Tangier Travel Guide: Kasbah, Cafés and Where to Stay

Perched on the northern tip of Africa, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic and Spain is visible across the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier has always been a crossroads. Painters, writers and musicians made it legendary in the 20th century, and today the city combines a whitewashed hilltop kasbah, faded colonial cafés and a glossy new waterfront. It is one of Morocco’s most underrated cities, and the perfect gateway to the north.

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Best things to do in Tangier

1. Explore the Kasbah. The fortified quarter at the top of the medina is a maze of white lanes, painted doors and terraces over the sea. The old sultan’s palace, Dar el-Makhzen, now houses the Kasbah Museum, with archaeology and art from across the region.
2. Get lost in the medina. Walk down from the Kasbah to the Petit Socco, the little square where Tangier’s café life began, and browse the narrow streets of artisans and spice sellers.
3. Sip mint tea at Café Hafa. Open since 1921, this simple café is built in terraces on the cliffs, with views across the strait to Spain. It is a Tangier ritual, especially at sunset.
4. Visit the American Legation. The only US National Historic Landmark outside the United States is a beautiful old building in the medina, now a museum and cultural centre.
5. Watch a film at Cinema Rif. The Art Deco cinema on the Grand Socco is home to the Cinémathèque de Tanger, with a café that is a favourite meeting point for artists and students.
6. See where two seas meet at Cap Spartel. About 14 kilometres west of the city, the Cap Spartel lighthouse marks the point where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
7. Step into the Caves of Hercules. On the same coastal road, these sea caves are famous for their opening shaped like a map of Africa. Combine them with a swim at Achakar beach nearby.
8. Walk the new waterfront. The marina and the long beach promenade along the bay are lively in the evenings, with cafés and restaurants.

Day trips from Tangier

• Asilah: a whitewashed seaside town about 45 minutes south, known for its ramparts and colourful murals.
• Tetouan: about an hour away, with an Andalusian-style medina listed by UNESCO.
• Chefchaouen: the famous blue town in the Rif Mountains, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Better as an overnight stay. Read our Chefchaouen travel guide.

Guided day trips from Tangier to Chefchaouen, Asilah and Tetouan can be booked on GetYourGuide.

Where to stay in Tangier

Stay in the medina or Kasbah for atmosphere and views, or along the bay and in the modern centre for pools, parking and easy taxis.

Hotel El Djenina

Kasbay Tangier Medina

Hotel El Toro Tanger

Marina Bay City Center

L’Adresse Boutique Hôtel & Spa

Royal Tulip City Center

Getting there and around

Fast ferries cross from Tarifa in Spain to Tangier’s city port in about an hour, and larger ferries from Algeciras arrive at the Tanger Med port east of the city. The Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier with Kenitra, Rabat and Casablanca, making the north an easy add-on to any trip. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport has flights from many European cities; book a fixed-price pickup with Kiwitaxi. Compare flights on Aviasales. In town, blue petits taxis are cheap, and the medina is best explored on foot. For road trips along the coast and into the Rif, compare car rentals on DiscoverCars.

Do it like a Moroccan: local tips

• Wear good shoes. The medina and Kasbah are built on a hill, with plenty of steps and cobbles.
• Politely decline unofficial guides. If you want a guide, book an official one through your hotel or online.
• Try the local street food. Look for bocadillos, fried fish and bissara, a warming fava bean soup, in the medina.
• Hear Spanish. Thanks to its history, many Tanjawis speak Spanish as well as Darija and French.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are ideal, with warm days and fewer crowds. Summer is lively and busy, as Moroccans from abroad return home for the holidays. Winter is mild but can be wet and windy, especially in the strait.

Heading further? Read our Asilah travel guide, the Fes travel guide, or plan your whole route with the free Moroccanly trip planner.

Cover photo: Raúl Cacho Oses on Unsplash