A first visit to Tangier often leaves a bittersweet feeling, perhaps because one has cities such as Marrakesh or Fez in mind. Nevertheless, this port city a stone’s throw from Spain has something that captivates visitors, making them return again and again. Artists such as Delacroix, Paul Bowles and Matisse all succumbed to the city’s charms.
If you arrive by ferry, the first image you have will be from the sea, where you can sense the hustle and bustle of the port and the coming and going of boats and goods. From there you can walk to the historic quarter where the life of locals is played out, largely focused on commerce and tourism.
If you only have three or four days in the city, make sure you plan well, as you will need at least two days to explore the essential things to see in Tangier, including its museums, the medina, the souks and, naturally, the quiet beaches. And while you’re at it, you may as well set aside two more days to do some day trips in the surrounding area. Nearby excursions that may be of interest include the Hercules caves and the towns of Asilah and Tetouan. Although you can go alone, the best thing to do is visit as part of a guided tour so you can learn about the history of each of the places.
What to see on a trip to Tangier
If you’re already exploring, you will have noticed the city’s large size. In fact, Tangier is home to around one million people. Nevertheless, the best things to see in Tangier are concentrated in just a few neighbourhoods, which means you can easily explore on foot. Must-visit places include the kasbah, the medina, 9 April 1947 Square, the Great Mosque and the famous Café Hafa. Be careful when walking around at night and avoid empty streets (basic rules in any city).
The kasbah and its museum
One of the most beautiful places in Tangier is the so-called kasbah, the name given to the fortified complex situated on one of the city’s hills. This area in the highest part of the medina, loved by locals and visitors alike, is composed of a higgledy-piggledy maze of narrow streets that are home to small squares, workshops, and one of the best viewpoints above the city walls. In the Kasbah of Tangier not only should you wander around at your leisure but also pinpoint places of interest such as the former Dar-el-Makhzen (or the Sultanate) palace, which dates from the seventeenth century and houses a museum that is well worth a visit. Inside you can admire architecture typical of a palace from the time as well as the archaeological remains of Roman cities such as Volubilis and Moroccan crafts.
The medina
Another essential thing to see in Tangier is the medina. This working-class neighbourhood, which spreads out around 9 April 1947 Square and includes the kasbah, is the city’s historic centre and, as such, is very lively during the day. As with all Arabian urban layouts, the narrow streets do not follow a strict plan, and shops and street vendors are constant features. Take your time to explore it, visiting the bazaars, and, if you like photography, you can take some snaps of one of the prettiest parts of Tangier.
9 April 1947 Square
This historical place is named after the day, in 1947, on which Mohammed V gave a speech on the square in support of Moroccan independence. The large meeting place has different areas with benches, a large marble fountain and palm trees. Be sure to visit the Sidi Bou Abib mosque and both the Grand Socco and the Petit Socco markets. The best way to soak up the square’s atmosphere is by sitting on a bar’s terrace, enjoying a Moroccan mint tea and whiling away the time.
Great Mosque of Tangier
Thanks to its colour and very tall minaret, the Great Mosque of Tangier never goes unnoticed. Ever since it was built in 1684, its appearance and even its worshippers have changed on occasion with the mosque even functioning as a cathedral when the city was under Portuguese rule. After being rebuilt with a new Alaouite aesthetic it resumed as a mosque from the nineteenth century. You can reach the mosque through the Petit Socco. Don’t miss it, because it is one of Tangier’s must-visit places.
Café Hafa
One particular pleasure that you shouldn’t pass up on when in Tangier is visiting the hundred-year-old Café Hafa. Comprising several terraces with magnificent views of the Strait, the café has a bohemian atmosphere, which groups and figures from the world of music and literature have had a hand in creating, such as the Rolling Stones, Juan Goytisolo and Paul Bowles (who lived for much of his life and died in Tangier). Its whitewashed walls, with an arresting touch of indigo, are the perfect backdrop for some fantastic Instagram snaps. Although when it was founded in 1921 it was intended as a local neighbourhood bar in the Marchane district, it soon became one of the most in-demand places among tourists and famous people.
Tangier’s souk
In Tangier you will find hundreds of shops across the whole city, but there are only two main souks, the Grand Socco and Petit Socco. The Grand Socco, which surrounds 9 April 1947 Square, boasts all types of items and stalls selling fresh produce. On certain days local producers even come to sell their goods. In the Petit Socco you will mostly find stalls and workshops selling crafts. Take your time to choose and haggle, an art in which vendors are true specialists. From traditional slippers and rugs to lamps and gold and silverware, you’ll certainly find something you like.
Tangier’s beaches
After a day of shopping or exploring Tangier’s medina, what could be better than enjoying the fine, golden sand of Tangier’s beaches. You don’t have to go far to enjoy a dip in the sea or some sun, since the city has an extensive urban beach running parallel to the seaside promenade. Plus, not only will you be able to enjoy a clean, well-kept beach during the day, but at sunset it is common for locals to head down to the sand, spreading out their blankets and having dinner with their families while listening to the sound of the waves. You can also opt to head to other further-off beaches such as those at Cape Spartel or near the Hercules caves, where it’s not unusual to find yourself alone if you go in the low season. Surprising, right?
Day trips from Tangier
A Tangier city break can be turned into a combined trip that also includes excursions to places just a few hours from the city. What’s more, guided excursions are very convenient and inexpensive and will mean you don’t have to worry about how to get there (road signs are not very good). Some excursions even include food.
Cape Spartel
This is one of the most popular day trips from Tangier. Declared a Nature Reserve, the cape boasts a lighthouse dating from the mid-nineteenth century, built by the architect François Léonce Reynad, who was inspired by the designs of mosques. The lighthouse reaches a height of 30 metres and has a beacon that can be seen up to 23 nautical miles away. In addition to enjoying the surroundings, if you go just before evening you can also enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets above the sea.
Hercules cave
If you are visiting Tangier with your family, a trip to the Hercules caves is a must, since children will be amazed by the stories of myths and heroes. The caves are named after Hercules because, as legend has it, the hero (Heracles in Greek mythology and Hercules in Roman) rested in them after separating the land to create the Strait of Gibraltar and placing a pillar on each continent. A visit to the caves is short and inexpensive (the cost works out at roughly one euro). Despite the fact they are easy to get to, the caves are not suitable for people with mobility problems. Inside you can observe how they were once used as a quarry to extract stone, which has formed an unusual sgraffito effect, while watching the crashing waves.
Chefchaouen
If there is one Moroccan city that people fall in love with at first sight it is Chefchaouen. Its blue and white streets flood the town with a special light that fills visitors with vitality. On a day trip from Tangier you will have just enough time to explore the medina, walk through the kasbah and its gardens, browse the dozens of shops selling crafts, and stop off at the museum. If you’re looking for a rug, you’re in the right place, as here you can find original options at good prices.
Tetouan
With a medina declared a Unesco Heritage Site, the city of Tetouan is a highly-recommended place to visit from Tangier. Just exploring the medina is enough to warrant a day trip. Watching craftspeople working in the doorways of their workshops or shops and exploring the narrow streets lined with green and white houses is a delight. Don’t miss the Jewish Quarter, known as the Mellah, where you’ll find the city’s jewellery shops, and which leads to the Royal Palace, another must-visit. If you have the chance, try to visit when one of its famous festivals is taking place, such as the Mediterranean Film Festival or the Comic Strip Festival.
Asilah
Around 45 kilometres from Tangier is the charming fishing town of Asilah, where time seems to have stood still. The town is the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and get lost amid its streets on your way to the souk or browse in shops selling crafts and antiques. Sooner or later you will end up sat on a stretch of the wall, in front of the sea, or next to the port, watching the fishermen while they mend their rigging far from the crowds. You can sample delicious grilled fish accompanied with a tasty salad at any one of the restaurants. Although Chefchaouen gets all the glory in terms of picturesque spots, Asilah also has its fair share of idyllic places.
Where to stay in Tangier
Very close to the port and the city centre is the Barceló Tangier. Situated in a modern area with views of the bay, this four-star hotel makes a perfect base for discovering the Moroccan city. It boasts 138 rooms equipped with all essential mod cons, perfect for couples, families or even business trips. What’s more, it also has a large swimming pool in case one day you prefer to relax at the hotel and not head to the beach (which is just two minutes away). You can also have a meal or a light bite at its restaurant serving international cuisine, the snack bar or the café. The Barceló Tangier is without a doubt a safe bet for enjoying a city break in Tangier.
