As the gateway to Morocco from Europe, there is no shortage of things to do in Tangier, a stunning coastal city and my favorite place in the country. Explore the white washed medina, stroll along the coast, and get a true taste of local life in the buzzing city squares.
Tangier is strikingly different from the rest of Morocco, especially as you travel further south. The north has a laid back vibe with cool people and a lot to explore. In my opinion, it’s less tourist trappy and more authentic, making it well worth including in your Morocco itinerary.
While most people make a beeline for Marrakech, I ended up in Tangier because I found a $12 flight from France (run by Vueling from the Tours airport in the Loire Valley, in case you’re also hunting for a cheap ticket). After two hours in the air, I found myself with my toes in the North African waters, basking under the hot Moroccan sun.
I spent a couple of weeks in Tangier before continuing my travels in Morocco, but the city kept calling me back. Since my first time in Tangier, I’ve visited over a dozen times. It’s a fantastic place to chill out for a few days and a convenient transit hub with an international airport, plenty of public transportation, and a lightning-fast TGV train that gets you from Tangier to Casablanca two hours flat. There’s no doubt that Tangier is one of the top places to visit in Morocco.
To make the most of your time, these are the best things to do in Tangier, plus four day trips to get a real feel for Northern Morocco.
Best Things to Do in Tangier: The Ultimate Guide
1. Explore the Medina
Like most Moroccan cities, exploring the medina tops the list of the best things to do in Tangier. Filled with white washed buildings covered in exotic flowers and crisp greenery, the old city boasts ocean views and plenty of small streets to get lost in. The entire area is enclosed with towering 15th century ramparts on every side, with city gates giving access to different parts of the medina.
Shop for local handicrafts from the abundant artisans, have a coffee in one of the many squares or find a rooftop to soak in the sights. On a clear day, you can see Gibraltar from the Tangier medina.

2. Have Lunch in the Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is pretty much Tangier’s Times Square — it’s a massive gathering place for locals with heaps of cafes, restaurants, and the famous Cinema Rif. It’s also known as 9 April 1947 Square (the date Mohammed V reunified the Kingdom of Morocco), and this is where you want to head to catch a taxi from the Medina.
In terms of things to do, the Grand Socco is a wonderful place to have lunch. Grab roast chicken and fries from one of the vendors, and people watch to your heart’s content. Or, opt for fresh orange juice and a sandwich and enjoy it in the Mendoubia Gardens lining the square.
Insider Tip: The Grand Socco is widely considered to be the entrance of the medina. I really recommend arriving at this point rather than by the beach so that you can walk downhill into the medina instead of lugging your bags up the cobblestone streets.
With this in mind, many taxi drivers will not understand if you ask them to take you to the Grand Socco. Instead, ask to be dropped off at “Souk Barra” or Cinema Rif, the square’s main landmark.
3. Drink Tea at Cafe Hafa
Cafe Hafa is one of the city’s mainstays, and one of the best places to visit in Tangier. It sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, a ten minute walk from Bab Kasbah, with sprawling views and plenty of places to kick back and chill out. Have a classic mint tea to blend in with the locals or a fresh squeezed orange juice to cool off a bit.

4. People Watch at the Phoenician Tombs
The Phoenician Tombs are one of the best places to soak in magnificent ocean views from Tangier and learn the rich history of the first people who settled in the area: the Phoenicians. The tombs are located just next to Cafe Hafa, or a ten minute walk from Bab Kasbah on top of the Medina. The open expanse showcases 98 tombs carved into the rocky cliff, with sprawling vistas of Gibraltar visible from across the water.
The Phoenician Tombs are one of my favorite places to people watch in Tangier, save from the main squares like the Grand and Petite Soccos. This little cliff draws in both tourists and locals who kick back, picnic, and watch the boats go by.

5. Tour the Kasbah Museum
The Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures should not be missed for a dose of culture if you’re looking for things to see in Tangier. It’s found its home in an old sultan’s palace in the medina and showcases historic treasures, incredible maps, and sprawling courtyards and gardens. It’s certainly the best place to learn Tangier’s history and get better acquainted with the ancient Moroccan worldview.
6. Enjoy the Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in a former renovated palace, the Tangier Museum of Contemporary Art is a gorgeous place to view works by artists from the region. While most of the art in Morocco is ancient, or at least history focused, this museum is a nice change of pace with a stunning garden.
The Contemporary Museum is indirectly connected to the Kasbah Museum, making it easy to tack on if you’re interested in more recent local art. It’s not a big space and can easily be toured in under an hour.
7. Rub Elbows With Local Legends at Baba Cafe
Baba Cafe is a Tangier institution that has been looking over the city for over 80 years. Best known as the site where the Rolling Stones got stoned (as brilliantly detailed in this Vice article), Baba is a mainstay, and having a coffee or tea here is one of the best things to do in Tangier.
If you’re lucky, snag a seat by the window for a breath of fresh air through the hazy hash smoke that floods the cafe and enjoy the music of whoever was lucky enough to secure the AUX cord that day.
It’s pretty crowded in the evenings, especially when there’s a football match on TV. But a little smile goes a long way — you’ll quickly find that locals will always make space if you’re friendly.

8. Walk Along the Tangier Beach
If you don’t have time to squeeze a coastal day trip into your Morocco itinerary, you can still enjoy the beach right from the city center. Tangier’s beach backs right up to the medina, making it easily accessible and a stunning backdrop.
In my experience, since Tanger is pretty windy, you may not find yourself reaching for a bathing suit, but it’s still a nice place to spend an afternoon walking or picnicking in the sand.
9. Stroll Through the Main Market
The main market, or souk, of Tangier, is located just under the Grand Socco, across the square from Cinema Rif.
To access the market, take Rue Semarine (which turns into Rue Siaghine) from the Grand Socco and then take your first right. Or, search for ‘Main Market Tangier’ on Google Maps, and it will appear.
This will plop you in the city’s central marketplace, surrounded by mountains of olives and spices, fresh fish, butchers, and every fruit and vegetable you can imagine. A stroll through the area is one of the best places to visit in Tangier to experience local life, especially off the beaten tourist track.
If you’re feeling peckish, grab a few snacks, like olives, dried fruit, and nuts, and have a picnic in Mendoubia Gardens. When you’ve had enough of the market, you can return to Rue Siaghine and follow it into the medina, all the way down to the Petite Socco.

10. Have a Coffee in the Petite Socco
The Petite Socco sits in the heart of Tangier’s medina and is full of interesting characters, both tourists and locals alike. Grab a coffee or a mint tea from Cafe Gran Central, the square’s mainstay, and watch the world go by. If you’d rather look out over the square, Le Bistrot du Petite Socco has a rooftop terrace that gives a great vantage point of all the action below and delicious tajines.
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for accommodation in Tangier, I’ve stayed at Hotel Mauritania half a dozen times and have always had an awesome experience. There’s a huge rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and water, along with comfortable budget friendly rooms. It’s located right on the Petite Socco, giving you easy access to everywhere in the Medina and taxis at the Grand Socco up the street.

11. Experience Local Life in Downtown Tangier
Most people who visit the city never leave the medina, but one of the best things to do in Tangier is wander around downtown to really witness how the locals live.
The urban centers surrounding the medina come to life after the sun goes down, bringing out hordes of people to shop, eat, and spend time with their friends and family. The streets, especially around Avenue Mohammed V, are positively packed, and it’s definitely worth witnessing, especially if you’ve only spent time in the old city on your trip.
12. Visit the Tangier American Legation Museum
Learn the deep history of US-Moroccon relations at the American Legation Museum. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Tangier on a rainy day, or if you’re keen on exploring documents like books and maps, along with artwork, photographs, and other artifacts that tell the story of the partnership between the two countries.
The Legation building itself is also pretty noteworthy, considering it’s the only US National Historic Landmark in a foreign country.
You can visit the museum between Monday and Friday, from 10 am to 5 pm (aside from Moroccan holidays). The entrance fee is 50 dirhams for tourists, with guided tours available.
13. Eat Authentic Japanese Food
After spending time in rural areas of Morocco, I always loved coming to Tangier to eat authentic Japanese food at Hatanaka Kasbah. The little restaurant has an unassuming entrance on top of the medina (next to the kasbah). Inside are a few tables and a bar where the Japanese chef prepares fresh ramen, fried rice, and other simple delicacies from his home country. It’s best if you need a break from Moroccan food or want to warm up with something hearty on a chilly evening.
14. Soak in Sea Views from Le Salon Bleu
Le Salon Bleu has one of the top views in the city, and having lunch here is one of the best things to do in Tangier. I ate here on my first trip to Tangier, and I was utterly blown away, both by the expansive panoramic sights from the topmost terrace and by the delicious Moroccan tapas and fresh juice. This place serves Mediterranean vibes and shouldn’t be missed on a sunny day.
Arrive early to snag a seat by the ledge for unobstructed views.

15. Have a Traditional Moroccan Breakfast at the Tangier Co-op
If you only choose one of the places to visit in Tangier, have breakfast at the Fendak Dar Dbagh co-op. Aside from having, by far, the best traditional Moroccan breakfast in the city, this sweet little compound is home to female artisans who sell their wares at stalls lining the small area. I bought one of my favorite Moroccan souvenirs here — a hand-painted tile of a Berber woman.
Everything is unique and has a set price, making it easy shopping if you’re not in the mood to haggle.
In terms of breakfast, expect a massive spread of eggs, bread, olives, cheese, jam, and coffee or tea. It’s quiet, tranquil, and the perfect place to start any day in Tangier.

16. Check Out the Great Mosque of Tangier
As one of Tangier’s architectural marvels, wandering past the Great Mosque is paramount while in the city. You can’t actually enter if you’re not Muslim, but the grand exterior and sky high entrances make it a landmark that’s worth at least catching a glimpse of.
The mosque was first built in 1684 and can be found just below the Petite Succo, next to Bab Dar Dbagh.
Bonus: Best Day Trips from Tangier
17. Cape Spartel and the Caves of Hercules
While you’ll get plenty of exercise traversing Tanger’s hilly medina, if you want to stretch your legs even more, take a day trip down the coast to Cape Spartel. This is one of the best things to see in Tangier, as the Atlantic Ocean meets the Strait of Gibraltar with magnificent views in every direction.
You can reach Cape Spartel in about 25 minutes from Tangier’s medina and it’s easily accessible by private or shared taxi. The ride costs around 160 dirhams for a private transfer or 20 dirhams to share the car with others.
Once you arrive at Cape Spartel, check out the famous lighthouse and then make your way down to the beach, where you’ll find some of the most pristine coastal areas in all of Morocco.
Continue walking along the coast, and in about 3.5 kilometers, you’ll hit the Caves of Hercules. Along the walk, you’ll pass by plenty of beach restaurants and cafes to grab a bite or drink. Don’t forget to bring a bathing suit and a towel!
18. Chefchaouen
Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, only a two hour drive from Tangier, you’ll find the Blue Pearl of Morocco: Chefchaouen. Cheap shared taxis run between the two cities (70 dirhams per person), and the distance is minimal, making a super manageable day trip.
This Instagrammable paradise is home to the famous blue medina, which gives visitors a taste of Morocco mountain life. It offers a striking contrast from the hustle of Tangier, with plenty to enjoy, like the Kasbah museum, the Spanish Mosque, and the endless photo ops.
Insider Tip: Check out my in depth guide on taking a day trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen for transit options and a one day itinerary.

19. Tetouan
In my opinion, Tetouan is one of the most underrated places in Morocco, and it makes for a perfect day trip from Tangier, given the two cities are only a little over an hour’s drive apart in a shared taxi.
I was completely mesmerized by Tetouan — it’s the ultimate choice to see a part of Morocco that tourists rarely visit, and it has a strikingly authentic feeling that you don’t find in larger cities that cater to foreigners.
Tetouan’s medina was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 and is a labyrinth of tiny twisting streets. There are a couple of museums, a historic Jewish district (the mellah), and a stunning lookout point over the city at Jbel Dersa Park.
If you want to see the real Morocco, consider spending a day in Tetouan.

20. Ceuta
I never see Ceuta mentioned when people talk about Tangier, and it’s a shame because it’s a straightforward day trip, namely if you’re hankering for a taste of Europe in Northern Africa.
Ceuta, or Septa, is a small Spanish territory an hour and a half drive from Tangier. I used to visit frequently from Tangier for visa runs and made the most of my weekends there by drinking sangria, eating ham, and sprawling out on the beach.
There’s not a whole lot to do in Ceuta, which is why it’s one of the best day trips from Tangier. Wander around the Royal Walls, soak in views from the Park San Amaro, or spend the day at one of the stunning beaches.
If you’re visiting in summer and need to beat the heat, Ceuta even has a small waterpark, the Parque Marítimo del Mediterráneo, with lounge chairs, cabanas, and a network of pools.
Insider Tip: To access Ceuta, you’ll walk through a land border. Remember to bring your passport, which you’ll need for immigration.

FAQs About Things to Do in Tangier
What not to miss in Tangier?
In Tangier, don’t miss the medina, Grand Socco, Cafe Hafa, and the main marketplace. If you’re eager to learn about the history of the city, you should also visit the American Legation and Kasbah Museums.
Is Tangier Morocco worth visiting?
Tangier, Morocco is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a more chilled out experience than hectic cities like Marrakech. Tangier is the first place I visited in Morocco, and after traveling across the entire country, it still remains my favorite. After more than a year in Morocco, I recommend Tangier to everyone who asks for travel advice. The people are nicer, the atmosphere is more laid back, and the views are simply unmatched.
How to spend a day in Tangier?
Spend a day in Tangier by starting with breakfast at the women’s co-op, before heading up to the Petite Socco for a coffee or mint tea, and then to explore the medina. When you’ve soaked in all of the old city, make your way out of Bab Kasbah and walk along the city walls, soaking in views of the Strait of Gibraltar and historic sites like the Phonecian Tombs. Before heading back to the medina, grab a snack at Cafe Hafa, and then descend into the Grand Socco where you can finish your day with a roast chicken dinner. Or, sit on a rooftop terrace like Le Salon Bleu and enjoy a last glimpse of the city.
How many days in Tangier is enough?
Three days in Tangier is more than enough to experience all that the city has to offer. However, if you plan to take a day trip or two, it’s worth tacking on a couple extra days.
Is it safe to walk around Tangier?
It’s very safe to walk around Tangier. In fact, it’s the city in Morocco that I always felt the safest as a woman alone. People don’t bother you in Tangier the way they might in Marrakech. Locals are far less aggressive and are generally very helpful without expecting anything in return. Of course, like with anywhere, keep your wits about you. If you ever feel uncomfortable, duck into the nearest shop or restaurant, where you will be met with open arms.
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