Tangier
A historic port city with a rich cultural heritage and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Overview
Welcome to Tangier, a city in northern Morocco that boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture. Founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century BC, Tangier has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Vandals, Arabs, and Portuguese. The city’s history is reflected in its architecture, with a blend of traditional Moroccan and European styles. Tangier enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an ideal destination year-round. The city’s geographical area is characterized by its stunning coastline and views of the Strait of Gibraltar. Tangier is also home to a variety of plant species, including palms, cacti, and citrus trees, adding to its natural beauty. Explore the city’s historic medina, with its maze of narrow streets and bustling souks, or visit the Kasbah, a fortress dating back to the 17th century.
Things to Do
Kasbah Museum: Explore the Kasbah Museum, housed in the 17th-century Dar el-Makhzen palace, showcasing Moroccan art and artifacts.
Grand Socco: Visit Grand Socco, a bustling square where you can experience local life, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy street performances.
Hercules Cave: Discover Hercules Cave, a natural cave with impressive rock formations and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Medina of Tangier: Wander through the Medina of Tangier, a maze of narrow streets filled with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
American Legation Museum: Visit the American Legation Museum, the first American public property outside the United States, showcasing Moroccan-American history.
Tangier Beaches: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Tangier, such as Achakkar Beach and Sidi Kacem Beach, known for their golden sands and clear waters.
Cape Spartel: Visit Cape Spartel, the northwesternmost point of Africa, offering panoramic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.
What to See
Tangier Kasbah: Explore the Tangier Kasbah, a historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering stunning views of the city and the Strait of Gibraltar.
Dar el Makhzen: Visit Dar el Makhzen, the Royal Palace of Tangier, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture with beautiful gardens.
Petit Socco: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Petit Socco, a lively square surrounded by cafes and shops, perfect for people-watching.
Tangier American Legation: Visit the Tangier American Legation, a historic diplomatic building and museum showcasing the history of Tangier and its relationship with the United States.
Mendoubia Gardens: Relax in Mendoubia Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Tangier, with lush greenery and beautiful fountains.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tangier is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its attractions.
Getting there
By Air: Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) is the nearest airport, located about 15 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Tangier.
By Ferry: Tangier is a major port city, with ferry services connecting it to Spain. You can take a ferry from Tarifa or Algeciras in Spain to reach Tangier.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation:
Hotel Rembrandt
Located in the heart of Tangier, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city.
Dar Omar Khayam
This traditional Moroccan house-turned-hotel offers cozy rooms with private bathrooms, a courtyard with a fountain, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel is conveniently located near the medina and the beach.
La Maison Blanche
This charming guesthouse features beautifully decorated rooms with private bathrooms, a garden, and a terrace. The hotel is located in a quiet residential area, just a short walk from the medina.
Luxury Accommodation:
Hotel Nord-Pinus Tanger
This luxurious hotel features stylish rooms with ocean views, a rooftop terrace with a pool, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The hotel is located in the heart of Tangier, just a short walk from the kasbah and the medina.
Villa Joséphine
This elegant villa-turned-hotel offers spacious suites with private terraces, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving Moroccan and French cuisine. The hotel is located in a quiet residential area, just a few minutes’ drive from the city center.
Sofitel Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa
This 5-star hotel features luxurious rooms and suites with sea views, a private beach, a spa, and several restaurants serving international and Moroccan cuisine. The hotel is located in Tamuda Bay, a beautiful coastal area about 20 minutes’ drive from Tangier.
Other Attractions in Morocco
Chefchaouen
Marrakech
Fez
Asilah
The Saharan Desert
Rabat
Casablanca
Ait Benhaddou
Essaouira
Taghazout
High Atlas Mountains
Agadir
Ouarzazate
Meknes
General Knowledge Base
General information about Tangier, Morocco.
What is the population of Tangier?
The population of Tangier is around 948,000 people, making it the second-largest city in the country.
The official language of Tangier is Arabic, but French and Spanish are also widely spoken.
Tangier has a rich history, having been ruled by a variety of civilizations over the centuries, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Europeans. It was an important trading post and port city for many of these civilizations.
Some famous landmarks in Tangier include the Kasbah (a fortress built in the 17th century), the Caves of Hercules (a natural cave formation), and the Tangier American Legation Museum (the only US National Historic Landmark located outside of the US).
The food in Tangier is a mix of Moroccan, Spanish, and French influences, with dishes like couscous, tagine, and paella being popular. Seafood is also a specialty in the city.
Tangier has a vibrant art scene, with many galleries and museums showcasing works by local and international artists. The city has also been a popular destination for writers and artists over the years, including the likes of William Burroughs and Paul Bowles.
Tangier has a diverse music scene, with traditional Moroccan music, Andalusian music, and Western pop music all being popular. The city is also known for its Gnawa music, a traditional style of music that originated in West Africa and is now popular throughout Morocco.
