The 8 things to do in Tangier

Considered as one of Morocco’s largest cultural cities, Tangier is nevertheless unrecognized or even slapped. Learn how to visit Tangier to discover its secrets!

Tangier a very lively city, located at the entrance of the Strait of Gibraltar. Its geographical location has made it a large international port. It is a strategic point between Africa and Europe since the 12th century...before our era, that is, at the time of the Phoenicians (-1200 to -300 BC). The city currently occupies a good third of the Moroccan peninsula forming the Strait of Gibraltar. Over the centuries, Tangier has spread, it has expanded.

Today, it is a cosmopolitan cultural centre that has kept its Moroccan identity, while welcoming others with open arms. Its inhabitants have a heart on their hand and are as warm as their country. It is a real gold mine, in terms of discoveries, but also in terms of artistic, natural or architectural wealth. We have selected the 9 essential things to do in Tangier, for a successful and authentic stay.

1. The Great Socco

Who says to visit Tangier, says to visit his center. The Grand Socco is undoubtedly one of the most animated parts of Tangier. In fact, this is the main access to medina and the fresh fruit and vegetables market. With palm trees, this large square is very appreciated by the premises that come easily to rest near the fountain.

We can see the Rif Cinema, the city's emblematic building. It houses the Cinémathèque de Tanger (CDT), an association promoting the democratization of cinema in Tangier.

2. Cape Spartel

It is unthinkable to make Tangier without going to Cape Spartel, which corresponds little to our Finistère in Brittany. This is the western tip of the peninsula on which Tangier is located. You will discover a lighthouse, which seems to monitor the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. It is said that it is at his feet that both meet.

This lighthouse, inaugurated in 1864, was the first in Morocco. You will find it in many representations (sightseeing events in particular). And for cause, this is one of the icons of the city of Tangier. Cap Spartel is located about 15 kilometers from the city, accessible by taxi for about 15 euros (150 dirhams).

3. The medina of Tangier

Who has never dreamed of entering a medina and being guided by his alleys until he lost the north? It is an extraordinary way to visit Tangier: explore it and learn to know it. The narrow, but inhabited alleys will show you all the colors: blue, pink, yellow, green... The medina has its own architecture and style. People like plants and it's seen. Some push their decoration to the maximum, for our greatest pleasure. But the medina is not just houses, there are also lots of shops, tourists or food.

With a little luck, you can meet a person, often a man, who will offer you a guided tour of the medina. Attention, this says, because at the end of his “visit”, this one will ask you compensation. This is where you will need to apply your negotiating talent. Because even if any work deserves wages, these “local guides” sometimes require a lot of money, often to the most vulnerable tourists.

4. Local gastronomy

Sweet

For a gourmet and typical break, we can only advise you Moroccan pastries. Chocolate, honey, cinnamon or orange blossom, they take different forms. As delicious as well as famous, Moroccan pastries are a real institution in Tangier, there are shops everywhere!

Change your vision of the world zlabia, chebakia, ghribia or gazelle horn! And to accompany this greed, choose the lightness of a fresh orange juice. Everywhere in the city, especially in the center, vendors will stop using fresh juice, prepared minute! It is not for nothing but a fruit, the cross of an orange and a tangerine, bears the name of the city: tangerine. Today, Morocco participates only 2% in the world’s production of tangerine, largely outdated by China (47%).

Salted

This is a must-have step when you visit Morocco: taste its cuisine! Indeed, Moroccan cuisine is one of the most important things to discover when it comes to visiting Tangier. So scented, comforting and delicious, this South gastronomy will delight the most gourmet. You can stop in one of the many restaurants tangerois. They serve couscous, tajines, chicken pastillas and other keftas to fall down!

But also, you have the opportunity to buy some local specialties to a street merchant. For example, The bat , which is not the bread of Batman, but a flat bread made of wheat seed. Otherwise, discover The baghrir, says “thousand holes crêpe”, very flexible and light, to season in salt or sweet, depending on the desires.

5. La Grotte d’Hercule

Probably the equivalent of our Eiffel Tower, The Hercules Caves are one of the main emblems of the city of Tangier. To access it, you will have to take the taxi or stop option, as they are about 15km from the city centre. However, the game is worth the candle.

It is natural caves, with an opening on the breathtaking ocean. The water sometimes groans and resonates in the entire cavity. She holds her name from the hero of Greek mythology who, after a long journey, would have taken the time to rest in this place...

6. The municipal beach

How to make Tangier without going to the municipal beach, a very busy sum. She's also very tall. It is a very beautiful beach, fine and white sand. If you walk it in its width, you will pass not far from the Gardens of the Corniche, a green space with games.

Also, take a moment and dip your feet! You can say you put your feet in a half-ocean water, half-sea! On the beach, it is not uncommon to see camels waiting for us to take care of them. Don’t worry, their owner is not far away, ready to offer you a walk, with a few dirhams.

7. The Perdicari Park

On the road that leads to Cape Spartel from Tangier, there is a bracket of greenery: the Perdicaris Park. Facing the Strait, this park covers 67 hectares. Marked routes will allow you to discover this unspoilt space quietly. It is a true botanical garden, rich with a varied flora and fauna. The park forest houses many species of trees, such as acacias, laurels, and local pines.

In fact, migratory birds use this forest as a dormitory during their large expeditions. It is a place that you are recommended to visit if you want to spend a moment close to nature. Like a pause, near a city as agitated as Tangier.

8. Tea in a big coffee

Obviously, it is not from Morocco without the iconic mint tea! And that, the taneros know. Tea is there a real institution, as in most Arab countries. And for our greatest happiness.

In fact, savouring a cup of hot tea, at the terrace of a café in Tangier, it’s like once again embracing in culture. The city centre of Tangier has some very well-known historic cafés, such as the iconic El-Hafa Café, opened since 1921. Guests of brands stopped there, like the Beatles or the Rolling Stones (nothing!).

Take the time to visit Tangier also through its cafes, which often offer pastries to accompany the hot drink. To crown everything, the property overlooks the sea... An ideal place to relax.

How to get to Tangier?

By plane

The easiest way to get to Tangier is, of course, the plane. This is what is more direct and practical. Direct lines have recently opened since the French provinces especially since Nantes. Our partner Ulysses you will find the best flights at the best prices.

To reach the city, nothing simpler than the taxi. Prices are affordable and taxis installed in front of the airport gates. Beware of the night rates, sometimes exaggerated, and make sure to properly validate the rate charged with the driver before going into the vehicle. This is valid from day to night.

By car and ferry

The most courageous and patient of you can rent a car and take the road. From the highway passing through Bayonne, or from Perpignan, you will cross Spain.

Then you will arrive in Gibraltar to take the ferry to the port of Tanger Med. A real journey that involves a lot of driving hours, according to your starting city. Of course, if you live in Lille, it can be a way to visit France, Spain and Tangier!

Where to stay in Tangier?

Loging to Tangier is actually very easy. There are many hotels, riads and rooms and apartments available in AirBnB . Tangier’s advantage is that it’s a very human-sized city. Indeed, it is fast and easy to move there.

For an authentic experience, we recommend the riad. More expensive than a simple downtown hotel, the riad offers a real life experience in Morocco. These are very well maintained, well decorated and very often half boarded places. Prices oscillate between 55 € and more than 110 € per night.

In terms of hotels, Tangier is not in the rest. You can find luxurious hotels in the centre, or modestly remote. Or the opposite. There's everything. Discover the different offers on a hotel comparison .

Note that if you stay there, Tangier is a city full of minarets, that the muezzins occupy at some hours of the day, and sometimes at night, for the call to prayer. When you’re not accustomed, it surprises, but it’s amazing to live.