10 Places in Tangier, Morocco That Will Take Your Breath Away
Tangier, Morocco is a vibrant travel destination that offers a unique blend of European, African, and Arabic cultures. Located on the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is a bustling port city that has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. The city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a lively arts and culture scene.
Here are 10 of the best places to visit in Tangier that will take your breath away.
1. Visit Kasbah Museum
Some of the things you could do at Kasbah Museum include:
Explore the exhibits The museum features a range of exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Tangier from its ancient Carthaginian and Roman roots to its more recent history as an international city.
Take a guided tour The museum offers guided tours in several languages, providing visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits and the history of Tangier.
Admire the architecture The Kasbah Museum is housed in a beautiful 17th-century palace, with stunning examples of traditional Moroccan architecture, including intricate tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and ornate stucco decoration.
Learn about traditional Moroccan art The museum has a collection of traditional Moroccan art, including pottery, textiles, and jewelry. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the country’s rich artistic heritage.
See historic photographs The museum has a collection of historic photographs of Tangier, dating back to the early 20th century. These images provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.
Visit the terrace The museum has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. It’s a great place to relax and take in the sights.
2. Explore The Medina
The old town of Tangier is a maze of narrow streets, colorful markets, and historic buildings. It’s a great place to explore and soak up the local culture.
Here are some things to do when exploring the Medina:
Wander the narrow streets The Medina is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with colorful buildings, shops, and cafes. Take your time to explore and soak up the atmosphere.
Visit the markets The Medina is home to several markets, selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery. The Grand Socco and Petit Socco are two of the main marketplaces in the area.
Visit the Kasbah The Kasbah is a fortified citadel located at the northern end of the Medina. It’s home to several historic buildings and offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
Visit a Hammam The Medina is home to several traditional Moroccan hammams (public baths), where visitors can enjoy a relaxing spa experience and soak up the local culture.
3. Visit Dar el Makhzen Palace
This stunning 17th-century palace was once the residence of the sultan and now serves as a museum showcasing traditional Moroccan art and architecture. It is a fascinating attraction that will give you a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Tangier. It’s definitely worth a visit when exploring Tangier.
Here are some things to do when visiting the palace:
Admire the architecture The palace is a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture, with intricate tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and ornate stucco decoration.
Take a guided tour The palace offers guided tours in several languages, providing visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the palace and its history.
Learn about the history of Tangier The palace has played an important role in the history of Tangier and visiting the museum and the palace itself can provide you with insights into the city’s rich history.
Explore the gardens The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens, featuring fountains, orange trees, and lush greenery. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
4. Explore the Caves of Hercules
The Caves of Hercules, also known as Grottes d’Hercule in French, is a natural wonder located just outside Tangier and features a unique rock formation that resembles the head of the mythical Greek hero.
Take a guided tour Guided tours are available, providing visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the cave.
Learn about the mythological history The cave is said to be the site where Hercules rested during his journey to separate Europe and Africa. You will learn more about the mythological history of the cave and its significance in Greek mythology.
Take in the ocean view The cave offers a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean and you can enjoy the amazing view from the cave’s entrance.
Buy souvenirs The cave is surrounded by souvenir shops selling traditional Moroccan crafts and trinkets, making it a great place to pick up a memento of your visit.
Overall, the Hercules Cave is a unique and beautiful attraction that’s worth a visit when exploring Tangier giving you a chance to connect with nature and learn more about the history and mythology of the region.
5. Visit the American Legation Museum
This museum is housed in a historic building that was once the first American consulate in the world. It features exhibits on the history of US-Moroccan relations and the cultural exchange between the two countries.
Take a guided tour Guided tours are available in several languages, providing visitors with a more in-depth understanding of the history and significance of the museum.
Learn about the history of the US-Moroccan relationship The museum tells the story of the relationship between the United States and Morocco, which dates back to the 18th century.
Explore the exhibits The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that highlight the cultural exchange between the US and Morocco, including traditional clothing, art, and literature.
Visit the Paul Bowles Wing The museum also has a wing dedicated to the life and work of American writer and composer Paul Bowles, who lived in Tangier for many years.
6. Visit Cap Spartel
Cap Spartel is a beautiful cape located in the northwestern part of Tangier, Morocco, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Here are some things to do when visiting Cap Spartel:
Enjoy the stunning view Cap Spartel offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. You can take in the scenery from the cape’s lighthouse or the nearby cliffs.
Visit the lighthouse The lighthouse at Cap Spartel is a historic building that dates back to the 19th century. You can climb to the top for an even better view of the sea and the coast.
Relax at the beach There are several beautiful beaches in the area such as Plage de Spartel and Plage de Robinson. You can relax on the sand, swim in the sea, or go for a walk along the shore.
Explore the nearby forest The area surrounding Cap Spartel is covered in a dense forest of cork oak trees. You can take a hike through the forest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.
Enjoy a picnic There are several picnic areas in the area, where visitors can enjoy a meal with a view of the sea
7. Visit The Grand Socco
This central square is the heart of Tangier and is surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic buildings. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the local atmosphere.
Visit the markets The Grand Socco is surrounded by several markets selling everything from traditional Moroccan crafts to fresh produce. You can wander through the stalls and browse the wares.
Explore the Petit Socco The Petit Socco is a smaller square located just off the Grand Socco and is known for its narrow streets and charming atmosphere. You can explore the area and take in the local sights and sounds.
Visit the Cinema Rif The Cinema Rif is a historic movie theater located near the Grand Socco. It shows a mix of international and Moroccan films and is a great place to catch a movie after a day of exploring the city.
8. Have Fun at The Beach
Tangier has several beautiful beaches, including Plage de Tanger, Achakkar Beach, and Ba Kacem Beach. They’re a great place to relax and soak up the sun.
Relax on the beach The beaches in Tangier are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Visitors can bring a towel or rent a beach chair and umbrella, and spend the day lounging on the sand.
Swim in the calm and clear sea The beaches in Tangier have calm and clear waters making them perfect for swimming. Visitors can take a dip in the sea and enjoy the refreshing water.
Try the water sports Several beaches in Tangier offer water sports activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment and enjoy an adrenaline-filled day on the water.
Take a walk on the beach The beaches in Tangier offer miles of picturesque coastline perfect for a leisurely beach walk. You can take in the scenery, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Enjoy local cuisine The beaches in Tangier are surrounded by several restaurants and cafes serving up delicious Moroccan cuisine. You can enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the view of the sea.
Watch the sunset The beaches in Tangier offer stunning views of the sunset over the sea. Sit on the beach and watch as the sun dips below the horizon casting a warm glow over the water.
9. Visit St. Andrew’s Church
This historic church was built in the early 20th century and features stunning stained glass windows and a beautiful interior.
Take a guided tour The church offers guided tours of the building, which include its history and architecture. You can learn about the role the church played in Tangier’s history and its significance to the local community.
Attend a concert St. Andrew’s Church is known for hosting regular concerts, featuring a variety of music genres. Enjoy an evening of music in the beautiful setting of the church.
Explore the garden The church is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is open to the public. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Attend a special event St. Andrew’s Church hosts several special events throughout the year, such as Christmas and Easter services, weddings, and other celebrations. You can participate in these events and experience the rich traditions and culture of the church.
10. Relax at Mendoubia Gardens
Mendoubia Gardens is a peaceful and tranquil oasis located in the heart of Tangier offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Take a relaxing stroll One of the best things to do in Mendoubia Gardens is to simply take a leisurely walk and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The gardens are filled with palm trees, flowers, and fountains, and offer a serene escape from the bustling city.
Enjoy a picnic Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy a picnic under the shade of one of the many trees in the gardens.
Take in the stunning views From the gardens, you can enjoy stunning views of the city and the sea. Be sure to bring your camera and capture the breathtaking scenery.
Visit the museum The gardens are home to the Museum of Moroccan Arts, which features a collection of traditional Moroccan crafts and artifacts.
Attend a concert or event The gardens are a popular venue for concerts and events, especially during the summer months. Check the local listings for upcoming performances.
Relax at the café The gardens are home to a café where visitors can enjoy a refreshing drink or snack while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
The Best Time to Travel to Tangier, Morocco
The best time to travel to Tangier, Morocco is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner, making it easier to explore the city’s many attractions without the overwhelming crowds of the peak season.
In the spring, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 68-77°F (20-25°C). This is an excellent time for outdoor activities like hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the city’s beaches. The cherry blossoms also bloom during this season, adding a beautiful touch of color to the city’s landscape.
In the fall, temperatures are slightly cooler, averaging around 64-73°F (18-23°C). The weather is comfortable for outdoor activities, and the city is less crowded than during the summer months. This is also an excellent time to enjoy the local cuisine, with many restaurants featuring seasonal dishes made from fresh local produce.
During the peak season (June to August), the weather is hot, with temperatures averaging around 77-86°F (25-30°C). The city can get crowded, and prices for accommodations and activities may be higher than during the off-season. However, this is also an excellent time to enjoy the city’s beaches and water sports.
