At the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Tangier has long been an object of fascination for artists and writers around the world. Between mythical cafés, restaurants and cultural spots, Tangier is a fascinating multifaceted city .
A first visit to Tangier will usually leave you with a mixed impressions, especially when compared to cities like Marrakech or Fez. Yet, this port city, close to Spain, has something mesmerizing, which makes you fall in love with it and makes you want to come back again and again. Artists like Delacroix, Paul Bowles or Matisse all succumbed to the charm of Tangier.
The American writer Paul Bowles called Tangier the «dream city»… Attracted by the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the international 1950’s Tangier, he stayed there for more than 50 years. Your stay in the city will undoubtedly be shorter but you will be seduced by the mosaic of cultures that inspired so many personalities: Kerouac, Beckett and more recently Yves Saint Laurent and Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones.
The city has reinvented itself: from palaces in the medina to new art galleries, the city is still selling dreams. Tangier is above all an exceptional geography, a strategic position between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean that has propelled it to the rank of largest port in Africa. From the heights of the Kasbah, the view dominates the mythical Strait of Gibraltar and let your gaze be lost in the blue of the sea and the ocean. A quiet stroll between past and present.
If you only have 2 days to discover Tangier, you have no time to lose, to make the most of your trip. The city exceptional climate will allow you to visit it at any time of the year this city of more than one million inhabitants, where streets evoke stories of sultans and which, according to Paul Morand, «is the most European city in Africa and the most African in Europe».
To help you, we have prepared a selection of places not to be missed under any circumstances in Tangier which during its period of prosperity, between 1923 and 1960, was recognized as an international city.
The arrival
If you arrive at the airport of Tangier Ibn Battouta, the easiest is the taxi to get to the city center. The official rate is 100 dirhams (10£) between 5:30 am and 10:30 pm and 150 dirhams between 10:30 pm and 5:30 am. But check before with the driver: this may vary depending on the neighborhood and the amount of luggage. Another option, in 2019, Air Arabia launched a shuttle for its passengers, connecting the airport to the city center for 50 dirhams (5£).
Starting june 2024 travelers can enjoy a direct bus connection between Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport and Tangier Railway Station, brand new buses, equipped with air conditioning, free wifi and access for people with reduced mobility, will provide the connection every hour, for a rate set at 40 dirhams (4£).
A departure is scheduled from the airport every hour, with five intermediate stops: Al Hassani Complex, Riyadh Ahlan, Ben Dibane, Moulay Ismail Avenue and Nejma roundabout.
If you arrive by train at Tangier City station, take a small blue and yellow taxi to reach the center, located just 3 kilometers away.
From Europe you can get to Tangier by car! Indeed, the ferry crossing is easy, 2h30 to cross the Strait of Gibraltar. Tangier ferry crossings are operated by Inter Shipping, FRS, Grandi Navi Veloci, La Méridionale, Balearia, Trasmediterranea, Naviera Armas & AML. Depending on the time of year, you will find up to 56 ferry connections per day.
Start your trip
Dar Niaba Museum
Tangier is enriched by a fourth museum space. After the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures, Villa Harris – Museum of Tangier and the Kasbah-space of contemporary art, the Dar Niaba Museum opened its doors in late 2022. In the medina, Dar Niaba in front of the Assayag synagogue, leaning against the J. Serrano church and near the Museum of Judaism «Bait Yahuda». Multicultural place, the museum allows visitors to discover an important part of the diplomatic history of Morocco and the memory of the city of Tangier since the eighteenth century. Documents and objects testifying to historical events since the time of Sultan Slimane are exhibited.
Dar Niaba Museum, 41 rue Siaghine, Tangier. Open Monday to Sunday except Tuesday from 10am to 6pm. 30dhs (3£).
Where to eat
Osky’s
At the head of this bistronomic restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, the Senegalese Oscar Ama Badji, installed in Morocco for more than 20 years and passionate about the culinary art. He offers a refined and creative cuisine including some dishes of Moroccan influence, such as the lamb mouse with Atlas spices or the soft filled amlou, a tasty almond cream and argan oil. You can also enjoy a drink while enjoying tapas.
Osky’s, 41 Resistance Avenue.
Day 1: from the Medina to the Kasbah, between tradition and modernity
Morning
From the lively Place du Grand Socco, enter the medina through the Bab El Fahs gate. Have breakfast at the Café Tingis on the Place du Petit Socco, famous place of Tangier intrigues: pancakes baghrir sprinkled with honey with mint tea! A stone’s throw away, visit Conil, a contemporary art gallery opened in 2017 that exhibits Moroccan artists. The Museum of the American Legation is also worth a visit for its orientalist paintings, its pretty Andalusian patio and its room dedicated to Paul Bowles. Then go lose yourself in the alleys of the medina. With its vaulted passages, decorated doors and blue, white, yellow and purple walls, it invites you to stroll and contemplate.
Lunch break
The restaurant Darna is the ideal place for Moroccan lunch and do a good deed. Run by an association that helps women in difficulty, it has earned a reputation thanks to its excellent couscous and delicious lemon pie. The women’s also make crafts that you can find in their shop.
Afternoon
Have a tea facing the sea at the Hafa café, a mythical place. Founded in 1921 and frequented by many writers, it is today appreciated by the Moroccan youth. Then explore the Casbah: the former palace of the sultan, converted into the Casbah Museum, houses a rich collection of Roman mosaics and ancient maps. The late afternoon lends itself well to a walk along the ramparts. Built by the Portuguese in the 15th century and consolidated by the British and the Alawite sultans, they have just been renovated. Finish your walk on the charming terrace of the guest house Aux Trois Portes. This unusual address looks like a cave of Ali Baba offers a magnificent view of the bay.
Evening
At dinner time, indulge yourself with the refined cuisine of El Morocco Club, a blend of Moroccan and European flavors. From foie gras to couscous, seafood and fresh fruit pastilla, a change of scenery is guaranteed.
Continue the evening with a cocktail at the piano bar of the same place, which welcomes musicians in its cozy atmosphere. Or change your style with a drink at the famous Rif cinema. Opened in 1938, this legendary venue in Tangier enjoyed its heyday in the 1970s before being converted into a Cinémathèque in 2007. A symbol of cultural renewal, it screens Moroccan and foreign art films and essays. A must in Tangier.
Day 2: Trip from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
Morning
Start the day in the chic Malabata district, from where you can admire the entire bay of Tangier. A good idea is to have breakfast facing the sea at Café RR Ice, a popular place for Moroccans. Then jump in a taxi (or walk 3 km) and take a walk on the corniche, completely renovated. Continue to the new marina and its brand new restaurants. You will discover a different side of this city in full metamorphosis. To drink an orange juice while admiring the beach, the Table du Marché is a good option.
lunch break
Go from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic by taxi to Sidi Kacem Beach. The restaurant L’Océan is very nice for lunch. In addition to a beautiful view of the Atlantic, it offers a wide choice of fish and seafood specialties. If you like to walk, you can go to Cap Spartel along the beaches for 9 km and ask a taxi to pick you up. If you prefer the car, negotiate a half-day rate with the taxi to accompany you.
Continue to the caves of Hercules, natural caves that have become a must. Legend has it that Hercules came to rest there during his twelve labors. In the corridors, you will discover multiple openings on the ocean, including a map of Africa. Then go up the beautiful Achakkar beach to arrive at Cap Spartel, the other unmissable place in the region: it is said that it is here that the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet.
Evening
For a sunset that you will remember for a long time, treat yourself to a drink at the bar of the hotel Le Mirage. This luxurious establishment is aptly named: with its exceptional view overlooking the ocean, you will feel like you are in the middle of a dream.
Back in Tangier, if the sea air made you hungry, head to the restaurant Saveurs de Poisson. At a reasonable price, you can choose between different fish grilled on charcoal. Hearty plates and family atmosphere.
Address Book
For TEA
Café Tingis, Place of Petit Socco, Tanger Medina.
Café Hafa, Rue Hafa, Marshan district.
Guest house Aux Trois Portes, 19 rue Sidi Bouknadel.
Café R R Ice, boulevard of Mohammed VI, El Ghandouri.
For Food
Restaurant Darna, rue Jules Cot/place of 9 avril 1947, alley of Blaghis.
El Morocco Club: Place of Tabor, Casbah.
Osky’s,41, avenue of Résistance.
The ocean, Sidi Kacem beach.
Saveurs de poisson, 2, Waller stairs.
La Table du Marché, Marina Bay.
