Located on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is the ideal entrance point for those who want to start a travel itinerary in Morocco. But is Tangier worth visiting? You might have heard a few things about this city on social media or other travel guides. However, did they go in-depth into the place’s soul or scratch the surface?
Let me drive you into this handcrafted tangier travel guide, the slow travel way. Here, it’s about discovering what makes Tangier unique with its quirks, features, and history. No bullshit, just what it takes to explore its streets, get to know its inhabitants, local locations, and lifestyle. Ready to visit Tangier differently?
Located on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is the ideal entrance point for those who want to start a travel itinerary in Morocco.
But is Tangier worth visiting? You might have heard a few things about this city on social media or other travel guides. However, did they go in-depth into the place’s soul or scratch the surface?
Let me drive you into this handcrafted tangier travel guide, the slow travel way. Here, it’s about discovering what makes Tangier unique with its quirks, features, and history.
No bullshit, just what it takes to explore its streets, get to know its inhabitants, local locations, and lifestyle. Ready to visit Tangier differently?
The best time to visit Tangier
Overall, almost all year long, it is ideal to visit Tangier. However, some periods and seasons are more indicated to enjoy the best of the city without rain, insupportable heat, or large tourist crowds.
In my opinion, Spring is perfect to understand why Tangier is worth visiting. From March to early June, the weather is good, and it isn’t too crowded yet. Autumn is like Spring and offers ideal months to visit Tangier from September to the end of October. During this time, most foreigners have gone, and the weather is perfect, not too hot or cold.
Be aware of Winter and Summer if you are planning to visit Tangier! The first one can be extremely cold, and most rain is registered between November and February. During summer, from mid-June to August, this is the tourist peak. Prices skyrocket, and the heat can often be unbearable, leaving you with less exploration time.
Best time to visit Tangier: March to early June – September to October
Overall, almost all year long, it is ideal to visit Tangier. However, some periods and seasons are more indicated to enjoy the best of the city without rain, insupportable heat, or large tourist crowds.
In my opinion, Spring is perfect to understand why Tangier is worth visiting. From March to early June, the weather is good, and it isn’t too crowded yet.
Autumn is like Spring and offers ideal months to visit Tangier from September to the end of October. During this time, most foreigners have gone, and the weather is perfect, not too hot or cold.
Be aware of Winter and Summer if you are planning to visit Tangier! The first one can be extremely cold, and most rain is registered between November and February.
During summer, from mid-June to August, this is the tourist peak. Prices skyrocket, and the heat can often be unbearable, leaving you with less exploration time.
Best time to visit Tangier: March to early June – September to October
Where to Stay in Tangier?
During my stay, I stayed at two different hostels in Tangier. All of them participated in my positive answer to “Is Tangier worth visiting”. They were all located in the Medina and offered an ideal starting point for daily exploration.
Bayt Alice Hostel: The staff and owners are warm and engaging, and the common spaces, especially the terrace, are delightful. This is an enchanting place to be in this Tangier travel guide. The showers and bathroom are clean, and they offer unlimited tea and coffee daily. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the beds are comfy.
Tangier Kasbah Hostel: A bit smaller than the previous one but with an even more splendid view over the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean sea and the Medina. The owners, Youssef and his brother, are welcoming and eager to give you local tips about Tangier. The beds are comfy, and the showers are clean despite being small.
Where to stay in Tangier: Kasbah Hostel & Bayt Alice
During my stay, I stayed at two different hostels in Tangier. All of them participated in my positive answer to “Is Tangier worth visiting”. They were all located in the Medina and offered an ideal starting point for daily exploration.
Bayt Alice Hostel: The staff and owners are warm and engaging, and the common spaces, especially the terrace, are delightful.
This is an enchanting place to be in this Tangier travel guide. The showers and bathroom are clean, and they offer unlimited tea and coffee daily. The kitchen is well-equipped, and the beds are comfy.
Tangier Kasbah Hostel: A bit smaller than the previous one but with an even more splendid view over the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean sea and the Medina.
The owners, Youssef and his brother, are welcoming and eager to give you local tips about Tangier. The beds are comfy, and the showers are clean despite being small.
Where to stay in Tangier: Kasbah Hostel & Bayt Alice
Why Tangier is worth visiting: The Local Guide
When asking yourself if Tangier is worth visiting, the “best things to do and see” question arrives first. This city is packed with many things you should witness and experience.
Although the main tourist places are interesting because of their historical importance or legends, this Tangier travel guide is also about local spots and hidden gems. After all, it is the very definition of being a Slow Traveller than to go off the beaten path.
When asking yourself if Tangier is worth visiting, the “best things to do and see” question arrives first. This city is packed with many things you should witness and experience.
Although the main tourist places are interesting because of their historical importance or legends, this Tangier travel guide is also about local spots and hidden gems.
After all, it is the very definition of being a Slow Traveller than to go off the beaten path.
Best things to do in Tangier
Visit the Medina
Medina means “city” or “town” in Arabic. Most big Moroccan cities have one and it designates the old historical center. It is a giant maze surrounded by walls and originally designed for opponents to get lost when invading the Medina. Nowadays, its usage remains the same for the police and foreigners. This is where normal people used to live and is now occupied by low-income class inhabitants.
The Medina in Tangier is worth visiting as it gives you a glimpse into local people’s lifestyle and traditional Moroccan architecture. However, do not follow anyone saying he knows a better route or wants to guide you. This is one of the biggest Moroccan scam for tourists.
Medina means “city” or “town” in Arabic. Most big Moroccan cities have one and it designates the old historical center. It is a giant maze surrounded by walls and originally designed for opponents to get lost when invading the Medina.
Nowadays, its usage remains the same for the police and foreigners. This is where normal people used to live and is now occupied by low-income class inhabitants.
The Medina in Tangier is worth visiting as it gives you a glimpse into local people’s lifestyle and traditional Moroccan architecture.
However, do not follow anyone saying he knows a better route or wants to guide you. This is one of the biggest Moroccan scam for tourists.
Visit the Kasbah
Kasbah means “fortress” in Arabic. Most big Moroccan cities have one, and it was used to protect the royal family, nobles, and important buildings such as the Mosque within Medina. The Kasbah in Tangier is beautiful and worth a stroll around.
Although some streets have been arranged for tourists to take pictures, you can see beautiful doors, buildings, and history there. Many bars and places were used as meeting points for international artists during the secret life of the Tangier period. There is also a giant tree I particularly enjoyed wandering around.
Kasbah means “fortress” in Arabic. Most big Moroccan cities have one, and it was used to protect the royal family, nobles, and important buildings such as the Mosque within Medina.
The Kasbah in Tangier is beautiful and worth a stroll around. Although some streets have been arranged for tourists to take pictures, you can see beautiful doors, buildings, and history there.
Many bars and places were used as meeting points for international artists during the secret life of the Tangier period.
There is also a giant tree I particularly enjoyed wandering around.
Wander Along the Fortification
Do you need fresh air and a nice view over the harbour? Why not walk along the ancient fortifications of Tangier? The path is nice, short, and not hard to practice while showing how huge the Medina’s walls are.
Do you need fresh air and a nice view over the harbour? Why not walk along the ancient fortifications of Tangier? The path is nice, short, and not hard to practice while showing how huge the Medina’s walls are.
Visit Café Hafa
Café Hafa is famous for its breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Furthermore, back in the day, it used to be a renowned meeting point for culturally famous persons. Don’t miss this perfect spot to relax with a mint tea while immersing in the panoramic scenery.
Café Hafa is famous for its breathtaking views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Furthermore, back in the day, it used to be a renowned meeting point for culturally famous persons.
Don’t miss this perfect spot to relax with a mint tea while immersing in the panoramic scenery.
Phoenician Necropolis
It is one of the most iconic places in the city’s history. Located near the Café Hafa, you can observe the several 108 tombs carved directly on the rock, overhanging the Strait of Gibraltar.
It is one of the most iconic places in the city’s history. Located near the Café Hafa, you can observe the several 108 tombs carved directly on the rock, overhanging the Strait of Gibraltar.
Observe the Mosques
Stand and be impressed by the beauty of the mosques in Tangier. Although you cannot enter them if you are not Muslim, the Grand Mosque and the Masjid Lallah Abosh mosque are worth the detour.
Stand and be impressed by the beauty of the mosques in Tangier. Although you cannot enter them if you are not Muslim, the Grand Mosque and the Masjid Lallah Abosh mosque are worth the detour.
Watch the Sunset Along the Seawalk
Tangier’s sea walk offers some of the most stunning sunsets. Ensure finding a good spot and enjoy the vibrant colours as the sun dips below the horizon.
Tangier’s sea walk offers some of the most stunning sunsets. Ensure finding a good spot and enjoy the vibrant colours as the sun dips below the horizon.
Local Things and Hidden Gems in Tangier
Visit Hammam Dar Baroud
Experiencing a traditional hammam is a must to answer the question “Is tangier worth visiting”. Inside, you’ll need a scrubbing glove and some black soap.
Then, the process involves alternating between pouring hot water on yourself and scrubbing with the glove and soap.
This is a unique cultural immersion, and if you’re alone, don’t hesitate to ask a local for help to scrub your back.
Entry: 40 MAD, including soap and glove
Experiencing a traditional hammam is a must to answer the question “Is tangier worth visiting”. Inside, you’ll need a scrubbing glove and some black soap.
Then, the process involves alternating between pouring hot water on yourself and scrubbing with the glove and soap.
This is a unique cultural immersion, and if you’re alone, don’t hesitate to ask a local for help to scrub your back.
Entry: 40 MAD, including soap and glove
Explore Ibn Battuta’s History
Please welcome Ibn Battuta, one of the most renowned explorers, born in Tangier. Although you probably have never heard of him, his legacy is strong all over Morocco.
Therefore, visiting the museum dedicated to him, with an entry fee of just 20 MAD, is a must. It offers a fascinating glimpse into his adventures and contributions to the Arabic world.
Entry to Ibn Battuta Museum: 20 MAD
Please welcome Ibn Battuta, one of the most renowned explorers, born in Tangier. Although you probably have never heard of him, his legacy is strong all over Morocco.
Therefore, visiting the museum dedicated to him, with an entry fee of just 20 MAD, is a must. It offers a fascinating glimpse into his adventures and contributions to the Arabic world.
Entry to Ibn Battuta Museum: 20 MAD
Buy Honey at Honey’s House
I met Sofiane, the owner of Honey’s House, by chance while travelling slowly through Tangier. After a fun language exchange, I tried his honey and was blown away, especially by the lemon variety.
His family produces it sustainably around Agadir, and it’s very affordable. Thus, go there and mention you came through my recommendation for a special treat!
My go-to purchase is the Lemon variety!
I met Sofiane, the owner of Honey’s House, by chance while travelling slowly through Tangier. After a fun language exchange, I tried his honey and was blown away, especially by the lemon variety.
His family produces it sustainably around Agadir, and it’s very affordable. Thus, go there and mention you came through my recommendation for a special treat!
My go-to purchase is the Lemon variety!
Eat at Soussi Restaurant
I tried to find it for hours before finally encountering its location here. Simply put, this place is one of the reasons why Tangier is worth visiting.
Dishes are affordable, tasty, and made for locals by locals. Their Harira Soup is a must-try!
Must-try dish: Harira Soup
I tried to find it for hours before finally encountering its location here. Simply put, this place is one of the reasons why Tangier is worth visiting.
Dishes are affordable, tasty, and made for locals by locals. Their Harira Soup is a must-try!
Must-try dish: Harira Soup
Eat at Chez Bachir
Do you want a local, affordable, and popular meal? Go to Chez Bachir outside of the main tourist places.
They offer a variety of grilled meat, soups, and other Moroccan dishes. What stunned me was the prices: less than 5 MAD for a skewer!
Must-try dishes: Meat skewer & Lentil Soup
Do you want a local, affordable, and popular meal? Go to Chez Bachir outside of the main tourist places.
They offer a variety of grilled meat, soups, and other Moroccan dishes. What stunned me was the prices: less than 5 MAD for a skewer!
Must-try dishes: Meat skewer & Lentil Soup
Best Things to Do Around Tangier
Best nature day trip around Tangier
Caves of Hercules
This is an archaeological cave complex located in Cape Spartel next to the summer Palace of the King. Many legends surround this place, a popular saying is that the Greek god Heracles stayed and slept in the Hercules caves to maintain the Strait of Gibraltar with his arm strength only.
Interestingly, archaeology has shown that the cave was used back in 6000 BC by the Neolithic people. You can go there on the hop-on-off bus tour.
This is an archaeological cave complex located in Cape Spartel next to the summer Palace of the King.
Many legends surround this place, a popular saying is that the Greek god Heracles stayed and slept in the Hercules caves to maintain the Strait of Gibraltar with his arm strength only.
Interestingly, archaeology has shown that the cave was used back in 6000 BC by the Neolithic people.
You can go there on the hop-on-off bus tour.
Cap Spartel Lighthouse and Gardens
A bit of nature excursion outside of Tangier. It is also the most northwestern point in Africa and the location of a great lighthouse overhanging Gibraltar’s Strait. It has a great garden and offers an ideal picnic or nap spot. Located near the Hercules Caves, you can also go there by taking the hop-on-off bus tour, riding along the Atlantic Ocean.
A bit of nature excursion outside of Tangier. It is also the most northwestern point in Africa and the location of a great lighthouse overhanging Gibraltar’s Strait.
It has a great garden and offers an ideal picnic or nap spot. Located near the Hercules Caves, you can also go there by taking the hop-on-off bus tour, riding along the Atlantic Ocean.
How to get around Tangier?
When visiting Tangier, you don’t have to worry about how to get around. This is a walkable and human-size city where your legs will likely be your only means of transportation. All the things to do in Tangier, and the accommodations mentioned above, can be reached by foot.
However, if you ever need a taxi, the best place to do so is in Grand Socco. There, yell, raise a hand, or talk to one of the waiting cabs. Then, come to the haggling phase, talking about the price.
To ensure you are not getting scammed, you can dive into How to travel around Morocco by train and taxi or ask your hostel’s staff how much you should pay beforehand.
Local buses can also be used for an even cheaper price, but come with less comfort and sometimes a more chaotic schedule.
When visiting Tangier, you don’t have to worry about how to get around. This is a walkable and human-size city where your legs will likely be your only means of transportation. All the things to do in Tangier, and the accommodations mentioned above, can be reached by foot.
However, if you ever need a taxi, the best place to do so is in Grand Socco. There, yell, raise a hand, or talk to one of the waiting cabs. Then, come to the haggling phase, talking about the price.
To ensure you are not getting scammed, you can dive into How to travel around Morocco by train and taxi or ask your hostel’s staff how much you should pay beforehand.
Local buses can also be used for an even cheaper price, but come with less comfort and sometimes a more chaotic schedule.
How to reach Tangier from Spain?
Tangier is worth visiting because it is an easy place to reach from Spain. How so? Aim to reach Algeciras or Tarifa in the south of Spain. From there, you can take a ferry to Morocco.
However, be careful! Only the ferry from Tarifa will take you directly to Tangier City, while the one from Algeciras will drop you off at Tanger MED, which makes it a bit tricky to reach Tangier afterwards.
The crossing lasts about 1.5 hours and costs around 35 euros. You should purchase your ferry ticket in advance as prices can vary significantly.
For further details you don’t want to miss, check out this ferry from Spain to Morocco article.
Tangier is worth visiting because it is an easy place to reach from Spain. How so? Aim to reach Algeciras or Tarifa in the south of Spain. From there, you can take a ferry to Morocco.
However, be careful! Only the ferry from Tarifa will take you directly to Tangier City, while the one from Algeciras will drop you off at Tanger MED, which makes it a bit tricky to reach Tangier afterwards.
The crossing lasts about 1.5 hours and costs around 35 euros. You should purchase your ferry ticket in advance as prices can vary significantly.
For further details you don’t want to miss, check out this ferry from Spain to Morocco article.
Is Tangier Worth Visiting - FAQ
Is Tangier safe?
Tangier is mostly safe, but I will advise you not to wander alone in the Medina after midnight. Bad encounters might happen there.
Tangier is mostly safe, but I will advise you not to wander alone in the Medina after midnight. Bad encounters might happen there.
What is Tangier known for?
Tangier is worth visiting for different reasons, but the main ones for its popularity are:
Cultural Crossroads – A unique mix of Moroccan, European, and African influences which have shaped its history and influenced the local culture
Stunning Location – Overhanging the Strait of Gibraltar, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Literary & Artistic Legacy – A special place for writers and artists in the 60s’ and 70s’ like Paul Bowles and the Beat Generation who wanted to find a neutral political shelter. There, creativity and inspiration have been created to influence the following decades.
Tangier is worth visiting for different reasons, but the main ones for its popularity are:
Cultural Crossroads – A unique mix of Moroccan, European, and African influences which have shaped its history and influenced the local culture
Stunning Location – Overhanging the Strait of Gibraltar, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking views where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Literary & Artistic Legacy – A special place for writers and artists in the 60s’ and 70s’ like Paul Bowles and the Beat Generation who wanted to find a neutral political shelter. There, creativity and inspiration have been created to influence the following decades.
How long should I stay in Tangier?
Tangier is worth visiting if you are staying for at least 3 days. Less than this amount, you will probably miss the essence of this unique place in Morocco.
Tangier is worth visiting if you are staying for at least 3 days. Less than this amount, you will probably miss the essence of this unique place in Morocco.
Where is Tangier located?
If you have followed this local guide, you know that Tangier is located on the Strait of Gibraltar, 13 kilometres only from Spain.
If you have followed this local guide, you know that Tangier is located on the Strait of Gibraltar, 13 kilometres only from Spain.
Is Tangier expensive?
Tangier might be a bit more expensive than other cities in Morocco due to its proximity to Europe. However, this is still a cheaper Slow Travel Destination if you explore it like a local, making Tangier worth visiting.
Tangier might be a bit more expensive than other cities in Morocco due to its proximity to Europe. However, this is still a cheaper Slow Travel Destination if you explore it like a local, making Tangier worth visiting.
What is the currency in Tangier?
The main currency used in the MAD, but many vendors are happy to use euros and will even quote you a price in Euros. Usually, bigger stores will have credit/debit card facilities. Don’t forget that haggling is a way of life in Morocco when answering to your question “is Tangier worth visiting”.
The main currency used in the MAD, but many vendors are happy to use euros and will even quote you a price in Euros. Usually, bigger stores will have credit/debit card facilities. Don’t forget that haggling is a way of life in Morocco when answering to your question “is Tangier worth visiting”.
What is the language used in Tangier?
If you visit Tangier, you might hear Arabic, Tamazight, French, English, and Spanish floating around. Most people speak French, Spanish, and English due to the location.
If you visit Tangier, you might hear Arabic, Tamazight, French, English, and Spanish floating around. Most people speak French, Spanish, and English due to the location.
Where should I go after Tangier?
This is a great place to visit other destinations in Morocco, making Tangier worth visiting. You can take a collective taxi and go to Tetouan and ChefChaouen, or take the train and go straight to explore Fes.
This is a great place to visit other destinations in Morocco, making Tangier worth visiting. You can take a collective taxi and go to Tetouan and ChefChaouen, or take the train and go straight to explore Fes.
Tangier is worth visiting
Although Tangier might seem very commercialised and not offer a true Moroccan experience, things are different when you go deeper than just scratching the surface. Tangier is worth visiting for many reasons and I hope this travel guide will help you to immerse and witness what the real Tangier looks like, away from the tourist crowds and main attraction.
This is only the first step of our adventure travelling slowly in Morocco! There are many wonders to see and experience, so where will you go next? Will it be Tetouan, the underrated Moroccan gem, or Tamraght the hidden village?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
Although Tangier might seem very commercialised and not offer a true Moroccan experience, things are different when you go deeper than just scratching the surface.
Tangier is worth visiting for many reasons and I hope this travel guide will help you to immerse and witness what the real Tangier looks like, away from the tourist crowds and main attraction.
This is only the first step of our adventure travelling slowly in Morocco! There are many wonders to see and experience, so where will you go next? Will it be Tetouan, the underrated Moroccan gem, or Tamraght the hidden village?
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with heart.
