Tangier was the first place I visited in Morocco. As I sailed over from Tarifa, Spain, on an hour-long journey that connected Europe and Africa, I watched the evening light dance over the tall minarets.
I disembarked, walked through the port, and plodded up the hill toward my guesthouse. From Bab Al Bahr, I took in the glittering Mediterranean, before I turned inwards toward the Kasbah and the Riad I was staying in (more on that later!).
Because of Tangier’s location right at the north of Morocco, it’s always been an international city. This part of Morocco was once a Spanish protectorate, and due to its proximity, many locals still speak Spanish today – as well as Arabic, French, English and Berber! It’s a popular destination for day trips from Southern Spain, but isn’t as hectic as other cities in the country.
Here are the best things to do in Tangier, based on what I found during my time in the city!
Top things to do in Tangier, Morocco
Wander around Tangier in the evening
When I arrived in Tangier in the evening, I had a walk around the city. It’s a buzzing city at night, with locals, families and groups all out – it was August, so the cool evenings were very well enjoyed!
I’d heard stories about Morocco being overwhelming, especially for solo female travellers; but my initial perception of Tangier was that it was calm and relaxed, with no hassle or catcalling.
Eat at a local restaurant in Tangier
My first meal was actually Syrian (Abou Tayssir restaurant) – I know that this isn’t Moroccan food, but Levantine cuisine is my favourite – so if I see a Syrian, Lebanese or Palestinian restaurant, I will be dining there!
I gorged on plates of creamy hummus and falafel and chatted to the wonderful restaurant owner. When it came to pay, I ended up being a few dirhams short, and he told me not to worry about it. I went back with the money the next day, and he told me he didn’t want it!
Stay in a traditional riad in Tangier
In Tangier, I stayed in one of my favourite places EVER.
Riad Al-Qurtubi had classic rooms with Islamic art and mine had a hammam. The upper floors overlooked the reception: a closed courtyard stuffed with memorabilia. And there was a glorious rooftop where they served breakfast, which overlooked the city. For a traditional place to stay in Tangier, there’s nowhere better!
Explore Tangier’s medina and kasbah
Tangier’s medina winds through an area above the cliffs. Some areas feel touristy, whereas others are much more residential, with houses and local barber shops. It’s easy to get lost in the medina, and it feels very relaxed compared to Morocco’s more hectic souks!
Tangier Royal Equestrian Club
I didn’t actually have time to visit the Tangier Royal Equestrian Club while I was in the city, but I did look into it afterwards and it’s a really interesting part of Tangier that I think a lot of visitors overlook.
Morocco has a very strong equestrian tradition. Horses have historically been linked to ceremonies and Arab and Barb horse breeding, rather than purely racing.
The country does have horse racing, showjumping and equestrian events, but it’s all a bit lower-key and less commercialised than in some Western countries. For example, some international horse racing betting websites like Twinspires may be blocked or inaccessible while you’re there.
The Tangier Royal Equestrian Club hosts riding lessons and jumping events – and there are also beach horse riding experiences around Tangier and Cap Spartel. If I return to Tangier, I’d definitely look into doing a coastal ride because the scenery around the Strait of Gibraltar would be incredible on horseback!
Visit the Ibn Battuta Museum
One of the main reasons I wanted to visit Tangier was because of Ibn Battuta. A famous Moroccan explorer, Battuta explored Africa, Asia and the Middle East in the 14th century.
I knew about him because my dad lived in Dubai when I was a teenager. When I went to visit him, we used to go to the Ibn Battuta shopping mall there, where areas were modelled after places he visited!
That said, I didn’t know that much about Ibn Battuta before visiting, and the museum told me all about his life while also highlighting Tangier’s long connection with travellers, traders and explorers.
See the Phoenician Tombs
The Phoenician Tombs were an interesting addition to my walk around Tangier.
Dating back around 3,000 years, these are tombs of the Phoenician people who arrived in Tangier.
The Phoenicians were seafaring people originating from modern-day Lebanon. They travelled the Mediterranean and settled in many coastal cities, including Tunis, Algiers and, of course, Tangier.
The Phoenician tombs overlook the Strait of Gibraltar, with vistas across toward Spain and the Mediterranean.
I actually stumbled upon these tombs while walking and found out information about them on Google Maps!
Stop for mint tea or coffee at Café Hafa
Café Hafa sits on top of one of Tangier’s cliffs, and it’s a famous café dating back to the 1920s. With terraces overlooking the sea, Café Hafa has long been a haunt for artists and authors, and is very popular with both locals and tourists.
So popular in fact, that after sitting for 20 minutes, I still hadn’t been served – and I ultimately decided to leave due to the slow service and lack of shade. That said, even without stopping, I still enjoyed the views both on the walk and at the cafe. I’d say it’s worth aiming for, but don’t have your heart set on getting a tea there!
Relax in the Mendoubia Gardens
The Mendoubia Gardens are a calm, green space near the medina. There’s a grassy area and play park, with a few benches to relax on. Perfect for watching the world go by!
Walk around Grand Socco and the mosque area
Grand Socco is the point where the old and new cities meet, with fountains, busier roads and colourful buildings. There’s a nearby mosque, which gets busy around prayer times when the call to prayer rings over the streets. It’s worth walking down here after exploring the kasbah to see a different side to the city!
Tangier as a solo female traveller
I visited Tangier as a solo female traveller and had a very positive experience. I found everyone to be friendly and helpful; I was offered some help in the medina, which I declined as I’d heard that some people ask for tips after helping tourists.
That said, I wanted to balance being cautious and not assuming people had bad intentions!
If you’re visiting Morocco as a solo female, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Dress modestly: this doesn’t apply if you’re at the beach, and isn’t super strict, but I’d generally err on the side of modesty!
- Avoid flashing valuables: The crime rates in Morocco are very low, but it might make you more of a target for offers of help – which you may be expected to tip after.
- Be confident to say “no” politely: if you don’t want help for something, politely say so!
FAQ section
Is Tangier worth visiting?
Yes, Tangier is definitely worth visiting! Its Mediterranean views, historic centre and relaxed vibe make it a glorious addition to any Morocco trip.
How many days do you need in Tangier?
One or two days is enough to see the city – spend longer if you want to enjoy the beaches. From Tangier, you can take the train to Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca or Rabat easily.
Is Tangier safe for solo female travellers?
Absolutely! I felt completely safe when travelling in Tangier, taking normal precautions that I do elsewhere in the world.
Can you visit Tangier from Spain?
Yes, absolutely! You can take a ferry from Tarifa straight to Tangier city, or from Algeciras to “Tangier Med”, a big port around an hour away. I travelled from London to Morocco without flying when I visited Tangier – you can read more about that here.
