Tangier sits right on the edge of Africa, looking out across the Strait of Gibraltar to Europe. Between 1923 and 1956, it was an international zone, a place where the usual rules didn’t quite apply. It attracted people looking for a bit of freedom—or let’s be honest, a place where they could get away with a little more than usual.
This era turned Tangier into a melting pot of cultures, drawing in artists, writers, and adventurers from all over. Famous names like writers Paul Bowles and William Burroughs, and even musicians like the Rolling Stones, came here searching for inspiration.
Those wild days are long gone, but Tangier still pulls in travellers who are curious about its past. Plenty of people wander through the old cafés and winding streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of that bohemian vibe that once made the city tick.
I’ll be honest, we mostly decided to visit because we were holidaying in nearby Malaga and weren’t particularly drawn to the city’s shady past. Still, I couldn’t resist exploring the spots that once attracted so many artistic souls and trying to understand the era that so many romanticise.
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 sites to the best local restaurants. This way, you can still soak up the city’s charm even if you only have a 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 as possible, the hotel I’m about to mention might not be the best option.
If you want to be right in the middle of things, I’d suggest staying closer to the medina. It’s perfect for exploring Tangier’s top spots and has a lot of charm. Looking outside of the resorts also means the price drops dramatically, and you can easily find a place to stay for as little as 40 euros per night. Just keep in mind, if you’re coming as an unmarried couple, it’s a good idea to double-check with more traditional places. Most places only care if one of you is Moroccan and don’t check marriage certificates for tourists, but it’s better to ask.
And, 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 a “go, go, go” person on holiday. I find it really hard to just switch off and relax. So, what sold me on Hilton Tangier Al Houara Resort & Spa* was that 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 quickly nip into another museum or café every day of our trip.
They have a free shuttle bus that takes you to the city centre every morning and brings you back in the afternoon from the Ibn Batouta Mall. So, you can easily spend a full day exploring Tangier or even book an organised trip for an extra fee.
The resort itself has a golf course, a private beach, a spa, several pools, and a bunch of on-site dining options. It’s so big we almost got lost finding our room, but at least it gave us a bit more privacy.
The breakfast buffet was included, with a mix of traditional Moroccan and European dishes, plus cooked-to-order eggs, waffles, and crepes. You could pay extra for lunch and dinner, choosing between 2 on-site restaurants—one with Mediterranean dishes and the other offering an international buffet, plus a lobby bar and a pool bar.
Of course, all that luxury came at a price—3 nights in a deluxe king room with an ocean view cost us €813, so just over €400 each.
It was our biggest hotel splurge to date, but if you’re after some proper relaxation and being well looked after, I’d say it’s worth it!
If you’re after a more budget-friendly option, you can check out all the hotels in Tangier* for your dates here.
How to get around Tangier, Morocco
Public transportation
For those of you who love using public transport like I do, I’ve got some bad news. Tangier’s public transport has gotten better in recent years, but it’s still a bit hit-and-miss. The bus schedules aren’t always reliable, and my friend who lives there said the bus stops aren’t well marked on Google Maps.
Public taxis
Most people in Tangier use taxis to get around. There are 2 types: petit taxis (small taxis) and grand taxis (big taxis). Petit taxis are usually light blue and can take up to 3 passengers. They’re mainly for short trips within the city. They should be metered, but drivers often “forget” to turn on the meter, especially with tourists. So, always double-check and insist on using the meter before you hop in.
Grand taxis are for longer distances. They work like shared taxis, picking up several passengers along the way, and you usually pay a fixed fare based on the distance. They’re handy for travelling between cities or to the outskirts of Tangier. Just a heads-up—they can be a bit uncomfortable since they squeeze in 6 passengers (excluding the driver). You might also have to wait until the taxi fills up unless you pay for all 6 seats.
To catch a petit taxi, just stand where the driver can see you and show the number of passengers with your fingers. Grand taxis are often found at specific stops, but you can try flagging one down in the street.
If you’re getting a taxi from the airport, the fares are government-controlled, and you can find a list of prices in the arrivals hall.
In general, it’s best to have cash on you when taking taxis in Tangier, as card payments are pretty rare.
Ride-sharing apps
A great alternative is the Careem ride-sharing app, which works a lot like Uber. The only downside is it doesn’t cover the outskirts of Tangier (like Al Houara), so if you’re staying at the Hilton, you won’t be able to order a taxi to or from there. But it was my go-to for getting around the city centre—quick, affordable, and it meant I didn’t have to step out of my comfort zone to hail a taxi!
To make sure we weren’t overpaying, I checked the prices of a few popular routes on the app before talking to any drivers. Once we found a reliable driver, he gave us his phone number so we could WhatsApp him whenever we needed a longer ride that Careem didn’t cover. He always got back to us quickly, and if he couldn’t pick us up, he’d send a friend instead.
Best things to do in Tangier, Morocco
Tangier isn’t your typical tourist spot, so you could easily hit all the main highlights in a single day. You’d just need to start early since the first two attractions on my list involve a bit of a drive. But if you want to soak up the city’s atmosphere or just people-watch over a cup of sugary mint tea, I’d suggest adding an extra day or two.
We had 3 days in Tangier, and between trying to see the main sights and enjoying our resort, the city left me wanting more. Still, it was a great starting point, and I’ll definitely be back!
Before I dive into the main part of the post, I just want to point out that while we visited some of the nicer areas of Tangier, it’s still very much a city of contrasts. We saw rubbish in the streets and goats grazing right next to a brand-new apartment complex. But the image that will stick with me is of a young boy begging for money near the port. He went over to a mother picking up her daughter from school, the little girl all dressed up in an elegant uniform. Seeing those two kids—one who clearly didn’t go to school and had to beg, and the other from a wealthier family—really brought the societal contrasts into focus. So, just keep in mind that it’s not all polished and touristy, and a lot of people only show the best bits.
Hercules Caves
The Caves of Hercules sit right on the coast, offering stunning views of the shoreline that are reason enough to visit. But what really draws tourists in are the legends surrounding this place.
The caves get their name from a legend that claims the Greek hero Hercules rested here after completing one of his Twelve Labours—splitting the mountain to separate Europe from Africa. The main highlight is the cave’s unique opening facing the sea, which looks like the outline of Africa when you view it from inside. It’s a popular photo spot, especially at sunset when the light streams in beautifully.
For the longest time, people also believed the cave was bottomless. There was a theory that it led to an underwater tunnel running beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, ending at St. Michael’s Cave in Gibraltar. People even used it to explain how the Barbary macaques made their way from Morocco to the Rock of Gibraltar. If you have some extra time, I highly recommend visiting St. Michael’s Cave. It’s honestly one of the most stunning places I’ve ever seen—you can see why in my Gibraltar guide!
Entry to the Hercules Caves is 60 MAD, about €5.50 or £4.70. As you arrive, you’ll see another cave to the left that costs 5 MAD to enter, with people playing music in traditional Moroccan clothing. To be honest, I’d probably skip it unless you really want a photo in a Moroccan hat.
Cap Spartel
While you’re there, it’s easy to make a stop at Cap Spartel, the northwesternmost point of Africa. Even though it’s directly above the Caves of Hercules, it’s much easier to grab a taxi between the two. We paid 50 MAD, about €4.60 or £3.90. The ride back to Tangier city centre from Cap Spartel cost us 120 MAD, which is around €11 or £9.40.
What’s cool about this spot is that it’s where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. You can even take a photo next to the sign—shoutout to our taxi driver who offered to take it for us!
The best part of Cap Spartel is its 160-year-old lighthouse—you’ll even see it on the 200 dirhams note. Inside, there’s a tiny museum where you can learn about its history and how it guided ships along the coast.
If you make it to the top, you’ll get amazing views of the Strait of Gibraltar, and on a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Spain. Just be prepared—it gets really windy up there, so snapping photos can be a bit of a challenge.
There’s also a botanical garden with over 150 different plant species and a restaurant that has its own vegetable garden. If you want to see everything, it costs 50 MAD for foreign visitors, or you can pay half that for just the park and the museum.
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 historic, walled part of the city, usually the oldest area. It has narrow, winding streets, traditional buildings, and lively markets, or “souks.”
You’ll find everything in the stalls, from handmade crafts and spices to traditional Moroccan clothing, so it’s a great place for souvenir shopping. Just make sure you know the usual prices before you go and be prepared to haggle a bit. We were in the city centre on a Sunday, so only a few stalls were open, mostly selling fruit and vegetables. Still, it was great to wander around and soak up the atmosphere of Tangier’s medina.
Medinas were originally designed to protect the city from invaders, with high walls and only a few entrances, which is why they often feel like a maze. Once you’re inside, you might lose phone service, so I’d recommend downloading an offline map or trying to memorise your path as best as you can. Most importantly, when you get lost (and let’s be honest, it’s usually ‘when,’ not ‘if’), try to look confident, like you know where you’re going. People will approach you offering help, but they usually expect payment for it afterwards. Unless you really need help, just thank them and politely decline.
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.
Tangier American Legation Museum
Did you know Morocco was the first country to recognise U.S. independence? Back in 1777, while the American Revolution was still happening, Sultan Mohammed III opened Moroccan ports to American ships, establishing one of the first friendships between the new nation and the rest of the world.
You can learn all about it at the Tangier American Legation Museum, which is housed in a beautiful building given to the United States by the Sultan of Morocco in 1821. This makes it the first American diplomatic property outside of the U.S.
As you move around the museum, you’ll find art, documents, and other exhibits that tell the story of this long-standing relationship. There’s even a section on American writer Paul Bowles, who spent more than fifty years in Tangier and worked to preserve traditional Moroccan folk music.
The traditional Moroccan architecture adds to its charm, and the peaceful courtyard is the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the medina.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident tortoises munching on a tomato. When we visited last year, entry was 50 MAD per person, which is about €4.60 or £3.90.
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 any Tangier travel guide, and you’ll find Café Hafa mentioned as one of the first places, 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 figure out what they’ve charged you for. I’d say stick to tea; it’s what they do best. For food, there are other spots nearby that might be more reliable. And while you’re there, definitely check out the Phoenician tombs on the cliff next to the café – the views over the city from up there are even more stunning!
Restaurant Saveur de Poisson
This restaurant was hands down my favourite spot in Tangier. I’ll admit, I went in not knowing much about it, except that Anthony Bourdain had eaten there on his trip to Morocco. When I found out the name of the place literally translates to “The taste of fish,” I had a bit of a panic—I absolutely hate fish, and most seafood too. But I decided to give it a shot and keep an open mind, and I couldn’t be happier that I did.
The tricky part is, you don’t get to pick your meal here. There’s a fixed menu that costs 250 MAD (about €23 or £19.50) per person. It includes some snacks like Moroccan bread with harissa, nuts, and olives, a three-course meal (which was more like five courses with three different mains), and unlimited refills of the most delicious homemade prune juice.
We started with some fish soup (or fish broth). Then, for the main course, we had a sizzling fish tagine with spinach, baby shark skewers, and a platter of grilled fish topped with aromatic herbs and oil.
For dessert, we had couscous with honey and nuts, as well as some pomegranate, though this changes depending on what’s in season.
Once I got over what we were eating, the baby shark skewers ended up being my absolute favourite—they were melt-in-your-mouth delicate and absolutely delicious. I worried that I wouldn’t touch any of the fish and would leave hungry, but I had so much food I could barely move, which says a lot about the quality of the dishes.
Saveur de Poisson is definitely a Tangier institution, so if you only have time for one restaurant, make sure it’s this one!
Café Baba
We had just enough time for one last stop before catching our flight back to Spain, so we decided to visit another legendary spot in Tangier—Café Baba.
Hidden away in the medina, this café has been around since 1943. The old sign above the door and the worn-out furniture make it feel like time has stood still inside.
People have been drawn to this place for different reasons over the years. For some, it’s the atmosphere and the sweet scent of Moroccan mint tea or freshly roasted coffee. For others, it’s the distinct smell of what seems to be hashish or kif, which you can freely smoke on the iconic blue veranda.
I have to admit, it felt a bit strange walking in, as we were the only ones there just for the tea. The walls are lined with slightly yellowed photos of all the celebrities and high-profile guests who have visited over the years, from the Rolling Stones (who made this their regular hangout in the ’60s) to Kofi Annan and the King and Queen of Sweden.
There was also an elderly figure sitting quietly by the bar. The waiter took our order, but when it came time to pay, he insisted we hand the money directly to the man. The only time he spoke to us was when we were waiting for our taxi outside, thinking we needed help. It was one of the most unforgettable experiences for sure, giving us a taste of the city’s old bohemian days that so many people come to Tangier hoping to find.
Did you know about Tangier’s rich history? Which of these places would you most like to visit?
