Tangier

See also Tangier (Virginia). Tangier (Ar. طنجة, Tanjah, Fr. Tanger) is an important port city in Morocco. The third most populous city in the country, it's a popular entry point to Morocco and Africa as a whole due to its proximity to Spain, and an interesting destination in its own right.

Understand

Tangier is a fascinating Moroccan city to visit. It has many of the things that travellers love—a sense of exotic mystery, interesting history, beautiful vistas, unspoiled beaches, and friendly people. It is an interesting mix of the cultures of north Africa, Spain, and France and indeed has a very international history, and has traditionally been home to people from several different cultures. At the beginning of the 20th century, for instance, a quarter of the city's population were Europeans and another quarter Jewish.

Founded sometime in the 5th century BCE, Tangier has been part of all major empires in the region throughout history. During the last centuries major European powers have contested for the city at the southern bank of the Strait of Gibraltar in order to gain control over the traffic between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. This game even brought France and Germany to the brink of war in 1905. Deemed too important to be controlled by a single country, it was under joint international control from 1925 to 1956 (during that period known as the Tangier International Zone). During World War II and the Cold War it was also major center for spying activities by major powers, as well as a playground for gamblers, crooks and millionaires. Also, several Western cultural personalities such as William S. Burroughs, George Orwell, Henri Matisse and the rock band Rolling Stones have spent some time in Tangier. The American author Paul Bowles lived there for most of his life.

Today the city with a little less than a million inhabitants is the third largest city in Morocco, an important port, center of industry and a popular destination for daytrippers. Frequent ferries make the short crossing from Europe each day, and many cruise ships sailing between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic often include Tangier as a port of call. The Spanish coastline, 30 km away can be seen unless there's haze or fog.

Quite appropriately, Tangier is the birthplace of Ibn Battuta, considered by many to be one of the greatest travellers of all time and on a level with the Venetian Marco Polo. This Berber visited most of the known world at that time including most African regions north of Uganda and Eurasia as far as China.

Climate

The northwest of Morocco is the wettest part of the country. Compared to the south of the country, the summers are milder and the winters can be relatively cold. Facing the Atlantic directly, temperatures in Tangier are usually even a couple degrees cooler than at the Spanish side of the strait.

Notable districts

Medina — the old town of Tangier is quite compact compared to the likes in other Moroccan cities. Still, it's easy to lose your orientation in its labyrinths of alleys. Landmarks include the Grand Mosque and several souks (markets).
Kasbah — the northwestern part of the medina is made up of the Kasbah or fortification. The main building here is the Dar el-Makhzen that has served as residence for sultans and European colonial lords. Today it is a museum.
Ville Nouvelle — the new city around Boulevard Pasteur is the commercial center of Tangier. Though not an attraction in any sense, it's where to go to find banks, cafés, modern shops and such.

Get in

By plane

Tangier receives flights from the largest cities in Western Europe and Morocco, most of them operated by the budget carriers like RyanAir and AirArabia.

Tangier-Ibn Battouta Airport (IATA: TNG), 35.726917°, -5.916889°. When leaving by plane, beware of long queues at passport controls before flights bound for the Schengen area.

Getting there/away: grand taxis depart to/from the arrivals exit, with fixed prices per destination—price for a full taxi (so consider arranging a group to share it beforehand)... day 05:30-22:30, night 22:30-05:30 (as of Sep 2019):

Tangier Ville: 100/150 dirham
Train station: 120/180 dirham
Port Med: 300/450 dirham
Hotel Movinpic or Hotel Andalucia: 150/225 dirham
Asilah: 200/300 dirham
Tetouan: 350/525 dirham
Larache: 350/525 dirham

Cheaper options:

Take a grand taxi to Asilah (20 dirham) or Gueznaia and exit when the road goes off to the airport (it's signposted). It’s a 1.8-km walk from there on a not-too-ugly road. Coming from the airport, a grand taxi running into Tanger can be easily caught at the crossing. Local buses run on the main road so it should be possible to catch one at the junction (N1-airport).
Take a grand taxi or local bus to the university in Boukhalef (Faculty Science And Technology). From there it is 2.5 km to the airport. There is no sidewalk and for a short part, no houses, but seems well transited and people walk on the sides. Petit taxis from the university to the airport are 30 dirham. Also, buses 1, 2, and 20 go to the university in Boukhalef
If you are coming by coach from cities further south on the N1 (Rabat, Casablanca...), ask the driver to drop you at the N1-airport junction, or in Boukhalef and walk or take a petit taxi. If in Boukhalef, you can walk on the main road or through the university.

For more international connections and ultra low-cost flights you may also want to consider flying to the airports of Rabat or Casablanca. From there you can take a high-speed train or intercity bus to Tangier.

By train

The country has an excellent railway system with 1,893 km (1,176 mi) of track and a fine intercity passenger service. In 2018 a high-speed rail service opened between Tangier and Casablanca, via Kenitra and Rabat. Travel times have been greatly reduced with a full length trip taking just over two hours. Regular intercity trains are available from Oujda, Fez and Meknès amongst others. A convenient way of travelling to and from Marrakesh is by using the overnight train, taking just under 10 hours. The train offers both couchettes and sleepers. All trains in Morocco are operated by ONCF, online ticketing are available.

If travelling from Europe, there are trains from several cities in southern Spain to Algeciras, across the Gibraltar Strait.

Tanger-Ville railway station (محطة طنجة المدينة). Taxi is about 15 dirham. 2020-11-15

By bus

Tangier, as it's typical for Morocco, has two long distance bus stations: CTM one exclusively for CTM buses and Gare routière serving all other bus companies. Supratours coaches depart from the train station making them a convenient option in case the next leg involves travel by train.

CTM Bus Station, La Rocade 9 (3km S from Tanger Ville Railway Station), 35.751008°, -5.791921°, +212 39 931 172. 2022-12-29
Gare routière (Main Bus Station), Rocade 9-Sud, Gueznaia (10 km SE from medina), 35.728753°, -5.860297°. The new bus station on the outskirts of the city. Serves bus companies other than CTM, e.g. Nejme Chamal or Jana Viajes. 2022-12-29

By boat

There are two ferry lines from Spain: Tarifa–Tangier and Algeciras–Tangier Med. Another option would be Algeciras–Ceuta route. Tickets for foot passengers generally cost around 40€ single/70€ return (as of Jan 2023).

Tarifa–Tangier. There are two companies operating this line: FRS and Intershipping. The former is more expensive and has fewer daily departures but the ferries are reputedly more modern and faster (35 min across instead of one hour). The number of departures vary during the year, in the summer FRS has five departures in each direction, Intershipping ten. However, during major holidays and summer weekends, it can get really busy and chaotic in the ports. At that time there is reportedly even a risk that you don't get on the ferry you've reserved a ticket for, but have to wait for a later one. If you are coming from Algeciras, there is a free shuttle bus to Tarifa included in the ticket.

Tangier Ville port 📍 is beside the medina, and a few hundred metres from the ville nouvelle. Getting there/away: although the government has been partially successful in reducing the number of touts, money changers, taxi drivers and fake guides hassling people arriving by boat, expect to be mobbed. Look like you know where you're going, politely refuse any offers of help or ignore the fake guides completely, or if you really feel like you need to escape jump in a taxi to escape the throng; just make sure that the taxi driver is no worse than the mob you are trying to escape. The taxi rank is inside the port area where you are likely to be mobbed by requests from many drivers. There is no queuing system: just take the taxi which you have agreed a fare with and are comfortable with. The blue coloured petit taxis are substantially cheaper and used more by locals and are preferable to the cream coloured grande taxis who are mostly unmetered. The grande taxis generally also will still try and charge you more even if you have agreed price, be insistent and get all your change back.

Algeciras–Tangier Med. Ferries from Algeciras with Tangier as their destination do not sail to the port in Tangier city, but instead to the port of Tangier Med 📍 about 40 km further east, which requires an additional 45-60 minutes ride. Note that almost all trucks crossing the strait will use this line instead of the Tarifa–Tangier line, which is more popular with tourists.

If you're coming from further north, GNV sails from Genoa with a stopover in Barcelona to Tangier Med, the cheapest ticket is €120 from Genoa one-way (as of Jan 2023). Besides, there is an irregular (no more than 2 departures per month) passenger service from Gibraltar to Tangier Med operated by FRS, 1:30 h, €37.50 (as of Jan 2023). Getting to Tangier Med port: - By local bus from Tangier, 7 dirham (as of Sep 2022). The blue Alsa bus, numbered I-3, makes its first trip outbound from Tanger Ville station around 06:30 and its last inbound trip from Tanger Med at around 22:00, no precise timetable exists, departures roughly every hour. Buses are not available later at night, if you arrive late, you will need to get a grand taxi. Another alternative to I-3 bus would be an intercity bus connecting Tangier with Fnideq, which passes Tangier Med, about 10 departures daily. Tangier Med's bus stop is a white shelter without signs on the main road about 400 meters from the ferry terminal. - By grand taxi. Grand taxis inside the port charge 300 dirham. If you want a cheaper ride walk instead onto the main road towards Tangier, where the standard price is 30 dirham (as of November 2022), or up to double that late at night.

Algeciras–Ceuta. Yet another alternative would be crossing from Algeciras to Ceuta and overland into Morocco. Prices are similar to the Tangier's and Tangier Med's routes.

By car or motorcycle

Get around

Tangier is very easy to navigate around; the two main roads are Boulevard Mohammed V which runs from near the Medina through the ville nouvelle and Boulevard Mohammed VI (formerly Ave des FAR) which runs along from the beachfront from the port to Malabata. The exception is the Medina (old town), a complex array of alleyways some of which can only be accessed on foot. Mohammed V has a whole range of clothes shops, pharmacies and cafes as well as Hotel Flandria, Hotel Rembrandt. Hotel El Minzah lies just off this road. Mohammed VI runs along the beach front where you will find numerous hotels (Rif, Ramada, Sherezade, Solazure, Tariq, Movenpick), bars, discos, restaurants and cafes. Most hostels are on the roads heading uphill near the port area and in the Medina.

On foot

Walking is perhaps the best way to see the relatively compact Tangier. In the old town it's also the only way to get around, although you will occasionally encounter locals speeding on scooters along the narrow and bumpy alleys.

By car

The speed limit in the city is 40 km/h. The traffic can be quite busy and chaotic with not only all kinds of vehicles but also pedestrians on the lanes. However, there is also a heavy police presence supervising and directing the traffic, often replacing traffic lights. You should better have some familiarity with Tangier before driving yourself in the city, there are usually not many opportunities to stop and look where you should be going.

At many places there are official car guards (carrying a badge) who help you park and will watch over your vehicle for a fee.

By taxi

By bus

Virtually all points of interest are located in or near the old town within walking distance from each other. If you wish to go elsewhere in the city and don't want to take a taxi, your other option is public bus (network map (dead link: December 2020)). A ticket for ride on the green city buses (dead link: December 2020) costs 3.5 dirham as of April 2016. Some bus lines run very infrequently (more than two hours between buses).

See

Tangier is a city where there are rather few individual sights. Instead, the whole city can be considered one single big sight. Take a simple walk along the beach (Ave Mohamed VI) to enjoy what the city is famed for. In the port 📍 you can see fishing boats bringing in fresh fish everyday. There are also restaurants serving very fresh fish. Moreover, here you can also see the frequent fast ferries arriving from and departing to Tarifa.

The medina

The medina 📍, ie. the old town is probably Tangier's biggest attraction. Its narrow streets and many businesses are a quite interesting experience. You will very likely get lost, though. Also, be aware that both touts on the street and shopkeepers are very eager at selling you everything from fezzes and bracelets to mats and fake Rolexes (also see the stay safe section below).

Landmarks in the medina include Grand Mosquee, the nearby petit souk and the fortress (Kasbah).

Grande Mosquée, 35.78566°, -5.80949°. A large mosque built in the 17th century, with its minaret rising above the city walls towards the sea. It's not the first place of worship on that place, before the mosque there has been a cathedral and a Roman temple. 2019-07-27
Petit souq, 35.78551°, -5.81054°. The "small market" was at one point one of the greatest market places in Morocco. In the early 20th century which was the heyday of the city, wealthy people settled in the area around petit souq, and with them came cafés, hotels and casinos but also offices of banks and other offices. These times are over, and many businesses have relocated to newer parts of the city but it can still be considered the heart of the medina, if mainly for tourists nowadays. 2019-07-27
Kasbah, 35.7885°, -5.8128°. The Kasbah and the Kasbah Museum, the former Sultan's palace deserves to be seen not only for its collection of artefacts from the Phoenician to modern times, but also for the building and garden. There is a small entry fee (20 dirham as of April 30, 2017) and varying opening times winter and summer. The terrace at the northern side of the Kasbah is the place to go for good views over the port, and if there isn't fog or haze, even the Spanish coast.
The tomb of Ibn Battouta, 35.7873°, -5.8138°. A 14th century famous traveller who was born in Tangier. 2015-06-13
The American Legation Museum (TALM), 8, Rue America, 35.78391°, -5.81089°. Cultural center, museum, conference center and library in the heart of the old medina is housed in the only historic landmark of the United States located abroad. The museum exhibits a large collection of art and historical items. It also has a Paul Bowles Wing dedicated to the writer and composer who lived most of his adult life in Tangier. (Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States, in December 1777 with the hope of promoting commerce with the new republic. This act by the Moroccan sultan was the first public recognition of the U.S. by a head of state.). 20 dirham
Church of the Immaculate Conception, 35.78523°, -5.81138°. Built by the Spanish in the 1870s in modernist style, this is the main place of worship for Tangier's Christian community. 2019-07-27
Fondation Lorin (Musée de la Fondation Lorin), Rue Abdallah Ben Hachimi 44, 35.78443°, -5.81170°. An art museum, or maybe rather an archive related to the history of Tangier opened in 1930 in a former synagogue. In addition to art, there are newspapers, photographs and posters on display. 2019-07-27

Grand Socco and nearby

Place du 9 Avril 1947 (Grand Socco), 35.78436°, -5.81303°. A large lively park-like square just southwest of the medina. Next to it there's the Sidi Bou Abib Mosque. Go to the souk on Thursday or Sunday mornings to see the Rif mountain women in their colorful costumes selling their produce and dairy products all along the wall of the St. Andrew's Church (English Church). 2015-06-13
Sidi Bou Abib Mosque, 35.78411°, -5.81379°. Built in 1917 and decorated with polychrome tiles, this is the mosque right next to the grand socco. 2019-07-27
Church of Saint Andrew, 35.78360°, -5.81470°. After the first Anglican church got too small, the current one was built behind the Sidi Bou Abib mosque. The church is built in Moorish style and the belltower is shaped like a minaret. In the graveyard next to the church rests prominent British figures in the history of the city, including the officers Sir Harry MacLean and Roy Howell with his wife Claire de Menasce, the criminal Paul Lund and writer Walter Burton Harris. There's also a plaque commemorating Emily Keene, who introduced the cholera vaccine to Morocco (her grave is elsewhere). 2019-07-27
Mendoubia Gardens, 35.78518°, -5.81449°. The continuation of the grand socco to the west, this garden features a large marble fountain and park benches. 2019-07-27
Gran Teatro Cervantes, rue Salah Eddine et Ayoubi, 35.782°, -5.8107°. Closed and falling to pieces but take a photo from outside the gates as you pass by on the way up to the Grand Socco. 2015-06-13
Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulevard d'Angleterre 52, 35.78207°, -5.81502°. Museum showcasing Moroccan modern art, mostly traveling exhibitions. 2019-07-27

Elsewhere and around the city

Palais Marshan (former Forbes Museum of Tangier, Palais Mendoub), 35.79048°, -5.82614°. This impressive building is nowadays a government-owned residence for visitors. Until 1990 it served as a museum of historical battles with statues of soldiers on different battlefields. The building was also featured in the James Bond movie The Living Daylights. 2019-07-27
Plaza de Toros, 35.7645°, -5.7965°. Built by the Spanish (who else?) in the 1940s, this is the last remaining bullring in Morocco. The last bullfight took place in 1970, after that the place has been more or less abandoned, though still a notable historic site. 2019-07-27
Hercules Caves (Grottes d'Hercules). The caves are a place of stunning natural beauty and great archeological significance. Apparently, this is where the mythical figure, Hercules, used to rest after finishing his 12 labours. The cave also bears a mirror image resemblance to the continent of Africa. 10 dirham, but do not bother with an additional tour guide 2019-07-28
Cap Malabata. A great place for watching the sunrise and experiencing North African countryside. 2019-07-28

Do

Walk around the city. Get happily lost in the medina, which is most active in evening and night. Alternatively walk along Boulevard Pasteur with its view to the sea from Terrasse des Paresseux or the beachfront Avenue Mohammed VI and in the port area and look at the fishermen bringing in their catch. When walking around, there are plenty of opportunities for shopping, described in the next section.

For nice views of the city and the seas, head to the aforementioned Terrasse des Paresseux, Kasbah or to the famous Café Hafa in the Drink section.

Mnar Park, 35.8084°, -5.7435°. Aquatic park with a tremendous view of the coast. Open in 2005 it costs €5 for children and €10 Adults has aqua slides, karting circuits, café, romantic restaurant with excellent pancakes. 2015-06-13

Events

Tangier Pocket City-Guide is a free monthly magazine that presents addresses and cultural events of the Northern Region of Morocco, on paper, or online, or via the Android Tangier Pocket app.

Tanjazz. Jazz festival with artists from all over the world performing. It comprises both large outdoor concerts at large squares in the city and smaller ones at indoor locations. Held yearly. 2015-06-13

Buy

The medina is full of small shops, though beware that some of them are tourist traps and salesmen are seemingly outright desperate to get you to buy stuff i which you are not interested. Much of the brasswork is made in other towns but is available here. Leather goods are also available. Stay away from the tourist traps and you may find the price quite agreeable. Colourful leather slippers, men's and women's clothing can be reasonable priced. When shopping here, bargaining is essential as there are no fixed prices. It is advisable to negotiate prices in dirham rather than euros.

Casa Barata, 35.7639°, -5.8225°. Sa-Th. There is a infamous market 6 km outside Tangier called "casa barata" (the house of cheap things). There are bargains to be had here but be wary of forgeries and stolen goods (these are sold alongside vegetables, electronics, clothing, shoes, spices, carpets, ironmongery and everything else one can think of). You can take a grand taxi from the station just next to English Church. It's just 5 minutes by taxi and the fare is 3 dirham each person. 2015-06-13

There are other markets notably the souk in the medina (mainly vegetables, clothes and tourist items) and in Ben Mekada (vegetables). The latter does not cater for tourists and is known as one of the "rough spots" of Tangier and, where, in the 1980s, there were bread riots.

Eat

There are restaurants serving most major cuisines in Tangier. Though while you're here, why not try out the specialties of Maghreb; different types of tagines (stews) and couscous as well as mint tea?

In the morning a "locals" cafe will give you a cafe au lait for 5 dirham. (Cafes where tourists congregate will charge you 10 dirham.) Usually there is a bread vendor at the cafe (by the port or the madina) who will serve you bread with cheese and honey for another 5 dirham. It's perfectly okay to buy your bread/breakfast elsewhere and eat it outside at the cafe. If the bread guy is next to the cafe the waiter will often collect.

You may quickly bore of tagines and street food is a great option for snacking throughout the day. Fresh orange juice costs about 5 dirham; sandwiches of egg, peppers, and sauce are about 10 dirham. Yogurt mixtures can be particularly creative, such as avocado and almonds, or fruit mixtures. Tiny stalls in the souk sell cooked vegetables like eggplant, with rice, and other tasty treats and a meal there can cost 10 dirham or so. In the early evening you may find squares of chickpea cakes sprinkled with salt and paprika.

In the evening, go to the plaza next to CTM bus station. There are several cafes and restaurants facing the plaza. The price and services are good because of the keen competition. Just wandering around in the medina will bring you across numerous Moroccan restaurants offering similar dishes, quality, and prices (main dish around 7 dollars), so you can basically just choose one at random and probably be satisfied.

Vegetarians will find plenty to eat in Tangier and Morocco in general, but vegetarian tagines can become boring after a couple of days and often contain lamb stock. Street food is a lot more creative and fun. If you've brought a camping stove, shop at the souk and make your own. Though, do remember to wash the fruits well. Or you can opt for pizza, Chinese or Indian all of which are available in Tangier.

Tap water isn't dangerous, but for visitors it is much safer (and inexpensive) to drink bottled water.

Budget

There are some fresh off-the-boat seafood restaurants for locals in the port behind the warehouses. At the port entrance, walk towards the water and keep to the right. It's on the docks towards the farthest point out behind some buildings; all outdoor seating for the most part. Order a tray of shrimp, a (big) salad and the calamari and fish tray. No menus or prices but it's quite inexpensive and authentic. For about 60 dirham you will get a serving of fish and seafood for one person that could easily feed two, including salad, bread and beverages.

Many cafes also serve snacks and many bars on the beachfront serve tapas. Also, some familiar global fast food brands have restaurants in Tangier.

In and around the Medina

Restaurant Darna (de L'association Darna), rue Jules Cot - Place du 9 avril (from the main square, go uphill and take the stairs leading down to a large building with a large green gate.), 35.78374°, -5.81346°, +212 5 39 94 70 65. The Darna organization helping women and children in difficulties is operating a restaurant, popular among the western expats in the city. You get whatever they are serving that day, which includes bread, olives, salad and a main. Drinks (10 dirham) and dessert (15 dirham) are available for extra. Daily four-course menu 60 dirham 2022-11-17
Restaurant Ahlen, 8 Rue des Postes, 35.7852645°, -5.8099152°. Moroccan cuisine served in a modest restaurant, a popular suggestion of several nearby accommodations. 50 to 90 dirham for a decent tagine or couscous, with bread, olives, cheese, and tea included 2022-11-17
Abou Tayssir, 11 Rue d'Italie, 35.7863851°, -5.8133943°. A Syrian restaurant 2022-05-01
Chez Hassan Bab Kasbah, 8 Rue de la Kasbah, 35.7867281°, -5.8136793°. 2022-05-01
Riad Al Andalous Restaurant, Riad, Rue de la Kasbah, 35.7867602°, -5.8137940°. Moroccan cuisine 2022-05-01

In the city centre

Bocadillo Abdelmalik, Rue Mexique (a block away from Terrasse des Paresseux), 35.77979°, -5.81227°. Fast food. A fabulous and cheap sandwich of kefta, egg, fries on a baguette at around 14 Dhs (June 2015) 2022-05-01
Oslo Pizza, Ave Mohammed V (located on the Boulevard and on the beachfront), 35.7778°, -5.8065°. Pizzas and snacks. 2022-04-01
Sandwich City, Rue jarraoui 3, 35.7806122°, -5.8120988°. 2022-05-01
Eric's Hamburger 1, Bd Pasteur, 35.7799156°, -5.8101059°. 2022-05-01
Sandwich Les Quatre Saisons, Avenue Moussa ibn noussair / Avenue Amrou ibn al aas, 35.7794352°, -5.8109187°. 2022-05-01

Mid-range

Café à l'Anglaise (A L'Anglaise), 37 rue de la Kasbah (From the Place of 9 april take the street ( Rue d'Italie) that starts in the arcade of the Kasbah. The street will go up of the hill. The cafe is next to the pastries chop. If you come from the museum of the kasbah walk down a little the cafe is just after the pharmacy.), 35.78765°, -5.81452°, +212 635-186766, cbadrea@gmail.com. 1AM-10PM. In the heart of the Kasbah on the highest peak of the Medina of Tangier with panoramic views, It has a range of veggie meals and all dishes are cooked in traditional wood oven. It is 100% organic. The juice comes huge with no additive and some fresh ginger and pomme grenade. €8 (Dec 2015) 2022-05-01
Saveurs de poissons - Chez Poppeye (Restaurant Populaire), Escalier Waller, 2 (near rue de la Liberté and the hotel El-Minzah), 35.78258°, -5.81247°, +212 5 39 33 63 26. Excellent seafood and fish restaurant, served with some kind of couscous and tajine as is typical in Morocco. Fruit juice is also a speciality. 100-150 dirham 2015-06-12
Le Pagode, 3 rue El Boussairi (located near the town centre), 35.7789°, -5.8114°. Chinese and Vietnamese restaurant with pleasant decor and friendly service. The food has received mixed reviews. 2015-06-14
Otori Sushi, 41 Av. de la Resistance (located near the Grande Poste), 35.7771°, -5.8082°, +212 5393 25533. According to many reviewers the best Japanese food in Tangier, especially sushi. about 120 dirham/person 2015-06-14
Restaurant Al Andalous, Rue Hafid Ben Abdel-Barr (opposite the Al Andalous Mosque, Lalla Chafia.), 35.7713°, -5.8176°. Moroccan Deli & Fish Bar with nice decor and typical Moroccan dishes. 2015-06-14

Splurge

Many of the luxury hotels, including the iconic Hotel Continental, offer a good selection of both Moroccan and continental fare, though at prices much higher than what you will find elsewhere. There are also many restaurants along the Ave Mohamed VI (the beachfront) where one can enjoy a nice meal with a glass of wine on the beachfront.

Marhaba Palace Restaurant, Place du Tabor, 35.78834°, -5.81544°. Moroccan restaurant with Moroccan ambience. Four course lunch alternatives. Apparently popular with tour groups. 4 course lunch menus €17 and €24 2015-06-14
San Remo, 15 Rue Ahmed Chouki (located near the town centre), 35.7806°, -5.8116°, +212 5399 38451. Italian and French cuisine, apparently decent food at elevated prices. mains around 150 dirham 2015-06-14

Drink

There are many places in Tangier to drink. Much depends on the current owner who tends to give the place a certain ambiance. Popular bars/discos with foreign (and local) clientele include Casa Pepe, Sable D'or, Morocco Palace, Marco Polo (popular with truck drivers) and hotel bars such as Ramada and El Minzah.

You could opt for a coffee, and there are no shortage of cafes; some of which are the best in the country. Some have amazing views (cafe Hafa), some good coffee, some are popular (cafe Tropicana, cafe Celine Dion), some with music (cafe in the Dawliz complex), some have good cakes (cafe Oslo), some are places to relax after a hard day shopping (cafe Madam Porte, cafe Vienna), and some are rather sleazy.

Fresh fruit juices are sold by street vendors during the summer months. The cafes also serve fresh fruit juices and often have wpanache, a delicious mix of fruit juices often with milk, apple and almond.

Cafe El-Hafa, +35.79133°, -5.82175°. Opened in 1921, visited by famous writers and artists. View on the Straits of Gibraltar. Drink tea while looking at boats passing by.
Bar Tangerine, Rue Magellan 1, 35.7808°, -5.8085°. Nice little bar for a drink in the evening or the weekend. 2015-06-14
La Fuga, Rue Ibn Zaidoun, 35.78151°, -5.82271°. Café and pizzeria. 2015-06-14
La Española, 97,Rue La Libérté, 35.78168°, -5.81271°. Bakery and tea house, specializing in cakes. 2015-06-14

Sleep

There are plenty of hotels to choose from in all categories. Rates may vary depending on the season. Many riads (traditional Moroccan mansions) nowadays function as hotels, with nightly rates around 300-500 D. These can be found mostly in the medina.

Budget

There is an enormous number of small hotels and hostels in or near the medina, nightly rates are 50 - 300 dirham. At these establishments, showers and toilets are communal and hot water costs extra. There are also a lot of small hotels at the port, which is walking distance to both the medina and the new city. To find these little hotels you exit the port of Tangiers and in about 100 m you'll see the Hotel Biarritz (white with hand-lettering in blue). Turn right up the rutted, dirty little alleyway next to it (yes, this is a street) and wind your way uphill to find several small hotels off the main drag on the unmarked Avenue Magellan.

Magellan Hotel, Rue Magellan, 35.78086°, -5.80819°. Quiet and very basic, hot showers, has a garage for your car or motorcycle, and costs 150 dihams/night w/20 dirham for parking. Front rooms 2nd floor have Bay of Tangiers view and cooling breeze. 2015-06-15
Hotel Royal, 144 Rue Salah Eddine Ayoubi, 35.78256°, -5.80944°. Right up the hill from the port entrance, on the way up to the medina. Rooms w shared bath start around 120 dirham but it was easily talked down. Clean, hot water, very nice atmosphere, also has Wifi and satellite TV in the lobby.
Pension Gibraltar, Rue de la Liberation (between av. Pasteur and Gran Socco), 35.78187°, -5.81266°. Basic hostel, if you want clean sheets bring your own. triples 150 dirham, warm shower included
Villa Muniria, 1 Rue Magellan, 35.7807°, -5.8075°, +212 39935337. Visited by American authors of the Beat generation of the late 1950s. Is still a hotel, but is reportedly a bit run-down. This is where William S. Burroghs wrote his book Naked Lunch.
Hotel Hollanda, 139 Rue de Hollande, 35.78139°, -5.81450°.

Camping

Camping Achkkar, 35.7594°, -5.9367°.
Camping Miramonte, 35.7916°, -5.8319°. Reputedly the best campsite, also offers bungalow accommodation. 2015-06-15

Mid-range

Hotel Continental, 36 Rue Dar El Baroud, 35.7874°, -5.8095°, +212 5 39 93 10 24. This hotel, situated in the medina and within easy reach of the port, is very much in the 'former glory' category, with past guests including Degas, Churchill, Kerouac and friends. Definitely spend extra for a nicer room if given the opportunity, it is not a lot extra and the best rooms were absolutely palatial. Get one facing the port if you can. It has a really nice terrace out front where you can enjoy mint tea with spectacular views of the harbour. Make sure not to confuse it with the Intercontinental which is a more modern hotel and not as central. 365-420 dirham for a double. 2015-06-15
Hotel Shehezerade, Rue de la Sena, 35.7778°, -5.8005°. On the beachfront, clean and comfortable, cheap and cheerful (€30-35). 2015-06-15
Hotel Solazure, Avenue Mohammed VI, 35.77652°, -5.79746°. On the beachfront but caters mostly to package tourists. Poor service and not particularly clean or cheap. €50-60 2015-06-15
Dar Jameel, No.6 rue Mohammed Bergach, Dar El Baroud, 35.78724°, -5.81001°, +212 61092780. This new guesthouse/ boutique hotel is a stone's throw from the Hotel Continental and needs to be seen. A former restaurant and gallery, the house has been amazingly restored with typical Moroccan style. The view from the large terrace and penthouse is 360 degrees, taking in the medina, the bay of Tangier, Gibraltar and Spain. The 8 rooms/suites vary in price from €45 to €120 a night.
Hotel Marco Polo, Rue Antaki, 35.7808°, -5.8063°. Clean, modern and decent sized rooms with air conditioning and satellite television. A double room will set you back around 600 DH although this can be negotiated down to 450 dirham. The reception will let you use the spare computer for internet access free of charge. Breakfast is not included. 2015-06-15
La Tangerina, 19, Riad Sultan, 35.78917°, -5.81347°, +212 39947731. A riad in the Kasbah.

Splurge

Hotel Ramada Encore Tanger, Lot N°1, Baie de Tanger, 35.7737°, -5.7792°. On beachfront - 4-star hotel. Modern and reasonably priced with sea facing rooms (€80-100). 2015-06-15
Hotel Mövenpick, Route De Malabata, 35.7847°, -5.7635°. in Malabata - Expensive but modern luxury hotel with an adjoining Casino. 5-star hotel (€160-180) 2015-06-15
Hotel El Minzah, Rue de la Liberte 85, 35.78187°, -5.81220°. Near the Medina - centrally located. Decor is traditional Moroccan arabesque. This is the most famous 5-star hotel in Tangier. 2015-06-15
Hotel Omnia el Puerto, 10 Avenue Beethoven, 35.7757°, -5.7998°. Not on the beachfront but is clean and comfortable 4-star hotel. (€70-80) 2015-06-15
Hotel Intercontinental, Bd. Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, 35.7738°, -5.8100°. Near the big Mezquita. Good service and clean. Not part of the Intercontinental chain. €50-70 2015-06-15
Hotel Le Mirage, 35.7590°, -5.9388°. This is a 5-star hotel on the Atlantic coast, with a kilometer of clean beach. It is a little far from Tangier and an ideal secluded spot. Popular with Royalty and the discreetly rich. 2015-06-15
Hotel Rif, Avenue Mohammed VI, 35.7799°, -5.8043°. Renovated 5-star hotel on the beachfront. Famous former guests include Winston Churchill and Jean Claude Van Damme. 2015-06-15
Villa Josephine, 231, Rue Sidi Mesmoudi, 35.79311°, -5.83451°. Villa Josephine on the Old Mountain is an 11-room luxury residence with fine dining, bar and swimming pool. It is located away from the crowds downtown. 2015-06-15
Albarnous, Rue Ahmed Cheijh Ben Ajiba 18 B, 35.78871°, -5.81419°, +212539371919, info@albarnoustanger.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Elegant riad in the Kasbah, equipped with a hammam. €90/100

Stay safe

Generally, central Tangier is a very safe city compared with many places in Europe though this does not necessarily apply to the suburbs. The only trouble you may encounter are the persistent touts whom you should ignore, or the con-men ready to fleece you (by trying to chat up to you then sometimes offer to smoke hashish), and you will encounter these almost exclusively in the medina. There are policemen everywhere and you will probably feel safer than at home. Tangier is generally safe for lone women.

Dressing like a local will help you blend in and get good reception from merchants, who will often quote you actual prices instead of inflated tourist prices. There are lots of expats in this city that speak Spanish first, then English and then French. A polite no thank you and then simply ignoring touts does get rid of them.

This is not the case if you are visiting Tangier as part of a tour (e.g. a day tour from Costa del Sol or a cruise excursion). In this case, as of May 2015, the souvenir touts are going to follow your group during the whole time you're in the medina. Yes, they may have interesting looking stuff for sale, but if you buy anything from anyone of them it will mark you as an easy target and the other ten touts in the gang will surround you until you get back on the tour bus. Save your shopping for the shops, which you will stop at. They are also eager to get to sell you something, but they do at least have a larger selection and won't follow you along.

If you are lost in the medina, you can easily find your way out by going uphill (souk/English church/Nouvelle Village) or down (port). Children and young men may ask you for money to lead you out (a couple of dirams), or to the Cafe Central, but if you are asked if you are lost and do not want help, say "Yes, but happily," and usually that gets a laugh and solitude.

When arriving via ferry from Spain, be aware that con men will await you at the harbour and offer you help filling in the immigration sheet (or just do it unquestioned) or advise you where you would get some tasty local food (and then of course expect a majestic tip). They can be quite persistent. Best not to talk to them at all.

Also, check the current exchange rate when you need to change euros. Don't simply trust the rate that locals tell you (even if different people confirm the same rate).

Go next

Asilah — Town at the ocean with a splendid white medina and a lots of beaches, 20 km south. Grand taxi 50 dirham, bus 11 dirham.
Larache — A lively and non-touristy town 85 km to the south featuring beaches and the Phoenician-Roman ruins of Lixus at the estuary of river Loukkos.
Chefchaouen — Some 120 km southeast. This is a traditional Rif mountain village with blue and white houses surrounded by beautiful forested countryside.
Tetouan — The other major city in the region, 60 km to the southeast. It has what some people call the prettiest medina of the country, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coast further east features sand beaches, resorts and good diving.
Ceuta — 65 km northeast, this is a Spanish enclave on the African mainland. The road there passes Jbel Musa which in antiquity was known as one of the Pillars of Hercules (the other one was the Rock of Gibraltar)
Mainland Spain — You can buy train, bus and ferry tickets at the stations and ports listed above, although you may find it easier to purchase ferry tickets from travel agents rather than face the gauntlet of touts at the port. If you plan on leaving by ferry, it is important to note that the ferries from Tanger Med to Algeciras often do not follow a set schedule, and departure times can change even within a day of having purchased tickets. One alternative is to take a fast ferry to Tarifa, because these are more likely to run on time and at least one of the companies provides a free bus to the port at Algeciras. You can also flag grand taxis at the major bus stations and ferry port. If you're leaving Morocco, spend or exchange your dirham to another currency first. Legally, you may not bring out more than 1000 dirham, and you will probably not be able to exchange them abroad.
Otherwise, buses and trains take you south to other major cities in Morocco such as Rabat, Marrakech and Casablanca.

Tangier - City in Morocco

Understand

Climate

Notable districts

Get in

By plane

By train

By bus

By boat

By car or motorcycle

Get around

On foot

By car

By taxi

By bus

See

The medina

Grand Socco and nearby

Elsewhere and around the city

Do

Events

Buy

Eat

Budget

In and around the Medina

In the city centre

Mid-range

Splurge

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Camping

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

Go next

Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima

Morocco