What to see in Tangiers in a day
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Nature, culture, beaches, gastronomy… Tangiers is one of the major gateways to the Mediterranean, a mecca for great painters, writers, bohemians and decadent types who sought refuge in this city that granted them the light and peace they needed. It is a very special place that offers a wealth of possibilities. If you only have one day to enjoy Tangiers, you want to make the most of your time and seek out the places you really wouldn’t like to miss in this frontier city. Of course, its enviable climate means you can visit at any time of the year. Wonderful surprises lie in store if you are looking for special experiences in this eternal, happy destination. So prepare to get the best from your visit. We help you to organise your day with this selection of ideas:
Itinerary day 1
15:30 – 16:30
Mendubia Gardens
There can be no better place to relax than the beautiful, incredible Mendubia Gardens! This green space exudes peacefulness and tranquility, and is dominated by a great fig tree which is said to be over 800 years old. At the park’s highest point, over 30 bronze cannons are on display to the public.
9:00 - 11:00
The Kasbah and its museum
Start your visit to Tangiers with a quiet stroll in the labyrinth of narrow streets that make up the Kasbah (or walled enclosure of the historic quarter), where you will discover picturesque scenes and houses painted in bright colours — all worthy of being immortalised with your camera. From the Kasbah, you can get views of the entire city, and admire the finest panoramic vistas of the Strait of Gibraltar. In addition, from one of the gaps in the city walls, you can glimpse the old port of Tangiers. Tangiers’ Kasbah Museum (in Kasbah Square) is perhaps one of the city’s most important public monuments. It occupies the site of the former Government Palace, or Dar el-Makhzen, and is located within the fortified citadel of the medina, or Kasbah. It is, in short, the sultan’s palace, and its walls hold many secrets, both of the bedroom variety and of others. The last sultan to reside in the palace was Moulay Hafid, who remained there until 1912. You need to look carefully at the hand-carved cupola, which dates from the early eighteenth century, and which still retains part of its original paint. Another highlight is the Andalusian-style garden, where some of the trees are over eight hundred years old.
11:30 – 13:00
Grand Socco and Petit Socco
The Petit Socco, or Zoco Chico, is thus named because it is much smaller than the Grand Socco (or Gran Zoco) — although both are situated within the Tangier Medina. Both souks offer an endless array of shops and stalls, offering an assortment of goods, mainly craft items and gifts: traditional footwear, wallets, clothing, spices, bags, etc. You will also find stalls selling fruit, vegetables and other everyday foods, allowing you a glimpse into the daily life of the local people. Enjoy a delicious mint tea in one of the bars around the Grand Socco and the Petit Socco.
13:00 – 13:30
Great Mosque of Tangiers
The minaret of Tangiers’ Great Mosque can be seen from everywhere in the city, so it is very easy to find this historic and beautiful place of worship which forms part of the city’s skyline. Originally constructed as a mosque in 1684, it was rebuilt as the Holy Spirit Cathedral during the period of Portuguese rule. The building’s present façade dates from the nineteenth century, and is green (symbolising paradise) and white. The Mosque stands near the viewing point overlooking the port, and affords fantastic views of the Bay of Tangiers and the old port.
13:30 – 15:00
Café Hafa
Now it’s time for a break, and what could be better than lunch at Tangiers’ legendary Café Hafa, which has just celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of its opening. Open since 1921, this is one of the places you really should not miss, because here you’ll be following in the footsteps of famous customers including the Rolling Stones, Paul Bowles, Bernard-Henry Lévy, and Juan Goytisolo. Café Hafa comprises several terraces overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, with Europa Point as its backdrop. It is an unpretentious establishment, with white and indigo blue walls, tile-top tables and painted earthenware flowerpots. Not what it was, but still an emblem of Tangiers.
17:00 – 18:00
9 April 1947 Square
Just minutes away from the Mendubia Gardens, and very close to Tangiers’ Medina, lies this vibrant square, along with the Grand Socco, which is almost an extension of the square. The Moroccan capital’s main business hub, this is a good place to get a feeling for the city. The 9 April 1947 Square is edged with palm trees, and takes its name from the date when King Mohammed V visited the city to announce Morocco’s independence. This famous square has attractive terraces and restaurants that invite visitors to sit and enjoy a tea or a snack; it is also home to the old Rif cinema and the Red Mosque.
18:30 – 19:30
Dar Niaba
Quite possibly the oldest building in Tangiers’ Medina. The famed Dar Niaba was the first residence of the Sultan Mendub’s ambassador, and was also at one time the French Consulate office. The Renaissance-style building has an imposing main door, and a two-storey interior courtyard embellished with carvings of flowers and plants.
19:30 – 20:30
Municipal Beach
Now it’s time to relax and enjoy the views of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean afforded by Tangiers’ coastline. The city’s superb beaches tempt visitors to relax and soak up the sun. Even if there’s not enough time for a swim, we can still enjoy a stroll and the beautiful setting. We could go to the lovely, peaceful Plage Municipale [Municipal Beach], and possibly to Plage Malabata or Playa Blanca. Each has its own special charm.
20: 30 – 22:00
Dinner at El Morocco Club
At no. 1 Kashla Kasbah, El Morocco Club is a highly prestigious restaurant where you can enjoy mouthwatering Moroccan cuisine with a contemporary twist. It is well worth treating yourself at the end of your day in Tangiers — and without having to leave the Medina. You may like to try the delicious cous-cous, the octopus, or the desserts —all very tempting. A very welcoming establishment, with live music on occasion.