mark.” However, Andy Cohen filled in for Consuelos, who hopped on a different flight to visit Italian soccer team Campobasso 1919 in Molise, Italy.

The co-hosts are no strangers to sharing social media posts from their extravagant vacations over the years. In September, the “All My Children” alums took their three children –– Michael, 26, Lola, 22, and Joaquin, 21 –– to a tropical destination to celebrate the end of summer.

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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos Jet Off to Morocco for a 'Magical' Weekend Away — See Photos!

The married couple of nearly 28 years shared some stunning sights from their trip to Tangier

Natalia Senanayake is an Editorial Assistant, Lifestyle at PEOPLE. She covers all things travel and home, from celebrities' luxury mansions to breaking travel news.

Kelly Ripa/Instagram (2)

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are enjoying the magic of Morocco! 

The Live Wire author, 53, shared an inside look at her weekend getaway with her husband in the coastal city of Tangier. She revealed the breathtaking architecture and scenery in a series of photos shared to her Instagram Stories on April 21.

In the first snap, Ripa shows off the lush palm trees and serene water as “Steppin’ Out” by Joe Jackson plays in the background. 

“Scenes from a magical weekend,” she begins, tagging Consuelos, 53, at the bottom of the photo. 

Kelly Ripa/Instagram

The same song continues to play as the mom of three — she shares sons Michael , 26, and Joaquin , 21, as well as daughter Lola , 22, with Consuelos — reveals more of the stunning landscape. 

While the pair didn’t share any photos with their daughter during the trip, it appears the “Divine Timing” singer was also in Morocco last week.

A carousel of photos shared to her Instagram account on April 19 showed the 22-year-old posing with colorful architecture and getting ready to ride a four-wheeler through the desert terrain.

“Moroccooo,” she captioned her post.

Ripa tags the hotel Villa Mabrouka , where the couple seemingly stayed during their trip, and highlights the property’s intricate design details. 

In one shot, a blue and green light fixture draws the eye to the center of the room, followed by another snap of Ripa posing in a mirror as the black-and-white floors and signature arches can be seen in the background. 

The Live with Kelly and Mark hosts also visited the Tangier American Legation Museum where they marveled at the greenery and vibrant flowers. 

In a snap that Consuelos reshared to his Instagram Stories , the Riverdale alum is seen posing on a terrace outside of the historical landmark as he tries to take a sneaky photo of his wife.

As for their nightlife activities, the married couple of nearly 28 years got dressed up in matching all-white ensembles for an evening event. 

Consuelos is all smiles as his wife gives him a sweet kiss on the cheek in one photo. 

Ripa also showed off the long dinner table lit with a line of tiny lamps, as well as the glowing pool that their hotel boasts. 

Another image shows a crowd of guests also dressed in white gathering around a larger pool illuminated by lanterns.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 

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• Stuttgart - Tangier

Cheap flights from Stuttgart to Tangier

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Stuttgart airport

Place: The city, 13 kilometres to the south  View map

Website: https://www.flughafen-stuttgart.de/?cl=de

How to get to the airport: The airport has the following bus services: 36 , 74, 122, 809, 826 and the X3 express service. The bus stop is in the central section of the terminal 1 arrivals area. Lines S2 and S3 of the Stuttgart S-Bahn train connect the airport with Stuttgart Central Station. The taxi rank is in front of terminal 1 on the 3rd level of arrivals and in terminal 3. By road it is accessed via the A8 motorway.

Terminals: The airport has 4 terminals divided according to the airlines that operate at this airport.

Tangier airport

Tangier-ibn batouta international.

Place: Boukhalef, a small town located 11 kilometres south-east of Tangier   View map

Website: https://www.aeropuertosdelmundo.net/aeropuerto-TNG/

How to get to the city: The airport is connected to the city by an exclusive airport taxi service whose prices are set by the Moroccan government. Taxis not included in this service can take passengers from the city to the airport but cannot pick up passengers at the terminal. At the moment there is a bus service that connects the airport with the city.

Terminals: Tangier International Airport has one terminal building opened in 2008.

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You can get the cheapest flights by travelling outside peak season . Although it depends on the destination, in general Christmas, Easter and school holidays are peak season. Besides, if you're thinking about a weekend getaway, the earlier you book your flight, the better the price.

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Hola Tangier!

Just one step away from Europe, Tangier is a luxury gateway to Morocco and the African continent. If you book one of our cheap flights to Tangier you'll discover a paradise of light and colour and will be able to make excursions to wonderful places that will turn your trip to Morocco into an unforgettable experience. The city's medina or historic quarter is one of the largest in the country and will give you a flavour of the essence of Morocco. Strolling through the narrow streets lined with traditional houses, courtyards and gardens, you'll discover the city's landmark buildings and places. The Grand Socco , gateway to the medina; the Petit Socco , where the Great Mosque of Tangier is located; the Kasbah with the beautiful palaces of Dar el Makhzen and Dar es-Shorfa , now the museums of Moroccan antiquities and art.

It you like exploring smaller, more secluded towns and natural beauty spots, there are plenty to choose from. Not far from Tangiers lie the Caves of Hercules , an archaeological site where the legendary Greek hero rested after carrying out his twelve labours and opening the Strait of Gibraltar. And if you get the chance, be sure to visit Asilah , a charming little coastal town steeped in history. Book one of our flight deals to Tangier and enjoy a unique experience.

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in the United States

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for U.S. hotels in 2024.

Hotels NYC California Washington D.C. MICHELIN Keys

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

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On April 24, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new list of One, Two, and Three Key hotels in the United States. In this first ever announcement of MICHELIN Keys in the United States, hotels in Atlanta, California, Chicago, Colorado, Florida, New York, and Washington DC were eligible for the distinction. This announcement of the most outstanding hotels in the country comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in the United States includes 11 Three Key hotels, 33 Two Key hotels, and 80 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to look at all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

Take a peek at SingleThread, the five room inn with Three Keys and Three Stars. Explore the one street in Chicago that leads to seven Key hotels. Or find out more the Cliff House suite at our only Three Key hotel in Big Sur, California. Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the United States 2024 Key Hotel List

The Three Key Club in New York City

Expect: The highest luxury and impeccable design in Soho, Midtown, and the Financial District. Within the small club of Three Key hotels in the United States, four make their home in New York City. The Aman New York (Midtown) and Casa Cipriani (the Financial District) both make use of glamorous Beaux Arts buildings, the former a gold-crowned skyscraper in Midtown, the latter a glamorously restored ferry terminal at the very southern tip of Manhattan. Each is a refuge: an elegant, painstakingly designed escape from bustling city life. Meanwhile, two Firmdale hotels round out the list of Three Key hotels in New York City. Each is a quintessential example of the style and execution of the group’s co-owner and interior designer, Kit Kemp. Click the links here to explore the whirl of colors and collage of art that define the Crosby Street (Soho) and the Whitby Hotel (Midtown). Also read: Every Three Key Hotel in Paris

Jewels on the Coast: Up and Down California

Its sheer breadth of size and variety means it’s no surprise to announce California as the state with the most Key hotels in America. Here, we’ll point you towards coastal gems like the sublime architectural achievements in Big Sur ( Post Ranch Inn and Ventana ), beachside luxuries in Santa Monica (in particular: the newly opened Georgian ), and wine country favorites like SingleThread and the Madrona . What we love: how each one of these hotels opens the door to the very best of their locations — and gives us a look at each setting through fresh eyes.

Across America: The Golden Age of Celebrity

Our French Keys bask in the tradition of ancient vineyards, stone chateaus, and historic palaces. In the United States, we see a different tradition. In Los Angeles, places like Chateau Marmont , the Paramour Estate , Sunset Tower , and the Charlie date back to guests and residents as illustrious as Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe. These are spaces that play ingeniously with their history, even as they forge ahead with cutting-edge amenities and experiences. But it’s not just California. New York’s historic artist hotspot, the Hotel Chelsea , once hosted Bob Dylan and Andy Warhol. Today, it decorates every space with art donated by former residents. Look too to the Chicago Athletic Association , a former member’s club for 20th century business magnates and athletes — now among the city’s most impressive and vibrant hotels. Also read: Hollywood Glamor at the First Key Hotels in Los Angeles

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills):  The Beverly Hills Hotel, Dorchester Collection California (Big Sur): Post Ranch Inn California (Healdsburg): SingleThread Inn California (Los Angeles):  Hotel Bel-Air, Dorchester Collection California (Rutherford):  Auberge du Soleil, Auberge Resorts Collection California (St. Helena):  Meadowood Napa Valley California (Woodside):  Canyon Ranch Woodside New York (NYC):  Aman New York New York (NYC):  Casa Cipriani New York New York (NYC):  Crosby Street Hotel, Firmdale Hotels New York (NYC):  The Whitby Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

NEW: New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

California (Beverly Hills): L'Ermitage Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Maybourne Beverly Hills California (Beverly Hills): The Peninsula Beverly Hills California (Carmel Valley): Bernardus Lodge & Spa California (Big Sur): Ventana Big Sur California (Guerneville): The Stavrand California (Healdsburg): Montage Healdsburg California (Healdsburg): The Madrona California (Laguna Beach): Montage Laguna Beach California (Montecito): Rosewood Miramar Beach California (Napa):  Milliken Creek Inn & Spa California (San Francisco):  Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero California (San Francisco):  The Battery California (Sausalito):  Cavallo Point Lodge California (West Hollywood): Chateau Marmont California (West Hollywood):  Pendry West Hollywood California (Yountville):  Bardessono California (Yountville):  North Block Washington D.C.:  Rosewood Washington, D.C.   Washington D.C.:  The Jefferson Florida (Miami):  Mayfair House Hotel & Garden Florida (Miami Beach):  Faena Hotel Miami Beach Florida (Miami Beach):  Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club Florida (Miami Beach):  The Setai Miami Beach   Illinois (Chicago): Pendry Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Langham, Chicago Illinois (Chicago):  The Peninsula Chicago New York (NYC): Hotel Barrière Fouquet's New York New York (NYC):  Nine Orchard  New York (NYC):  Pendry Manhattan West New York (NYC): The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel New York (NYC): The Fifth Avenue Hotel New York (NYC):  The Mark Hotel

The One Key Hotels

Washington D.C.

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Where to fly on a budget this summer

Airfare experts share their forecasts for summer vacation destinations that won’t break your budget.

This summer is shaping up to be another scorcher , and the demand for summer travel is piping hot, too. If early 2024 trends are any indication of what’s to come, “it’s looking to be busier than 2023,” said Katy Nastro, spokesperson for the flight booking site Going . Recent airport passenger volume numbers have regularly exceeded last year and pre-pandemic levels.

Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com , says airline capacity has rebounded from pandemic complications, but strong travel demand means summer flight prices can be high, depending on when you’re hoping to go. Flying in June, July or early August will be more expensive than later in the season, according to the company’s summer forecast .

“And it’s not just the airfare,” Klee said in an email. “Expensive hotel rates and crowds everywhere make Western Europe tricky for the summer.”

Despite the price tag, “people are going to go,” said Melanie Fish, the head of global public relations for all Expedia Brands, including Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com . “When we look at searches for destinations, they are definitely up year over year.”

For popular destinations like Europe , Klee and Fish say to push trips later into August, September or even October. Not only will prices soften, but you’ll alleviate some of the strain of overtourism .

“My number one tip is go ahead and take that summer vacation, but maybe hold on to take that big, big trip in September,” Fish said.

According to Expedia’s summer 2024 travel outlook , we’re currently in the sweet spot for shopping for early summer flights at the best rates, as Fish says lower fares tend to pop up 21 to 60 days out. It doesn’t hurt to start your search even earlier, setting up price alerts to flag when airfare drops. If you can swing it, look to fly on a Monday for international trips or a Tuesday for domestic trips to save up to 15 percent on fares, Fish added.

It’s not impossible to find good deals on airfare, whether you’re looking for a tropical beach trip , a mountain adventure or a vibrant city. Here are places that are trending cheaper — and the destinations you’ll want to avoid.

Go to Mexico

Sun, surf, culture, chilaquiles — Mexico is always a good idea , but particularly so this summer. With the opening of the new airport in Tulum , U.S. airlines have been adding gobs of new flights to Mexico, particularly to beach regions. “We’ve seen a healthy amount of deals down to Mexico resort areas like Cancún,” Nastro said.

Laura Lindsay, global travel trends expert at Skyscanner , says three Mexican cities — Cancún, San José del Cabo and Puerto Vallarta — are among the top 10 destinations offering travelers the best bang for their buck in 2024.

To escape the summer heat, Phyllis Stoller, president of the Women’s Travel Group , recommends high-altitude destinations like Mexico City or Ixtapan de la Sal, a town near Mexico City with thermal springs.

Avoid European port cities

If you’re considering a visit to a popular European city that’s also a cruise hub, beware. Not only will you be battling the usual summer crowds, you’ll be joined by thousands of day-trippers flooding into the ports — meaning Barcelona, Venice , Athens and Santorini.

Sandra Weinacht, who co-owns the tour company Inside Europe Travel Experiences , says you can avoid some of the madness in these hot spots by staying in neighborhoods away from the typical tourist zones. You can also visit top sites in the late afternoon or evening, after cruise travelers have returned to their ships.

Better yet, wait to visit until the shoulder season

Go to Colorado

Epic hiking, breathtaking nature and more craft beer than you could ever try in a lifetime: The Centennial State is a domestic gem. Ashlee Collins of Inspirato , a luxury travel and lifestyle subscription service, says Vail is popular among members this summer. Not only is the ski resort beautiful sans snow, it’s drivable for many, cutting a significant cost for travelers.

Airfare to Colorado is looking more reasonable than other domestic vacation hubs. Nastro recently spotted a Miami-to-Denver, round-trip fare over the July Fourth holiday for just $199. She says an average round trip from major U.S. cities is running between $173 and $250, but those prices are expected to climb upward of $350 the closer we get to summer.

Avoid places at risk for wildfires

Wildfires have become an unfortunate fixture of summers in the Northern Hemisphere. Last year’s fires in Europe — including those in Cyprus and Greece — were among the worst so far this century, the European Commission reported .

Stoller says fire risk has been a factor in her summer travel planning; she nixed a New England cruise after remembering how bad smoke was last year because of the fires in Canada . “None of us can predict everything, but that would be something I would be aware of,” she said.

Extreme heat is also an issue. Last July, Southern Europe experienced excessively high temperatures from a “heat dome.”

“There’s a concern about heat,” Stoller said. “Last summer was really painful.”

Go to the Caribbean

The Caribbean has its peak tourist season during the winter, when Americans flock to warmer waters. That means summer trips to the region tend to be quieter and cheaper.

“You can go under $300 to pretty much all of the islands: Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Aruba, Dominican Republic,” said Lindsay Schwimer, a consumer travel expert at Hopper . She’s seen similar price point flights to Colombia.

Lindsay of Skyscanner also said Puerto Rico and the Bahamas offer some of the most affordable flights from the United States this summer.

Avoid Paris

Unless you’re going for the Olympics , skip the French capital this summer.

“Paris is always a top destination in the summer, but this summer … it’s going to be on another level,” said Madison Pietrowski, head of U.S. brand at GetYourGuide .

Not only are hotel prices high, “we’re seeing that some of the top attractions like the Louvre have raised their ticket prices,” Pietrowski said.

Nastro says the crowds are going to be “bananas” during the Games, and not just in Paris. Olympic travelers are likely to add on other French destinations to their trip, like Nice — which will host soccer games — or the Côte d’Azur, which already gets popular in the summertime.

Even if you try to get ahead of the rush by visiting before the July 26 start date, you may still have some Olympics-related headaches in the French capital. As the city races to finish prep, “you might find that there’s going to be eyesores and scaffolding and loud noises early in the morning,” Nastro said.

Go to rural Europe

Interest in Western Europe has not slowed down, and Americans are expected to surge back en masse this summer. If you’d like to avoid them, put rural European destinations on your radar.

Weinacht is bullish on Spain’s Rioja region , the Basque countryside and the central Italian region of Umbria, which borders Tuscany but does not see the same levels of tourism. She’s also a fan of Carinthia, the least-populated state of Austria. “It is castle- and lake-dotted, doesn’t get too hot, and oh, the food and stories the cities and villages can tell,” Weinacht said in an email.

Weinacht says she’s been getting more requests from Americans for trips to her homeland, Germany. The country is easy to navigate with its high-speed trains, and offers a mix of small and big cities spread across powerhouse wine regions, UNESCO World Heritage sites and many food festivals . According to Skyscanner, airlines in the United States have been increasing their flights to Germany — namely, Frankfurt, an international business hub — meaning you may be able to find more deals.

Avoid Sicily and Amalfi

If your dream Italian destination has been featured on TV lately, that’s a red flag. The last season of “The White Lotus” spurred an interest in already popular Sicily ; the same is happening to the Amalfi Coast thanks to the new Netflix miniseries “Ripley.”

“They’re really going to be the most expensive and they’re going to be pretty crowded for the summer,” Schwimer said.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights .

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.