The Complete City Guide to Tangier Morocco. Is Tangier worth visiting? What can you see and do in Tangier? In this in-depth city guideyou’ll find an overview of the most interesting places to visit in Tangierrecommendations about where to stay and where to eat and information about how to get around the city.
When I first arrived in TangierI felt like I had stepped into a place caught between two worlds. The city sits at the very tip of Moroccowhere the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Oceanand it carries the energy of a crossroads. On one sidethe view stretches across the water to Spain; on the otherthe streets of the medina pull you deep into Moroccan culture. Tangier instantly felt both familiar and foreigna place that draws you in with its contrasts.
At first glanceTangier can seem chaotic. The traffic outside the old town is loud and restlesswith cars weaving through roundabouts and scooters darting between them. But just a few steps into the medinathe rhythm changes completely. Narrow alleys twist and turndoors are painted in shades of blueand the air is filled with the scent of mint tea and freshly baked bread. It feels as though time slows downand you can sense the layers of history in the walls around you.
Tangier has long been a city of intrigue. Writersartistsand dreamers from around the world once came herechasing inspiration at the edge of Africa. Walking through the cityI could understand why. There’s a sense of mystery in the way the sea breeze carries whispers of distant landsand in the way locals and travelers seem to weave in and out of the same stories.
In this guideyou’ll read about the best places to visit and things to do in the citythe best restaurants of Tangierthe best hostels and riadshow to get aroundetc.
Tip: See my Morocco Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Morocco!
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Plan your trip to Tangier
Where to stay
- Best budget pick: Tanja Lucia
- Best guesthouse choice: Dar Nour
- Top Riad: Riad Tingis
Top experiences in and around tangier
- Unraveling the charms of Tangier Private walking tour
- Hop on hop off sightseeing Tangier city tour
- Tangier City Discovery Tour including Hercules Caves and Cap Spartel
Plan your trip to Morocco
Top places to see and things to do in Tangier Morocco
You can easily spend a few days in Tangier without getting bored. There are a lot of culturalhistorical and colorful sites to visit. Here’s an overview of things to do and places to visit in the city. You can easily tackle all the places in one day.
1. Cafe Hafa
Cafe Hafa is practically an institution of historical Tangier and is a must-see for anyone passing through. It has existed since 1921as it so proudly proclaims at its entranceand resides on a cliffside with a stunning panorama of the Mediterranean sea.
This outdoor cafe is almost always packed in the afternoons with locals and tourists playing musiccardsand sprawling out across the tables. If you prefer to go while it is quieterthe mornings are the way to go.
Either wayit is always the perfect place to have a traditional sugary sweet Moroccan mint tea and relax as you enjoy one of the best views in the city. Being one of the cheapest teas in towna full glass costs only 7-10 dirham.
While it is not a restaurantyou can order a steaming bowl of bissaraa Moroccan soup made of fava beans and split peas topped with olive oil and cumin. For an afternoon snackmy friends and I often buy pastries at bakeries along the way and bring them to eat with our tea. There are also old men wandering around the cafe selling salted almonds and peanuts for a couple of dirhams a handful.
The cafe is located in the heart of Merchana more residential area on a hill just above the Kasbahat the end of Rue Hafa. To get there you can take a petit taxi and tell them simply that you would like to go to Cafe Hafa- everyone in town knows it.
You can also walkdepending on where you are coming from. It’s a lovely stroll through a calm neighborhood but be warned that it is mostly uphill.
2. Phoenician tombs
The Phoenician tombs are located between Cafe Hafa and the top entrance to the Old Kasbah.
It’s true that these tomb structures are very often filled with water and litterbut they are still interesting and of great historic value.
The top of the cliff where the tombs are located offers fantastic views over the city and the harbor. This is a place where the locals go to relax so if you have timego there at sunsettake some drinks and snacks and sit down for a while. On a sunny dayyou can see Tarifa in Spain.
3. Get lost in the Old Kasbah
Getting lost in the old city is an absolute must when visiting Tangier! What is so interesting about the old medina is the miles and miles of tinynarrowendless paths in between the buildings where one can get lost in no time.
Wandering the narrow streets of the medina used to be my favorite pastime when I was living in Tangier and I would absolutely suggest it if you want to get a real feel of the city. It can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming but it’s part of the adventure.
Walking randomly in any old town is always an enjoyable experience. I walked in the medina of Tangier almost on a daily basis while I was living there. It’s clean and there is practically no harassment from sellers as in other Moroccan citieslike Marrakesh.
The Old Kasbah is located right on one side of the Grand Socco and about 3 km from the train station. It’s also the place where most of the hostels and riads are located.
4. Kasbah Museum
Whileat firstI knew at least that the gardens are lovelyI can now wholeheartedly recommend the Kasbah Museum as a wonderful site to pay a visit.
This museum was once known as “Dar el Makhzen,” which translates roughly to “The Sultan’s Palace,” and was the residence of Portuguese governors between 1471 and 1661. It is now hosting a collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifactsmost of which come from the north of Morocco.
The Kasbah Museum is located in the Kasbah and can be reached easily by walking from anywhere in the city center or by petit taxi. The entrance fee is 20 dirhams per person and is open from 10am-6pm every day except Tuesdays.
5. Petit Socco
Right in between the hike from the Grand Socco to the portyou will come across a smaller squarelined with a few cafes and several shops and galleries.
The Petit Socco is a popular stop for a coffee at Cafe Tingisan old beatnik-era institutionor the slightly more modern Cafe Central. It snakes off into several smallwinding streets of the old medina where you can find more hidden shops and markets to explore.
6. American Legation
The American Legation is a museumcultural centerand research library that holds historical and artistic artifacts and is home to a rich history of diplomatic relations between the United States and Morocco.
It wasin factthe very first American public property outside of the US and the renovated building has kept up its colonial-era historic feel. It is located in the old medina at 8 Rue d’Amerique and costs 20 dirhams to enter.
7. The Grand Socco & Cinema Rif
The Grand Socco goes by a few different names- Souk Ibarraif you’re a localbut it is officially called Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947 after a famous speech given by King Mohammed V in support of Moroccan independence onof courseApril 91947.
Whatever you call itthis large open plaza in Tangier will most likely be a central marking point for anyone visiting.
It is home to a large market on one side which is a wonderfully chaotic and sensory place to explore and a towering beautiful mosque just across the roundabout.
Bab Fass is the grand archway that leads into the old medina and up to the Kasbah and on the other side you can have tea and people watch from the cafe at Cinema Rif.
Cinema Rif is an old movie theatre where you can watch both alternative and mainstream films. It also has a cafe that is very popular among the young locals and artists of Tangier. It’s definitely worth going there to have a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the retro- ambiance of this artsy building.
While the Grand Socco is always full of life and activityif you venture out at nightyou will find large crowds full of families taking an evening walk and loud street vendors selling everything from clothes to cotton candy to snail soup (a specialty in Tangier- I dare you to try it). This is an easy point to reach by taxi or on foot from anywhere in the city.
8. Markets in Tangier – Grand Socco Market & Berber Farmer Market
Like any other city in MoroccoTangier also has a few colorful souks (markets) that are a pleasure for the eye and nose to visit.
The biggest souk is the indoor Grand Socco Marketlocated at the Grand Socco (see above)where you can daily buy fresh fruitsvegetablesmeatbreadolivesherbsetc.
Every Sunday and Thursdayan outdoor farmer market is held on the streets near St. Andrew’s Church (see section below).
The Berbers from nearby villages come to Tangier to sell their productsmainly fresh fruitsand vegetables from their farms. It’s a colorful and chaotic experience to walk through these streets filled with all the fruits and veggies you can get in Morocco!
On the square opposite St. Andrew’s Church you can also buy Tajinesantiquesclothes and random old trinkets.
9. St. Andrew’s Church
Visiting an Anglican church in TangierMorocco may sound a bit out-of-the-ordinarybut St. Andrew’s is a beautifulhistoric sort of sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city.
It was consecrated in 1905 and the overgrownflourishing gardens in the churchyard are home to the grave sites of many historical figures. The chapel was also once painted by the famous French artist Henri Matisse during his stay in the city in 1912.
You can visit St. Andrew’s for free and often the guard will give you a tour of the grounds and chapel. Being very close to the Grand Soccoit is an easy walk from the old medina and is locatedappropriately enoughon Rue d’Angleterre (the English Road).
10.Teatro Cervantes
My dream is that someday this theater is fully renovatedkeeping its beautiful old art deco and to watch a dance performance on its stage. In the meantimehoweverwe’ll have to make do with wistfully visiting the crumbling facade.
The Gran Teatro Cervantes was built in 1913 by the Spanish and was considered at one point one of the most prestigious theaters in North Africa.
Nowhoweverrestoration is on constant hold due to ongoing disputes between city officials and the Spanish government. For this reasonthe interior is closed to the publicbut the exterior is worth visiting for a look and a photo.
You can always try and ask permission to enter the theater at the Spanish Consulate in Tangier. Howeverit might take at least one week and some money before you’ll know if you’re allowed to enter the Gran Teatro Cervantes.
The theater is located on Rue Anoualeasily reached on foot from anywhere in the city center or by petit taxi.
11. Sour Al Maâgazine
Sour Al Maâgazinealso known as “Faro Square“has been for a long time the meeting place of friends and especially lovers in Tangier. Some very beautiful romantic songs have been dedicated to this popular avenue of Tangier.
In the summerthis avenue is always full of people enjoying a breathtaking view of the port and the bay of Tangier. People also come to enjoy the constant light breeze coming from the Mediterranean sea.
It is located on Pasteur Avenue and it’s only a 7-minute walk to get to the Grand Socco and the entrance of the Old Kasbah.
12. Gran Cafe de Paris
Gran Cafe de Paris is one of the oldest cafes in Tangier and is part of Tangier’s bohemian history. The cafe opened in 1927 and was a place of inspiration for many known artists and writers like Jack KerouacWilliam BurroughPaul Bowles and Tennessee Williams – just to name a few – to gather herehave a coffeesmoke a cigarette and discuss life and literature.
Part of the movie The Bourne Ultimatum was filmed in and around Tangier and this cafe has also a moment of fame in the movie.
The interior of the cafe has a peculiar atmosphere. Strange how inspiring the old leather of the chairsthe dark paneled wallsthe stale smell of cheap tobacco and the rustling sound of newspapers can be. The waiters are dressed in red jackets and it gives you a feeling of an old private ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ (but women are allowed here as well).
The Best Tangier City Tours
If you prefer a more organized trip to explore Tangierhere are a few fun and interesting city tours you can join.
13. Explore Tangier with the Tanger Ville Hop On Hop Off Bus
Tangier has now official Hop On Hop Off Buses that will bring you to all the different places of interest in one day!
These red double-decker buses run daily from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October and from 9 am to 5 pm from November to March between the historical center of the city to the modern part.
You can hop on and off the bus at the 11 stops as often as you want. Here’s a detailed itinerary of the Tanger Ville Route. You can board the bus at any of the 11 stops. Tickets can be purchased when you board the bus and cost 130 MAD per person.
These tickets are valid for 48 hours and can also be used for the Espartel Tour Route Bus (see Day trips from Tangier below).
14. Explore Tangier with a local guide
There are also opportunities to explore Tangier with a local guide. During the Tangier City Walking Toura local guide will take you to all the places of interest in the city.
You can also opt for a full-day tour during which you visit all the places of interest in Tangier and outside the cityincluding the Hercules Caves (see below).
Things to do around Tangier – The Best Day Trips from Tangier
If you have timeyou should definitely go on a day trip to Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules!
Both places can be visited together in one day and I would recommend making the 5km walk from one site to the other along the beautiful beach called ‘Robinson Plage’.
15. Cap Spartel
Cap Spartel is a cape located 14 km from Tangier. The cape rises to a height of 326 m and there’s a beautiful lighthouse at the end of the cape.
Cap Spartel
What makes this place so special? On a sunny dayyou have an amazing view of where the Atlantic Ocean and The Mediterranean Sea meet.
16. Caves of Hercules
The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes d’Hercule) are a bit of a symbol for Tangierwith their strange sea entranceshaped like a map of Africa. The main caves are part of a massive archaeological cave complex located 14 kilometers west of Tangier.
The caves are part natural and part man-made. The natural part was formed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean while the man-made part was used by Berber people to cut stone wheels from the walls.
The caves date back to 2500 BC and the name comes from the legend of Hercules as it’s believed he slept in these caves before attempting one of his 12 labors.
A visit to the natural caves to admire the sea entrance shaped like the map of Africa is free. To visit the man-made cavesyou have to pay 5 MAD.
Although this is very cheapI don’t think it’s really worth it. There isn’t really anything special in the man-made cavesunless you want to take a picture with a monkey or parrot on your shoulder (see Common Scams in Morocco).
How to get to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel from Tangier:
It’s very easy to get to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel. Any Petit Taxi (the small blue taxis) in Tangier will take you there.
You might have to bargain for the price as the driver will very likely charge you 100 MAD but know that a one-way ride to the Caves or the Cap is 50 MAD.
You can also take the blue Hop On Hop Off Bus that follows the Espartel Route. This bus departs from Socco Alto and you can hop on and off the bus at any stop along the route (which include Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules). One ticket costs 140 MAD and you can also use the ticket for the Tangier Ville Route Bus (see City Tours in Tangier).
You can also join the Tangier City Discovery Tour which includes a visit to both places. I recommend you visit the Caves of Hercules firstthen walk north along the beach towards Cap Spartel.
It’s only one hour of walking and it’s very enjoyableespecially on a sunny day. Along the wayyou’ll come across abandoned holiday housescaves and cliffs.
18. Ruins of Cotta
The ruins of Cottaan ancient Roman settlement founded in the 2nd centuryare very close to the caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel.
The remains of a factory buildinga templeand some baths complex have been unearthed hereand it is believed that the inhabitants of the settlement made a living by producing a type of fish sauce as was the case with the town of Lixus (see 4. Ruins of Lixus)one of Morocco’s oldest continuously inhabited sites.
Unfortunatelyyou can’t visit these ruins anymore as a rich Arabian sheik (or so the story goes) has bought land around the ruinsthus fencing them and preventing tourists from accessing the area.
19 . Borj al Kamra
The Al Kamra Tower or the Borj Al Kamra is one of the oldest historical sites in Asilah. It was built in 1509 when the city was under Portuguese occupation so it’s a perfect example of Portuguese architecture in Morocco.
This tower was built under the orders of the King of Portugal Emmanuel I to serve as a residence for his married daughter to the Portuguese governor of Asilah. He wanted to make a beautiful and huge building to allow his daughtervery attached to his countryto see Portugal from the coast of Morocco.
Construction began in 1505 and it took four years to achieve an architectural marvel that centuries later is among the oldest historical monuments in the city.
Getting to Asilah from Tangier is very easy as the cities are only 50 km from each other. It’s possible to get there by taxi or by train.
Moroccan Railways (ONCF) have a train from Tangier to Asilah every 4 hours. Tickets cost between 19 and 50 Moroccan Dirhams and the journey takes 42 min. It’s also possible to get there with a shared Grand Taxi (the big beige ones) for 45 to 75 Moroccan Dirhams.
You can also go on a guided day-tour from Tangier to Asilahin combination with visiting the Caves of Hercules.
20. Ruins of Lixus
Lixus is the site of an ancient Roman-Berber city located in Larache. Megalithic stones found in the vicinity of Lixus suggest that the site was originally inhabited by sun-worshipping people with knowledge of astronomy and mathematics and then became a Roman city.
The main gate to the ruined city is just off the highway. Only about a quarter of the ancient city has been unearthed from the ground so far. The ruins that are visiblealthough badly damaged and a bit overgrownhint at how big and important this city once wasand it’s totally worth a visit.
There is no entrance fee at the moment but if there is a guardian on dutyhe will usually be happy to lead visitors through the site for a small tip.
Larache is located 88 kilometers south of Tangier following highway A1. You can reach this city from Tangier by train, by taxi or by bus.
Is Tangier Safe?
When it comes to safetyTangier is generally a welcoming and comfortable city for travelers. Walking through the medina during the day feels lively but not intimidatingand most locals are friendly and used to visitors. Stilllike in any busy cityit’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Petty theftsuch as pickpocketingcan happen in crowded areasespecially around markets and bus stations.
I noticed that the atmosphere in Tangier shifts after dark. While it’s not dangerousthe narrow streets of the medina can feel a bit confusing and less inviting at night. I preferred to stick to well-lit areasmain streetsor enjoy an evening tea in a café rather than wandering alone through the alleys. It’s also a good idea to dress modestly and keep a low profilewhich not only helps avoid unwanted attention but also shows respect for the local culture.
Most of my time in Tangier felt very safeand common sense went a long way. Simple habits — like carrying only what I neededkeeping valuables at my hoteland using a crossbody or anti-theft bag — made it easy to relax and enjoy the city without worries. Just as I stay mindful of my belongingsI also like to stay mindful of my own wellbeing while traveling. That’s where travel insurance has become part of my routine.
I personally use SafetyWing travel insuranceand it has given me a lot of peace of mind on the road. What I really appreciate is how flexible it is — you can buy a policy even if you’ve already left homeand extend it online as easily as booking a bus ticket. It covers unexpected medical expenses abroadhospital visitsand even things like travel delays or lost luggage. For someone like mewho often decides plans on the gothis kind of coverage makes a big difference.
It feels a bit like having a safety net tucked in my backpack. Knowing that I’m covered allows me to focus on exploring — whether I’m watching the sunset from the Kasbah or getting pleasantly lost in the medina. Just as being mindful keeps you safe in the streets of Tangierhaving travel insurance keeps you protected from the bigger “what ifs” you can’t predict. If you’re planning to explore Morocco or anywhere elseI can highly recommend SafetyWing as a reliable companion for your journey.
Where to stay in Tangier
Tangier is a city that is worth taking the time to discoverso you will want to stay there at least a night or two. It is a city rich in traditional architecture. One of the best experiences you can have in Morocco is staying in a Riadtypical rich Moroccan houses with indoor courtyards and fountainsdesigned with zellij (Moroccan tiles).
Tangier also offers a wide choice of hostels for budget travelers who want to save money to explore during the day and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening.
If neither a Riad or a hostel is the right choice for youthe city also has plenty of beautiful mid-range guesthouses.
Best budget hostel to stay in Tangier
- Our top pick in Tangier: Tanja Lucia Hostel
This hostel is a mix between a hostel and an art gallery so you can expect plenty of beautiful paintings hanging on the walls of the lobbies. The dorms have fewer beds than in other hostels around Tangier (only four beds per rooms) so the rooms are generally much quieter than in other places.
The staff of this hostel takes cleanliness very seriously and the whole lodging is cleaned every morning. The sheets on the beds are washed and changed every day.
The hostel also provides shampoo and towels to all their guests. The atmosphere of this place was very relaxing and I stayed there for almost two weeks as I was getting internet work done thanks to their excellent wifi.
Tanja Lucia also has a very big rooftop terrace that overlooks part of the old city. This was my favorite part of the hostel and the perfect place from which to write on a sunny day.
If you’re looking for comfort and qualitydon’t look anywhere elseTanja Lucia is The best and cheapest hostel in Tangier.
Click to check out rates and availability for “Tanja Lucia Hostel”
View from the rooftop terrace of the Melting Pot
Best guesthouse to stay in Tangier
If you want the comfort of your own private luxurious room and private bathroom right in the heart of the old KasbahI would absolutely recommend a stay at the Dar Nour.
The owners are dear friends of mine and made me feel so welcome in Tangier during my whole stay in their guesthouse.
Having lived themselves as expats in Tangier for yearsthey know the city very well and can advise you on all the best restaurants in the city and everything you should do while you are there.
They also own the restaurant “Le Salon Bleu” which is located only 5 minutes away.
Each room at the Dar Nour has a completely unique and atmosphere and includes a private bathroom and shower.
The Dar Nour has a terrace with a view of the beach and a massage room can be used to relax after a long day walking around the old city. The property also has free wifi in every room and in all the common areas.
A traditional breakfast composed of fruitspancakescakesand cheese is offered every morning. Local specialties are proposed in the property’s dining room and a bar is at your disposal at night.
If you want an awesome stay while in TangierDar Nour is an absolute must!
Click to check out rates and availability for “Dar Nour”
On the rooftop terrace of Dar Nour
Best Riads to stay in Tangier
Tangier is a city that is rich in its architecture and fascinating history. One very special type of Moroccan building that combines both architecture and history is the Riads.
They are typical Moroccan buildings that started appearing during the Idrisid dynasty. they usually have indoor courtyards with gardens and fountains. One notable feature of their construction is that they are designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles).
No stay in Morocco would be complete without at least one night in a Riad. Here are some of the best riads in Tangier.
Riad Tingislocated in the center of Tangieroffers a sun terrace and beautiful views of the sea.
Each room at this riad comes equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms include a seating area where you can relax. Some rooms offer a view of the mountains or the garden. Every room comes equipped with a private bathroom. Extras include bathrobesslippers and toiletries. Riad Tingis also features free WiFi throughout the property.
Click to check out rates and availability for “Riad Tingis”
Anoth Riad definitely worth checking in Tangier is Dar Nakhla Naciria.
Where to eat in Tangier Morocco
1. Restaurant Bachir
Restaurant Bachir is hands down one of the best restaurants to get as close to home-cooked Moroccan food as you can possibly find in the city. It’s a localbustling place with plastic-wrapped tables and giant baskets of bread plopped down in front of you as soon as you are seated.
The food is always fresh and delicious (beware that because of thissometimes they don’t have everything on the menu)and the waiterswhile constantly running around to keep up with the demandare kind and helpful.
It is also ridiculously cheapwith a bowl of bissara going for only 7 dirhams and a chicken tagine for about 20 or 30. It is where I immediately take all of my friends and family who visit me here.
Make sure you say hi to Bachir himselfthe ownerwho is always hanging around at the cash register. Restaurant Bachir is located on Rue Zyriabea busy street close to boulevard Mohammed Vlined with many local spots to grab a bite.
2. Dar Naji
Located off of the beaten tourist track in a more residential part of the cityDar Naji serves delicious local specialties in an Arabic lounge-like environment.
Get ready to chill out on old cushions in low lighting and enjoy a slow-cooked meat taginecouscous on Fridaysor ask for my absolute favoriter’fissa- a chicken and bread dish that is pure comfort food.
A meal here is also on the cheaper endcosting between 30-60 dirhams per person. You can walk or take a petit taxi to Dar Najilocated at 11 Rue Ajroum.
3. Le Bistro du Petit Socco
If you want to sithave a goodhearty and flavorful mealand people watch for an afternoonthis is the place to do it. Located just on the edge of the Petit Soccothis small but charming bistro offers Moroccan food with a bit of French flair.
I have never been disappointed by a dish here and the owners are always friendly and accommodating. I would say it is in the medium price range in terms of places in Tangiera main dish going for about 60-80 dirhams.
Moroccan Tajine
Where to buy alcohol in Tangier
Since Ruby lived in Tangier for such a long timeshe also found out where to buy alcohol in Tangier Morocco.
Whileof coursebeing a Muslim country and due to legal restrictions it may not be as easily accessible as in some citiesthere are several shops that do sell alcohol in Tangier.
Always keep in mindhoweverthat drinking in public in Morocco is prohibited and in generalbeing drunk outside is never a great idea. In the comfort of wherever you are living or stayinghoweveryou have some options of where to buy and enjoy a bottle:
1. Casa Pepe
This little market is just off of the main boulevard Mohammed V and not only sells winebeerand spiritsbut also a collection of imported items from Europe including pork productsif you’re missing bacon or ham.
2. Le Patrice MArket
Another store selling alcoholimports and specialty items (it’s where I always buy natural peanut butter- my one guilty pleasure from home).
3. The Market on Rue de Fes.
This place doesn’t have a name that I know ofbut it is a hole-in-the-wall market selling drinks of all kindsboth alcoholic and sodas. It is at the top of the street in between Avenue Belgique and Rue Mexiquejust to the right of a well-known local pastry shop called Alaska.
How to get to Tangier Morocco
1. Getting to Tangier from the Airport
Tangier has an international airport where many flightsespecially from Europearrive on a daily basis.
You can only get from the airport to the city center of Tangier by taxi. These taxis will be at the exit of the terminal and have fixed prices. A ride from the airport to the city center costs 100 MAD .
To get from Tangier to the airportyou can take a Petit Taxi (the blue ones) from anywhere in the city. Some taxi drivers will try to charge you more but know that the fixed price to the airport is 100 MAD as well.
2. Getting to Tangier by Ferry
Arriving in Tangier by ferry is a great way to start your journey in Morocco. I particularly enjoyed seeing the land getting closer and closer from the boat and felt so excited when Tangier was in sight.
There are currently two Ferry companies operating in the Strait of Gibraltar bringing people from Tarifa to Tangier and vice versa.
The FRS service runs up to 8 times per day with a sailing duration of around 1 hour while the Inter Shipping service runs up to 6 times per day with a duration of 2 hours.
Taking a ferry across the straight to Spain is also a great way to renew your Moroccan travel visa.
Tangier ferries also connect Morocco with SpainItaly & France with crossings available to TarifaAlgecirasMalaga & Barcelona (in Spain)Genoa & Savona (in Italy) & Sete (in France).
Tangier Ferry crossings are operated by FRSInter ShippingBaleariaTrasmediterraneaGrandi Navi VelociGrimaldi Lines & AML anddepending on the time of yearyou’ll find a choice of up to 69 ferries crossings daily.
3.How to get to Tangier from Casablanca
Getting from Casablanca to Tangier by Bus
Since most people will arrive and start their visit to this superb country in CasablancaI decided to include practical information on how to transit between the two cities.
The best way to get from Casablanca to Tangier is by bus with the number one bus company in Morocco called CTM. I’ve traveled around Morocco with different companies and I have to say that CTM although being slightly more expensive than other bus companiesalso provides much more comfortable buses.
The trip between the two cities will cost between 120 and 190 Moroccan dirhams and takes around 5 hours.
There is a direct bus leaving from Casablanca and arriving in Tangier. Buses leave every four hoursand they operate every day. You can catch the bus at the CTM bus station in Casablanca on Rue Léon (see map below). You can reserve your ticket in advance at the bus station or book it online.
Howeverif you book your ticket onlineyou still have to go to the CTM office to pay for your luggage on the day of departure so make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes in advance.
In Tangieryou’ll arrive at the main city bus station “Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia (see map below). From there you’ll have to take a taxi (see Getting around in Tangier) to reach the city center.
Getting to Tangier from Casablanca by car
If you have your own car or if you are renting onethe road from Casablanca along the coast is definitely a pleasant drive. The driving distance between Casablanca and Tangier is 338.82 km. It should take around 3 hours to reach the northern city.
Driving from Casablanca to Tangier is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the coast and take great pictures.
You will also drive through other beautiful cities such as Rabat (the capital of Morocco) and Larrache (where you can visit the Ruins of Lixus). To drive from Casablanca to Tangier simply follow highway A1 towards the north along the coast.
Driving on highways and on countryside roads in Morocco is usually quite safehoweverif you drive in big cities like CasablancaTangieror Marrakechit can be quite challenging.
In large citiesit can often feel very chaotic. You will definitely feel a big difference between the citiesthe smaller towns and rural areas when it comes to driving.
Another thing worth noting is that in large Moroccan citiesred lights and stop signs are sometimes completely on the far right of the roadso they are super easy to be missed if you don’t pay attention. Sometimes they can also be a bit hidden behind tree branches.
Getting to Tangier from Casablanca by train
Another great option to get to Tangier from Casablanca is to take the train. Traveling around Morocco by train is a great option because they’re cheap and they are a great way to see the incredible Moroccan landscapes.
In Moroccoit’s very easy to buy your train tickets in person directly at the train station.
All the information on prices and timetables can be found on the ONCF websiteonce you know which train you will take you can head over to the Casablanca train station to buy your ticket.
Make sure to bring cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card. There is a direct train leaving daily from Casablanca and arriving at Tangier. It leaves five times a day.
The journey takes approximately 5 h. Once you are in Tangieryou’ll need to take a taxi to reach the old city (see Getting around in Tangier in the section below).
How to get around in Tangier
Taking a taxi or a city bus in Tangier
In Tangier there are two types of taxis (as everywhere else in Morocco)Petits Taxis (small taxis) and Grands Taxis (big taxis).
The Petits Taxis are smaller cars and they are ultramarine with a yellow stripe down the side. They are used to take short rides within the citycharging 50% more at night.
Tangier suffers a constant shortage of taxisso always remember that you can flag down a taxi that already has passengers but still has spare seats left.
The Grands Taxis are used to take long rides from Tangier to the surrounding towns and cities or from the airport to the city center. The Grand taxis in Tangier are typically beige colored four-door Mercedes from the eighties without air conditioning.
The Grand taxi is commonly a shared taxi in Moroccothe taxi will usually not leave the city before it’s full unless you pay for the entire taxi (all 6 seats) just for yourself.
They can be found at the port when arriving by ferryat the airportin bus stationsat the train station and at the bigger hotels in the cities.
If you wish to go around the city and don’t want to take a taxiyour other option is to take the public bus.
The Alsa website has all the information concerning the schedulesprices and bus lines of Tangier. A ticket for a ride on the green city buses costs 3.5 dirhams as of April 2016 and there are plenty of bus stops all around the city.
How to get to the bus stations in Tangier
There are two different bus stations that you can use in Tangier to take buses from and reach the neighboring cities.
One of them is the main Tangier city bus station“Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia and the other one is the CTM Gare Voyageurs (new private bus station) on the Route to Tetouanabout three miles from the city center of Tangier.
While the first one ( “Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia ) is very central and conveniently locatedI would still recommend taking a bus or a taxi to travel the extra miles to reach CTM Gare Voyageurs.
I took buses from both bus station and although the prices were almost the same from both placesthe quality and comfort of the buses at CTM Gare Voyageurs were of a much higher standard.
“Gare Routiere” at Place al Jamia al Arabia is located about 2km to the south of the city center. The location is at the following address: Avenue Idriss 1er Tanger Morocco.
This bus station can be pretty busy since it is so central and because the buses are slightly cheaper.
Here you will find a variety of bus companies all offering buses to different parts of the countryit’s also possible to find shared taxis leaving for the neighboring towns such as the shared taxis for Chefchaouen here.
CTM Gare Voyageurs is not so conveniently located but the extra comfort these buses provide makes the extra mile worth it.
The bus station itself is on the Route to Tetouanabout three miles from the city center and directly across Morora railway station. It is possible to get there by taxi or by taking bus 10 on Avenue Pasteur.
How to get to the train station in Tangier
If you want to travel onward to MarrakeshFezCasablanca or any other Moroccan city that has a train serviceyou will need to make your way to one of the train stations in Tangier.
There are two train stations directly in the cityone is called Tanger Ville and the other one Morora however from our experienceTanger Ville is much quieter and more efficient and is definitely the one that you’ll want to get to for trains to CasaMarrakechFesetc.
This railway station has been enlarged to accommodate the new high-speed train and it has lost a bit of its original charm but It’s only about a 7-minute taxi ride from the port making it super easy to be reached from almost anywhere in the city.
You can also avoid taking a taxi by taking bus number 13 to the Tanger Ville stationor the railway company’s Supratours shuttle.
All the information on prices and timetables for the Moroccan trains can be found on the ONCF websiteonce you know which train you wantyou can head over to the train station to buy your ticket.
Make sure to have cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card.
One last tip before I finish this (lengthy) guide.
I highly recommend getting your hands on the Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook.
It is packed with all the essential words and phrases you will need on your trip to Morocco and will help you in every situation — from finding a hotel room to ordering tajine or joining the local festivities this book will cover almost every situation you could imagine.
I hope this guide was useful to you and I wish you a fantastic stay in Tangier!
If you have any questions or if you’ve already been to Tangierwe love to hear from you in the comments below!
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Hi! Hoping you can enlighten me. Are there any places to store bags in Tangier for the day? We have a late flight out.
Hi Terriyou can always ask at your hotel if you can store your luggage for the day. Have a great trip!
Great article!
I am Moroccanlearning from you about Tangier!
Happy to hear Mo :)!
Thank you so much for an excellent and comprehensive blog. It will be very useful. I was wondering if you had any further info on being a solo female traveller? Is it safe in Tangier?
You also mention the beaches at the start but dont include anything about swimming – are these beaches popular for swimming/sunbathing in the summer?
Thank you!
Thank you Caitlin! Tangier is safe for a solo female travelerI just don’t recommend wandering alone in the medina after sunsetas for any city in Morocco. You can definitely swim and sunbathe at the beachesnot sure how popular they are in the summer as I’ve only spent the winter months in Morocco. Warm wishesCynthia
Siempre es bueno ir en un tour? Se puede viajar sola? Si conoces gente de Marruecos por internet que muchas chicas se conocen con marroquíesno sería buena idea?
RubyThank you so much for all of this amazing information!! I lived in Tangier for a few years when I was very young (the 1950’s) and have not been back since. We lived in a community just outside town (walkable – I did it once from the American Library downtown and got into mountains of trouble for terrifying my parents) called “California”. I’m hoping you know of it (was all expats then) and could point me in the right direction to find it todayif it still even exists. I have a trip planned to Morocco in May2024 and would love to visit a favorite childhood haunt.
Thanks,
Andy
Hi!
Great blog and post. I have been mostly following your recommendations and sights for morocco. Been great so far!
Hope to meet you in your journey someday.
Salam,
Naseel
Thank you Naseelreally happy to hear! Enjoy your trip and hopefully see you one day 🙂
It’s 60 DH for visiting the cavesit’s not free and yes the man made cave is still 5 DH
Thank you for this update!
HelloI enjoyed reading your blog. I will be in Tangier on September 10-13 and was wondering If you will be in town? I would love to treat you to a cup of tea at Cafe Hafa and learn about your trips. Let me know either way thank you
Hi Andreathanks so much for the invitation but I’m currently in Kyrgyzstan and will be in Central Asia until October. Wishing you a great time in Tangier!
Nice post. I’m looking forward to visiting Tangier in a couple of weeks. I’ll definitely check out Cafe Hafa and Cinema Rif.
You will love those places Steven! Have a great time in Tangier!
Hi Nikoam in Tangier right nowlove it and loved your articlereally informative and so helpful. one questionis there a dance studio around here in the centre where I can take dancing lessons? anything appreciatedI live in Chiang Maitaking lessons there
I’m sure there are a few dance studios near the center. I’m not 100% sure where they are but I would recommend contacting Ruby at https://www.rubyjosephine.com/ She’s been living in Tangier and teaching dance and leading dance workshops there. All the best.
What an incredible guide and what an honor to be a part of creating it! Thank you for this great collaboration! x
It was an honor to work together on this post with you Ruby! You’re the expert on Tangier!! Looking forward to future collaborations 😉