It may not be the first place you think of when planning a trip to Morocco, but the port city of Tangier it is the perfect gateway to North Africa for travelers arriving from Europe. Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier offers visitors an adequate introduction to what they can expect from the country. Not at all close to a refined tourist destination such as, for example, Marrakesh, Tangier gives you an authentic gritty feel of city life in Morocco, flaws and all.
By exploring all the best places to visit in Tangier, you will not only get a well-rounded view of the city, but you will also find your feet, which will make exploring the rest of Morocco much easier. To make the most of your time there, it's best to follow our Tangier itinerary. This way you will know exactly what to do in Tangier in 1 day.
The perfect 1 day itinerary in Tangier
Despite being the first port of call in Morocco for many people, Tangier is not a time-consuming destination. Rather than being a city full of must-see attractions, Tangier is the perfect place to get used to what Morocco is like. With a day there you should have no problem covering all the best things to do in Tangier and come back with some great memories.
To cover the best places in the city in a single day, it's best to start with a plan, which is exactly what this Tangier travel itinerary is. Along the way, you will be able to admire not only the historic center of Tangier, but also some of the most beautiful coastal spots overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
However, before we start our Tangier itinerary, we just wanted to remind you of buy travel insurance. You never know what's going to happen, and trust us, you don't want to be stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. As a wise man once said, “If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.” So don't leave home without it.
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After taking care of this useful reminder, let's delve into how to spend 1 day in Tangier. After reading this guide, you'll be ready to experience the absolute best of Tangier.
Medina of Tangier
The natural place to start your visit is with the Medina of Tangier. If this is your first time visiting a medina in Morocco, it will give you an idea of what the historic fortified center of Moroccan cities is like. A maze of narrow streets leading from the port to the Grand Socco market square, there is a high chance that you will get lost many times while exploring this part of the city.
Wandering through the Medina, you will surely find many shops selling all kinds of handicrafts. Don't be surprised if locals approach you as you wander, wondering if you're lost. They will offer to help you find your way, only to insist on payment or take you to their shop instead. If you get tired of walking and shopping, head to Place Petit Socco where you can find great cafes for people watching.
The Kasbah Museum
For tourists, the undisputed main attraction near the Medina is the Kasbah Museum inside the ancient palace of Sultan Dar El Makhzen. Although most of the information inside is in French and Arabic, you will be able to see this restored palace in all its glory. The museum's collection of detailed maps is a big hit, as are the beautiful courtyards and tiling throughout the palace.
The American Legation Museum
Probably not the kind of museum you would expect to find in Morocco, theAmerican Legation Museum focuses on the fact that Morocco was the first country to recognize an independent America in 1821. As the first American diplomatic mission, the building was the first property outside the United States and now he expounds on the relations between the two countries. American visitors will likely get the most out of this museum, but there are aspects of the museum, such as the colonial art and architecture, that will interest everyone.
Corniche of Tangier
Being a port city, you can't avoid exploring the Tangier seafront. While you might expect harbor docks, views of the city beach and the Corniche of Tangier behind him is probably more unexpected. Escaping the confines of the medina, you'll feel like you can catch your breath as you stroll along the Corniche. With Ville Nouvelle, the new part of Tangier, on one side, and the city beach on the other, it's a refreshing look at what Tangier is like. While you can relax on the sand, it's also possible to take a camel ride along the beach, which is a great option if you can't get to the Sahara.
Cap Spartel
Watching over the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar and the northwestern corner of Africa, Cap Spartel it is a popular attraction for tourists outside Tangier. Just a short drive from the city, it's hard to resist the incredible ocean views you get from this spot. The coastal scenery only improves when you include the Phare Cap Spartel lighthouse and its Arabian design into the view. If you feel the need to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tangier, this is the place to escape.
Caves of Hercules
A little further down the coast from Cap Spartel, between two beaches, is the other popular spot in the area, the Caves of Hercules. According to legend, the famous hero Hercules slept in the caves on his way to steal apples from the Garden of the Hesperides, one of the 12 labors of Hercules. Open to the public, you can actually go down into the caves and see the fascinating rock formations inside. It is said that the opening overlooking the sea was sculpted by the Phoenicians and closely resembles the shape of the African continent and is therefore nicknamed the "Map of Africa".
Phoenician tombs for sunset
To end your day in Tangier, there really is no better place than Phoenician tombs at the top of the hill where you can watch the sunset. Labeled on maps in French as Tombeaux Pheniciens, the tombs are located near Café Hafa and overlook the city's northern coast. Tangier was founded by the Phoenicians and here you will see countless rock-cut tombs that were exhumed about a century ago.
Despite the historical significance of the rocks, you will see people walking and climbing on them. That's because the spot is a popular place for locals to watch the sunset, from young couples to families. It's a great place with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, something you've probably never experienced in the city so far.
Do you have more than 24 hours in Tangier? Here's what to see in the surrounding area
While you can see a lot in 24 hours in Tangier, it never hurts to give a destination a little more time. There are other activities to do in Tangier, not to mention nearby ones destinations in northern Morocco that you can visit on day trips. So, if you have time, here are some day trips and other activities from Tangier that you might consider.
1. Traditional hammam
Part of what makes Morocco such an interesting country is that there are many opportunities to experience aspects of its culture. One of the most popular cultural experiences that travelers love to take part in is visiting a traditional Moroccan steam room. Hammam in Arabic, these public toilets are an essential part of life in Morocco and therefore a fantastic local experience.
There are two ways to go when looking for a hammam experience in Morocco. You can do as the locals do and visit a regular public hammam, or opt for one hammam more international which will be more like a spa resort. If it's your first time trying a hammam, going through the process can be difficult, so choosing a hotel or spa hammam is a good way to relax.
2. Tetouan
Tangier is not the only destination in northern Morocco that tourists should visit, the city of Tétouan really worth a trip. Situated at the foot of the Rif Mountains, the city is often nicknamed the “White Dove” due to its gleaming white buildings which have a strong Spanish influence. This makes it a nice contrast to many other Moroccan cities which have a more French background.
Sightseeing in Tetouan focuses more on the medina, declared a World Heritage SiteUNESCO, where you will be transported back centuries. With the high fortified walls surrounding it and the stunning Andalusian architecture inside, it is sure to fascinate visitors.
Once you're satisfied that you've explored the medina to your satisfaction, head to the Tetouan Archaeological Museum. The museum displays artefacts dating back to different eras of the city's history, including the Roman, Berber, Punic and Islamic eras.
3. Asilah
For a quick day trip to the beach, look no further than Enchanting city of Asilah, on the Atlantic coast. A former Portuguese colony, Asilah exudes historic character, due in large part to the XNUMXth-century walls and gates that surround it. If you want to see the waves crashing against ancient stone fortifications, then this is the place.
While visiting another medina might not seem that exciting, the Medina of Asilah is decorated with fantastic murals, turning the old town into a grand art gallery. Even buildings without murals feature the same whitewashed exterior, giving the city exactly the kind of look you might imagine when you think of Morocco.
There is also plenty to do in Asilah beyond the walls of the medina. For starters, there is the city beach which is located outside the city walls, to the north, while other beaches such as Paradise Beach are located a little further away. Just outside the medina gate of Bab El-Homar you can visit a local farmers market and experience what local life is like there.
Best time to visit Tangier
To make the most of your visit to Tangier you will need to take the time of year into consideration. You may be surprised to learn that the climate in Morocco is not hot all year round, so choosing the right season is important. However, Tangier is not a large tourist destination, so it does not suffer from too many tourists like other cities in Morocco.
Weather will be the main thing to consider when deciding what is the best time to visit Tangier. As you would expect, Tangier and the rest of Morocco get very hot in the summer, making sightseeing unpleasant and the city relatively quiet until after dark. Winter, on the other hand, can be cold, wet and windy, making it less than ideal. All this to say that i best times to go are from March to May and from September to October. During these times of the year you will benefit from the pleasant spring and autumn weather and also avoid Morocco's high season.
How to get around Tangier
During your visit to Tangier you will move around the city a bit going from one place to another. This means you'll need to know the best ways to get around the city. In places like the Medina you will have no choice but to walk, because the streets are too narrow. You can actually see much of Tangier on foot, but definitely bring a map with you as it can be easy to get lost.
However, there will be times when walking won't work, like when you visit Cap Spartel. Since there is no public transport network here to rely on, the alternative is to travel by taxi. Tangier is home to two types of taxis, the small taxi and the grand taxi. As the name suggests, petit taxis are smaller and can seat only three passengers, while grand taxis seat six. Another difference between the two types is that small taxis use a meter and are typically not shared, while large taxis are mostly shared and tend to follow a specific route.
You will probably arrive in Tangier by ferry or plane. Tangier's ferry terminal is right next to the Medina, so you can simply walk or take a taxi to your accommodation, but be wary of touts who claim to be from the tourist office saying they'll show you around. Coming from Tangier airport to the city, which is 30 minutes away, the only real option is a large taxi. The price for a grand taxi should be indicated on a board at the airport.
Where to stay in Tangier
Whenever you are unfamiliar with a place, trying to figure out where you should stay can be a challenge. After all, you don't know the layout of the city, so finding a place to stay near the main attractions and restaurants will be difficult. That's why we're going to tell you where to stay in Tangier so that it's not a problem.
The best places to stay in Tangier are those that give you easy access to the city's medina. Many people choose to stay in the Medina for atmosphere and convenience, but that's not the only option. The neighborhood of Marshan up the hill and west of the Medina is another good choice, while also parts of the Ville nouvelle near the beach they are beautiful.
If you're looking to pamper yourself while in Tangier, theThe Minzah Hotel It's the way to go. Just steps from the Medina and the beach, this classic five-star hotel offers guests rooms with true Moroccan charm, as well as access to an outdoor pool and views of the bay.
As an affordable destination, you can often find quality accommodation with an authentic feel like a Dar Sami that won't empty your wallet. This riad on the edge of the Medina offers travelers an authentic Moroccan experience, with beautiful terrace views and a delicious, hearty breakfast.
For backpackers looking for an affordable place to stay, the Riad Hostel Tangier has what you are looking for. In both dorms and private rooms, guests will find clean rooms, private bathrooms, and great staff.
It's fair to say that you won't be bored seeing Tangier in 1 day thanks to all the excellent places we've mentioned here. Visit and the start of your trip to Morocco is sure to be a rousing success.
For more accommodation options in Tangier check Booking.com. They continually offer the best rates and their personalized service is impeccable.
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Tangier today is far beyond those classic museums mentioned which have now become institutions. There has been a great deal of work to reevaluate the historical and architectural heritage of both the Medina and the city in general. Unfortunately, the article leaves out news on what there is new to do and see, not only among the attractions but also in the field of hospitality. The seasonality of visits is also more flexible, considering the behavior of the climate.
The article, for obvious editorial reasons, addressing those approaching the city for the first time, leaves out some aspects. Aware that it is not possible to be exhaustive in a single article, we refer you to other in-depth information regarding specific points of attraction. If you want, you can write the latest news in the comments so that our readers know about it. Thanks Anna.