How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Tangier, Morocco

Last updated on July 27, 2025

Tangier sits right on the edge of Africa, gazing across the Strait of Gibraltar towards Europe. Between 1923 and 1956, it became an international zone – basically a place where the usual rules didn’t quite apply. That mix of freedom (and, let’s be honest, the chance to get away with a little more than usual) turned it into a magnet for artists, writers, and free spirits of all kinds.

During its heyday, Tangier became this wild cultural mash-up that drew everyone from Paul Bowles and William Burroughs to the Rolling Stones. They all came chasing inspiration – or maybe just the thrill of somewhere a bit different.

These days, those wild bohemian days are long gone, but Tangier still has that air of mystery. People still wander through its old cafés and winding alleyways, hoping to catch a tiny glimpse of that golden era.

To be honest, we mostly added it to the itinerary because we were holidaying in nearby Malaga and it felt like an easy hop across the water. I wasn’t particularly drawn to its shady past – but once we got there, I couldn’t help but be curious about what had made this city such a hotspot for creative souls.

We didn’t have as much time as I’d have liked, but I’ve put together a guide to some of the best things to do in Tangier – from historical sights to local food spots – so you can still get a feel for the place even if you’re only visiting for the weekend.

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Where to stay in Tangier, Morocco

Before we dive in, here’s a quick heads-up: if you’re only in Tangier for a day or two and want to cram in as much sightseeing as possible, the hotel I’m about to mention might not be your best bet, as it’s far away from the city centre.

If you’d rather be right in the heart of things, I’d recommend staying somewhere near the medina. It’s a great base for exploring Tangier’s top spots and has a lot of charm. Stepping away from the big resorts also means you’ll save quite a bit – it’s not unusual to find rooms for as little as €40 a night.

Just one thing to note: if you’re visiting as an unmarried couple, it’s worth checking the hotel’s policy in advance. Most places don’t mind if you’re both tourists, but some might still ask for a marriage certificate – especially at more traditional spots – so it’s always better to double-check before booking.

I’ll pop a map at the end of this section so you can compare hotel options and prices for your dates (Tangier’s getting more and more popular, so I wouldn’t leave it too last minute). But if you’re after a bit of luxury away from the hustle and bustle, the resort we stayed at is hard to beat.

Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa

If you know me, you’ll know I’m very much a “go, go, go” kind of traveller. I find it hard to just switch off and relax. So what really sold me on Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa* was the fact it’s a 5-star oceanfront resort about a 40-minute drive from the city centre. Being that far out meant there was no temptation to nip into just one more museum or café every single day.

They run a free shuttle bus that takes you into the city centre every morning and picks you up again in the afternoon from the Ibn Batouta Mall. So you can still spend the day exploring Tangier – or book an organised trip for an extra fee – without needing to rent a car.

The resort itself has everything you could possibly want for a relaxing stay: a golf course, private beach, spa, several pools, and on-site dining options. It’s so big we actually got a little lost trying to find our room – but at least that meant more privacy!

Breakfast was included in our stay, with a mix of traditional Moroccan and European options, plus cooked-to-order eggs, waffles, and crêpes. You could also pay extra for lunch and dinner, choosing between two restaurants – one with Mediterranean dishes and another offering an international buffet – plus a lobby bar and pool bar if you fancied a drink.

Of course, all that luxury came with a price tag – three nights in a deluxe king room with an ocean view set us back €813, so just over €400 each.

It was one of our biggest hotel splurges to date, but if you’re after proper relaxation and a bit of pampering, I’d say it’s worth every cent.

You can check other accommodation options for your dates below:

How to get around Tangier, Morocco

Public transportation

If you love using public transport as much as I do, I’ve got some bad news – public transport in Tangier is still a bit hit-and-miss. Things have improved in recent years, but the buses can be unreliable, and my friend who lives there said the stops aren’t always marked clearly on Google Maps.

Public taxis

Most people get around Tangier by taxi. You’ll find two types: petit taxis (small ones for city trips) and grand taxis (larger ones for longer journeys). Petit taxis are usually light blue, fit up to three people, and are meant to use a meter – but drivers often “forget,” especially if you’re a tourist. So always check before getting in and politely ask them to switch it on.

Grand taxis work more like shared transport. They head to nearby towns or the outskirts of Tangier and will fill up with up to six passengers before they leave. If you’re in a hurry or want more space, you can always pay for the remaining seats yourself.

To catch a petit taxi, just stand where they can see you and show how many people are riding using your fingers. You can usually find grand taxis at specific stations, but you might be able to flag one down on the road too.

If you’re arriving at the airport, taxi fares are fixed by the government – you’ll find an official price list posted in the arrivals hall.

One more thing – most taxis in Tangier are cash only, so make sure you have some on you!

Ride-sharing apps

A great alternative for getting around the city centre is Careem (Morocco’s version of Uber). It’s affordable, super easy to use, and it means you don’t have to deal with any awkward taxi negotiations. The only downside is it doesn’t cover the outskirts – so if you’re staying at the Hilton in Al Houara, you’ll need a regular taxi.

When we needed to head somewhere Careem didn’t cover, we used the app to check the price for a route between some landmarks, then asked local taxi drivers what they’d charge. That way, we had a ballpark figure and could tell who was being honest.

Once we found a driver we trusted, we exchanged numbers and just WhatsApped him directly for the rest of our longer trips. If he couldn’t make it, he’d send a friend instead, and it worked out great every time.

Best things to do in Tangier, Morocco

Tangier isn’t your typical tourist spot, so you could easily tick off the main highlights in just one day – as long as you get an early start, since the first two places on my list are a bit of a drive away. But if you want to soak up the city’s atmosphere or spend time people-watching over a glass of sugary mint tea, I’d definitely recommend adding another day or two.

We had three days in Tangier, and between trying to see the main sights and enjoying the resort, the city left me wanting more. It was the perfect introduction – and I already know I’ll be back.

Before I jump into the main part of the post, I just want to say that while we spent most of our time in some of the nicer parts of Tangier, it’s still very much a city of contrasts. We saw rubbish in the streets, goats grazing next to brand-new blocks of flats, and plenty of signs of inequality. One moment that really stuck with me was seeing a young boy begging near the port. He walked up to a mother picking up her daughter from school – the little girl all dressed up in a smart uniform – and asked for money. Watching those two kids, just metres apart but clearly living such different lives, was a stark reminder of the reality here. So just bear in mind that it’s not all polished and postcard-perfect, and a lot of people only show the glossy bits.

Hercules Caves

The Caves of Hercules sit right on the coast, with stunning views of the shoreline that are worth the visit alone. But what really draws people in are the legends tied to this spot.

The name comes from a story that the Greek hero Hercules rested here after completing one of his Twelve Labours – splitting the mountain to separate Europe from Africa. The highlight is the cave’s sea-facing opening, which, when viewed from inside, looks like the outline of the African continent. It’s a popular photo spot, especially at sunset when the light streams in just right.

For a long time, people also believed the cave was bottomless. There was even a theory that it led to an underwater tunnel beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, all the way to St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar. Some claimed that’s how the Barbary macaques made their way from Morocco to the Rock of Gibraltar. If you’ve got time, I highly recommend visiting St. Michael’s Cave too – it’s one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen (you’ll see why in my Gibraltar guide!).

Entry to the Caves of Hercules costs 60 MAD (around €5.50 or £4.70). Just before the main cave, you’ll also spot another smaller one on the left with traditional music and locals in traditional Moroccan clothing. Entry is just 5 MAD, but unless you’re after a photo in a fez hat, I’d say it’s skippable.

Cap Spartel

While you’re in the area, it’s easy to stop by Cap Spartel – the northwesternmost point of Africa. Even though it sits just above the Caves of Hercules, it’s much easier to grab a taxi between the two. We paid 50 MAD (around €4.60 or £3.90), and the ride back to Tangier city centre from Cap Spartel set us back 120 MAD (roughly €11 or £9.40).

What’s cool about this spot is that it marks the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. There’s even a little sign you can pose next to – huge thanks to our taxi driver who offered to play photographer!

The highlight here is the 160-year-old lighthouse, which you’ll also spot on the 200 dirhams banknote. Inside, there’s a tiny museum where you can learn about how the Cap Spartel lighthouse helped guide ships along the coast over the years.

If you climb to the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Strait of Gibraltar – and on a clear day, you might even spot Spain in the distance. Just a heads-up: it gets seriously windy up there, so taking photos can be a bit of a mission.

There’s also a botanical garden with over 150 plant species, plus a restaurant that grows its own vegetables. If you want to see everything, entry is 50 MAD for foreign visitors, or half that if you’re just visiting the park and museum.

If you’d like to book a guided tour, here are some great picks:

Medina of Tangier

The one place you absolutely can’t miss in Tangier is the medina. If you haven’t been to an Arabic country before, a medina is the old walled part of the city – usually the oldest area, with narrow alleyways, traditional buildings, and plenty of local market stalls, called souks.

You’ll find everything from spices and pottery to handmade crafts and Moroccan clothing, so it’s a great spot for souvenir shopping. Just make sure you’ve got a rough idea of prices before you go, and be ready to haggle a little. We visited on a Sunday, so only a few stalls were open, mostly selling fruit and veg – but it was still fun to wander around and soak up the atmosphere.

Medinas were originally built to keep invaders out, which is why they have high walls and only a handful of entrances. That also means they’re easy to get lost in, and phone signal doesn’t always work – so it’s worth downloading an offline map or memorising your route as best you can.

And if (or let’s be honest, when) you get lost, try to look confident – even if you have no clue where you’re going. Some people might offer to help, but they’ll usually expect a tip afterwards. Unless you really need directions, it’s best to politely say no and carry on.

You can book a guided tour of Tangier below:

The Kasbah

If you want to learn more about Tangier’s history, you’ve got to check out the Kasbah. It’s a historic citadel sitting at the highest point of the medina, so be ready for some steep stairs. But trust me, the views from up there make it all worthwhile.

The Kasbah was once the governor’s residence and the Sultan’s home. Today, it’s a museum that highlights the cultures that have shaped the city, featuring Moroccan art and Roman ruins.

Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, the palace alone is stunning. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit the museum this time, but I’ve heard it’s definitely something to see.

While you’re up there, don’t miss Bab Al Bahr (literally, “Gate to the Sea”) – one of the most beautiful lookout points in the city. It sits just before the museum entrance, so you don’t need to pay anything to enjoy the views.

On a clear day, you can even spot Spain across the water, making it a perfect photo stop (and a great excuse to catch your breath after the climb!).

Tangier American Legation Museum

Here’s a fun fact I didn’t expect to learn in Morocco: it was actually the first country to recognise the United States as an independent nation – way back in 1777, while the American Revolution was still going on. A few decades later, the Sultan gifted a building in Tangier to the U.S., and it became their very first public property abroad and the only US National Historic Landmark outside America.

That very building is now home to the Tangier American Legation Museum, tucked away just off one of the medina’s winding streets. It’s easy to miss, but definitely worth popping into.

Inside, you’ll find artwork, historical documents (like a letter from George Washington to the Sultan), and exhibits that tell the story of this long-standing relationship. There’s even a whole section dedicated to American writer Paul Bowles, who spent more than 50 years living in Tangier and played a big role in preserving traditional Moroccan folk music.

The building itself is stunning, with classic Moroccan architecture and a peaceful courtyard that makes a great escape from the medina.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident tortoises munching on a tomato. Entry was 50 MAD when we visited, which works out at about €4.60 or £3.90.

See the Blue City of Chefchaouen

This guide is all about how to spend a weekend in Tangier – but if there’s one reason to extend your trip, it’s Chefchaouen.

My feed was absolutely full of those dreamy shots of the Blue City, and I can confirm: it’s just as photogenic in real life as it is on Instagram.

Whether you’re planning the trip yourself or prefer a guided tour, I’ve put together a post that covers the most Instagrammable spots in Chefchaouen and everything you need to know before you go. If you’re even a little bit tempted, trust me – it’s worth the detour!

Go on a day trip to Gibraltar

There’s actually another great reason to consider extending your time in Tangier – a day trip to Gibraltar. While we did this one from Malaga, the best things to do and all the tips I shared in my Gibraltar travel guide still apply.

You can get there by ferry from Morocco: there’s one from Tanger Med (about an hour’s drive from the city centre) to Algeciras, and another from Tanger Ville right in the centre to Tarifa.

From Tarifa, there’s usually a free bus that takes you directly to Algeciras, where you can hop on a bus or arrange a transfer to Gibraltar.

It’s a bit of a journey, but if you’ve ever been curious about this tiny slice of Britain in the sun, it’s a fun and doable side trip.

Where to eat in Tangier, Morocco

We didn’t have too much time to eat our way around the city, but we did manage to visit some of the best restaurants and cafés in Tangier. If you’re only there for a weekend, this list is a great starting point to get a taste of what Tangier has to offer.

Café Hafa

Open just about any travel guide to Tangier, and Café Hafa will be one of the first places listed – if not the very first.

Café Hafa is iconic for two main reasons: first, it’s been around since 1921, sitting high on a cliff with the most amazing views of the water. You can sip mint tea on its terraces, soaking up the relaxed vibe and just watching the waves roll in.

Second, it’s been a favourite spot for all sorts of creative souls over the years, from The Beatles to Jack Kerouac, Truman Capote, and Yves Saint Laurent. As a music and fashion enthusiast, this was more than enough reason for me to visit and imagine who else might have sat in the very spot I was sitting.

That’s really the essence of Café Hafa. If you visit, just know what you’re in for. The place is huge and can get pretty chaotic, with waiters constantly rushing up and down the terrace, balancing metal buckets full of mint tea and taking orders.

There’s a small booth where you can place an order too, but honestly, the tagine we had wasn’t anything to write home about, and we waited ages for it.

Paying can be a bit of a hassle too – no proper receipts, so it’s hard to know exactly what they’ve charged you for. I’d say stick to the tea; it’s what they’re known for and what they do best. For food, you’ll find more reliable spots nearby.

And before you leave, take a few minutes to wander over to the Phoenician tombs next to the café – the views over the city from there are absolutely amazing!

Restaurant Saveur de Poisson

This was hands down my favourite place to eat in Tangier. I’ll be honest – I went in not knowing much about it, other than the fact that Anthony Bourdain had eaten there during his trip to Morocco.

When I found out the name literally translates to “The taste of fish,” I had a slight panic. I absolutely hate fish (and most seafood), but decided to keep an open mind… and I’m so glad I did.

The tricky part is that you don’t get to choose your meal. It’s a fixed menu that costs 250 MAD (about €23 or £19.50) per person. That gets you a selection of snacks – Moroccan bread with harissa, nuts, olives – a three-course meal (which was honestly more like five), and unlimited refills of their incredible homemade prune juice.

We started with a bowl of fish soup (or broth), followed by a sizzling fish tagine with spinach, baby shark skewers, and a platter of grilled fish drizzled with herbs and oil.

Dessert was couscous with honey and nuts, plus some pomegranate – but that part changes depending on what’s in season.

Once I got over the fact we were eating baby shark (do do do do…), those skewers turned out to be my absolute favourite. The fish was so delicate it practically melted in your mouth. I genuinely thought I wouldn’t touch most of the food and would end up leaving hungry – but I was so full I could barely move. That should tell you everything you need to know about the quality of this place.

Saveur de Poisson is definitely a Tangier institution. If you only eat at one restaurant during your trip, make it this one!

Café Baba

We had just enough time for one last stop before heading to the airport, so we made our way to another legendary Tangier spot – Café Baba.

Hidden away in the medina, this café has been around since 1943. With its faded sign above the door and worn-out furniture, it really feels like time has stood still inside.

People come here for all sorts of reasons. Some are drawn in by the scent of Moroccan mint tea and freshly roasted coffee. Others are clearly there for something a little stronger – you’ll definitely notice the unmistakable smell of kif or hashish, which people openly smoke on the famous blue veranda.

I won’t lie, it felt a bit odd walking in as the only ones just ordering tea. The walls are covered with slightly yellowed photos of all the famous names who’ve visited over the years, from the Rolling Stones (who used to hang out here in the ’60s) to Kofi Annan and the King and Queen of Sweden.

There was also an elderly man sitting quietly by the bar. The waiter brought us our drinks, but when we went to pay, he gestured for us to hand the money directly to the older gentleman. He didn’t speak to us at all – until we were waiting outside for our taxi and he thought we needed help.

It was easily one of the most memorable stops of our trip. For a brief moment, it felt like we’d stepped into the Tangier that all those artists and bohemians once knew.

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Did you know about Tangier’s rich history? Which of these places would you most like to visit?

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