Tangier sits right on the edge of Africa, gazing across the Strait of Gibraltar towards Europe. As the gateway to Morocco from Europe, there is no shortage of things to do in Tangier, a stunning coastal city and my favorite place in the country. Tangier is strikingly different from the rest of Morocco, especially as you travel further south. The north has a laid back vibe with cool people and a lot to explore.
Tangier Skyline
Between 1923 and 1956, it became an international zone - basically a place where the usual rules didn’t quite apply. During its heyday, Tangier became this wild cultural mash-up that drew everyone from Paul Bowles and William Burroughs to the Rolling Stones. These days, those wild bohemian days are long gone, but Tangier still has that air of mystery.
In this guide, learn how to plan a day trip to Tangier, Morocco, from Tarifa, Spain. For those who plan a Tangier day trip from Spain, Tarifa is the gateway city with its abundance of ferry sailings throughout the day. Planning a day trip from Tarifa to Tangier is very easy to do, as you’ll see in this guide. Ferries run throughout the day, making it fast and simple to get to Tangier. Tangier is very safe to visit, has a few key sights, and can be explored independently or with a guide. Tangier is sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, on the northern coast of Morocco.
Getting to Tangier
The best way to get to Tangier from Tarifa is to take the ferry. There is a ferry port in Tarifa, with multiple ferries traveling between Tarifa and the port in Tangier (Tangier Ville) every day. This crossing typically takes about one hour. It is also important to know that there is a ferry port in Algeciras, Spain with ferries running to Tanger Med (crossings take 1 hour 30 minutes and is good for both foot passengers and those with a vehicle) and Puerto de Ceuta (ferry crossings take about one hour).
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We recommend booking your ferry tickets several days in advance. Ferries leave Tarifa about every 2 hours. We purchased our ferry tickets several days in advance. There was an online check-in window between 2 to 48 hours before departure time, but double check this when you make your reservation as this could change. The ferries are large and everyone has to go through airport style security, so this allows for plenty of time to get through security and passport checks.
We arrived at 7:30 am and checked in at the desk. We ended up sitting around until 8:30 am (bring a book or download a movie onto your phone), when boarding began. Once on board the ferry, get in line for the Moroccan passport control. Your passport needs to be stamped on board the ferry before you disembark into Morocco. Our ferry left late, leaving Tarifa at 9:15 am and getting to Tangier at 9:15 am.
There is a one hour time change between Spain and Morocco (from late March to late October, when Spain observes Daylight Savings Time). The ferry takes one hour and Tangier is one hour behind Tarifa. So, a ferry leaving Tarifa at 9:00 am will arrive in Tangier at 9:00 am. And a ferry leaving Tangier at 4 pm will arrive in Tarifa at 6 pm.
Top Things to Do in Tangier
Now that you made it Tangier, what can you do? Four to six hours is all the time you need to visit the highlights of Tangier. It is possible to spend the night in Tangier, for those who want to spend more time here. Our one day Tangier itinerary only includes sights that are easy to get to in town.
1. Explore the Medina
Like most Moroccan cities, exploring the medina tops the list of the best things to do in Tangier. Filled with white washed buildings covered in exotic flowers and crisp greenery, the old city boasts ocean views and plenty of small streets to get lost in. The entire area is enclosed with towering 15th century ramparts on every side, with city gates giving access to different parts of the medina. Shop for local handicrafts from the abundant artisans, have a coffee in one of the many squares or find a rooftop to soak in the sights.
Read also: Discover Essaouira, Morocco
An unmissable spot to visit in every Moroccan city is the medina. Tangier isn’t a big city, but there’s a lot to discover in its dense maze of streets.
2. Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is pretty much Tangier’s Times Square - it’s a massive gathering place for locals with heaps of cafes, restaurants, and the famous Cinema Rif. It’s also known as 9 April 1947 Square (the date Mohammed V reunified the Kingdom of Morocco), and this is where you want to head to catch a taxi from the Medina. In terms of things to do, the Grand Socco is a wonderful place to have lunch. Grab roast chicken and fries from one of the vendors, and people watch to your heart's content.
Grand Socco
Insider Tip: The Grand Socco is widely considered to be the entrance of the medina. I really recommend arriving at this point rather than by the beach so that you can walk downhill into the medina instead of lugging your bags up the cobblestone streets. It also helps to book Tangier hotels around the Grand Socco, or at least where there’s car access.
3. Cafe Hafa
Cafe Hafa is one of the city’s mainstays, and one of the best places to visit in Tangier. It sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, a ten minute walk from Bab Kasbah, with sprawling views and plenty of places to kick back and chill out.
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4. Phoenician Tombs
The Phoenician Tombs are one of the best places to soak in magnificent ocean views from Tangier and learn the rich history of the first people who settled in the area: the Phoenicians. The tombs are located just next to Cafe Hafa, or a ten minute walk from Bab Kasbah on top of the Medina. The Phoenician Tombs are one of my favorite places to people watch in Tangier, save for the main squares like the Grand and Petite Soccos.
5. Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures
The Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures should not be missed for a dose of culture if you’re looking for things to see in Tangier. It’s found its home in an old sultan’s palace in the medina and showcases historic treasures, incredible maps, and sprawling courtyards and gardens.
6. Tangier Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in a former renovated palace, the Tangier Museum of Contemporary Art is a gorgeous place to view works by artists from the region. While most of the art in Morocco is ancient, or at least history focused, this museum is a nice change of pace with a stunning garden. The Contemporary Museum is indirectly connected to the Kasbah Museum, making it easy to tack on if you’re interested in more recent local art.
7. Baba Cafe
Baba Cafe is a Tangier institution that has been looking over the city for over 80 years. Best known as the site where the Rolling Stones got stoned, Baba is a mainstay, and having a coffee or tea here is one of the best things to do in Tangier. If you’re lucky, snag a seat by the window for a breath of fresh air through the hazy hash smoke that floods the cafe and enjoy the music of whoever was lucky enough to secure the AUX cord that day. It’s pretty crowded in the evenings, especially when there’s a football match on TV.
8. Tangier Beach
If you don’t have time to squeeze a coastal day trip into your Morocco itinerary, you can still enjoy the beach right from the city center. Tangier’s beach backs right up to the medina, making it easily accessible and a stunning backdrop. In my experience, since Tanger is pretty windy, you may not find yourself reaching for a bathing suit, but it’s still a nice place to spend an afternoon walking or picnicking in the sand. The main municipal beach, called Tangier Beach, is hugged by the Corniche, and it’s the easiest one to get to.
9. Main Market
To access the market, take Rue Semarine (which turns into Rue Siaghine) from the Grand Socco and then take your first right. Or, search for ‘Main Market Tangier’ on Google Maps, and it will appear. This will plop you in the city’s central marketplace, surrounded by mountains of olives and spices, fresh fish, butchers, and every fruit and vegetable you can imagine. A stroll through the area is one of the best places to visit in Tangier to experience local life, especially off the beaten tourist track.
Insider Tip: I always use an Airalo eSIM in Morocco to stay connected because it’s much more convenient and affordable than tracking down a local SIM card. That way, I always have access to Google Maps to find my way around. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a few snacks, like olives, dried fruit, and nuts, and have a picnic in Mendoubia Gardens.
10. Petite Socco
The Petite Socco sits in the heart of Tangier’s medina and is full of interesting characters, both tourists and locals alike. Grab a coffee or a mint tea from Cafe Gran Central, the square’s mainstay, and watch the world go by.
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for accommodation in Tangier, I’ve stayed at Hotel Mauritania half a dozen times and have always had an awesome experience. There’s a huge rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and water, along with comfortable budget friendly rooms.
11. Downtown Tangier
Most people who visit the city never leave the medina, but one of the best things to do in Tangier is wander around downtown to really witness how the locals live. The urban centers surrounding the medina come to life after the sun goes down, bringing out hordes of people to shop, eat, and spend time with their friends and family.
12. American Legation Museum
Learn the deep history of US-Moroccon relations at the American Legation Museum. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Tangier on a rainy day, or if you’re keen on exploring documents like books and maps, along with artwork, photographs, and other artifacts that tell the story of the partnership between the two countries. The Legation building itself is also pretty noteworthy, considering it’s the only US National Historic Landmark in a foreign country. You can visit the museum between Monday and Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm (aside from Moroccan holidays).
13. Guided Food Tour
After spending time in rural areas of Morocco, I always loved coming to the big city to eat a range of authentic foods. While there are plenty of places to eat your fill, I highly recommend taking a guided food tour of Tangier with a local who knows the area best. I’ve discovered some of the most incredible places to eat in Tangier from local guides that I never would’ve found on my own. I can’t recommend the experience enough.
14. Le Salon Bleu
Le Salon Bleu has one of the top views in the city, and having lunch here is one of the best things to do in Tangier. I ate here on my first trip to Tangier, and I was utterly blown away, both by the expansive panoramic sights from the topmost terrace and by the delicious Moroccan tapas and fresh juice. This place serves Mediterranean vibes and shouldn’t be missed on a sunny day.
15. Fendak Dar Dbagh Co-op
If you only choose one of the places to visit in Tangier, have breakfast at the Fendak Dar Dbagh co-op. Aside from having, by far, the best traditional Moroccan breakfast in the city, this sweet little compound is home to female artisans who sell their wares at stalls lining the small area. I bought one of my favorite Moroccan souvenirs here - a hand-painted tile of a Berber woman. Everything is unique and has a set price, making it easy shopping if you’re not in the mood to haggle. In terms of breakfast, expect a massive spread of eggs, bread, olives, cheese, jam, and coffee or tea.
16. Great Mosque
As one of Tangier’s architectural marvels, wandering past the Great Mosque is paramount while in the city. You can’t actually enter if you’re not Muslim, but the grand exterior and sky high entrances make it a landmark that’s worth at least catching a glimpse of.
17. Cape Spartel and Caves of Hercules
Once you arrive at Cape Spartel, check out the famous lighthouse and then make your way down to the beach, where you’ll find some of the most pristine coastal areas in all of Morocco. Continue walking along the coast, and in about 3.5 kilometers, you’ll hit the Caves of Hercules. Along your stroll, you’ll pass by plenty of beach restaurants and cafes to grab a bite or drink. You can reach Cape Spartel in about 25 minutes from Tangier’s medina and it’s easily accessible by private or shared taxi. The ride costs around 160 dirhams for a private transfer or 20 dirhams to share the car with others.
Caves of Hercules
If you don’t want to walk between Cape Spartel and the Caves, I recommend taking a fun guided tour, which includes transportation, local knowledge about the area, and a camel ride (!). This way, you also don’t need to worry about finding a taxi to get back to the city at the end of the day. The Caves of Hercules sit right on the coast, with stunning views of the shoreline that are worth the visit alone. The name comes from a story that the Greek hero Hercules rested here after completing one of his Twelve Labours - splitting the mountain to separate Europe from Africa. The highlight is the cave’s sea-facing opening, which, when viewed from inside, looks like the outline of the African continent.
18. Day Trip to Chefchaouen
Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, only a two hour drive from Tangier, you’ll find the Blue Pearl of Morocco: Chefchaouen. This Instagrammable paradise is home to the famous blue medina, which gives visitors a taste of Moroccan mountain life. Cheap shared taxis run between the two cities (70 dirhams per person), and the distance is minimal, making a super manageable day trip.
19. Day Trip to Tetouan
In my opinion, Tetouan is one of the most underrated places in Morocco, and it makes for a perfect day trip from Tangier, given the two cities are only a little over an hour’s drive apart in a shared taxi. I was completely mesmerized by Tetouan - it’s the ultimate choice to see a part of Morocco that tourists rarely visit, and it has a strikingly authentic feeling that you don’t find in larger cities that cater to foreigners. Tetouan’s medina was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 and is a labyrinth of tiny twisting streets. There are a couple of museums, a historic Jewish district (the mellah), and a stunning lookout point over the city at Jbel Dersa Park.
20. Day Trip to Ceuta
Ceuta, or Septa, is a small Spanish territory an hour and a half drive from Tangier. There’s not a whole lot to do in Ceuta, which is why it’s one of the best day trips from Tangier. Wander around the Royal Walls, soak in views from the Park San Amaro, or spend the day at one of the stunning beaches.
Insider Tip: To access Ceuta, you’ll walk through a land border. Remember to bring your passport, which you’ll need for immigration.
Sample Walking Route in Tangier
This walking route takes about an hour and half of walking time, plus several hours for time spent inside museums and shops, for a total time of 3 to 4 hours. As you walk from the port to the medina (the old city of Tangier) you will first be “greeted” by numerous guides offering to show you around town. Tangier is very safe and we had no issues here and walked quite a bit through town.
On the far side of the circle, next to the stone, fortress walls, is a plaque called Point Kilométrique Zéro. Just beyond the gate, look for a short set of stairs that leads up to a terrace. When you leave the terrace, walk down the steps and go straight, heading up Rue de la Marine. This small museum is located inside of the building that formerly housed the United States diplomatic mission to Morocco.
Did You Know? Morocco was the first country in the world to recognize the United States as an independent nation in 1777. This museum does not open until 10 am. Double check hours and get pricing here. From Petit Socco, you’ll walk through a maze of narrow streets in the medina (lots of fun!) to get here. This beautiful synagogue is located in the medina, about a 3-minute walk from the Tangier American Legation Museum. This large square is surrounded by several important and iconic buildings, including Cinéma Rif and Mosquée Sidi Bouabid.
Next up is the Roman Punic Necropolis, the oldest site in Tangier and one of the best viewpoints from town. Tangier was founded by the Phoenicians somewhere between the 10th and 8th century BC. This necropolis is one of the lasting landmarks that remain from the Phoenicians. This rocky hillside/historic graveyard is a popular hangout spot for locals.
GETTING HERE: To get here from Grand Socco, it is a 1.2 km walk that takes about 20 minutes. The walking route is marked on our map below but basically you will walk on Rue de Kasbah and then turn right onto Rue Assad Ibn al Farrat, which will turn into Av. Hadj Mohamed Tazi. When you reach a park on the left, look for an opening in the buildings on the right.
Now it is time to explore one of the oldest parts of Tangier, the Kasbah. It is a 10-minute walk to get to Bab Kasbah, the gate that leads into the fort. What is the difference between a kasbah and a medina? A kasbah is a fort or fortified area, which usually serves as a political center for the city. This relatively new museum tells the life story of Ibn Battouta, a Moroccan explorer who traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa during the 14th century. It is an amazing story and very interesting museum, especially for those who love to travel.
Place de la Kasbah is a small square located inside the kasbah. It is surrounded by a few restaurants and museums. One of the most picturesque spots here is Bab Al Bahr, another gate in the fortress walls. Sitting on Place de la Kasbah is the Museum of Contemporary Art. On a side street off of the square is the Kasbah Museum. Now, stroll through the kasbah, working your way back to the medina. Le Salon Bleu is a tiny café located near Place de la Kasbah. It’s a great place to get a cup of coffee and enjoy the view over Tangier. Dar Harruch and Kebdani Restaurant are two places to sit down to lunch that are located on Rue Hadj Mohamed Torres.
At this point, you can go for another stroll through the medina or walk back to the ferry terminal, depending on how much time you have left before your ferry leaves. The ferry crossing takes one hour.
Practical Information for Visiting Tangier
Here’s some practical information to help you plan your trip to Tangier:
- Bring Your Passport!
- SIM Cards: Consider getting an eSIM for Morocco. We bought our eSIM through Airalo, which we use for our SIM cards while traveling.
- Currency: Bring cash. Some places we visited were cash only, but they did accept euros.
- Clothing: Demure dress is a cultural guideline when traveling in Morocco. Women should have their shoulders and knees covered. Tangier is also quite hot because of its location near the equator, so plan to wear light, breathable fabrics.
- Time Change: There is a one-hour time change between Tarifa, Spain and Tangier, Morocco. Spain observes daylight savings time from the end of March through the end of October. Morocco does not observe daylight savings time, but during Ramadan it will set the clocks back one hour.
- Ferry Tickets: Purchase your ferry tickets in advance. The security checks to board the ferry closes 15 to 30 minutes before departure, depending on the ferry terminal.
Where to Stay in Tarifa
In Tarifa, we stayed at La Residencia Puerto Hotel & Spa. It has a fantastic location in Tarifa, within walking distance of the ferry terminal and many restaurants in town. One of the best parts of the hotel is the rooftop pool and terrace, which overlooks Tarifa and the marina. We had a wonderful experience here and highly recommend it.
Is Tangier Safe?
It’s very safe to walk around Tangier. In fact, it’s the city in Morocco that I always felt the safest as a woman alone. People don’t bother you in Tangier the way they might in Marrakech. Locals are far less aggressive and are generally very helpful without expecting anything in return. Of course, like with anywhere, keep your wits about you.
Final Thoughts
Tangier, Morocco is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a more chilled out experience than hectic cities like Marrakech. Tangier is the first place I visited in Morocco, and after traveling across the entire country, it still remains my favorite. After more than a year in Morocco, I recommend Tangier to everyone who asks for travel advice.
TANGIER Walking Tour MOROCCO 4K HDR
Spend a day in Tangier by starting with breakfast at the women’s co-op, before heading up to the Petite Socco for a coffee or mint tea, and then to explore the medina. When you’ve soaked in all of the old city, make your way out of Bab Kasbah and walk along the city walls, soaking in views of the Strait of Gibraltar and historic sites like the Phonecian Tombs. Before heading back to the medina, grab a snack at Cafe Hafa, and then descend into the Grand Socco where you can finish your day with a roast chicken dinner. Three days in Tangier is more than enough to experience all that the city has to offer.
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