Tangier Travel Guide: Things to Do and Where to Go

Across the Strait of Gibraltar, about 14 km from Spain at its narrowest point, Tangier has always been a place where worlds meet. Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, British and Spanish have all left their mark, and in the 20th century the city’s international status drew diplomats, spies, artists and writers. Today Tangier is one of Morocco’s most dynamic cities, with a restored medina, a new marina and one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean nearby.

Tangier is also our home. Here’s our local guide to the city and the north.

Why visit Tangier?

• Easy access from Europe: ferries from Tarifa take about an hour, and the airport has flights from many European cities.
• A gentler introduction to Morocco: the medina is compact and less hectic than those of Marrakech or Fes.
• Two seas: the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet at the city’s doorstep.
• A gateway to the north: Chefchaouen, Asilah and Tetouan are all within easy reach.

Things to do in Tangier

The Kasbah and the Kasbah Museum

At the highest point of the medina, the Kasbah offers sweeping views of the strait and, on clear days, the coast of Spain. The former sultan’s palace now houses the Kasbah Museum, with collections covering the region’s long history.

The medina, the Grand Socco and the Petit Socco

Wander down from the Kasbah through the whitewashed lanes of the medina to the Petit Socco, once the city’s buzzing heart, and the Grand Socco, the lively square that links the old and new towns.

The American Legation

The Tangier American Legation is often described as the first property the United States owned abroad, a gift from the Sultan of Morocco in 1821. Today it’s a museum and cultural center with a fascinating collection of art and history.

Café Hafa

Perched on terraces above the sea since 1921, Café Hafa is the place to drink mint tea with a view of the strait. Read more about Moroccan tea and café culture.

Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules

West of the city, Cape Spartel marks the point where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic, with a lighthouse and pine forests. A little further south, the Caves of Hercules are linked by legend to the Greek hero. Their sea-facing opening is said to look like a map of Africa.

The corniche and the marina

The modernized waterfront and the Tanja Marina Bay are pleasant for an evening walk and a seafood dinner.

Day trips from Tangier

• Chefchaouen: the famous Blue City in the Rif Mountains, about 2.5 to 3 hours away. A full day, or better, an overnight stay.
• Asilah: a charming seaside town with whitewashed walls and murals, about 45 minutes south.
• Tetouan: a UNESCO-listed medina with a strong Andalusian influence, about an hour away.

Our 5-day North & the Blue City tour combines Tangier, Asilah, Tetouan and Chefchaouen, and it’s an easy add-on to a trip to southern Spain.

How to get to Tangier

• By air: Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport has direct flights from many European cities.
• By ferry: fast ferries link Tarifa with the Tangier Ville port in the city center in about an hour. Ferries from Algeciras usually arrive at Tanger Med port, further from the city.
• By train: the Al Boraq high-speed train connects Tangier with Rabat and Casablanca, with onward trains to Fes and Marrakech.

Tangier for groups and students

Tangier is our base for educational study programs, thanks to its universities, training centers, industrial zones and the Tanger Med port. It’s also a great starting point for group tours of northern Morocco.