When it comes to planning a trip, children are naturally the centre of attention. So if you are planning a city break to Tangier with your little ones in tow, now is the time to find out about all the options that this wonderful city with one foot on the Mediterranean and the other on the Atlantic has to offer. Tangier boasts a host of attractions geared towards children. Allow us to help you plan your trip to the White City so that it remains etched in the memories of your children as a fun and exciting experience.
So what could be the first suggestion you make to them? Why not treat them like grown ups and tell them that you’re going to discover the centre of Tangier and walk along streets that have been the scene of wonderful stories, tales and legends? Without a doubt they will love it, since the setting they are about to discover will seem exotic and attractive. Now is the time to tell them about the wonders they are about to contemplate and suggest a competition that consists of finding the most beautiful object from the entire Petit Socco so they can discover everything the hundreds of stalls in this fascinating market have to offer.
You can also tell them about the features of the kasbah, or the walled complex of the old town, and, depending on their age, you could also suggest visiting the Kasbah Museum, the former sultan’s palace, to reveal its countless secrets.
- The kasbah and its museum
- Exploring Petit Socco
- A drink at Café Hafa
- Enjoying Mendoubia Gardens
- Walking along the beach
- Discovering the Hercules caves
- Eating at a typical Moroccan restaurant
- Tips and recommendations
Since there are so many things to do in Tangier that are suitable for children, we are here to help you plan your trip with some options especially geared towards kids, so that the whole family can enjoy this lively gateway city that has attracted renowned names from the worlds of literature, film and art. Here are just a few suggestions:
The kasbah and its museum
A good place to start your city tour with kids is in the old walled city of Tangier, so that they can discover the maze of narrow streets, whose striking brightly-coloured houses will leave them amazed. From the kasbah you can look out onto the whole city as well as the Strait of Gibraltar. You can also show them an opening in the wall through which you can see the old port of Tangier. No doubt you will be able to convince them to visit the Kasbah Museum, especially if you tell them that sultans once lived there and that the courtyard has trees that are over 800 years old.
Exploring Petit Socco
What about suggesting a competition to find the most beautiful item in the Petit Socco market? They can choose various ones and, once you’ve finished your tour, you can all come to an agreement. That way you can keep them entertained and, at the same time, encourage them to enjoy the assorted goods on offer for visitors. You can also tell them about the local produce when you come across the stalls selling vegetables, fruit and other Moroccan food items. They will no doubt notice the djellabas and other garments worn by locals, as well as the henna decoration applied to women’s hands.
A drink at Café Hafa
When it’s time for a break, a good place to stop for a drink with children is this beautiful and legendary establishment, the hundred-year-old Café Hafa. They’ll discover that the Rolling Stones came here, as well as great writers and artists from all over the world. If the weather is good, you can sit out on one of the terraces, which have amazing views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Make the most of your stop-off at the café to have a look at the Phoenician tombs situated next to the café, also overlooking the sea. Children will be left amazed.
Enjoying Mendoubia Gardens
Mendoubia Gardens, situated next to Grand Socco, is another fantastic place in Tangier, which will delight the little ones as well as providing some respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. This large green space is presided over by a huge fig tree which was planted several centuries ago. Be sure to go up to the park’s highest area, where there are 30 old bronze canons open to the public, which children will love to take a closer look at.
Walking along the beach
Tangier boasts beautiful beaches with views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, where you can sunbathe and relax. If you don’t have time to take a dip, enjoying a nice walk along the sand with the kids is highly recommended and something they will definitely love. There are various options, but all of the beaches have a special charm, including the Municipal beach, Malabata beach, Dalia beach and Playa Blanca beach.
Discovering the Hercules caves
One plan that never fails is taking the Tangier tourist bus to Cape Spartel to visit the Hercules caves. Situated just 14 kilometres from the city centre, visiting the caves is one of the most popular day trips for visitors, who can enjoy unforgettable views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Some say that the caves were inhabited during the Neolithic period and that Hercules slept inside them. And there are countless other legends that you can captivate children with.
Eating at a typical Moroccan restaurant
Children will love trying typical Moroccan soup, couscous and traditional pastries at one of Tangier’s restaurants. If they are not used to eating food made with spices, it’s best to let the waiting staff know. Tangier has scores of great restaurants, so here are just a few: Dar Lidam (Rue Dakakine Quartier Jnan Kabtane), which has some of the best views of Tangier’s seaside promenade; Palais Zahia (Rue de la Marine, 72), decorated in typical Arab style and reminiscent of a palace; Riad Al Andalous (Rue de la Kasbah, 12), a highly recommended restaurant with a very varied menu and delicious kebabs; Rif Kebdani (Rue Dar Baroud Medina), a small restaurant decorated with traditional Moroccan objects and furniture where quality is guaranteed; Ahlen (Rue des Postes, 8), which serves delicious kebab skewers and some Spanish food; Al Maimouni (Rue Dar Dbagh Route Dar Baroude), a beautiful restaurant with a terrace in Tangier’s old town serving delicious classic dishes, and Ali Baba (Av. Mohamed VI, 136), situated on the port, where you can sample tasty couscous royale and skewers.
Tips and recommendations
Visiting Tangier with children is a problem-free experience. The city centre is easy to move around and people are very friendly. If you need assistance at any point, they will always be willing to lend a hand – Moroccan people are very hospitable.
In terms of safety, some taxis do not have rear seatbelts or car seats for kids, so you will have to request a special vehicle if you should need them.
It’s also advisable to drink bottled water and always wash fruit and vegetables before eating them to avoid any stomach bugs. Try to avoid eating at street stalls except if they offer cooked food.
Where to sleep in Tangier
The best accommodation option in Tangier, due to its unbeatable location, outstanding service and excellent value for money, is the Barceló Tangier hotel. Situated in the city centre, the most modern, tourist-oriented part of Tangier, it boasts panoramic sea views and is just a two-minute walk from the beach. The hotel has 138 rooms equipped with all mod cons, while dining options include a restaurant serving international cuisine, a snack bar and a café. What’s more, it boasts a large outdoor swimming pool and a pub that usually offers a programme of live music. At the Barceló Tangier you can enjoy the city to the fullest and experience an unforgettable holiday by the sea.
