If you’re looking for the best things to do in Tangier, then you have come to the right place. Not only do I live in Morocco with my Moroccan partner, but I have been to Tangier countless times.
I know a lot of people think Tangier is overrated, but I really love this iconic city in Northern Morocco.
It has this beautiful, old-world charm that is perfectly complimented by stunning ocean views and a beautiful fusion of Moroccan/European culture.
Additionally, Tangier is super accessible from Europe, with ferries departing daily from places like Tarifa, Spain. Therefore, Tangier is a great place to go if you are short on time and want to get a taste of what Morocco has to offer.
Honestly, I think most people don’t like Tangier because they run out of things to do. Or, they just do the super touristy things and don’t really get a true feel for local culture.
However, if you read this guide then you’ll quickly see that there are a ton of places you can go to get off the beaten path and to enjoy all that Tangier has to offer. So, have a look at this guide and start planning the perfect Tangier itinerary today.
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Table of Contents
1. Phoenician Tombs
The Phoenician Tombs can be a bit hit or miss for visitors. Yes, the tombs offer sweeping views of the Ocean. However, they are usually packed with people who want to watch the sunset and are often filled with old water and trash.
On the plus side, they are free to visit in Tangier, and I enjoyed seeing the many ancient columns and stone walkways that line the path to the tombs. It’s also just really cool to see all these super old tombs carved into rock.
In total, this Punic Roman necropolis features 98 ancient tombs that are carved into the rocks of this hill.
So, temper your expectations when it comes to this Tangier attraction. It is nice, but it can definitely feel underwhelming if you have really high expectations.
If it were me, I would probably grab some snacks and enjoy a picnic here while I watch the sunset. Just don’t expect to have this place all to yourself since this spot is popular among locals and tourists alike.
The views are also really nice, and you can see where the ferry from Spain to Morocco arrives in the background.
2. Dar Niaba Museum
I feel like this museum in Tangier is criminally underrated and one of the best hidden gems in Tangier. However, that also means there are very few crowds and that this spot is well worth your time.
After all, this museum is well-located in the Medina, costs just 20 Dirhams to visit, features beautiful riad-style architecture, and sits inside one of the oldest buildings in the city.
Additionally, this museum is fairly big and features two floors of tile work as well as beautiful paintings that sit inside the former residence of the city Naib, or the Sultan’s representative to foreign communities).
As a result, Dar Niaba played a crucial role in Morocco during the 19th century and is a great place to go to learn about the city’s rich history and to see some amazing art.
I have been here twice and love coming back since there is always new art on display. Just plan on spending maybe 45 minutes here since the collection isn’t huge.
3. Cafe Hafa
If you only visit one place in Tangier then let Cafe Hafa be it. After all, this amazing, Bohemian-style cafe in Tangier was first founded in 1921 and has been astounding celebrities like the Rolling Stones, Juan Goytisolo, and Paul Bowles ever since.
Today, it is a super cool, local hot spot in the Marchane district where you can grab a bowl of harira (chickpea soup), enjoy some fresh mint tea, and admire sweeping views of the Ocean.
After all, hafa translates to “The Edge” in English. So, the views are truly astounding. This place does get packed, though. So, I highly recommend stopping by earlier in the day if you want a seat.
You can also stop by the Phoenician Tombs on your way since these two Tangier landmarks are well-located near one another.
Just remember, this place isn’t one of the fanciest restaurants in Tangier and is really all about the view. Therefore, the service can be hit or miss and you’ll be sitting at plastic tables.
4. Wander the Kasbah
I love wandering around the Kasbah for a couple of reasons. First of all, this part of the city has a very old-world feel. So, it’s a lot of fun walking around a maze of ancient cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old buildings.
Additionally, this part of the city is much more open and features wider streets than the Medina. As a result, you don’t feel trapped or claustrophobic.
This part of this city also sits high atop a hill and is surrounded by historic military fortifications. Therefore, it’s a great place to go if you want to grab a coffee and enjoy sweeping views of the ocean.
All in all, a visit to the Kasbah Museum will deffo be a highlight of your time here. However, I really like just walking around, admiring the ancient architecture, and getting lost while enjoying incredible views of the harbor.
Local Tip: From here you can also enjoy nice views of Mosque Mohammed V. It’s a gorgeous, super modern mosque that sits right near the water. You can’t go inside, but you can admire the building’s stunning architecture.
5. Visit the Gran Cafe de Paris
Okay, everyone talks about visiting the Grand Cafe de Paris when in Tangier. Personally, I didn’t find this place all that impressive.
Yes, it’s cool that this cafe was featured in The Bourne Ultimatum and that it was a super Bohemian spot where writers like Jack Kerouac, William Burrough, Paul Bowles, and Tennessee Williams used to gather over cups of coffee.
It’s also a fairly historic place that has been around since 1927 and is now one of the oldest cafes in the city.
However, when I visited, it felt like a fairly generic cafe in Tangier. I thought the coffee was okay, and my omelet was alright. They also have some nice outdoor seating if you want to chill outside and watch the city go by.
But, on the whole, this is pretty much just a fairly regular Moroccan cafe in Tangier.
6. Visit the Kasbah Museum
Located inside the palace of a former sultan, Dar El Makhzen, this recently renovated museum showcases exhibits and artifacts that detail the region’s history from prehistoric times through to the 19th century.
Sadly, write-ups are only in French and Arabic. So, if you are an English speaker like me, don’t expect to learn too much about what you are looking at.
Start your visit by moving in a counterclockwise direction through the first courtyard. Next, continue inside to view the rest of the displays, finishing with a stroll through the gorgeous Andalusian garden.
TBH, this was probably the highlight of my visit since I loved exploring the garden and admiring the incredible architecture all around me.
During your visit, don’t miss the mosaic of Venus from Volubilis, an incredible collection of statuary, and large replica maps, like one that dates all the way back to 1154.
7. Enjoy Grand Sacco
Grand Sacco serves as a gateway to the bustling medina and is where you can admire the stunning beauty of Bab Fass Gate. It is a spacious, circular plaza filled with palm trees and a beautiful central fountain.
While this used to be a bustling market, this cobblestone circle is now where local taxis drop people off so that they can visit the Medina.
Overall, it’s a great place to just sit and watch the residents of Tangier pass by. For the best views, climb up a set of steps to a spot that locals call “La Terrasse”.
Once here, you can sip on some tea and watch locals play parchís (a popular Spanish board game).
Afterward, have a look at the exterior of the Grand Mosque of Tangier. Sadly, non-Muslims can’t go inside. But you can enjoy a beautiful structure that has served as a Roman temple, a Portuguese church, and now an epic mosque.
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8. See Cinema Rif
Cinema Rif, also known as the Cinémathèque de Tanger, was founded in 1949 when Morocco was still ruled by the French.
It was initially the Cinema Royal and was dedicated to showing a wide array of international films. It continued to play an important role as a hub for local artists in the 1950s and 1960s and was fully renovated in the 1990s.
Once renovations were complete, it was reopened under the name Cinema Rif. This iconic local landmark currently sits on the edge of Grand Sacco and shows a wide array of domestic and foreign films.
Stop by to watch a film and admire the theater’s historic architecture. You can also grab a mint tea and watch the world pass by if you sit in one of the theater’s outdoor seats.
Just be wary of local cats if you do this. The last time I sat here, I had a cat sit in my lap, and I could not get it off me (LOL). I eventually had to ask a local to help me remove the cat when I wanted to leave.
So, yeah, the whole thing was just super awkward, even though I eventually did get the cat to move.
9. Explore the Medina
Easily one of the top attractions in Tangier, the Medina is a maze of narrow streets that are filled with local homes and bustling souks (markets) where you can purchase a wide array of souvenirs from Morocco.
It is a space that is enclosed by the walls of a 15th-century Portuguese fortress and is filled with a series of buildings that are pretty modern for a Moroccan medina.
This area is a fun place to shop and offers you a sneak peek into local life. Unfortunately, local merchants can be very aggressive here. So, be ready with a firm “la shokran” if you are not interested in something.
Personally, if I were spending a day in Tangier, I would enter the Medina from Grand Sacco through Bab Fass since this is a super beautiful spot in the city.
10. Enjoy St. Andrew’s Church
Also located right near Grand Sacco, St. Andrew’s Church is a truly unique place.
It was initially constructed in 1894 as an Anglican Church. However, if you look closely, you’ll see that the building has Fassi-style architecture and that the Lord’s Prayer is written in Arabic over the altar.
Additionally, there is a niche inside that shows the direction of Mecca, with some Quranic verses carved into the church.
The last time I was here the inside of the church was closed to visitors. But, you could still walk around the serene, yet small, graveyard.
It’s where you can see the final resting place of Walter Harris (journalist) and Thomas Kirby Green (he was part of the Great Escape). Overall, I enjoyed walking around but a visit here definitely won’t take you more than 15 minutes.
You also kind of have to beg the guy at the front to let you in since I get the sense that they don’t want a ton of people here.
11. Visit the American Legation Museum
If you only visit one museum in Tangier, let it be the American Legation Museum. I’ve visited a couple of times and never got bored since I love how they restored this home and that it feels like the former residents are still here.
A visit here feels like stepping back in time since the rooms of this five-story mansion all surround a gorgeous central courtyard and are designed to reflect what life was like for residences back in the day.
It’s also nice that a lot of the signage here is in English. So, you can read all about the exhibits and fully understand what you are looking at.
As you walk through the museum, enjoy a Moroccan Stars and Stripes carpet, a letter from a US consul who received two lions as a gift in 1839, and James McBey’s painting of a servant girl by the name of Zohra.
Because there is a lot to see and do here, plan to spend at least an hour enjoying all that this space has to offer.
12. Visit Petit Sacco
TBH, there isn’t a ton to do in Petit Sacco. It’s where the Roman Forum once stood and is now a cute little square where can stop for a coffee as you make your way from the Grand Sacco to the port area.
If you want to chill and enjoy the best time to visit Tangier then be sure to stop at Cafe Tingis. This place was popular back in the days of the Hippies and is still a great place to grab a noos noos or a mint tea.
Otherwise, you can always grab a coffee in the infinitely more modern Cafe Central. Believe it or not, Cafe Central dates back to 1813 and is now a local landmark.
13. Enjoy the Views from Terrace Des Paresseux or Sour al Magazine
This spot in Tangier goes by a couple of different names and is one of the many reasons to visit Tangier.
Known locally as Terrace des Paresseux, Sour al Magazine, and Faro Square, this place has served as a meeting point for friends, family, and couples across the city.
People come here because this square sits high on top of a hill and offers awesome views of the Straight of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea.
Basically, you’re here to take photos of the city and to admire the many historic cannons that line this beautiful walkway. You can also see a series of well-maintained gardens that lead you down to the beach.
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14. See Gran Teatro Cervantes
As you can see from my photos, this gorgeous theater has fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.
I really hope they eventually restore this theater since it was originally built by the Spanish in 1913 and used to be one of the most famous theaters in North Africa.
Today, it sits in ruins and is basically closed off to the public. Supposedly, they are set to refurbish it, but there are a lot of disputes between the Spanish government and the city about the theater.
So, full restoration of this beautiful structure seems unlikely. I have heard of people visiting the Spanish consulate and asking for permission to tour the inside. However, that seems like a lot of effort to me and could take upwards of a week.
15. Walk Along the Corniche and Enjoy the Beach
No trip to Tangier would be complete without a visit to the beach since this is one of the coolest beach towns in Morocco. The last time I was here it was more than a little windy and cold. Therefore, I didn’t do any swimming.
However, the beach is quite long and is a great place to walk and enjoy nice views of the Ocean. I loved walking along the Corniche (aka the beachside walkway) and enjoyed the natural beauty all around me.
It’s also a great place to get a feel for local life since lots of people like to hang out here with their families.
Just be prepared to get hassled by locals trying to sell you horse and camel rides. They can be a bit persistent, but if you say “no,” then they usually get the hint.
Local Tip: if you really enjoy walking, visit the Marina. This area has a ton of great places for you to walk and you won’t have to worry about traffic.
16. Relax at the Hammam
A Hamman is a public or private bath in Morocco where steam is used to relax the body and rejuvenate the mind.
Most hammams in Morocco will have you sit in a steam room and a hot room before you (or our assistant) exfoliate and wash your body.
Visiting the hammam is a huge part of Moroccan culture (my partner does it weekly), and I highly recommend you experience one during your trip to Tangier.
You’ll just need to decide if you want to visit a private hammam (you won’t bathe with anyone else) or a public hammam (more authentic and cheaper but you will bathe with other people).
If you’re not sure where to go, give La Tangerina, Bayt Alice Hammam, Jasmine Spa Tanger, and Serenity Day Spa a try.
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17. Stay in a Beautiful Riad
One of my favorite things about traveling to Morocco is staying at a beautiful riad. Essentially, a riad is a tradtional Moroccan style home where rooms sit around a central courtyard.
This courtyard can be open or closed and can include things like tile mosaics, pools, gardens, fountains, etc. Generally, riads are quite old and only feature ten rooms max.
As a result, you’ll want to pre-book riad stays well in advance since popular riads only have a few rooms and fill up quickly.
It’s also worth noting that these tradtional homes typically don’t come with modern amenities like elevators. So, be sure to contact the riad and ask about accessibility if you have mobility issues.
Overall, it is 100% worth staying in a riad while in Tangier. You’ll enjoy a more personal stay in a tradtional Moroccan home (that has been converted into a hotel) and experience something truly unique since riads are only found in Morocco.
If you’re not sure where to stay in Tangier, read my mega epic guide to the best riads in Tangier now.
18. Take a Day Trip to Cap Spartel
Just a quick 20-minute drive from Tangier is the immortal Cap Spartel. A visit to this picturesque viewpoint is easily one of the best day trips from Tangier.
Not only can you easily get here via a group taxi. but the views from Cap Spartel are absolutely stunning.
After all, there is a gorgeous lighthouse here and you can see where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet.
Please note that you WILL need to pay to enter the lighthouse and the surrounding area. I didn’t think it was worth it since the museum was a bit lame.
But, there is a nice cafe here and this part of Cap Spartel is the only place where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean. Overall, I was really glad I did this day trip but I probably wouldn’t pay to visit the lighthouse again.
19. Enjoy a Day Trip to the Hercules Caves
TBH, I thought the Hercules Caves were kind of lame. I ended up walking from Cap Spartel to the Hercules Caves and it took me around 50 minutes.
Overall, I enjoyed the walk and thought that it featured some impressive views of the many beautiful beaches in the area.
However, I often found myself just walking along the road since there really isn’t any scenic path between these two local landmarks.
Anyway, once I arrived at the Hercules Caves, I found out that you have to pay to enter the cave. I ended up visiting because someone else paid for me, but the interior was small and not all that exciting.
I also found the views at Cap Spartel to be much more impressive. So, feel free to visit but I probably won’t be stopping by the Hercules Caves any time soon.
Oh, and fun fact, this cave was first discovered in 4000 B.C. Legend also dictates that Hercules punched a hole in the rock to get from Africa to Europe. Yup, that’s supposedly why this cave has its unique shape today.
20. Explore Perdicaris/Rmilat Park
Oh man, I LOVE coming here for so many different reasons. First of all, it is about halfway between Cap Spartel. So, you could easily visit both spots in a single day if you have a car or use the Hop On Hop Off bus.
We used a taxi and had zero problems since the driver just used the meter.
Anyway, I love how beautiful and peaceful this public park is. It sits right along the coast, is filled with awesome paved walking trails, has tons of picnic tables, and is a great place to see where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
This place is popular among locals though. So, be sure to visit early in the morning on a weekday if you want to have this place all to yourself. We got lucky and practically no one was there. It was awesome.
If you have time, you can also explore the interior of Villa Perdicaris. It was built by an American, for his ailing wife, and has been fully restored so that you can see how Mr. Perdicaris lived.
Tickets cost 60 Dirhams and while I haven’t visited, I would love to check it out the next time I am here.
21. Take the Train to Asilah
Overall, Asilah reminds me of a smaller, more laid-back version of Essaouira since it has this whole “chill beach town” and is home to one of the best beaches in Morocco.
Therefore, it is the perfect place to go if you want to relax by the beach and enjoy a quiet walk through the picturesque medina.
Added bonus? Asilah is just a quick 50-minute drive from Tangier, making it an easy day trip. However, you can also get there by Grand Taxi or train.
If it were me, I would take the train since it departs from Tangier Centre Ville, costs around 25 Dirhams each way, and takes about an hour. Just know that once you arrive in Asilah, you’ll still need to walk about 30 minutes into the center of town.
TBH, the walk isn’t great. But, the town is beautiful. You can still through the streets, photograph the vibrant doors, admire stunning street art, relax on the beach, and grab traditional Moroccan food at Dar Al Maghrebia.
22. Embark on a Day Trip to Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is famously known as the blue city and makes for a great day trip from Tangier.
To visit, you’ll need to embark on a 2-hour bus ride, or a 1.5-hour drive (each way), to get from Tangier to Chefchaouen.
To make the most of your Tangier to Chefchaoeun day trip, I recommend leaving early—ideally around 7:00 AM—so you can enjoy everything this stunning city has to offer.
Do this and you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s serene, blue-painted medina without the crowds.
You’ll also have time to grab breakfast at Café Clock, visit the Kasbah, have lunch at Sofia’s, go shopping in the Medina, and hike to the Spanish Mosque to watch the sunset.
The only downside is that you won’t have time to hike to the Akchour Waterfalls or explore the surrounding trails. It’s one of the best things to do in Chefchaouen but it is just not doable in one day.
Map of the Best Things to do in Tangier
Conclusion
That wraps up this guide to the best things to do in Tangier. I hope you found it useful and know exactly what to do in Tangier.
If it were me, I would keep it simple and stay within the city center. I would visit the highlights there (Grand Sacco, Medina, Kasbah, Kasbah Museum, American Legation Museum, beach, etc.) and then do a day trip to Cap Spartel/Hercules Caves.
If possible, I would try to spend at least one night in Asilah. It’s a really lovely city and just a great place to relax, even if it has gotten super crowded in recent years.
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