Tangier, perched on cliffs above the sea and looking out towards the Strait of Gibraltar, is quickly becoming a new hub for tourists and in this post, you will discover the best things to do in Tangier.
It’s not as bustling or party-focused as Marrakech, especially outside of summer, but it has a charm all its own. Just 14 kilometers from Spain, Tangier loves its tapas, churros, and seafood, a nod to its long history of varied cultural influences since the days of the Phoenicians. This city, with its authentic vintage feel and stunning views of the Mediterranean, offers a unique vibe. It’s a place where you can find something different, standing quietly apart from the more familiar tourist paths.
Table of Contents
1. Explore Grand Socco
Visiting Tangier means exploring its heart, and Grand Socco is where the city’s pulse is strongest. This bustling square serves as the gateway to the medina and a vibrant market for fresh fruits and vegetables. Surrounded by palm trees, it’s a favorite spot among locals for a leisurely pause near its fountain. Here, you’ll also find the Rif Cinema, a landmark of Tangier. It’s home to the Cinémathèque de Tangier, a group dedicated to making cinema accessible to everyone in the city.
2. Explore Tangier’s Medina
Exploring Tangier’s medina is like entering a maze of color and life. Wander its alleys to truly experience the city. You’ll find streets painted in vibrant hues: blues, pinks, yellows, greens. The unique architecture and style stand out, decorated with plants that locals adore, creating delightful scenes. It’s not just about the houses; there are countless shops too, some for tourists, others offering delicious food.
3. See Caves Of Hercules
The Caves of Hercules are a must-see. Located about 15km from the city, you might need to take a taxi or hitchhike there, but it’s well worth it. These natural caves offer a stunning view of the ocean, with the sound of water echoing through them. Named after the Greek hero Hercules, who is said to have rested here during his travels, they’re a breathtaking sight not to be missed.
4. Visit Perdicaris Park
If you’re taking a taxi, head for the Rmilat forest, about 6 kilometers from the city center. The story of Ion Perdicaris, a Greek-American millionaire kidnapped in Tangier in 1904, might not ring a bell for many locals. This event was significant enough for Roosevelt to send warships into the bay! Today, people love to explore this 70-hectare area of Mediterranean greenery with friends or family, recognized for its biological and ecological importance. As you wander the trails, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the strait. The forest, filled with cork oaks and umbrella pines, also features Perdicaris’s former summer villa, now converted into an engaging museum showcasing the area’s biodiversity and historical interior designs.
Park is open every day from 7 a.m. Perdicaris Park Interpretation Center except Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Entrance price: €4.5 (€2 from 5 to 18 years old, free for children under 5 years old).
5. Visit Cap Spartel
Morocco’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1864, keeps watch at the spot where the Mediterranean and Atlantic meet. Here, after checking out a newly opened museum, you can climb up 101 steps to the top for an amazing view. There’s a spot with a café/restaurant (no alcohol served) where you can watch the sun dip into the sea.
Cap Spartel , 14 km from Tangier. Every day from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (museum until 8 p.m., minaret until 9 p.m.). Entrance to the site and lighthouse museum: €4.50.
6. VISIT LA KASBAH MUSEUM OF MEDITERRANEAN CULTURES
Dar El Makhzen, a stunning Arab-Andalusian palace from the 17th century, stands out with its courtyard surrounded by columns and its ceiling of carved cedar, featuring an impressive dome. This museum hosts fascinating collections that take you through Tangier’s history from prehistoric times, with items like ancient funerary urns from a nearby Punic-Roman necropolis. Another highlight is the peaceful Andalusian garden next to it, where a café is planned to open, offering a serene spot to relax.
La Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures , Place de la Kasbah. Every day except Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance: €2.40 including the contemporary art museum set up in the old prison.
7. VISIT DAR NIABA
This historic building, once home to the Naïb who connected the authorities with the diplomatic corps in the late 19th century and later served as the French consulate, has been transformed into a museum. It showcases the diverse cultural atmosphere of Tangier around the 20th century. Within its walls, you can explore the works of artists like Antonio Fuentes, who was born in Tangier and followed in the footsteps of Delacroix and Matisse, drawing inspiration from the city. The museum, with its tree-lined courtyard, offers a glimpse into the cosmopolitan life of Tangier during a transformative era.
Dar Niaba Museum , 41 rue Siaghine. Open every day except Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance: €2.70.
8. Discover Librairie des Colonnes
The Librairie des Colonnes in Tangier, Morocco, is not just a bookstore but a historic cultural hub. Opened in 1949, it’s been a gathering spot for famous writers and thinkers, hosting book events and talks. You’ll find books in French, English, Arabic, and Spanish here, covering everything from classic literature to modern reads. The store itself, with its welcoming design and reading nooks, adds to its appeal. It’s not stuck in the past, though; it’s embraced the digital age with online offerings. Importantly, it’s a champion for Moroccan literature, providing a platform for local authors and promoting their work through events and signings, helping Moroccan stories reach wider audiences.
Librairie des Colonnes , 54 bd Pasteur.
9. Visit Galerie Conil
The Conil Gallery tucked away in Tangier’s ancient medina near Petit Socco since its opening in 2012, feels like discovering a treasure chest. It’s like stepping into a magical world filled with wonders, where artists from both sides of the Mediterranean showcase their work. These creators, including painters and sculptors, dive deep into their cultures and identities, weaving stories meant to bring people together and spark conversations.
You’ll find their stunning works spread out over three distinct spots within the medina, each piece vibrant in history, and bursting with imagination. It’s a warm, inviting place, much like its owners, Intha and Olivier Conil. They’re always ready to pull you into their colorful, fascinating universe, where art bridges gaps and opens doors to new worlds.
Conil Gallery , 7 Rue du Palmier.
10. Enjoy a Meal At Nono Sea Taste
Nono is the brainchild of the young chef Nora Larini, a recent addition to the Tangier corniche, taking over the spot of the old family café/restaurant. What remains unchanged is the stunning view of the Mediterranean and the Bay of Tangier, visible through the expansive windows. The venue has a sleek, modern feel, becoming livelier in the evenings. It draws a diverse crowd, much like its eclectic menu that features both seafood and meats prepared in a charcoal oven using Argentinian coal, alongside sushi and tapas meant for sharing. Expect to spend around 25 euros per dish.
Nono Sea Taste , Bahia Al Azhar Complex, block 3. Every day for lunch and dinner except Monday.
11. Relax At The Beach
Before you leave Tangier, make sure to visit the bustling city beach. It’s a large and lovely spot with soft, white sand perfect for a leisurely walk. Along the way, you’ll come close to the Corniche Gardens, a beautiful green space with play areas.
Take a moment to dip your toes in! Here, you can experience the unique feeling of standing in waters that are part sea, part ocean. You might also spot camels on the beach, patiently waiting for a stroll. Don’t worry—their owners are usually nearby, ready to offer you a memorable camel ride for a small fee.
12. Visit Le Salon Bleu
The Salon Bleu, stands out even among the numerous rooftop terraces for its unbeatable mint tea break priced at €1.8, accompanied by affordably priced Moroccan pastries at €2.7 for four. Additionally, it offers a panoramic view. For lunch, it serves fresh kemias, which are small dishes perfect for sharing, at €10 for seven.
Salon Bleu , Place de la Kasbah.
