The city is large, with around one million inhabitants. However, the things to see in Tangier are concentrated in a few districts, making it easy to get around on foot. Must-sees include the Kasbah, the Medina, the Place du Gran 9 Avril, the Grand Mosque and the famous Café Hafa, among many others.
The Tangier Kasbah is one of the oldest parts of the city and one of the places not to be missed. The ancient walled city is the quintessential Tangier experience, with winding alleyways leading from one area to the next. Although it's quite easy to lose your bearings in the Kasbah, getting lost is part of the fun of wandering around this district of Tangier. You will find many surprises here, as you never know when you might turn a corner and find an amazing, unforgettable restaurant, or the perfect rug, and so on. You will see old people having tea and playing backgammon and from the top of the Medina you have the most spectacular views of the city.
The Place du Gran 9 Avril is a historic square that commemorates the day Mohammed V visited it in 1947 to communicate Morocco's aspired-for independence. It is a spacious meeting place with benches, a large marble fountain and palm trees. Walk around its perimeter to see the Sidi Bou Abib Mosque, with its outstanding polychrome minaret dating back to the 17th century and explore both the Gran and the Petit Soccos. The best way to soak up the life of the square is to sit on a terrace, enjoy a Moroccan mint tea and let the minutes and hours pass by. The Bab Fahs gate is the way in to the Medina.
Strolling through the alleyways of the higher part of the Tangier Kasbah, why not stop off at the picturesque Cafe Hafa? Here, you can enjoy phenomenal views of the blue sea. This cafe is known for its delicious mint tea, but it is even more famous as a place frequented by many early 20th-century singers and writers. The Beatles, the Rolling Stones and writer William S. Burroughs, to name but a few, were all known to have patronised this establishment. From the 1920’s style décor to the impressive views and the general sense of wonderment at knowing who else has eaten there, Café Hafa is a popular tourist stop.
As we have said, the Medina, or old town, has been home to many famous painters, writers and artists over the centuries. When you walk through it, you'll understand why artists are exhilarated by what they find. Paul Bowles, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs are other popular figures who held Tangier's Medina as one of their favourite haunts.
The New Town is a wonderful place for lovers of late 19th and early 20th century architecture, as there are beautiful buildings from this period. Here you will find the Terrace des Paresseux (literally, Terrace of the Idle), a wonderful place to have a coffee and where many European artists have found inspiration. The harbour is just opposite, so if you pay attention, not only do you have a wonderful view of the sea, but in the background, when the sky is cloudless, you can see the silhouette of Gibraltar and the southern tip of Spain.
The port is the must-see place in Tangier. We suggest you visit it as it was one of the most important and longest-standing trading ports, although nowadays it is a simple harbour where you will see fishermen at work. It is not a tourist port, so you won't see many tourists or large ships. But it is one of the most authentic places in Tangier.
The Tangier Grand Mosque is not inconspicuous either; with its colour and its towering minaret, it is certainly a place of interest. It was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple dating from the 5th century. When conquered by the Portuguese, it was converted into a cathedral until the 8th century when it became a prayer site for Muslims. Since then, it has been a church or a mosque depending on the period. Hence, the building has undergone numerous transformations over the years, making it one of the most architecturally interesting places to see in Tangier.
Cap Spartel is a cape 11 kilometres west of Tangier, marking the northwestern tip of Africa. It is a promontory that marks the boundary between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. One of the most beautiful things to do in Tangier is to come and admire the sunset from here. The Caves of Hercules lie below this headland; mythology has it that Hercules once slept here. It is a spot of incredible beauty.
Cap Malabata is a stunning cape located some 10 kilometres east of Tangier from which, in addition to the incredible views of the Strait of Gibraltar, we can enjoy its charming lighthouse. There is also a medieval-style castle which was built in the early 20th century.
The Church of San Andrés is a recent church, dating from 1905, which incorporates traditional Moroccan architectural elements. It is precisely because of the distinctive style of the façade that we recommend a visit.
Tetouan: With a Medina declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, the city of Tetouan is a visit we highly recommend from Tangier. The Medina alone is well worth the trip. It is a pleasure to watch the craftsmen at work outside their workshops or shops, and to stroll through the narrow streets lined with white and green houses. Don't miss the Jewish Quarter (the Mellah), where the jewellers' shops are located and which leads to the Royal Palace, another essential stop.
Asilah: Asilah lies about 40 km from Tangier on the northwestern tip of Morocco's Atlantic coast and is a city with a history dating back to Roman times. In recent centuries, the city has been under Spanish and Portuguese rule. Its present-day architecture has much to do with Portuguese constructions.
Larache: This coastal town lies 88 km from Tangier and is also the closest settlement to the archaeological site of Lixus. This is where, according to Greek mythology, Hercules stole the apple. The site includes a temple, a theatre, an acropolis and baths, and although the site is overgrown with weeds, it emanates a very specific atmosphere.
Chefchaouen: If there is a Moroccan city to fall in love with at first sight, it is Chefchaouen. Its streets and houses in tones of blue and white flood the urban plane with a light that fills all visitors with vitality. A day trip from Tangier will give you just enough time to explore the Medina, stroll through the Kasbah and its gardens, browse in the dozens of craft shops and stop off at the museum.
