The Best Things to Do in Tangier (Morocco)

The Door of Africa, the Bride of the North, the White City, Tangier has had many nicknames since its inception millennia ago at the nexus where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Located on the northern coast of Morocco along the Strait of Gibraltar just across from the Iberian Peninsula, Tangier is one of the oldest cities in the country.

Having acted as Europe’s gateway into Africa since as far back as the 10th century BC, Tangier’s mystique lies within its vibrant history and its heady mix of Mediterranean influences means there are plenty of hidden gems to uncover. From beautiful sights to captivating experiences, you needn’t look any further for the best things to do in Tangier.

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THE LEGEND

From the beginning, Tangier has always had a checkered past since ancient antiquity. Although it was initially established as a Berber settlement, the territory would subsequently undergo many annexations; first as a Phoenician trading post by the 8th century BC, then by the Carthaginians in the 5th century BC and finally by the Romans as a colony in the 2nd century BC. 

Once referred to as Tingi (Berber for ‘‘marsh’’), Tangier’s former name has also been contributed to a Greek legend about Tinjis, a historical figure of Berber and Greek mythology. The daughter of the titan Atlas and the widow of King Antaeus, the queen began an affair with Hercules after the death of her husband. The affair resulted in the birth of their son, Syphax, who would allegedly founded the town in her name, which is why it was known as Colonia Julia Tingi (Julian Colony of Tingis) under Roman rule.

Despite these many invasions, its strategic position between Africa and Europe allowed the area to thrive throughout medieval times when it would come under Moorish rule for the next several centuries. Then, for a few decades in the Middle Ages, the Iberians seized control, only to ultimately gift the territory to the British in the 17th century. Just a few years later, the British would eventually cede their claim, allowing Tangier to be incorporated back into Morocco once and for all.

Tangier’s real infamy came during the 18th and 19th centuries when it became a sordid hub for international diplomats, smugglers, artists, and even spies, especially during the First and Second World Wars. However, its seedy reputation would largely melt away by the 20th century as the growing city became more modernized. These days, Tangier shines as a beacon of contemporary Morrocan culture mixed with European influences from its storied past and the metropolis has become a prominent tourist destination in large part due to its year-round temperate weather, stunning architecture, and pristine beaches.

 
 

BEST THINGS TO DO IN TANGIER

There are a range of actvities to do while in Tangier, from frequenting the local markets to exploring ancient ruins and monuments. Whether you’ve come for the food or the culture, travelers are sure to be enthralled by the wondrous secrets the city has to behold.

Visit the Medina

The highlight of any trip to Tangier, the endlessly winding streets of the Medina are not to be missed. Roughly translating to ‘‘old city,’’ the Medina has been a major nexus for commerce in Tangier for centuries, housed within the walls of a 15th-century Portuguese fortress. The intricate labyrinth of various shops, cafes, and viewpoints is sure to delight you, but just make sure to bring a map! You can expect street vendors around every corner hawking everything from food to clothing to jewelry, making the Medina the best place to shop for souvenirs if you don’t mind haggling.

Try a Free Walking Tour

Who doesn’t appreciate free activities? Thankfully, Tangier has many walking tours on offer at completely no charge and, if you’ve never gone on a free one, this is an excellent opportunity to try. The local guides are generally friendly and informative, with tours typically lasting between 2-4 hours as you’re escorted around the city’s top sites. Since the tours are tip-based, I find that guides tend to be extra attentive and knowledgeable to ensure a larger reward for their efforts. Moroccans are known for being outgoing so it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of highly-reviewed tour guides in Tangier, proving outings in a range of languages from English to German. Don’t hesitate to book your walking tour today!

People-watch at Grand Socco

Situated at the entryway into the Medina, the Grand Socca is one of the biggest public squares in Tangier and also one of the most stunning. Although the lushly-landscaped enclosure is mostly revered for its buzzing atmosphere and central location, it’s the grand fountain in front of the keyhole-shaped gate that’s the most eye-catching. The square’s name is also a hallmark of its cultural ties, derived from the Arabic word, ‘‘souqs’’ (marketplace) since it also attracts heaps of vendors and clients alike. As the busiest square in downtown Tangier, the Grand Socco is the perfect place to get a feel for the city while people-watching the locals going about their day-to-day lives. 

Buy Souvenirs in Petit Socco

Despite this square being located within the Medina, the Petit Socco deserves its own entry on this list if only for this historied and checkered past. At the height of its power, the Petit Socco was the unofficial diplomatic center of Tangier, with the Grand Mosque only a stone’s thrown away and several embassies and consulates previously surrounding the area. The square was also once home to the State Bank of Morocco upon its founding and still possesses historic establishments such as Hotel Fuentes (opened in 1925). Sadly, the area fell into a state of seedy lawlessness in the 1950s, becoming associated with drugs and prostitution, but has undergone a period of extensive urban renewal in the past few years. Have a drink at the Gran Cafe Central (opened in 1813) to its north to soak in its lively vibe.

 
 

Get Some Vitamin Sea at the Beach

One of the most impressive things about Tangier is its positioning along northern Africa where it meets the Strait of Gibraltar, which also lets out into the Atlantic Ocean. Sea lovers will thus be ecstatic to know that the White City is also home to several beaches, from golden coasts to sandy, white shorelines. Municipal Beach should be at the top of your list since it’s within walking distance of the city center and is surprisingly pristine for a city beach. 

If you prefer to escape the crowds, there are plenty more beaches along Tangier’s Atlantic Coast, including Achakkar Beach. You can even expect local sherpas to offer camel rides year-round, just make sure to haggle a decent price first!

Go Back in Time at Gran Teatro Cervantes

Let’s take a trip down Memory Lane when Tangier was at its peak and welcomed the largest theatre in North Africa at the time, the Gran Teatro Cervantes (AKA Cervantes Theatre). it was constructed in 1913 at the behest of Esperanza Orellana and Manuel Peña, a wealthy Spanish couple, for the tune of half a million pesetas and named after the famed Spanish writer. In its heyday, the theatre could seat up to 1400 spectators and hosted a variety of shows from plays to musical performances. 

However, as a pinnacle of Spanish culture, the building’s importance began to wane in the 1970s and it would ultimately be abandoned until it eventually became Spanish state property for the next several decades. Ownership of the theatre actually passed under the responsibility of the Moroccan government in 2019, who have vowed to restore and preserve the site’s original splendor so make sure to check out this blast from the past before its inevitable facelift.

See the Stuff of Legends at Hercules’ Cave

Famous for its Africa-shaped doorway known as the ¨Map of Africa,¨ Hercules’ Cave has been the stuff of legend for centuries, attracting visitors from all over the Mediterranean and beyond. According to local folklore, the cavern is the site where Hercules rested after his tenth out of twelve trials given to him by a Greek king as punishment for the hero accidentally murdering his own wife and children after being tricked by his stepmother, Hera. 

For ages, the cave was thought to be bottomless but actually stretches over 24 kilometers downward to connect to a series of tunnels that pass under the Strait of Gibraltar. The cave was also long used by locals such as the Phoenicians and the Berbers, being half natural and half manmade, leading to the expansion of the cave. Located about 14 kilometers from Central Tangier, you can wander the vast cavern from about midday to sundown entirely for free.

FUN FACT: Def Leppard played a concert in the cave in 1995, making them the first band to ever play three concerts on three continents in one day according to the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Spot the Remnants of Spain’s Colonial Past

No one can deny that Spain’s influence on Northern Morocco has had a lasting impact on Tangier’s customs and monuments since the region was once colonized by the Spanish Empire. From the once-iconic Cevernates Theatre to Tangier’s sweeping waterfront promenades also emblematic of Spanish coastlines, many cultural exchanges have taken place between the two nations, for better or worse.

Some of the best-preserved remnants of Spanish colonialism would be both Hotel Continental (on Mohammed VI Avenue near the Kasbah) and Plaza de Toros (near the Syrian Mosque). The former is one of the oldest hotel’s in Tangier, operating since 1870 and having welcomed plenty of esteemed guests such as Winston Churchill. The vast public square at its base makes for the perfect place to people-watch and its location close to the port means you’ll have a great view of the water. While a bit further out of the way, Plaza de Toros is still worth venturing to since the abandoned bullfighting ring built in 1950 could once house over 13 thousand spectators (boo to the bullfighting though).

 
 

Take in the Beauty of the Grand Mosque

This majestic monument is located in the Medina near the port and Petit Socco and stands as one of the loveliest landmarks in Tangier. The Grand Mosque has had a rocky past, possibly findings its origins as a Roman temple dedicated to Hercules in the 5th century AD. Eventually, the site was turned into a mosque under the Marinid dynasty around the 14th century before the area was conquered by the Portuguese in the 15th century. The mosque was subsequently converted into a cathedral until the territory was reclaimed by the Alaoutite dynasty in the 16th century, which had a rudimentary mosque built in its place. 

In the end, that mosque was also replaced in 1817 to make way for its successor and final incarnation. These days, the current Grand Mosque still acts as the main religious center in northern Tangier, attracting droves of pilgrims yearly from all over the Islamic World. Sadly, the mosque is not open to non-Muslims but its architecture is still an unforgettable sight to behold.

Get Lost in History at the Kasbah 

Tangier’s Kasbah is undoubtedly its crowning jewel, having attracted artisans and merchants for the past several centuries. Nestled in the upper section of the Medina, the Kasbah is the place to be as the site of a former 17th-century royal citadel turned open-air museum while continually functioning as the region’s political and military center. 

Due to the British destroying much of the infrastructure upon their evacuation of the area, the majority of the city’s fortifications had to be rebuilt, including the Kasbah Palace. The kasbah makes for a magical place to wander and get lost in time as you pass by traditional restaurants, craft workshops, and antique shops, absorbing all the fragrant aromas. Some notable streets to stumble upon are Rue de l’Italie or Rue de la Kasbah so you don’t traipse too far but do make sure you find your way to Bab Al Bhar, the Kasbah’s northern gateway with stunning views of the glistening Strait of Gibraltar.

Get High at Cape Spartel

Along Tangier’s Atlantic Coast near Achakkar Beach and Hercules’ Cave, you’ll find another beloved destination, Cape Spartel, the most northwestern point in continental Africa. The cape has been the site of many naval battles since the Age of Discovery centuries ago between various empires from the British to the French to the Spanish. Rising to an elevation of around 300 meters, the cape is also home to a lighthouse erected by Sultan Muhammad IV in 1864. The lighthouse has since become a popular tourist attraction, featuring outdoor terraces and botanical gardens. 

Besides several beaches in the area, the cape is also notable for its impressive walking and hiking trails as well as bird-watching opportunities, making it the perfect place to spend a few hours communing with nature. In fact, on a clear day, you can see straight across the Strait of Gibraltar to spot the Rock of Gibraltar off the coast of Spain, a distance of nearly 100 kilometers. No binoculars necessary!

 
 

TRY THE LOCAL CUISINE

If there’s anything that Morrocco is beloved for, besides its ancient monuments and colorful medinas, it’s the delectable cuisine. While some dishes are nationwide staples, such as couscous and hummus, others are more emblematic of the north of the country. Unsure what to try first? Why not take a food tour where you’ll be guided toward the best appetizers and plates? Some local hits include zaalouk (a tasty cooked salad made with eggplant), kefta (spiced minced meat patties) and harira (a hearty stew typically made from chickpeas).

More adventurous foodies should also try pastilla, a salty-sweet puff pastry stuffed with pigeon meat and dried nuts (it’s deceptively scrumptious so don’t knock it before you try it!). For novices to Moroccan cuisine, there’s tajin, a meaty stew cooked in traditional cooking pottery that is bound to be on every menu. If you’re looking for venues that are sure never to disappoint, visit Chez Hassan for the best traditional cuisine or Restaurant Saveur de Poisson for the most mouthwatering seafood dishes in the area.

Have a Picnic in Mendoubia Gardens

If you’re a fan of wide, open spaces and lush surroundings, there’s no serener place to stop in Tangier than this cozy green space. Once named after the former residence of the representative of the Sultan (now known as the Commerical Court), the gardens are an idyllic place to go for a stroll along the paved paths as you uncover its different pavilions.

The gardens also house some of the oldest trees in Tangier, with many dating over a hundred years old (check out the behemoth at the entrance). Find your favorite one and plan a picnic in its shade to avoid the heat. With the park situated right next to the Grand Socco, you won’t have to worry about being too far from the action in your own slice of paradise.


Pay Your Respects at the Tomb of Ibn Battuta

As a fellow traveler, you might be interested to know the tale of Ibn Battuta, one of the most prolific backpackers in all of history. This epic wanderer’s story begins in the early-14th century when the Tangier native decided to go on a Hajj, a pilgrimage to Mecca, yet this would just be the beginning of his odyssey. Over the next thirty years, Battuta would undertake several similar journeys, traversing nearly 120,000 kilometers through the Islamic world and beyond. His travels would take him to the equivalent of over 40 modern-day countries, including those across the entire Middle East, southern Europe, Asia, and northern and western Africa. 

The medieval traveler would eventually chronicle his adventures in the Rihlah, one of the world’s most renowned travel logs, which details the people, places, and cultures he came across. In his later years, Battuta returned to Tangier where he died at the age of 65 from the Black Plague, upon his death, he was venerated for his contribution and entombed in a small coffer right in the heart of the Medina. The tomb’s entrance is so small and nondescript that’s easy to miss the door but make sure not to overlook the final resting place of one of the world’s first-ever travel bloggers.

 
 

FINAL THOUGHTS

No matter what attracted you to the White City, you can rest assured that one of Morocco’s most populated cities is going to thrill you. From its idyllic beaches to its enriching culture and alluring gastronomic scene, there’s something for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Take a camel ride at sunset or book a half-day tour that will guide you to all the most popular attractuions such as the Medina and Cape Spartel.

For my fellow shopaholics and bargain hunters, the Medina is the best place to find the most affordable prices but there are also a few commercial centers to explore for brand-name deals like Ibn Batouta Mall or Tangier City Center. Whether you come for the sights or the sales, you surely won’t want to leave. Write me when you get there!

May you get lost in the wonder,

M