Far from the frenzy of Morocco’s larger cities, a genuine slow travel experience awaits you. In just 24 hours in Tetouan, you can immerse yourself in its rich culture, explore unspoiled landscapes, and connect with its welcoming locals.
Often neglected by the usual tourist interest, Tetouan is a hidden gem often neglected. The combination of profound discovery of Moroccan lifestyle, history, and the kindness of its people make it unmissable. That’s the perfect Slow Travel destination for you young adventurer!
Let’s dive into a day of the unpopular destination, where the beauty of slow travel reveals the city’s true charm.
Far from the frenzy of Morocco’s larger cities, a genuine slow travel experience awaits you. In just 24 hours in Tetouan, you can immerse yourself in its rich culture, explore unspoiled landscapes, and connect with its welcoming locals.
Often neglected by the usual tourist interest, Tetouan is a hidden gem often neglected. The combination of profound discovery of Moroccan lifestyle, history, and the kindness of its people make it unmissable. That’s the perfect Slow Travel destination for you young adventurer!
Let’s dive into a day of the unpopular destination, where the beauty of slow travel reveals the city’s true charm.
The history of Tetouan
Welcome to one of the hidden gems in northern Morocco, where the rich blend of Spanish and Arab cultures come alive. Nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains, Tetouan’s medina holds UNESCO status, preserving its historical significance as a bridge between two civilizations and two continents.
Historically, the city was built by refugees expelled by the Spanish (who didn’t like anything but tortillas and tapas). Nowadays, the city’s art and architecture reveal clear Andalusian influence.
Are you still in? Great.
It’s now time to explore the vibrant streets, intricate architecture, and deep-rooted traditions that make Tetouan a must-visit destination in any Slow Travel Morocco itinerary.
Welcome to one of the hidden gems in northern Morocco, where the rich blend of Spanish and Arab cultures come alive. Nestled at the foot of the Rif Mountains, Tetouan’s medina holds UNESCO status, preserving its historical significance as a bridge between two civilizations and two continents.
Historically, the city was built by refugees expelled by the Spanish (who didn’t like anything but tortillas and tapas). Nowadays, the city’s art and architecture reveal clear Andalusian influence.
Are you still in? Great.
It’s now time to explore the vibrant streets, intricate architecture, and deep-rooted traditions that make Tetouan a must-visit destination in any Slow Travel Morocco itinerary.
“In the age of speed, I began to think that nothing could be more invigorating than going slow"
What to do with 24 hours in Tetouan?
Explore the Medina
Exploring the Medina in Tetouan is a journey to experience at different times of the day. In the morning, the streets buzz with locals out shopping, making it the ideal time to snag some nuts, fruits, or pastries at local prices.
By night, the streets come alive, typical of most Moroccan cities. It is the perfect occasion to feel the vibrant energy of people, bustling souvenir shops, and enticing local restaurants. Let yourself get lost in the atmosphere, allowing the essence of Tetouan to impregnate your soul.
Historically, these mazes are made to confuse invaders, and this characteristic remains effective today for police and tourists (your white face included). Though Tetouan’s Medina is nothing compared to the chaos and craziness of Fès, relying solely on your sense of direction may have you wondering where you’ve ended up.
But don’t worry, fellow explorers! Here are some tips to help you navigate:
Exploring the Medina in Tetouan is a journey to experience at different times of the day. In the morning, the streets buzz with locals out shopping, making it the ideal time to snag some nuts, fruits, or pastries at local prices.
By night, the streets come alive, typical of most Moroccan cities. It is the perfect occasion to feel the vibrant energy of people, bustling souvenir shops, and enticing local restaurants. Let yourself get lost in the atmosphere, allowing the essence of Tetouan to impregnate your soul.
Historically, these mazes are made to confuse invaders, and this characteristic remains effective today for police and tourists (your white face included).
Though Tetouan’s Medina is nothing compared to the chaos and craziness of Fès, relying solely on your sense of direction may have you wondering where you’ve ended up.
But don’t worry, fellow explorers! Here are some tips to help you navigate:
The Royal Palace and Place Hassan II
This enormous, cordoned-off square is encircled by the Medina on three sides. It serves as a useful landmark to orient yourself.
Northwest of the Palace
The streets northwest of the palace are a cacophony of smells, sounds, and vendors selling hardware, produce, fish, and chickens.
Southeast of the Palace
This part of the Medina is cleaner and quieter, with shops offering clothing, party supplies, furniture, and housewares. It provides a calmer, more orderly shopping experience.
The Royal Palace and Place Hassan II
This enormous, cordoned-off square is encircled by the Medina on three sides. It serves as a useful landmark to orient yourself.
Northwest of the Palace
The streets northwest of the palace are a cacophony of smells, sounds, and vendors selling hardware, produce, fish, and chickens.
Southeast of the Palace
This part of the Medina is cleaner and quieter, with shops offering clothing, party supplies, furniture, and housewares. It provides a calmer, more orderly shopping experience.
The SlowSight Soul tips to navigate the medina
Look down at the cobblestoned streets, and in their centerlines, you will see patterns of longer stones, either 1, 2 or 3 courses wide.
3 wide means it’s a main street which leads to one of the medina’s 7 gates; 2 means that the street will take you to one of the main streets; and a single line the street is residential, a dead end.
Now have fun getting lost as it is the best way to discover!
Look down at the cobblestoned streets, and in their centerlines, you will see patterns of longer stones, either 1, 2 or 3 courses wide.
3 wide means it’s a main street which leads to one of the medina’s 7 gates; 2 means that the street will take you to one of the main streets; and a single line the street is residential, a dead end.
Now have fun getting lost as it is the best way to discover!
24 Hours in Tetouan – The Archeological Museum
Start your day with a touch of history by visiting the Archeological Museum, located just outside the medina, northwest of the palace. Entry is a modest 10Dh, and though the museum is small, you can comfortably explore it in 30-60 minutes. The museum boasts a flowered garden adorned with mosaics from Lixus and urns from Tamuda, the pre-Roman city that once stood where Tetouan is now.
Inside, you’ll find a wealth of artefacts and detailed displays recounting the region’s history. The exhibits trace the evolution of Morocco from the days of the Amazigh (Berbers) through the Roman and Arab empires. Note that all descriptions are in French, Spanish, and Arabic, so make sure you grab your best baguette and piece of cheese before entering.
Start your day with a touch of history by visiting the Archeological Museum, located just outside the medina, northwest of the palace.
Entry is a modest 10Dh, and though the museum is small, you can comfortably explore it in 30-60 minutes. The museum boasts a flowered garden adorned with mosaics from Lixus and urns from Tamuda, the pre-Roman city that once stood where Tetouan is now.
Inside, you’ll find a wealth of artefacts and detailed displays recounting the region’s history. The exhibits trace the evolution of Morocco from the days of the Amazigh (Berbers) through the Roman and Arab empires.
Note that all descriptions are in French, Spanish, and Arabic, so make sure you grab your best baguette and piece of cheese before entering.
24 Hours in Tetouan – Eat at la Union
When hunger strikes and you need to fulfil this cherished tummy, head to “Restaurant la Union”. Conveniently situated near the palace, this eatery is a local favourite, offering authentic Moroccan cuisine at fixed local prices. The food here is exceptional, with their couscous being a standout dish. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local dining scene and enjoy flavours that your taste buds will thank later.
When hunger strikes and you need to fulfil this cherished tummy, head to “Restaurant la Union”. Conveniently situated near the palace, this eatery is a local favourite, offering authentic Moroccan cuisine at fixed local prices.
The food here is exceptional, with their couscous being a standout dish. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the local dining scene and enjoy flavours that your taste buds will thank later.
24 Hours in Tetouan – Through Local Eyes
Curiously nestled in the former residence of Tetouan’s Governor is a cooperative of merchants selling many souvenirs and carpets. Here in Dar Lebbadi, I met Mohammed, one of the dedicated workers.
Tetouan has been his home forever, and he has witnessed the city’s evolution over the years. Despite the changes, one constant is his passion for his job.
Having spent most of his life selling carpets, Mohammed takes great pride in his work, emphasising his extensive experience and knowledge.
Surrounded by colourful yet authentic pieces, you can enjoy a refreshing mint tea while listening to many local stories if you are curious enough to ask.
“Less is more” – Mohammed.
Curiously nestled in the former residence of Tetouan’s Governor is a cooperative of merchants selling many souvenirs and carpets. Here in Dar Lebbadi, I met Mohammed, one of the dedicated workers.
Tetouan has been his home forever, and he has witnessed the city’s evolution over the years. Despite the changes, one constant is his passion for his job. Having spent most of his life selling carpets, Mohammed takes great pride in his work, emphasising his extensive experience and knowledge.
Surrounded by colourful yet authentic pieces, you can enjoy a refreshing mint tea while listening to many local stories if you are curious enough to ask.
“Less is more” – Mohammed.
SlowSight Soul Tips to Explore Tetouan Like a Local
You’ll likely find yourself in a “Berber pharmacy” at some point. When this happens, do not be entirely charmed by the products and the sellers’ persuasive words.
Yes, these products are mostly made from natural ingredients but sold throughout Morocco with the same packaging.
It indicates that they are produced on a large scale rather than handmade, as often claimed.
Moreover, the initial prices are typically 3-4 times higher than the actual cost. Honestly, I recommend finding a smaller shop where the prices for the same products are usually much lower or bargaining until you get a fair deal.
This way, you are more likely to avoid one of the popular scams in Morocco.
You’ll likely find yourself in a “Berber pharmacy” at some point. When this happens, do not be entirely charmed by the products and the sellers’ persuasive words.
Yes, these products are mostly made from natural ingredients but sold throughout Morocco with the same packaging. It indicates that they are produced on a large scale rather than handmade, as often claimed.
Moreover, the initial prices are typically 3-4 times higher than the actual cost. Honestly, I recommend finding a smaller shop where the prices for the same products are usually much lower or bargaining until you get a fair deal.
This way, you are more likely to avoid one of the popular scams in Morocco.
24 Hours in Tetouan – The perfect evening
Go to Ba Imran Café
After a day of wandering, it’s time to immerse yourself even more into the local lifestyle. This adventure is simple yet enriching. Begin by leaving the city behind and heading toward the river.
Flag down a taxi and ask the driver to take you to a café called Ba Imran in a neighbourhood called Booanan. The ride should cost around 15-25 DRH. Once you arrive, continue walking until you reach the last café on your right. This quirky yet welcoming spot offers a unique experience where the staff speaks a little Spanish and French but no English.
After a day of wandering, it’s time to immerse yourself even more into the local lifestyle. This adventure is simple yet enriching. Begin by leaving the city behind and heading toward the river.
Flag down a taxi and ask the driver to take you to a café called Ba Imran in a neighbourhood called Booanan. The ride should cost around 15-25 DRH.
Once you arrive, continue walking until you reach the last café on your right. This quirky yet welcoming spot offers a unique experience where the staff speaks a little Spanish and French but no English.
Play Parcheesi & Watch the Sunset
Here, in what used to be blueprints for luxurious houses, you’ll find small terraces boasting splendid views.
Grab a seat, order a mint tea, and immerse yourself in the local culture by playing or observing intense Parcheesi games.
In Morocco, Parcheesi, along with rami, is almost a national sport. You can easily join in using one of the many Parcheesi boards available on the tables.
Then, when the sun goes down, walk a few metres up the road to discover an incredible spot for watching the sunset over Tetouan.
Along with the breathtaking view, you might also see shepherds guiding their cows and goats down the mountains, a truly unforgettable and smelly sight.
Here, in what used to be blueprints for luxurious houses, you’ll find small terraces boasting splendid views. Grab a seat, order a mint tea, and immerse yourself in the local culture by playing or observing intense Parcheesi games.
In Morocco, Parcheesi, along with rami, is almost a national sport. You can easily join in using one of the many Parcheesi boards available on the tables.
Then, when the sun goes down, walk a few metres up the road to discover an incredible spot for watching the sunset over Tetouan.
Along with the breathtaking view, you might also see shepherds guiding their cows and goats down the mountains, a truly unforgettable and smelly sight.
Enjoy one of the best Kefta Tajine
To cap off your day, head to “Tajine Café Bouanane” and order a sardine or kefta tajine. Enjoy your meal while taking in the panoramic view of the city. In the very likely event that there is no taxi waiting when you’re ready to head back to town, don’t worry.
You have two options: ask the waiters or restaurant owners if they know someone who can give you a ride, or start walking down the road until you can flag down a taxi returning from another drop-off.
Enjoy your evening in Tetouan and savour every moment of this authentic Moroccan experience!
To cap off your day, head to “Tajine Café Bouanane” and order a sardine or kefta tajine. Enjoy your meal while taking in the panoramic view of the city.
In the very likely event that there is no taxi waiting when you’re ready to head back to town, don’t worry.
You have two options: ask the waiters or restaurant owners if they know someone who can give you a ride, or start walking down the road until you can flag down a taxi returning from another drop-off.
Enjoy your evening in Tetouan and savour every moment of this authentic Moroccan experience!
Enjoy your adventure in tetouan!
This city is a treasure trove of hidden gems, offering a profound glimpse into Moroccan lifestyle and culture. Tetouan invites you to slow down and truly connect with its essence. Alongside your way, embrace the local spirit, savour authentic flavours, and engage with the heart of locals.
But this is just the beginning. If you enjoyed uncovering Tetouan’s secrets, imagine what the rest of Morocco has to offer. Dive deeper into the wonders of this captivating country with this comprehensive Slow Travel itinerary in Morocco.
So, fellow traveller, are you ready to explore more of Morocco’s hidden treasures on the Blog?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
This city is a treasure trove of hidden gems, offering a profound glimpse into Moroccan lifestyle and culture. Tetouan invites you to slow down and truly connect with its essence. Alongside your way, embrace the local spirit, savour authentic flavours, and engage with the heart of locals.
But this is just the beginning. If you enjoyed uncovering Tetouan’s secrets, imagine what the rest of Morocco has to offer. Dive deeper into the wonders of this captivating country with this comprehensive Slow Travel itinerary in Morocco.
So, fellow traveller, are you ready to explore more of Morocco’s hidden treasures on the Blog?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
