Tangier is a beautiful Moroccan city located on the Strait of Gibraltar, at the northern tip of the country. Just about fifteen kilometers from the Spanish coast, it has the unique feature of opening onto both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Tangier therefore holds a strategic position in this region of North Africa and has been sought after since Phoenician times.
Thanks in particular to its port activity, it is now the second most economically dynamic city in Morocco, after Casablanca.
Still relatively untouched by mass tourism, Tangier remains a charming and authentic city that is absolutely worth a visit. With its mix of historical, traditional, and modern influences, it has everything to win you over.
What to Do in Tangier – 10 Must-See Attractions
To help you plan your stay, we have selected the 10 best places to visit in Tangier in this article.
- The Tangier Medina
- The Tangier Kasbah and its Museum
- Grand Socco Square
- Petit Socco
- Café Hafa
- Tangier Beach and its Corniche
- The American Legation Museum
- Perdicaris Park
- Cape Spartel
- The Caves of Hercules
We have also marked these 10 locations on a city map, which should help you organize your itinerary in Tangier.
Let’s now discover these places to visit in Tangier one by one.
1. The Tangier Medina
The Tangier medina is without a doubt one of the places not to be missed. As the city is less touristy than others such as Marrakech or Fes, there are far fewer merchants and shops in the medina. This gives it a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere.
Local residents still live in this historic district and have a real love for plants. You will quickly notice the beautiful shades of green blending perfectly with the white and blue walls of the medina.
2. The Tangier Kasbah and Its Museum
As you walk up through the medina, you reach the top of a hill overlooking the city, where the Kasbah was built. As you may have guessed, this location was chosen strategically, as it offers panoramic views over Tangier and allowed early warnings in case of invading forces.
The Kasbah is a fortified structure whose primary purpose was to protect and defend the city in the event of an attack.
These ramparts were built in the 13th century and have withstood the test of time remarkably well. If you are interested in the history of Tangier, don’t hesitate to visit the Kasbah Museum. Admission costs 20 dirhams, or just under 2 euros.
3. Grand Socco Square
“Socco” is a word derived from Spanish and corresponds to the Arabic word “souk” (market). Spain is only a few kilometers to the north, and many Spaniards have visited Tangier for centuries.
Grand Socco Square refers to the large market that once stood here. Today, the square functions more like a park, featuring a beautiful fountain and a clear view of the minaret of the Sidi Bou Abid Mosque.
The “grand souk” still exists but has moved to a covered area next to the square. You will find a wide variety of goods there, making it a good place to buy souvenirs.
Don’t miss the chance to taste tangerines. These slightly flattened mandarins gave the city of Tangier its name.
4. Petit Socco
After Grand Socco, you arrive at Petit Socco. There is no longer a market here either, but many cafés with outdoor terraces. The atmosphere is lively and local, making it a great place to take a short break.
5. Café Hafa
Speaking of coffee breaks, there is one place you should not miss: Café Hafa. Located above the sea, it offers breathtaking views over the Strait of Gibraltar. Order a mint tea and enjoy the stunning panorama. A memorable experience is guaranteed.
6. Tangier Beach and Its Corniche
Tangier’s main beach is very large, and although it is not ideal for swimming due to its proximity to the port, it is perfect for a pleasant walk, especially along the Corniche. You can enjoy it during the day as well as in the evening.
7. The American Legation Museum
Morocco has maintained close diplomatic and cultural ties with the United States for centuries. To learn more about this relationship, visit the American Legation Museum, located in the medina. This building is the first public American property outside the United States.
8. Perdicaris Park
Looking for some fresh air outside the city? Head to Perdicaris Park (also known as Rmilat Forest), located about 5 km west of Tangier. Covering 70 hectares, this park is ideal for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, not to mention the beautiful sea views it offers.
Entry to the park is free, and you can buy food on site. Be sure to take your trash with you to help keep the forest clean.
9. Cape Spartel
We continue west of the city with the magnificent Cape Spartel. Here you will find a lighthouse built in 1864 by King Mohammed IV. It was constructed following numerous shipwrecks off the coast, and today it is a popular tourist spot, especially for its views.
10. The Caves of Hercules
We conclude this guide on what to do in Tangier with one of the region’s most popular attractions: the Caves of Hercules. They are also located west of the city, south of Cape Spartel.
These are natural caves formed by marine erosion. They are named after Hercules because, according to Greek mythology, the demigod Hercules, son of Zeus, is said to have rested here before retrieving the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides.
Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
To reach the last three destinations (Perdicaris Park, Cape Spartel, and the Caves of Hercules), it is best to rent a car and visit them in one day.
If you are staying in Tangier, you can also visit the beautiful blue city of Chefchaouen in one day with this organized tour.
Where to Stay in Tangier ?
The best option for accommodation in Tangier is to book a riad in the medina. One of our favorites is Riad Tingis, located in the heart of the medina, offering impeccable service and a beautiful terrace with stunning views.
For more recommendations, don’t hesitate to read our article on the best riads in Tangier.
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Our travel guide now comes to an end, and we hope you know exactly what to do in Tangier. It is a unique city with a calm and captivating atmosphere that is hard to leave once you’ve experienced it.
For more travel tips in Morocco, feel free to read our articles on what to do in Fes and what to do in Rabat.
See you soon,
MF