Things to do in Tangier Morocco

Tangier is a Moroccan port city with a rich history as a result of its mix of cultures and civilisations. Due to its strategic geographical location, the city has been occupied by different empires that have left their mark. Today, Tangier has been transformed into a modern city, faithful to Moroccan traditions but with a strong European influence. The city is also a very popular tourist destination, so we have prepared this post where we tell you all about what things to do in Tangier.

Below you can read about Tangier’s souk, its colourful neighbourhoods and many other points of interest such as the Cave of Hercules, or the Tomb of Ibn Batutta. We have also prepared a list of the best beaches in the area and many other travel tips that will be of great help to you. Are you ready to embark on your trip? Then start packing your suitcase and let’s go.

As you may know, Passporter helps you create your travel itineraries quickly and easily. You can also draw inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most and add them to your route.

What are the best things to do in Tangier?

1. Kasbah, the district to see in Tangier

If there is something peculiar about Tangier, it is its old quarter, also known as the Kasbah. The neighbourhood is built inside a walled fortress dating from medieval times and from where the views are breathtaking. In this area, as well as finding a network of narrow white and blue streets and numerous charming corners, you can get close to some of the best viewpoints in North Africa. From there, the views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic will leave you speechless.

2. Museum of the Kasbah

This museum is located in the former Governor’s Palace known as Dar al-Makhzen or Dar al-Sultan. According to the Muslim calendar, it was built in 1737-1738 AD by Ahmed ben Ali ben Abd Allah al-Rifi during the reign of Moulay Isma’il.

This building served as the sultan’s residence, court and prison of the city. Today, it is a museum that houses objects and works of art from different periods. It is also worth a visit for the architectural value of the building alone, which contains an open-air central courtyard, six marble columns and several rooms crowned with carved and painted wooden domes.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is 20 dirhams for adults and 10 dirhams for children.

3. The Medina and the Souk, the neighbourhood to see in Tangier

The medina is the most authentic place to see in Tangier, a network of streets where visitors can immerse themselves in Moroccan culture and visit the traditional souks where spices, carpets, souvenirs and handicrafts are sold. You can also find small grocery shops, bakeries and craftsmen’s workshops.

The medina is dotted with charming squares and hidden corners where tourists can sample delicious Moroccan cuisine in local restaurants. It is definitely a place not to be missed.

4. The tomb of Ibn Batutta

The tomb of Ibn Battuta is the final resting place of the famous traveller and explorer Ibn Battuta. Born in Tangier in 1304, Ibn Battuta is known for his extensive travels throughout the Islamic world and beyond during the 14th century. It is estimated that he travelled more than 120,000 kilometres, visiting places such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

The tomb, housed in a mausoleum, has become an important pilgrimage site for those interested in history. It is not possible to enter, but there is an inscription on the door where you can read about the place.

The tomb is in the Medina, but it is not easy to find. We recommend you use Google Maps or ask a guide to take you there.

5. The Great Mosque

The Tangier Mosque, also known as “The Great Mosque”, is a jewel of Moroccan architecture that stands out for its impressive octagonal minaret and its complex tile and stucco decorations. The interior courtyard and the prayer hall are also striking.

The mosque has been an important spiritual and cultural centre over the centuries, attracting devotees and admirers of architecture from all over the world. Unfortunately, however, access is forbidden to non-Muslims, so if you don’t practise the religion, you’ll have to make do with admiring it from the outside.

Admission fee: free of charge.

Visiting and prayer hours for Muslims: daily from 6am to 6.45am, 1pm to 2.30pm, 4pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

6. The best beaches to see in Tangier

In Tangier there are numerous beaches where you can sunbathe or practice water sports. Here is a selection of some of the best.

• The municipal beach: this beach is located near the port of Tangier, and besides being one of the most beautiful, it has many water activities to offer. The sea is warm and calm, perfect for a refreshing swim.
• Malabata beach: it is also called Casino beach because it is close to Tangier’s Casino hotel. It is surrounded by artificial reefs and is very easy to reach due to its proximity to the city. There are many bars and restaurants in the surrounding area.
• Markala beach: This is a small and intimate beach surrounded by cliffs, which means that access is not easy. It is a popular snorkelling destination.
• Estrecho beach: it is a wild cove near Cape Malabata. Its access is complicated and it is not well signposted.
• Playa de la Alcazaba: it is located at the mouth of the Alcázar river, and has very little waves and very clean waters. It can be accessed from the Ceuta-Tangier road.
• Sidi Kacem beach: it is the closest beach to the Caves of Hercules, perfect to complete the day after the visit.

What to see around Tangier?

1. Caves of Hercules

The Caves of Hercules are natural grottoes created by sea and wind erosion. The interior is impressive, with an opening in the ceiling that allows natural light to enter and offers panoramic views of the ocean. The cave has been known since Phoenician times, when myths began to be created about it.

They are located on the cliffs of Cape Spartel, 14 kilometres from the city, which can be reached by car in 20 minutes, or by public transport for around 10 dirhams in 1.5 hours. In town, you can also join an organised excursion with transport and guide included.

The cave is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm and admission is free. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended.

Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic and the Mediterranean meet

A 25-minute drive from Tangier takes you to Cape Spartel, the westernmost point of the country and a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the sea at an altitude of 305 metres.

Cape Spartel is known for its natural beauty, steep cliffs and stunning seascapes. It is also a popular destination for bird lovers as it is an important migration point for many species.

Where to stay if you travel to Tangier, Morocco?

The best place to stay in Tangier to get the full experience is in the Medina. There you’ll find cheap and charming riads. However, there are many other options in the city to suit all tastes and budgets, such as the ones we’ll tell you about below:

• Dar Nour Bed and Breakfast: it is a 30-minute walk from the centre of Tangier and was the first guesthouse located in the Old Medina neighbourhood. The price is usually around €80.
• Palais Zahia: located in the city centre, this riad is a restored traditional Moroccan palace. The rooms are luxurious, and the price is around €80.
• Maram Hotel: very cheap accommodation located in the old part of the city, along the boulevard that leads to the beaches. The price is around €30 per night.
• Hotel Continental: is in the centre of the Medina, 5 minutes from the port, and has a good view of the sea. And despite the fact that the building was declared a national heritage site, it is quite cheap, and you can stay from €35 a night.

Where to eat if you’re going on holiday to Tangier?

In Tangier you’ll find both traditional Moroccan and international restaurants. However, our recommendation is to immerse yourself in the local traditions and enjoy dishes such as tajine, couscous, pastela or the incredible dried fruit sweets. Here are some of our favourite restaurants in the city:

• Morocco Club: This restaurant can be found in the Medina area of Tangier near the Kasbah has international cuisine as well as being a good place to have a few cocktails and a good atmosphere. Price from 15 to €50.
• Restaurant Rif Kebdani: Offers healthy Moroccan food, we find it in the Kasbah area. Price from €2 to €12.
• La Villa Ô Saveur: Located north of Tangier, it is a restaurant where they fuse Moroccan cuisine with French cuisine. Price from €30 to €45.
• Le Salon Bleu: You can find it next to the Kasbah Museum, it has nice facilities and the terrace of the restaurant is beautiful overlooking the sea. Price from 4 to €20.
• Las chicas: We can find it in the Kasbah area, it is very nice and offers typical Moroccan food. Price from 6 to 12 euros.
• Restaurant Hammadi: It is one of the most famous for offering African Moroccan food, we can also find it in the area of the Kasbah. Price to consult on the menu.

How to get to Tangier?

Tangier is the closest city to Spain, so if you are travelling from mainland Spain, you will find it easy to get there. Here are all the alternatives available:

• Plane: you can fly directly to Tangier-Ibn Battuta International Airport (TNG) from several European cities and other major cities in Morocco. It is the fastest option (1.5 hours from Madrid) and even cheaper if you look in advance.
• Ferry: you can take a ferry from several ports in Spain (such as Algeciras, Tarifa or Barcelona) to the port of Tangier-Med. The trip takes 2.5 hours from southern Spain and costs around €40.
• Train: If you are in Morocco, you can take a train from major cities such as Rabat or Casablanca.
• Bus: There are also bus services from Moroccan cities and from Spain to Tangier.
• Car: If you prefer to travel in your own car, you can cross the strait by ferry for around €150. Remember that you need to validate your insurance to be able to drive in the country.

What to see in Tangier in 1 day?

Tangier is a very large city with a lot to offer. That means one day is not enough to see it all. Therefore, it is usually recommended to spend at least 3 days to see the Medina, the Kasbah, the souks and the surrounding points of interest such as the Caves of Hercules, Cape Spartel and the beaches.

If you are a history lover, you can’t miss the Kasbah museum, the Cervantes theatre, the Des Colonnes bookshop, the Cinema Rif and the tomb of the famous explorer Ibn Batutta. Luckily, with Passporter you can organise your travel itinerary and make the most of your stay.

Tips for your trip to Tangier Morocco

• Carry cash, not all shops have credit card facilities.
• The currency in Tangier is the Dirhams.
• Bring your money in advance, currency exchanges at airports are very expensive.
• Take out travel insurance to cover possible medical expenses, as we are still suffering from the effects of Covid-19.
• Respect and take care of the natural passages you will be visiting.
• Wear good sports shoes if you intend to see a lot of things so you don’t get tired.
• Be aware of the weather and carry mosquito repellent.
• Find out in advance about any vaccinations you may need for your trip.

How to organise your trip to Tangier Morocco

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the stops that interest you most, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can take inspiration from the routes we present in the post)
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need, and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travellers what to see in Tangier.

If you have any doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Tangier