Tangier, the gateway to Africa! A classic port town in the north of Morocco, the once international zone is separated from Europe by twenty miles of the Strait of Gibraltar. and one of the first places many people stop on their sojourn to the country has many different places to stay. The city once had a less than spectacular feel however in recent years things have really changed.
When it comes to most visited tourists’ cities in Morocco, Tangier may not be the most likely of a candidate. Though, It has so much to offer and has quite a few amazing sights to see. We’ve compiled a list of ideas for things to do when visiting Tangier. Many of these are fun options, even if you’ve caught the ferry from Spain to Tangier for a day trip, or, are on your last stop in Morocco en route to that can’t be a problem. If you’re visiting for a longer period, then you’ll have tons of entertaining ideas to keep you busy for days!
The best things to do & see in Tangier
Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
15 kilometers, approx 30 minutes west of Tangier are Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. Both considered as Tangiers’ top attractions and one of the more popular day trips from Tangier.
Cape Spartel is the most North Western point of mainland Africa. From the lighthouse, you have views across the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Located below the Cape, It is said the Greek hero Hercules once spent time in the cave after completing the 12 labors that guaranteed his immortality. The cave has two openings. One to sea and one to land. The opening facing seaward ironically resembles the shape of the African continent.
As you descend the stairs and enter the vast cavern, you will pass vendors who will try to sell you fossilized seashells or take your picture in front of the cave. As with every situation like this in Morocco, be firm and move on if you don’t wish to make a purchase.
Tangier Kasbah
One of the must-see locations in Tangier is the Kasbah.
At the highest point of Tangier, overlooking the city and the bay of Tangier is the Tangier Kasbah. One of the oldest districts of Tangier, the Kasbah is a picturesque area of whitewashed houses and stunning panoramas. Spend an hour or so wandering around the Kasbah, exploring its brightly colored tangle of streets. A map near the Bab Haha gate highlights the best self-guided walking path.
Tangier Medina Souks
A medina is a place where people live and work and it’s also worth a wander to experience daily Tangerine life, but Souk shopping is an essential activity. Understandably, anyone who has been to Marrakech may feel they have shopped the souk of all souks, but this doesn’t mean you should miss the Tangiers souks. Thursdays and Sundays are the most popular days, these are the days traditional Berber women will come to the city from the Rif mountains to sell their fresh produce and homemade wares for locals to shop at the souks.
Medina Art Gallery
This modern art gallery is one of the most famous in Tangier. It opened in 1999 and has housed works by many well-known artists, such as Antonio Fuentes and Omar Mahfoudi. They are always on the lookout for new talented artists, so even if this isn’t your first visit to this Tangier Art Gallery, it is a great place to visit, again and again!
Go to the Beach
Tangier has a beach right in the city as well as several nearby beaches that you can visit. The beach will be quite crowded during the day with people lunching along the seashore and tourists taking advantage of the chance to take a camel ride in Morocco. A popular photo opportunity around 10 dirhams for those who don’t get the chance to make it to the Sahara Desert.
Musee de la Kasbah
Visit Musee de la Kasbah; the 17th-century former Sultans Palace; Dar el Makhzen. The museum boasts a selection of mosaics, Moroccan artworks, and artifacts. It is also worth a visit for the beautiful buildings and gardens.
Entry: Approx 20 Dirhams. Opening times vary according to the season.