What to do in Tangier for a Day: The Ultimate Local’s guide

If you’re not sure what to do in Tangier for a day then I completely understand. The first time I came to Tangier I was clueless about all of the best things to do.

I ended up aimlessly wandering around the Medina and didn’t have the best time. Thankfully, I eventually moved to Morocco and have been back to Tangier many times since.

So, I am going to show you how to make the most of your day in Tangier. I’ll provide you with a fun and efficient Tangier itinerary so that you see as much as possible in as short of an amount of time as possible.

The catch? Just pack some comfy shoes because you are gonna be super busy. But, trust me, it is gonna be fun. After all, Tangier is a super fun Moroccan city.

It sits on the northern coast of the country and is a diverse mix of Islamic and Western cultures. So, get ready to try delicious food, explore cool sites, see incredible museums, and enjoy epic views during your 24 hours in Tangier.

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How Do You Spend a Day in Tangier?

Below is a quick outline of my one day in Tangier itinerary so that you can use it and enjoy your time in this magical city. This is ideal if you are taking the ferry from Spain to Tangier and only have a day in the city,

• Grand Sacco
• Cinema Rif
• St. Andrew’s Church
• Medina
• Petit Sacco
• Tangier American Legation Museum
• Kasbah Museum
• Phoenician Tombs
• Cafe Hafa
• Beach since it’s one of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco
• If you have extra time do a Tangier day trip to Asilah

One Day in Tangier Itinerary

Grand Sacco

Located right near the entrance of the Medina, this large, circular square is lined with paved paths, incredible fountains, giant palm trees, relaxing benches, and more.

It sits at the intersection between the Old Town and the New Town and is a great place to start your 24 hours in Tangier. You’ll find chaotic markets on one side and a giant mosque on the other.

For the best views of the area, climb up to La Terrasse. This is where the locals go to grab some mine tea and enjoy the view. It’s definitely one of the coolest places to go in Tangier.

It’s also worth noting that Grand Sacco goes by a couple of different names. Some locals call it “Souk Ibarra” or “Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947” since King Mohammed V gave a famous speech about Moroccan independence here on April 9, 1947.

It’s an epic spot and definitely one of the best free things to do in Tangier.

Local Tip: If you’re here in the evening then you have to try the snail soup. It’s a local delicacy. You can also stay at one of the coolest riads in Tangier located nearby.

See Cinema Rif

Located right in Grand Socco, Cinema Rif is this uber-cool, Art Deco-style theatre that was first built in 1938.

Today, it has an amazing cafe and shows a ton of mainstream and indie movies that you can enjoy.

Be sure to grab a mint tea and sit outside so that you can watch all the people milling around Grand Sacco. You can also shop for some cool souvenirs while you’re here.

St. Andrew’s Church

Walk a minute or two away from Grand Sacco and you’ll find St. Andrew’s Church. Not only does the shaded cemetery here make for a great place to walk, but the Anglican church is pretty historic.

It was built in 1894 by Sultan Hassan and even has the Lord’s Prayer sitting above the altar in Arabic. So, the design of the church is a neat fusion of Moroccan and Western cultures.

This place can be hard to visit since the opening hours are a bit odd. I would just walk over and if it’s not open then just continue with your one day in Tangier itinerary.

You also probably won’t be able to access the inside of the church since the last time I was here it was closed.

Explore the Medina

Enter the Medina through Bab Fass and admire this grand archway before seeing what the souks have to offer.

Like most medinas in Morocco, this part of the city is a labyrinth of narrow streets that are filled with cool shops and markets.

However, unlike most medinas in Morocco, the buildings here are relatively new and flanked by a cool Portuguese fortress from the 15th century.

These markets are vibrant and sell a wide range of items, everything from food to clothes to leather goods to lanterns.

Get lost and see if you can find a cool carpet to take home with you. Just don’t forget to bring cash and haggle so that you can get the best price possible.

I like to start at 50% of the asking price and go up from there. If you have time, explore the many boutique shops in the area and make your way to the Central Mercado in Tangier.

This market is where you can shop for traditional Moroccan food and see olives and pickled lemons on display.

Petit Sacco

When you’re ready to take a break, grab a seat in Petit Sacco (aka the little square) at Cafe Tinjis since this place is pretty famous cafe in Tangier from the days when all the local hippies used to flock here.

However, you can also stop by Cafe Central if you like a more modern cafe. Either way, enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea. This iconic drink is a must-try during any one day in Tangier itinerary.

It’s a way of life in Morocco and my Moroccan partner drinks it every day, multiple times a day. Literally, the first thing he does when he wakes up is make mint tea.

Anyway, this is basically just a small square in the Medina where you can relax for a few before you continue with your day in Tangier.

Tangier American Legation Museum

This is probably my favorite museum in Tangier and is a must-see if you’re not sure what to do in Tangier for a day.

See, this super cool museum examines the close diplomatic relationship that existed between the US and Morocco.

After all, Morocco was the first country to recognize the US as a sovereign nation in 1777. Today, this museum sits inside an old 5-story mansion that was also the first place where the United States setup a diplomatic presence abroad.

Additionally, it’s the only US National Historic Landmark not in the US and features a bunch of vibrant, colonial-style rooms that are decorated to demonstrate what the building looked like when foreign officials were in residence.

Highlights include artifacts like a Moroccan Stars and Stripes carpet, a James McBey painting of a servant girl, and a charming exhibit on American author Paul Bowles.

I just loved walking through all of the colorful colonial-style rooms, listening to old-timey music, and marveling at the gorgeous interior courtyard.

The Kasbah and the Kasbah Museum

After exploring this amazing museum, it’s a short 10-minute walk to the Kasbah Museum.

Along, the way, you’ll climb up a hill and pass through the Kasbah, a beautiful area filled with cobblestone streets, chic hotels, and cool boutiques. It’s the highest spot in the city and offers great views of the ocean.

Once here, you’ll find the Kasbah Museum. It sits inside the palace of an old sultan and examines the unique history of the region through to the 19th century.

Sadly, signage isn’t available in English. But, you can still explore a lovely Andalusian garden, see a mosaic of Venus from Volubilis, and marvel at giant replica maps.

If you have time, visit the Modern Art Museum right next door. I wasn’t blown away but it does have a nice selection of contemporary art if you’re interested.

Local Tip: When you leave, check out the view of the Strait of Gibraltar from Bab Al Bahr. You can also visit the Ibn Battouta Museum if you have time since it is very close by and one of the unique things to do in Tangier.

Walk to the Phoenician Tombs

From the Kasbah, it’s a 15-minute walk to this cool lookout point with sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar

You’ll know you’re here when you see Avenue Hadj Mohamed Tazi on your right. You’ll continue down this stone pathway that is flanked by Roman-style statues and columns.

It’s honestly not something I expected to find in Tangier and leads you to a Punic Roman necropolis where 98 tombs are carved into the rocks of this hill.

Yes, dirty water and trash sometimes collect in these holes. But, this is a popular spot among locals and tourists so that makes sense.

Plus, the views are simply stunning and this is a great place to stop in the evening since there is basically no shade here.

Relax at Cafe Hafa

If thought the views were awesome from the Phoenician Tombs, just wait until you get to Cafe Hafa. See, this place is an institution in Morocco and has been in business since 1921.

That’s because the name of this boho-chic cafe translates to “The Edge” and is filled with rows upon rows of plastic tables sitting on terraces along the edge of a cliff, offering unobstructed views of the ocean at one of the best eateries in Tangier.

This place was so popular that the Rolling Stones, Yves Saint Laurent, and Henri Matisse have all been happy customers here. I can understand why they stopped by since it’s one of the coolest places in Morocco.

It’s nothing fancy but the views are nothing short of breathtaking. So, relax, grab a bowl of harira (chickpea soup), and sip on a tall glass of sweet mint tea.

Alternatively, if you need a full meal then you can also visit the associated restaurant and order a delicious tagine.

Local Tip: If you want to enjoy a pre-planned day in Tangier then sign up for a Tangier cooking class. They are a lot of fun since they combine a day of sightseeing with a day of cooking.

Check Out the Beach (Optional)

So, Tangier is a coastal city and a big part of its appeal is the beach. That being said, the beach is pretty far from Cafe Hafa since it is about a 45-minute walk away.

Therefore, depending on what time it is and how you feel after this one day in Tangier itinerary, feel free to skip it.

I mean, the beach is nice but it can be windy. Plus, most people don’t swim unless it’s the middle of the summer.

Alternatively, you could take a taxi here and visit Plage Municipale or Plage Malabata. They are the two main beaches and you can use the large promenade to walk along the beach without getting sand in your shoes.

There are also a wealth of parks, playgrounds, and sleek glass elevators that will take you down to the sandy beach.

Just know that locals will probably try and get you to go on a horseback ride. Usually, if you just say, “no thank you” they tend to leave you alone.

Local Tip: Bring sunglasses to help protect your eyes from sand blowing all over the place on a windy day.

Map of What to do in Tangier for a Day

Where to Stay in Tangier

There are many great hotels and hostels in Tangier. Some great places to stay after your 24 hours in Tangier include:

• Bayt Alice Hostel (budget) – If you are on a budget then this hostel is the place to be. You’re well-located near the port/beach, can use an on-site hamman, can relax on a terrace with epic views of the medina, and can stay in unique rooms with French/Moroccan decor. You’ll even get a continental breakfast and can enjoy tea in the living room.

• Marina Bay City Center (mid-range) – I 100% would stay here. The price is great, the staff is legendary, and the hotel is in a great location right on the beach. I was even upgraded to a suite (whoop whoop) and relaxed by the awesome outdoor pool all day long. The Wifi was also excellent, making it easy to get work done.

• Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier (luxury) – If you’re looking for a supremely luxe stay in Tangier then book a room at the Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier. It’s a super swank hotel with a spacious outdoor pool, spa, and 7 restaurants/bars. Rooms are spacious, the staff are lovely, and there’s even a great kid’s club on-site. The one downside is that the Wifi sucks.

Is Tangier Safe?

Yes, I felt very safe in Tangier. I walked around the city at night alone and never had any issues. However, you do need to be careful and learn how to stay safe in Tangier since it is a big city where you can encounter unsavory people.

But, I would highly recommend visiting and know that the incidence of violent crime is extremely rare. The worst thing you’re likely to encounter is pickpocketing.

Is Tangier Worth a Day Trip?

Tangier has a compact and walkable medina that is filled with amazing things to see. So, even if you only have a day then Tangier is still well worth visiting.

Best Time to Visit Tangier

The best time to visit Tangier is during the shoulder, season. So, either March through May or October through November.

The weather is nice but it’s not peak season. So, you won’t have to deal with crowds and stupid high prices. I like visiting in the fall since you don’t have to worry about Ramadan.

I also loved visiting in winter but it can get a bit cold, especially at night. So, if you hate cold weather and shorter days then winter may not be a good time for you to visit.

What to Wear in Tangier

If you’re not sure what to wear in Tangier, check out my guide on what to wear in Marrakech. Essentially, you’ll want to wear long, loose clothing that covers your chest, shoulders, and knees.

Tangier can get hot, especially in the summer. So, opt for lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. I also wouldn’t wear anything too flashy and would dress a bit more conservatively (guys too) since this city is not as liberal as Europe.

How to Get to Tangier

Tangier is a major port city that is well-connected to Europe and much of Morocco. Therefore, you can easily get to Tangier by plane or by taking a ferry from France, Italy, and Spain.

Most people enter Tangier from Tarfia, Spain since the ferry ride is an hour long and costs €40.00 per ticket.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting from Rabat, Marrakech, or Casablanca, you can get to Tangier by bus (CTM) or train. I would opt for the train since it’s affordable and A LOT faster than the bus.

You can use a high-speed train from Casablanca or Rabat, or take a regular train to Tangier from Fes or Marrakech. Either way, you’ll get dropped off at Tangier Ville train station, which sits just 3 km outside the city center.

However, if you’re traveling to Tangier from Chefchaouen, you’ll need to board a CTM bus. There are multiple departures daily. the journey takes between 2.5 and 3 hours, and tickets cost just €7.00 (70 Dirhams).

You could also take a Grand Taxi from Tangier to Chefchaoeun and vice versa. It is the same price as the bus and can be a bit faster. You just may want to skip this option if you have a lot of luggage since grand taxis are shared with other people.

You also will have to wait until the taxi fills up with people before you can leave for Chefchaoeun/Tangier.

That concludes this guide on what to do in Tangier for a day. I hope you found this one day in Tangier itinerary useful and now know what to do during your trip.

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