Tangier, a city bathed in light, is nestled between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Known as the Dream City, its charm is timeless—from the historic cafes to the streets rich with history.
The journey through Tangier is like traveling through time. Start in the famous Marshan district, wander the streets of its Kasbah, and explore the iconic sites and legendary cafes. Below you will discover the perfect 2 days in Tangier itinerary!
Table of Contents
DAY 1: FROM THE MEDINA TO THE KASBAH
LIVELY MORNING
- Start your day in the lively Grand Socco , known to have been a meeting place for locals, and have breakfast at Café Tinjis . On the menu are delicious baghrir pancakes drizzled with honey, and mint tea!
- Then enter the medina through the Bab El Fahs gate. In the winding streets and among the homes of Tangier, every corner holds the echoes of a remarkable past. Make sure to stop at the almond nougat seller’s small shop. This recipe passed down from generation to generation, has gained fame far beyond the city’s borders. Despite its widespread popularity, the shop has maintained its humble charm.
- Not far from there, the Gran Teatro Cervantes , inaugurated in 1913 by the Spanish, still attests to the past cultural wealth of Tangier. Also, remember to stop at the Conil Contemporary Art Galery. Open since 2017, it exhibits incredible Moroccan artists. Many other treasures are waiting to be discovered throughout this walk.
- For your lunch break, the Darna Restaurant is the ideal place to have a Moroccan lunch. Run by the association helping women in difficulty, it has carved out a good reputation thanks to its excellent couscous and its delicious lemon tart (starter + daily special 60 MAD, drink 10 MAD, and dessert 12 MAD). The income generated makes it possible to support the beneficiaries.
- The American Legation Museum is also worth a visit for its orientalist paintings, its pretty Andalusian patio, and its room dedicated to Paul Bowles.
RELAXED AFTERNOON
- Have a lunch at Cafe Hafa. Built in the 1920s, this legendary place clinging to a cliff with sea views has attracted the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Sean Connery, and more. With a little luck, you will come across a poet, a painter, or a writer there.
- Then enter the alleys of the Kasbah with its arched passages and pretty decorated doors.
- Recently inaugurated, the museum Ibn Battuta Museum represents the heritage of the memory of the most famous traveler, Ibn Battuta.
- In a quaint café Al Amana Mini Coffee, next to the Museum, you’ll find mismatched tables and stools arranged in front of windows with blue shutters. Styled like a traditional Moroccan living room, this cozy spot invites you to relax with a cup of mint tea. As you sip, enjoy the melodious tunes of Arab-Andalusian music filling the air, blending perfectly with the intimate ambiance.
- Finally, a short walk along the ramparts will take you towards Saba’s House, one of the most beautiful guest houses in the medina. Opened in 2019, this luxury riad boutique offers rooms and suites inspired by Ibn Battuta, Mick Jagger, and Elizabeth Taylor. Its restaurant and superb terrace offer a 360° view of the entire Strait of Gibraltar.
AN EVENING IN OLD TANGIER
- At dinner time, reserve your table at the El Morocco Club restaurant. From foie gras to seafood couscous, your taste buds will be delighted. Continue your evening in the cozy atmosphere of its piano bar or
- Change the style by sipping a drink in the famous Cinema Rif , now Cinematheque Tanger, opened in 1938.
DAY 2: FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN TO THE ATLANTIC
MORNING CULTURE
- Start your day with a short walk around the former residence of Walter Harris Thomson, recently transformed into the public Villa Harris Garden.
- A good idea would be to have breakfast at Cafe Kandisky , a popular place with great food and vibes.
- To immerse yourself in the local culture, it is worth stopping at La Librairie des Colonnes . Located on the famous Boulevard Pasteur, it has stood there since 1949. This place remains a cornerstone of heritage and knowledge, historically serving as a meeting hub for the educated and the intellectual elite of its time.
- Not far from there, head for a coffee at Les Insolites . Founded in 2010 by Stéphanie Gaou, this venue is more than just a bookstore. It not only offers a selection of reference works but also regularly hosts art exhibitions and significant cultural events, making it a vibrant hub for art and literature enthusiasts.
- Continue to the new Tanja Marina Bay and its brand-new cool restaurants.
AFTERNOON ON THE OCEAN SIDE
- If you want to enjoy lunch with the majestic view of the Atlantic Ocean, check out the L’Océan restaurant. It offers not just a stunning ocean view but also a great variety of fish and seafood dishes.
- Then continue towards the Caves of Hercules , legend has it that the giant, through his strength, separated the two continents.
- Then go up the beautiful Achakkar Beach to arrive at Cap Spartel . It is where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic.
EVENING GOLDEN HOUR
- For a truly memorable sunset, make your way to the heart of the Mershan district to Villa Mabrouka. This historic home, once owned by the famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and recently renovated by designer Jasper Conran, offers one of Tangier’s most stunning views along with delicious food.
- For another refined experience, consider tea time at La Villa Joséphine.
EVENING – DINNER TIME
- Back in Tangier, if the sea air has stirred your appetite, you can choose between La Muralla and Nono Sea Taste for a taste of elaborate and creative gastronomy.
- If you’re seeking a culinary experience deeply rooted in Tangier’s traditions, don’t miss El Dorado. It’s a favorite spot that was often frequented by the famous writer Mohamed Choukri, making it a must-visit for both its historical significance and its authentic local flavors.
