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    Tangier

    Morocco

    Tangier

    City

    Tangier is situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic converge, and for many travelers from Spain, it is the gateway to Morocco.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Morocco
    7. Tangier & the North
    9. Tangier
    Tangier is situated on the Strait of Gibraltar, where the Mediterranean and Atlantic converge, and for many travelers from Spain, it is the gateway to Morocco. From 1923 to 1956, the city was an international zone, attracting writers and artists. Today, the Al Boraq connects Tangier with Casablanca in just over two hours.

    Sights in Tangier

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Villa Perdicaris
    Museum

    1Villa Perdicaris

    The villa in Rmilat Forest Park, west of the city, is now a museum and bookable via the Ministry of Culture's online ticketing system.
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    Kasbah of Tangier
    Attraction

    2Kasbah of Tangier

    The fortified old town quarter on the hill above the Medina, featuring the Dar el-Makhzen palace, which Sultan Moulay Ismail had built. Today, it houses the Kasbah Museum with collections of Moroccan art and regional archaeology.
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    Hercules Caves

    3Hercules Caves

    The caves sit about 14 kilometers west of Tangier on the Atlantic coast. Their sea-facing opening resembles the outline of Africa; legend has it Heracles rested here.
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    American Diplomatic Legation (Legation)

    4American Diplomatic Legation (Legation)

    Sultan Moulay Suliman gifted the building in the Medina to the USA in 1821. Today it is a museum, since 2010 with a Paul Bowles wing.
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    Grand Socco

    5Grand Socco

    The large square on the edge of the Medina is officially called Place du 9 Avril 1947, after a speech by Mohammed V. The Art Deco Rif Cinema with its Cinémathèque is located on it.
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    City walks in Tangier

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    From the Kasbah to the Grand Socco

    A good two hours through the Kasbah and Medina, from the Museum of Mediterranean Cultures via the Petit Socco to the Rif Cinema. Café Hafa is worth a detour.

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    Stops (6)

    Restaurants in Tangier

    1

    Flavor from Fish

    Fish restaurant with a set menu of fish soup, grilled fish, dessert, and juice. Cash only, closed on Fridays.
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    2

    Restaurant Bachir

    Lively, affordable canteen with Tajines, skewers and grilled fish.
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    3

    The English Cafe

    Small restaurant on Rue de la Kasbah with Moroccan-Jewish cuisine, tagines, and salads.
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    Dining & Drinking

    Kalinte

    Chickpea flour flatbread, which is sold hot in pieces at stalls, a specialty from Tangier.

    Sardine Sandwich

    Sardines are a local delicacy, often in bread with Maakouda, small potato fritters.

    Culture & History

    International ZoneTangier's origins date back to a Phoenician settlement. In the 20th century, several powers administered the city as an international zone. During this period, writers like William S. Burroughs lived here, writing Naked Lunch at the Tangerinn bar in the Hotel El Muniria.The KasbahPerched on the hill above the medina is the Kasbah, home to the Dar el-Makhzen palace, built by Sultan Moulay Ismail. Today, it houses the Kasbah Museum, featuring collections of Moroccan art and regional archaeology. The Hafa Cliff Café, dating back to 1921, is a traditional spot for mint tea with views of the strait.

    Nightlife

    1

    El Morocco Club

    Restaurant with a piano bar in a house on the Kasbah, wine and cocktails.
    Show on Google Maps
    2

    Tangerinn

    Bar at Hotel El Muniria, where William S. Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch. Well-frequented on weekends.
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    On the go locally

    Getting ThereFerries connect Tarifa to Tanger Ville Port in the center; those from Algeciras dock at Tanger Med Port, east of the city.The Al Boraq runs via Kenitra and Rabat to Casablanca.Buses and Grands Taxis go to Tétouan and Chefchaouen.In the CityExplore the Medina and Kasbah on foot; for sights outside, like Villa Perdicaris or the Hercules Caves, take a taxi.

    Accommodations in Tangier

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    Plan your trip to Tangier

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      Trip to Tangier

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      • 1Villa Perdicaris3 days
      • 2Kasbah of Tangier4 days
      • 3Hercules Caves5 days
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    Nearby

    Tangier & the North

    Tangier & the North

    Northern Morocco looks out over the Strait of Gibraltar towards Europe. Tangier is the terminus of the high-speed train Al Boraq, in the Rif Mountains lies the blue-washed mountain town of Chefchaouen, along with the Medina of Tétouan and the coastal town of Asilah.
    Tarifa

    Tarifa

    Tarifa, situated at the southernmost point of mainland Europe, is a hub for wind and water sports on the Strait of Gibraltar. The Old Town offers narrow streets and the Castillo de Guzmán el Bueno, a Moorish-era castle. At Playa de Los Lances, kite and windsurfers shape the relaxed, international atmosphere. On a clear day, you can gaze across to the African coast, and whale and dolphin watching tours are also popular. You'll find fresh seafood in the Old Town's tapas bars. You'll enjoy mild weather, especially in spring and autumn.
    Asilah

    Asilah

    Asilah is located 31 kilometers south of Tangier on the Atlantic coast. The Portuguese conquered the town in 1471 and built the walls that still enclose the whitewashed medina today. Since 1978, the Kulturmoussem has transformed the old town into a gallery every year, with artists repainting the house walls.
    Tétouan

    Tétouan

    Tétouan is located at the foot of the Rif Mountains, approximately 60 kilometres southeast of Tangier. Andalusian refugees rebuilt the city at the end of the 15th century; its whitewashed medina, which earned the city the nickname "White Dove," has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. From 1913 to 1956, Tétouan was the capital of the Spanish Protectorate.
    Vejer de la Frontera

    Vejer de la Frontera

    The white village of Vejer de la Frontera lies on a hill near the Costa de la Luz with views to the Strait of Gibraltar. Winding, flower-adorned streets, the well-preserved town wall with gates such as the Puerta de Sancho IV, the Plaza de España with its fountain of Sevillian tiles, and viewpoints like the Mirador de la Cobijada characterize the place.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI