The best things to do in Tangier are exploring the Kasbah and the Kasbah Museum, wandering the medina from the Petit Socco to the Grand Socco, visiting the American Legation, drinking mint tea at Cafe Hafa and driving out to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. One or two days is enough to see the highlights.
Tangier, one of the best cities to visit in Morocco, sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean and Africa looks across to Europe. Here are 20 of the best things to do and places to visit, from the old medina to the coast. For practical tips on when to go and how long to stay, see our complete guide to visiting Tangier.
1. Ville Nouvelle
The new town of Tangier is full of 19th and 20th century architecture, cafes and wide boulevards. Stop at the Terrasse des Paresseux for views over the bay. On a clear day you can see Gibraltar and the coast of southern Spain.
2. Camel Ride on the Beach
A short camel ride along the beach is a fun, easy experience, with the sea breeze instead of the desert heat. It is a good taste before the real thing in the Sahara.
3. St. Andrew’s Church
This 19th-century Anglican church blends English and Moorish styles. Its quiet garden cemetery holds the graves of many people who shaped Tangier’s international era.
4. Relax on the Beach
Tangier’s long city beach is good for a walk along the promenade. For quieter sand, head to Malabata to the east, or to Achakkar on the Atlantic side, near the Caves of Hercules.
5. Caves of Hercules
About 14 km west of the city, these sea caves are wrapped in legend. The opening to the sea is famous for its shape, which looks like a map of Africa. Combine it with Cap Spartel.
6. Teatro Cervantes
Built in 1913, this Art Nouveau theater is a reminder of Tangier’s Spanish past and once hosted some of the biggest performers of its day. Admire the facade, and ask locally whether it is open for visits.
7. Grand Cafe de Paris
On the Place de France, this classic cafe has been a meeting point for diplomats, writers and spies since the 1920s. Order a mint tea or coffee and watch the city go by.
8. Petit Socco
This small square in the heart of the medina was once the center of the international city. Today it is lined with cafes, perfect for people watching.
9. The Souks
Tangier’s medina is smaller and calmer than those of Fes or Marrakech, which makes it easy to explore. Look for leather goods, textiles, spices and ceramics, and take your time.
10. Tomb of Ibn Battuta
Ibn Battuta, one of history’s greatest travelers, was born in Tangier in 1304. Read more about the history of Morocco. A small tomb in the medina is traditionally said to be his resting place.
11. Eat Fresh Seafood
As a port city on two seas, Tangier is a great place for grilled fish and seafood. Try a simple restaurant near the port or the beach.
12. The American Legation
Morocco was one of the first countries to recognize the United States, and this building in the medina became the first property owned by the US government abroad. Today it is a museum with art, historic documents and a room dedicated to Paul Bowles.
13. Dar el Makhzen and the Kasbah Museum
At the top of the Kasbah, the former sultan’s palace now houses the Kasbah Museum, with courtyards, carved wooden ceilings and collections that tell Tangier’s story. Walk on to the Kasbah terraces for views over the port and the Strait.
14. Cafe Hafa
Open since 1921, Cafe Hafa is a series of simple terraces on the cliffs, famous for mint tea and bissara soup with a view across the water to Spain.
15. A Guided City Tour
A guided tour is the easiest way to see the main sights in a day, from the Kasbah to Cap Spartel, without worrying about directions or transport.
16. Grand Socco
The Grand Socco is the busy square that links the medina with the new town. It is a natural starting point for exploring the old city.
17. Perdicaris Park
On the hills west of the city, this forest park surrounds the villa of Ion Perdicaris and offers shade, walking paths and views over the coast.
18. Cap Spartel
At Cap Spartel, the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The lighthouse and viewpoint are especially beautiful at sunset.
19. Take a Trip to Chefchaouen
The blue city in the Rif Mountains is best as an overnight stop rather than a rushed day trip. See our guide to visiting Chefchaouen and how to get to Chefchaouen.
20. Take a Trip to Asilah
Asilah is a small, whitewashed seaside town on the Atlantic, known for its murals, ramparts and relaxed pace, an easy half day from Tangier.
Where to Stay in Tangier
Stay in the Kasbah or medina to walk to the sights, or on the hills and the coast for pools and sea views. Compare our picks for the best hotels and riads in Tangier.
Things to Do in Tangier FAQ
Its position on the Strait of Gibraltar, its history as an international zone, the Kasbah, the American Legation and Cafe Hafa.
One or two days is enough to see the main sights.
Yes. On a clear day, the Spanish coast is visible across the Strait, especially from the Kasbah, the Terrasse des Paresseux and Cafe Hafa.
Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules are a short drive west, and Asilah, Tetouan and Chefchaouen make great trips.
Yes. Its mix of Moroccan, European and international history, its views and its relaxed medina make it a great first stop in Morocco.
Plan Your Visit to Tangier
Tangier is part of our classic 14-day route, followed by Chefchaouen, Fes, Meknes, Volubilis, the Sahara and Marrakech. Compare a 7, 10 or 14 day itinerary and see what a private tour costs. See our two week Morocco itinerary, or compare every route in our Morocco itinerary planner.
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