Tangier Travel Guide
Known as Morocco’s St.-Tropez, Tangier is building a huge new port, a green seafront and Africa’s first high-speed train line. Monuments and museums are getting face-lifts, and the streets of both the centuries-old Moorish medina and the colonial-era neighborhoods are sprouting boutique hotels, design shops and Euro-Moroccan restaurants. There’s even an electro festival, Nuits Sonores Tanger, created in 2013 and held in October. Couple those with classic draws — long beaches, artisanal goods, a thriving cafe culture — and Tangier is ripe for a global return. So if you are planning to travel to Tangier and in order to make the most of your Tangier experience, I offer you this helpful guide! So welcome to your ultimate Tangier Travel Guide!
Check out Marrakech Travel Guide as well!!
WHERE TO STAY IN TANGIER
Tangier has a wide range of affordable accommodations, mainly excellent riads and hotels. Make sure you book your first night in advance and don’t listen to people on the street who offer to show you to a hotel.
La Tangerina: A lovingly restored boutique hotel, with 10 unique rooms. Its location is in the Kasbah, one of the most upmarket sections of Tangier, situated on a hill overlooking the rest of the city. Enjoy meals on the rooftop terrace, with traditional Moroccan cuisine available for dinner. Rates start at 45 Euros per night.
Dar Jameel: If you want to stay in the heart of the medina, Dar Jameel is an excellent choice. This boutique hotel offers eight sprawling suites around a central interior courtyard, on five levels. Each room is beautifully decorated with traditional Moroccan furniture and crafts. Breakfast is included in the rate. Room rates start at 48 Euros per night.
WHAT TO SEE IN TANGIER
Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules: One of the most popular locations just outside of Tangier is the beautiful Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. Located just nine miles outside of Tangier, Cap Spartel sits at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, about 1000 feet above sea level. The Caves of Hercules are located below the cape. The history of the beautiful caves is rich with intrigue. At one point, the caves were mined, which expanded them beyond their original size. There are signs that the caves were occupied in Neolithic times, and according to mythology, the Roman God Hercules once slept here. No matter what you believe, their beauty is well-worth the trip to see them!
Cape Malabata is a beautiful cape located six miles east of Tangier. In addition to amazing views across the Strait of Gibraltar, the location features a lovely lighthouse. There is also a medieval-style castle which was built in the early 20th century. If you love lighthouses and a stunning view with great picture-taking potential, Cape Malabata is worth a visit.
The Medina: Tangier’s Medina (old walled city) is a lively place, its alleyways are filled with shops, teahouses, and brothels (it’s a port city after all). Tourist trinkets are plentiful here, 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.
Place de France: The heart of ville nouvelle and the social focal point for the middle classes in Tangier. A good place to sip some tea and enjoy the sea view is the highly recommended Terrasse des Paresseux just east of the Place.
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.
Grand Socco: A 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.
Beaches: The beaches closest to town are rather dirty, as is the water. Find better beaches about 10 km west, out of town.
WHERE TO EAT IN TANGIER
Cafe Hafa
The iconic Cafe Hafa sits on a cliff overlooking the boy. Known for delicious mint tea, it is even more famous as a place where many singers and writers of the early 20th century have spent time. The Beatles and the Rolling Stones are known to have visited, as well as writer William S. Burroughs (among many others.) Although the Cafe Hafa serves decent food (of course), but visitors mostly come for the history and atmosphere. From the 1920’s style decor to the breathtaking views to the general sense of awe at knowing who else has eaten there, the Cafe Hafa is a popular tourist stop. It is recommended that you show up early if you want to make sure you have a place to sit.
Le Saveur Du Poisson
If you love fish and seafood, you should definitely find your way to this wonderful place. The popular restaurant is well-known, so you may have to wait for a table, but you will be treated to a feast that is well worth the wait. There is no menu here – you simply sit back in the homey and relaxed environment and enjoy the meal that the chef has prepared that day. The meal is not only delicious, it is a complete experience – from appetizers to dessert to the fresh homemade juice cocktail. Be sure to bring an appetite!
Ch’Hiwat L’Couple
This popular restaurant features Moroccan and Meditteranean cuisine. Known for amazing traditional food at great prices, the Ch’Hiwat L’Couple offers everything from soup and sandwiches to couscous and tagines. Lots of locals bring their families to eat here, which tells you all you need to know about the quality and authenticity of the food they serve. If you are looking for a restaurant to make you feel right at home, you’ve found it!
Woods
Woods is as known for its atmosphere as for the delicious food. Eat inside or enjoy a meal on the rooftop terrace instead. The menu has many great options for both meat eaters and vegetarians, and the food is fresh and authentic.
Le Cappuccino
The lovely Le Cappuccino is a contemporary cafe that is really popular with tourists, especially during the day. When you have a chance to try their delicious coffee, sandwiches, and amazing muffins and pastries, you will know why. The casual atmosphere is a great place to relax with your family or friends, too. You might need to be patient with service if you stop by when they are busy, but the coffee and treats are well worth the wait!
