10 Best Things to Do in Tangier, Morocco: A Magical Mix of Old & New

Tangier is our kind of city. It has a unique energy...the sense that it could soon become one of North Africa’s top destinations. You might even call it the Barcelona of North Africa: set between two seas (the Mediterranean and the Atlantic), it’s international, a little chaotic, and blends old-world charm with a creative, modern spirit.

At any moment, you’ll hear Arabic, French, Spanish, or English spoken in the streets and when you go to talk to a local, using a mix of them suffices to make the conversation flow.

Naturally, since it is just a few dozen kilometers separation between Tangier and Spain, there’s a strong European influence...in the cafés, the buildings, the pace.

And one thing we really appreciated? No aggressive vendors. After visiting places like Tunisia and especially Egypt, where street vendors often pressure you hard, Tangier felt like a relief. Nobody insisted or made us uncomfortable. It was calm, and that really helped us enjoy the city more.

So let's look at some Tangier travel logistics first and then go into 10 things to do in Tangier to inspire your next Morocco trip.

Is Tangier Worth Visiting?

Yes, without a doubt.

Tangier offers a unique mix of cultures, languages, and histories. Its identity has been shaped over centuries by diverse influences, including its earliest inhabitants, the Berbers, followed by Phoenician and Roman presence, and later by Arab cultures. The Amazigh (Berber) people are native to North Africa and have always played an essential role in the region’s identity — before, during, and after Arab rule. Today, you'll sometimes see their language (Tamazight or Berber) written alongside Arabic and French on public signs, often using the Tifinagh alphabet.

After the Romans, Tangier became part of various Islamic dynasties and later fell under Portuguese and Spanish occupation, before becoming a French protectorate and finally returning to Morocco after independence in 1956. For a time, it was designated as an International Zone, which gave the city a wild, free reputation that attracted artists, writers, exiles, and spies.

Tangier also had vibrant Jewish and Christian communities, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many synagogues, churches, and cemeteries still remain, quietly telling that part of the story.

And finally, it’s a paradise for language lovers. You’ll hear Arabic, French, Spanish, and English just walking through the streets. It’s one of those rare cities where so many worlds come together naturally, and that, more than anything, is what makes Tangier so special.

Where to Stay in Tangier

We stayed right inside the Medina, at a place called Dar Souran. You can’t get there directly by taxi, so we had to walk about 100 meters with our bags, but honestly, it was totally fine. The moment you enter the medina, it’s like stepping into another time. Small alleyways, lanterns, locals chatting on the corners...super atmospheric.

Our flight was delayed, so we only arrived around 1 a.m., but someone from the reception was still waiting for us, which we really appreciated. Just 100 meters away, at Grand Socco, we found a small shop open even late at night where we could grab water and snacks. In a place like Tangier, that’s gold!

If you prefer something more modern and convenient, we also recommend the Hilton Garden Inn, located right in front of the new and very beautiful Gare de Tanger Ville (the train station). It’s got an international vibe, there’s a mall nearby, and you can literally walk to both Tangier Beach and Municipal Beach in under two minutes.

How to Get Around Tangier

Getting around Tangier is generally easy and affordable — but it helps to know a few local tricks:

• From the airport to the city center, the standard fare is around 150 dirhams during the day. At night, drivers might ask for more, but don’t accept the first price. We simply walked away, and they quickly came back agreeing to our offer. We even ended up sharing the taxi with a third passenger, which helped split the cost.

• Petite taxis (the small red ones in Tangier) are everywhere in the city. Rides within the city usually cost under 30 dirhams, but always agree on a price first or ask them to turn on the meter (they often won’t). Taxis are only licensed to operate in their own zones, so if you're crossing to another area, you might need to change taxis.

• InDrive and Careem (like Uber) are also available in Tangier and usually more convenient. Usually, to avoid conflicts with taxi drivers and police, the app driver might ask you to sit in the front seat. And if you're being picked up from a busy place like the airport or train station, they may also ask you to walk a block away from the entrance.

  • InDrive lets you negotiate your fare directly. The app gives you a suggested price, but you can enter your own offer (in true Moroccan fashion) and drivers can accept or send a counter. Just note it’s cash only.
  • Careem is the most modern of the apps with the benefit of paying by card or cash.

These ride apps are technically not legal in Morocco but are widely used, police usually ignore them, though regular taxi drivers are not fans and may hassle app drivers. It’s rare, but something to be aware of.

• Buses exist but are hard to figure out unless you’re staying longer. For short visits, taxis or apps are a much better option.

What Is Tangier’s Queer History and Scene Like?

We also sensed a subtle queer energy here, though not immediately visible today, it’s deeply woven into Tangier’s history. In the 1950s, when Tangier was an international zone, it was among the world’s most progressive cities, drawing queer writers and artists like Truman Capote and Paul Bowles. While that era has passed, the city still echoes with a spirit of freedom, and perhaps, one day, that energy will return.

People were also friendly and curious to meet travelers. If you’re gay, keep in mind that public displays of affection are not accepted. Grindr is full of profiles (90% of them faceless), but since same-sex relations are criminalized by law, this sadly limits the safety and freedom of the local queer community.

What Should You Wear in Tangier? (Dress Code Tips)

As for the dress code, it’s quite relaxed, especially for a Moroccan city. We saw women wearing short, stylish dresses on Saturday night. That said, we don’t recommend walking around town in just a bikini top (while it might sound a bit silly, the city is right by the beach, and it's generally better to be more dressed when you're not on the sand). For men, tank tops are fine by the beach, but not ideal for walking around the medina.

10 Things to Do in Tangier, Morocco

Our favorite free (or cheap) things to do in Tangier, plus a few musts you shouldn’t miss!

1. Get Lost in the Medina & Climb to the Kasbah

Start your day exploring one of the older medinas in North Africa. Tangier’s medina is a maze of narrow alleys, artisan shops, and hidden restaurants. Make your way up to the Kasbah (citadel), the old fortified palace complex, where you'll find the Dar el Makhzen museum and unbeatable views of the sea, which on a clear day, you can spot Spain, just 14 km away!

2. Watch the Sunset from the Phoenician Tombs Overlooking the Sea

These ancient Phoenician tombs carved into the rocks are one of the most atmospheric places in Tangier. Located on a cliff by the kasbah, they offer panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar. A great free spot to watch the sunset and feel the layers of history.

3. Visit the American Legation

The Tangier American Legation is the only US National Historic Landmark located abroad. Morocco was the first country to recognize the USA in 1777. The museum has rooms full of art and history, and a permanent exhibit on Paul Bowles, the queer writer who lived in Tangier for decades.

Details: 🕰️ Open daily except Sunday | 🎟️ 50 dirhams for foreigners

4. Explore Grand Socco & Sip Mint Tea

The Grand Socco (Big Market) is Tangier’s central square, a busy area full of cafés, fruit sellers, the Sidi Bou Abib Mosque (Non-Muslims can’t visit mosques in Morocco except the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, but you can admire the architecture from outside), and the historic Cinema Rif, which now houses a hip café. Order a mint tea (with or without sugar) and watch the world go by like locals have done for decades.

5. Breakfast at Petit Socco’s Café Central

Head into the medina to Petit Socco, a charming smaller square once known for its buzzing nightlife. We loved our breakfast at Café Central...it’s old-school, unpretentious, and full of local life.

6. Jewish Cemetery & Heritage Sites

Tangier had a strong Jewish community, especially in the early 20th century. There are still about 18 synagogues, though not all are active. The main Jewish cemetery, called the Beit Hahayim, with its white tombstones overlooking the sea, is peaceful, cramped for a cemetery, and historically rich. Please be respectful when visiting.

7. Chill at Café Hafa (Since 1921)

Overlooking the sea from the cliffs of Tangier, Café Hafa is a local institution. Since 1921, it’s hosted legends like The Beatles and Rolling Stones. Sip mint tea or coffee on its tiled terraces while watching the ships cross between Europe and Africa.

📍Google Maps: Café Hafa Location

8. Beach Time: Plage Municipale & Tangier Beach

Tangier has two main city beaches, Plage Municipale and Tangier Beach, both sandy and long. You’ll see locals and families, and there’s a laid-back vibe. Dress code is casual: swim trunks are fine, speedos less common. Great for a morning walk or catching some sun.

9. Follow the Queer Landmarks of Tangier

Tangier used to be one of the most LGBTQ+ artistic capitals of the world. Visit the Gran Café de Paris, where Capote, Bowles, and Tennessee Williams hung out (and it is amazing for people watching). See or even stay at Hotel El Muniria, where William S. Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch — it's now on Airbnb. Stop at the Librairie des Colonnes, an iconic intellectual bookstore once owned by Pierre Bergé, partner of Yves Saint Laurent.

10. Bonus Trip: Cape Spartel & the Caves of Hercules

If you have time for a half-day trip, take a taxi to Cape Spartel, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean officially meet. Close by is the famous Hercules Cave, with its natural sea-shaped “map of Africa” opening.

Details: 🕰️ 30–40 mins by taxi | Negotiate or use inDrive/Careem