Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Tangier, Morocco

Since 2010, significant transformation has occurred in this vibrant city located on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Major investments have relocated the container port from the city, improved the security of the Medina, enhanced the cleanliness of the beaches, and revitalized the bay-front Corniche in 2018. This is an opportune moment to explore Tangier, rediscovering the city associated with Delacroix, Matisse, Paul Bowles, and the setting for William S. Burroughs’ Naked Lunch.

Visitors can navigate the labyrinthine Medina, enjoy mint tea at an inviting café, take a leisurely walk along the Corniche, and ascend to the 17th-century Kasbah, home to a remarkable archaeology museum.

Beyond the city, one can relax on Blue Flag beaches and visit Cap Spartel and Cap Malabata to catch views of Gibraltar and Tarifa across the strait.

Let us uncover the premier attractions in Tangier:

1. Medina

The intricate Medina of this city descends steeply from the Kasbah in the north, providing fleeting views of the Bay of Tangier through its narrow lanes.

Vendor stalls in the Medina are filled with leather items, carpets, spices, fruits, vegetables, fish, and handcrafted copper and brass jewelry.

Within this historical enclave, which once saw little tourist foot traffic, one can perceive the evolving atmosphere of Tangier.

Vendors and young restaurant promoters exhibit enthusiasm without being intrusive, and numerous tourists accompany you while traversing the alleys leading to the Kasbah.

The days of the International Zone are evoked in Petit Socco, distinguished by its eclectic architecture and lively café terraces.

2. Dar el Makhzen (Kasbah)

Overlooking the northern alleys of the Medina is the palace commissioned by Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672-1727), after he retook Tangier following two centuries of English control.

Dar el Makhzen, constructed atop the remnants of the English “Upper Castle,” served as the residence for the Sultans of Morocco during their visits to Tangier.

Sultan Abd al-Hafid (1875-1937), along with a retinue of 168 individuals, became a permanent resident here after his abdication in 1912, following the Treaty of Fez which placed Yusef of Morocco as Sultan under the French Protectorate.

This palace is regarded as one of Morocco’s most splendid man-made landmarks, featuring two beautifully designed arcaded courtyards adorned with intricate arabesques, carved cedar, marble fountains, and columns, some of which date back to Roman times.

Dar el-Makhzen houses the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities, also referred to as the Kasbah Museum.

3. Kasbah Museum

The palace serves as an excellent venue to explore centuries of craftsmanship in Morocco, with artifacts dating back to the conclusion of Tangier’s English era in 1684. Visitors will encounter bronzes and mosaics from the Roman cities of Volubilis, Cotta, and Lixus.

Ancient pieces from locales closer to Tangier, such as urns, lead sarcophagi, and a reconstructed tomb from a Phoenician necropolis on the ocean side of the Kasbah Hill, can also be found.

Other exhibits include ceramics and coins from the Almohad and Merinid dynasties, silks from Fez, manuscripts, carpets, and inlaid guns. The former throne room features a magnificent artesonado coffered ceiling.

A stunning Manueline window from the nearby coastal town of Ksar es Seghir is a highlight from the Portuguese period.

4. Caves of Hercules

This cave system, which is partly natural and partly constructed, is imbued with legend and located on a headland between two stunning Atlantic beaches.

According to myth, Hercules stayed here while preparing for his eleventh task: to retrieve the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides.

Some ancient Greek authors located this garden along the Atlantic coast near the ancient city of Lixus.

To reach the cave, Hercules supposedly faced the Atlas mountain and, instead of crossing it, he broke through it, thus creating the Strait of Gibraltar.

The cave system also bears significant human history dating back to the Neolithic period; the cave’s spectacular ocean-facing entrance is believed to have been carved by the Phoenicians and resembles the African continent.

The walls exhibit numerous grooves made by Berbers who quarried millstones over centuries.

5. American Legation

Situated in the southern part of the Medina is the first property acquired abroad by the United States.

The American Legation was established in this Moorish-inspired stucco building in 1821 and is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

This site, which houses a cultural center, library, and museum dedicated to Arabic studies, symbolizes the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship of 1786, which remains in effect to this day.

The building ceased its diplomatic function following the capital’s relocation to Rabat with Morocco’s independence in 1956, and is currently leased from the United States Government by a non-profit entity established in the 1970s to preserve this historic site.

The museum features well-curated displays documenting the relationship between the US and Morocco, offering an array of interesting documents, photographs, maps, paintings, and correspondence.

A particularly intriguing letter from a diplomat recounts receiving lions as a gift and expressing uncertainty regarding their care.

6. Cap Spartel

Located along the coast from the Caves of Hercules is the scrub-topped promontory marking the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.

Designated as a protected reserve, Cap Spartel rises over 300 meters above the sea.

This area has witnessed significant naval conflicts during the American War of Independence and during the Spanish Civil War, and it derives its name from an archipelago believed to have submerged around 9400 BCE.

The sandbank, Spartel, is located at a depth of 56 meters below the surface.

The lighthouse at the peak of the promontory, established in 1864, was the first constructed in Morocco in the modern era.

7. Achakar Beach

Situated between the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel is a stunning public beach that has received multiple Blue Flag awards in recent years for its hygiene, water quality, facilities, and lifeguard services.

The highlight of this expansive beach, which faces west and is flanked by sloping, pebbled cliffs, is the breathtaking view of the sunset.

This area faces the open Atlantic, thus the surf may be too strong for young children; however, the waves break far from the shore, and a significant shallow area is available where children can paddle under supervision.

As is customary on most Moroccan tourist beaches, camel rides are offered at Achakar Beach.

8. Corniche de Tanger

Another area demonstrating the investments made in recent years is the waterfront promenade.

This pathway encircles the Bay of Tangier, extending from Merkala Beach in the west to Cap Malabata in the east.

The segment that most commonly represents the Corniche lies between the new tourist port and Villa Harris, featuring two beaches known as Plage Municipale and Plage Malabata to the east.

Line by numerous restaurants and cafés, this promenade, dating back to the 19th century, has undergone extensive renovation in the 2000s, showcasing smoother paving, geometric lawns, clusters of palm trees, and comfortable benches.

The vistas are spectacular, encompassing the stretches of golden sand leading to Cap Malabata across the bay and the silhouette of Tarifa on the opposite side of the Strait.

9. Parc Perdicaris (Parc Rmilat)

Heading towards Cap Spartel, one will pass by the southern outskirts of this serene coastal forest, situated at the western edge of the city.

Parc Perdicaris covers an impressive area of nearly 70 hectares and is named after Greek-American consul Ion Perdicaris (1840-1925), whose estate once occupied this land.

The kidnapping of Perdicaris in 1904 initiated an international crisis, and the response from Theodore Roosevelt, known as the “Perdicaris Affair,” is believed to have contributed to his electoral success that year.

To improve his ailing wife’s health, Perdicaris planted exotic eucalyptus trees in the park alongside indigenous trees such as palms, oaks, laurel trees, pines, acacia, and walnut trees during the 1880s.

Visitors can find detailed information about the park’s diverse flora and may bring a picnic to the sloping areas while enjoying ocean views.

As of 2019, Perdicaris’ romantic hilltop residence is currently undergoing restoration after years of neglect.

10. Grand Socco

Situated at the intersection of the Medina and Ville Nouvelle, Grand Socco was once the city’s central market and has since undergone renovation to become a transportation hub.

Where dancers, musicians, and snake charmers once entertained, a landscaped area now offers palm trees and small lawns that converge around a grand central fountain.

The name Grand Socco epitomizes Tangier’s narrative, stemming from a Spanish variation of the word “souk.” The borders of this space are lined with cafés where visitors can observe the dynamic intersection of new and old Tangier.

Despite the decline of large-scale trading, numerous stalls still flourish on Grand Socco, offering fruits, crafts, and artisanal products.

To the west, the Jardins de la Mendoubia commemorates a notable event in Moroccan history.

11. Petit Socco

Historically, Petit Socco was one of Morocco’s most significant marketplaces, attracting visitors from various regions for its food and clothing offerings.

The structures lining the square exhibit a fusion of North African and European architectural styles, reflecting the character of this area during its early-20th-century prominence.

At that time, bankers and diplomats established offices at Petit Socco, with the wealth of the era evident in its casinos, hotels, and cafés.

During the International Zone period, German, English, and French post offices occupied this square.

The glamour of that era has faded by the 1950s, yet remnants persist in the charming cafes (Tinjis, Central, Tanger, and Al Manara) and the stucco facades adorned with wrought iron balconies.

12. Tangier Highlights Private Six-Hour Tour

Even the most seasoned travelers might find Tangier overwhelming and may benefit from the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert.

This tour efficiently encapsulates all the essential experiences within half a day, articulating the city’s highlights from a resident’s perspective.

Your journey will commence at Cap Malabata, followed by exploration of the Caves of Hercules, before venturing into the Kasbah and the vibrant alleys of the Medina.

This tour is available in English, Spanish, French, or Italian, and includes convenient pickup from hotels or the airport throughout Tangier.

13. Plage Municipale

Adjacent to the Corniche, the most easily accessible location in Tangier to enjoy the sand is the municipal beach, a broad crescent bordered to the west by the port.

As is common with urban beaches globally, water quality may prove unsuitable for swimming, and it could take some time before Plage Municipale earns a Blue Flag designation.

However, the recent enhancements to the Corniche ensure that the sandy shoreline is now well-maintained, offering a pleasant environment to bask in sunshine and fresh sea air.

Camel rides are also available on this beach, with the animals appearing healthy and well-cared for.

14. Tangier Grand Mosque

For non-Muslim visitors, this landmark is worth a visit while exploring the Grand Socco during your Medina tour, where you can capture an image of its striking entrance and minaret.

The Grand Mosque is Tangier’s largest, established in 1685 atop the ruins of a demolished Portuguese church that previously stood as a Roman temple.

The mosque acquired its contemporary form in 1815 under Sultan Moulay Sliman, and Sultan Mohammed V worshipped here en route to delivering a significant address in Tangier in 1947.

15. Fondation Lorin

At the southern edge of the Medina, just a few streets from Jardins de la Mendoubia, lies a museum in the formerly consecrated Lorin synagogue from the colonial period.

Fondation Lorin chronicles the social, political, cultural, and sporting dimensions of life in Tangier since the 1930s, featuring carefully arranged displays of photographs, posters, newspaper articles, and plans.

The focus centers on the International Zone period, spanning from 1924 to 1956, and the museum also hosts regular exhibitions of contemporary art.

16. Gran Teatro Cervantes

A dilapidated Spanish structure, the Gran Teatro Cervantes, with a capacity of 1,400, was built in 1913 and was once one of North Africa’s most significant theatrical venues.

Noteworthy performers, including the renowned Italian tenor Enrico Caruso, graced its stage in the early 20th century.

Unfortunately, this once-thriving theater, located a short distance south of the American Legation, now shows signs of decline, evident in its decaying Art Nouveau facade.

In 2019, this property was officially transferred from Spain to the Moroccan government, which has pledged to restore and reopen the venue as a theater and cultural center.

17. Tomb of Ibn Battuta

One of Tangier’s most illustrious figures is the Arab world’s equivalent of Marco Polo, a 14th-century explorer who embarked on a remarkable 29-year journey through virtually all Islamic territories, as well as China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.

Much like other locations within the Medina, the tomb of Ibn Battuta can be difficult to locate and is situated on the narrow Rue Ibn Batouta, a short distance southwest of the Kasbah.

By remaining vigilant, one can discover a sign and an informative board outlining Ibn Battuta’s life in French, English, and Arabic.

The gate of Bab El Assa has a contact number for visitors seeking assistance.

Eventually, a muezzin may appear to guide you to the sarcophagus, which is draped in a green cloth featuring verses from the Quran.

18. Jardins de la Mendoubia

At the western boundary of Grand Socco, one can find a sense of open space within the grounds of the city’s commercial court (Tribunal de Commerce). This estate was established for the Mendoub, a representative of the sultan, during Tangier’s era as an International Zone.

Pavilions from the Mendoub also served as headquarters for the German consulate during their occupation from 1941. A grand arch, inscribed with Arabic script, welcomes visitors at the main entrance, leading to a garden adorned with palm trees, lawns, and flowerbeds.

This park features 30 bronze cannons from the 17th century and some of the city’s oldest trees, including a magnificent banyan believed to be 850 years old.

It was here in April 1947 that Sultan Mohammed V delivered a historic address advocating for Morocco’s independence.

19. St Andrew’s Church

In 1880, Sultan Hassan I allocated a parcel of land to Tangier’s British community for the construction of an Anglican church.

The current Moorish-style church, consecrated in 1905, was erected following the initial structure proving inadequate for the congregation.

Visitors will be intrigued by the unusual design of a church tower resembling a minaret, the interior’s horseshoe arches, and the Lord’s Prayer rendered in Arabic script behind the altar.

Significant historical figures are commemorated within the church, and some are interred in the adjacent graveyard.

Inside, one can find a plaque dedicated to Emily Keene (1849-1944), who became the wife of the Sharif of Ouzzane in 1873 and is credited with introducing the cholera vaccine to Morocco.

Among the travelers, authors, and soldiers buried in the cemetery, one plot belongs to an enigmatic local bar proprietor known simply as Dean, marked with the inscription: “Died February 1963. Missed by all and sundry.”

20. Dalia Beach

If you are willing to venture slightly further for an idyllic beach, the journey east along the rocky coastline towards Ceuta is well worth it.

Located around a headland known as Point Cires, near the Tangier Med Container Port, is Dalia Beach, a Blue Flag beach recognized as one of the finest in Morocco.

This beach, contrasting with Achakar Beach, lies on the Mediterranean side of the strait and is sheltered by a bowl of rugged hills blanketed in pines.

The water in this tranquil bay showcases a captivating pale blue hue.

A charming white fishing village resides on the western side, where blue fishing boats have been drawn up onto the sandy shore.

21. Cap Malabata

At the eastern end of the Bay of Tangier lies Cap Malabata, a picturesque promontory.

Atop the cliffs, a lighthouse and a small castle were constructed in the early 20th century, designed in a medieval style.

The primary appeal of this location is the café, where visitors can enjoy the view while sipping mint tea or strong coffee as the sun sets.

At the juncture of the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas, one can glimpse Spain and Gibraltar across the strait, or turn back to admire the Bay of Tangier illuminated by night.

22. Terrasse des Paresseux

Further south and up the slope from Gran Teatro Cervantes, one finds a charming paved area boasting sweeping views of the city, the Strait of Gibraltar, and Tarifa in Spain.

Terrasse des Paresseux features four historic cannons and provides fixed binoculars for visitors to gaze across the strait.

For those aspiring to make their way to Europe, it presents a moment for reflection and longing for a distant continent.

Avenue Pasteur, adjacent to the terrace, is a popular location for evening strolls, and one can indulge in pastries from nearby cafés and patisseries, such as Café la Española and Gran Café de Paris, once a favored spot for Tangier’s literary crowd.

23. Plaza de Toros

While we do not endorse bullfighting, this site, which hosted its final bullfight 50 years ago, stands as a monument to Tangier’s rich and diverse heritage.

This historic bullring is one of only eight remaining in Africa.

It is located in the southeastern part of the city, off Avenue Yacoub El Mansour.

This dilapidated area, capable of accommodating 13,000 spectators and dating back to 1950, attracts urban explorers interested in documenting its decay.

As of 2019, there were rumors regarding renovation plans for the bullring, but nothing has been officially confirmed.

24. Tanjazz

Given Tangier’s connection with the literary beat generation, it is fitting that the city hosts a thriving jazz festival.

Organized by Fondation Lorin, Tanjazz has been held annually since 2000 and takes place across various venues in Tangier during a week in mid-September.

The festival features a wide array of jazz sub-genres, from big band to swing to bebop.

The 2019 edition showcased an international lineup with performances from artists representing France, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal, and the United States, as well as locally infused jazz by Lidiop (Senegal), Fouad Hani (Morocco), and Tangier’s own Gnawa Express.

25. Mnar Park

Situated about ten kilometers from Tangier, just off Cap Malabata, Mnar Park is a small resort featuring a water park accessible to daily visitors.

Recent enhancements have improved the facility, which now offers extensive interconnected pools, a shallow area for younger children, and a selection of slides, including one designed for two passengers using inflatable rings.

For parents seeking relaxation, there are grassy areas where they can lounge on sunbeds under the shade of palm trees.

Being elevated, visitors climbing the steps to the slides are rewarded with views of Tangier’s skyline in the distance.