Things to do in Tangier: a practical local guide

Wander the medina and kasbah

From the Grand Socco, climb the lanes to the Petit Socco and on up to the kasbah. The Kasbah Museum, in the former sultan’s palace, traces the history of the region. From the ramparts, the view across the Strait to the Spanish coast is striking on a clear day.

Have mint tea at Café Hafa

Open since 1921 and loved by generations of writers and musicians, Café Hafa steps its terraces down towards the sea. Best in the late afternoon.

Visit the American Legation

The first property the United States owned abroad, given by the sultan in 1821, the American Legation is now a museum and cultural centre, with a room dedicated to the writer Paul Bowles.

Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules

West of the city, the Cap Spartel lighthouse overlooks the meeting of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. The Caves of Hercules, a little further south, open onto the ocean. On the way, the Rmilat forest and Perdicaris park make good walks.

Enjoy the beaches

In town, the long municipal beach runs along the corniche and the new marina. For calmer water, head to Achakar beach and the coves of the Atlantic coast, or east along the Mediterranean.

Day trips from Tangier

Chefchaouen (about 2.5 h) is the star day trip. Tetouan (about 1 h) has a UNESCO-listed Andalusian medina. Asilah (under an hour) is perfect for a slow day by the Atlantic. And the Al Boraq train reaches Rabat and Casablanca in a few hours.

Practical tips

Best seasons are spring and early autumn; summer is lively and kept pleasant by the wind, winter can be rainy. Petit taxis (blue and yellow in Tangier) are cheap: ask for the meter. Politely decline unofficial guides at the port exit.

Guides

Tangier day trip from Tarifa: a practical guideVisiting Tangier on a day trip from Tarifa: the ferry, passports, time difference, the ideal route through the medina and kasbah, and booking a guide.
Tanger Med port to Tangier: how to get to the cityArriving at Tanger Med port and getting to Tangier: distance, travel time, taxi, bus or private transfer. Tips for leaving the ferry from Algeciras.
Tangier airport to the city centre: taxi, bus or transferHow to get from Ibn Battouta airport to central Tangier: distance, fixed taxi fares, the airport bus and private transfers to the medina.
Chefchaouen or Tetouan from Tangier: which should you choose?Chefchaouen or Tetouan as a day trip from Tangier? Driving time, atmosphere, crowds and what to see, to pick the right day out.
Tangier and the 2030 World Cup: a fan’s guideTangier, a 2030 World Cup host city: the Grand Stade de Tanger, getting there, where to stay, getting around and what to do between matches.