For frazzled parents there are grass spaces where you can lie back on sun loungers under palm fronds. It is one of the Tangier things to do and a great place to watch the sunset on Spain, sipping a mint tea. Top Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,970 traveller reviews and photos of 88 things to do when in Tangier. In from Cap Malabata, about ten kilometres from Tangier, is a small resort furnished with a water park open to daily visitors. History lovers should definitely put the Kasbah Museum on their Tangier things to do list. The water off the cape has been the scene of battles in the American War of Independence and during the Spanish Civil War, and is named for an archipelago thought to have been submerged around 9400 BCE. There’s a little white fishing village on the west side, and blue wooden boats have been dragged up onto the sand. things to do in tangier morocco | experience an exciting camel ride on tangier beach experience an exciting camel ride on tangier beach If you are visiting Tangier with your family or a big group of friends, you might like to book this excellent tour by Airbnb. Trips. So where there were once storytellers, musicians and snake charmers there’s a landscaped space with palms and little lawns, all converging on a grand central fountain. The palace is an apt place to browse hundreds of years of workmanship in Morocco up to the end of Tangier’s English period in 1684. Located just nine miles outside of Tangier, Cap Spartel sits at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, about 1000 feet above sea level. The building lost its diplomatic role after the capital moved to Rabat with independence in 1956, and is rented from the United States Government by a non-profit set up in the 70s to safeguard this historic building. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Phoenician tombs. Traced by scores of restaurants and cafes, this promenade dates to the 19th century but has been transformed in the 2000s, with smooth paving, geometric lawns, clumps of palms and benches. Elsewhere there are ceramics and coins from the Almohad and Merinid-dynasty, silks from Fez, manuscripts, carpets and guns with inlay decoration, while you can enter the former throne room with a sublime artesonado coffered ceiling. Tangier Tourism: Tripadvisor has 53,955 reviews of Tangier Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Tangier resource. The mosque took on its current appearance in 1815 under Sultan Moulay Sliman, and Sultan Mohammed V worshipped here on a way to make a momentous speech in Tangier in 1947. Among the travellers, writers and soldiers in the graveyard there’s a plot for an almost legendary local bar-owner known only as Dean and reading, “Died February 1963. You’ll get your bearings at Cap Malabata and then journey across to the Caves of Hercules, before diving into the Kasbah and the exciting alleys of the Medina. Camel rides are also available here, and these animals appear healthy and well looked after. Between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean is one of the most important cities of the Kingdom of Morocco, Tangier. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tangier. We don’t approve of bullfighting, but this sight, which hosted its last bullfight 50 years ago, is more of a monument to Tangier’s recent mixed heritage. Let’s explore the best things to do in Tangier: The maze-like Medina of the White City spills down the slope from the Kasbah in the north, granting brief glimpses of the Bay of Tangier through its gorge-like alleys. Out of the city you can bask on Blue Flag beaches and journey to Cap Spartel and Cap Malabata to spot Gibraltar and Tarifa across the strait. Best Things to do in Tangier Morocco Visit the Tangier Kasbah. More. There’s less far-fetched human history in the cave system, going back to the Neolithic period: The cave’s spectacular ocean-side opening is thought to have been cut by the Phoenicians, and bears a remarkable resemblance to the African continent. Cafe Hafa. Let’s explore the best things to do in Tangier: 1. The reason to come is to visit the cafe, and contemplate the view as the sun goes down with a glass of mint tea or powerful coffee. The Phoenician tombs are located between Cafe Hafa and the top entrance to the Old Kasbah. Parc Perdicaris adds up to almost 70 hectares and is named after the Greek-American consul and playboy Ion Perdicaris (1840-1925) whose estate was on this land. The gate for Bab El Assa has a number that you can call. Inside is a plaque for Emily Keene (1849-1944), who married the Sharif of Ouzzane in 1873 and is credited with introducing the cholera vaccine to Morocco. Hercules Cave 1,826 reviews See 121 Experiences Sights & Landmarks 2. The Moroccans pronounce it “tanja”, and in my opinion the city belongs on any northern Moroccan itinerary. The 7 best things to do in Tangier. As with urban beaches around the world the water quality may rule out a swim, and it may be some time before the Plage Municipale earns a Blue Flag. Today, Café Hafa welcomes the youth of Tangier, sitting at mosaic tables and chatting away. As of 2019, Perdicaris’ romantic hilltop villa is currently being restored after decades of in decline. American Legion Museum. Tangier is known as a popular travel spot in Africa, and many tourists visiting Morocco enjoy the variety of the things to do in Tangier. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in March. Perdicaris planted the exotic eucalyptus trees in the park alongside the native palms, oaks, laurel trees, pines, acacias and walnut trees in the 1880s for the health of his wife who was suffering from tuberculosis. 2. The name Grand Socco sums up Tangier’s story, being a Spanish corruption of “souk”. Explore Tangier. Even the most travelled visitors may feel overwhelmed by Tangier, and will need to turn to a trusted professional guide. Vacation Rentals. Tangier is a city full of life, due to its extended history that started back in the 5th century BC. Dar el-Makhzen holds the Museum of Moroccan Arts and Antiquities, also known as the Kasbah Museum. Some ancient Greek writers placed the garden a little way down the Atlantic coast at the ancient city of Lixus. It is in this old city, previously a no-go for tourists, that you’ll also sense the changing mood in Tangier. The glamour of that time had ebbed away by the 1950s, but echoes remain in the louche cafes (Tinjis, Central, Tanger and Al Manara), and in the stucco facades and wrought iron balconies. Market stalls in the Medina laden with leather goods, carpets, spices, fruit, vegetables, fish and handmade … Tangier is one of the most beautiful cities in Morocco. A Moroccan port town in the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is a character-filled place to spend a few days. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Tangier. Believe it or not, I spent close to 5 hours, one foot in front of the other. Things to do in Tangier: itinerary through the highlights of the city, including travel tips and information on what to eat and where to stay. One letter, penned by a diplomat, describes receiving lions as a gift, and wondering what to do with them. The story goes that Hercules stayed here while preparing for his 11th labour. To the west are the Jardins de la Mendoubia, scene of a momentous event in Moroccan history, which we’ll talk about below. The best day trips from Tangier according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in Tangier with kids? The ancient port city is the gateway to Africa for many Europeans, and has been a valued strategic location for centuries. This attraction has been upgraded in the last couple of seasons, and has large, interconnected pools, a shallow pool for littler children and a small line-up of slides, one with two-seater inflatable rings. Home » Travel Guides » Morocco » 25 Best Things to Do in Tangier (Morocco). If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Up the coast from the Caves of Hercules is the scrub-topped promontory that marks the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. Here are seven unique things you can do on a trip to Tangier. 20 Unmissable Attractions in Tangier. And although large scale trading has gone, there are still plenty of stalls on Grand Socco, for fruit and arts and handmade crafts. Straddling the Medina and the Ville Nouvelle is Tangier’s former central marketplace, which has since been given a facelift and become a transport hub. The palace is praised as one of Morocco’s finest man-made landmarks, and centres on two exquisite arcaded courtyards, graced with intricate arabesques, carved cedar, marble fountains and columns, some carved by the Romans. Click the interactive Google Map on your smartphone to be guided on this tour. Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,936 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier attractions. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Things to Do in Tangier, Morocco: See Tripadvisor's 18,512 traveler reviews and photos of Tangier attractions. It is located 12 miles off of the mainland and is … Sign in. Atop the cliffs is a lighthouse and a small castle, built in the early 20th century in a Medieval style. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. 1) Top Things to see and do in Tangier in one day 1. It makes sense that a city linked with the beat generation should have a successful jazz festival. Explore the … See all photos . Add a Place. This is the open Atlantic so the surf will be too strong for kids, but the waves break a long way out, and there is a large shallow area where wee ones can paddle safely with supervision. See Tripadvisor's 18,515 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier free attractions The museum brings together an amazing number of exhibits tracing Morocco's tumultuous and complicated history. But in 2019 the property was officially handed by Spain to the Moroccan government, which has committed to restoring and reopening the venue as a theatre and cultural centre. Here are the best things to do and see in Tangier. I stopped twice in some old cafes and ordered something strange. Presiding over the northern alleys of the Medina is the palace ordered by Ismail Ibn Sharif (1672-1727), after he re-conquered Tangier following two centuries of English occupation. Top Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,945 traveller reviews and photos of 325 things to do when in Tangier. The section that most people associate with the Corniche is between the new tourist port and Villa Harris, encompassing two beaches at the Plage Municipale and Plage Malabata to the east. Organised by Fondation Lorin, Tanjazz has been going since 2000, and takes place at multiple stages around Tangier’s streets and squares across eight days in mid-September. Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,957 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier tourist attractions. Top Attractions in Tangier 1. It is a very important port city for trade as it provides a connection between Europe and Africa. Since 2010, change has swept across this rakish city on the Strait of Gibraltar at a dizzying rate. For non-Muslims, this is a sight to check out as you make your way around the Grand Socco on a tour of the Medina, getting a pic of the striking entrance and minaret on the way. The festival accommodates all of jazz’s many sub-genres, from big band to swing to bebop. Mnar Park is on high ground, so as you climb the steps for the slides you’ll see Tangier’s skyline off in the near distance to the west. Morocco. It is a historic city located in the northern part of Morocco. Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,957 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier tourist attractions. The days of the International Zone are recalled at Petit Socco, with its cosmopolitan architecture at cafe terraces. Souk shopping is an essential activity in Morocco. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Tangier, Morocco on Tripadvisor: See 53,949 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier tourist attractions. Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,936 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier attractions. Included in: City Highlights Discovery Tour. One of Tangier’s most famous sons is the Arab world’s answer to Marco Polo, a 14th-century explorer who embarked on a 29-year adventure across almost all of the Islamic world, as well as China, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Located in the north western region of the country, the city is known for its amazing historical sites and awe inspiring architecture. It’s full of museums, caves, ancient medinas, mosques and much more. In the museum’s elegant galleries are well-curated exhibits chronicling the relationship between the US and Morocco, sprinkled with interesting documents, photographs, maps, paintings and correspondence. Some of Europe’s leading performers like the Italian tenor Enrico Caruso trod these boards in the early 20th century. The maze-like Medina of the White City spills down the slope from the Kasbah in the north, granting brief glimpses of the Bay of Tangier through its gorge-like alleys. This forlorn 13,000 capacity area, dating back to 1950, is more of a destination for intrepid urban explorers who sneak inside to photograph the decay. In addition, it is simple to move around and explore. The property, holding a cultural centre, library and museum all oriented towards Arabic studies, symbolises the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship of 1786, still upheld today. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tangier. At the western edge of the Grand Socco you can break out into some open space in the grounds of the city’s commercial court (Tribunal de Commerce). From the Portuguese period there’s a stunning Manueline window from the nearby coastal town of Ksar es Seghir. Once a playground of hippies and hustlers, the destination has completely cleaned up its act, and now offers sightseeing … Africa. At the highest point of Tangier, overlooking the city and the bay of Tangier is the Tangier... Shopping in the Souks. In addition, it is simple to move around and explore. 17 Best Things to do in Tangier Morocco Things to do in Tangier. It's even so close to Europe that you can see Spain from here in good weather! At the time of writing in 2019 there were rumours that the bullring would be renovated and find a new role, but nothing had been made official. There has never been a better time to delve into Tangier and reconnect with the city of Delacroix, Matisse and Paul Bowles, and where William S. Burroughs wrote Naked Lunch. The best outdoor activities in Tangier according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the best day trips from Tangier? Insurance. On the road to Cap Spartel you’ll pass along the southern edge of this blissful coastal forest, on the western edge of the city. A decaying Spanish artefact, the 1,400-capacity Gran Teatro Cervantes was constructed in 1913, and in its day was one of the most important stages in North Africa. For people trying to reach Europe, it’s a place to pause and gaze longingly at a continent just out of reach. Closing off the Bay of Tangier at its eastern end of the Bay of Tangier is the promontory, Cap Malabata. You’ll find it in the south-east of the city, off Avenue Yacoub El Mansour. Between the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel is a glorious public beach awarded consecutive Blue Flags in recent years for hygiene, water quality, facilities and lifeguard provision. The museum also puts on regular exhibitions of contemporary art, and there’s regular exhibitions. The video and map are free. It was in this park in April 1947 that Sultan Mohammed V gave a historic speech calling for Morocco’s independence. Most fascinating are the historical figures commemorated in the church, or buried in the graveyard beside it. This cave, part natural and part man-made is steeped in legend and set on a headland between two epic Atlantic beaches. Pavilions from the Mendoub were also used as the headquarters of the German consulate during their occupation from 1941. Alerts. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Terrasse des Paresseux is armed with a quartet of historic cannons, and you can peer across the strait through fixed binoculars. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Cafe Hafa in Tangier . more, Things to Do in Tangier, Morocco - Tangier Attractions. Medina of Tangier Things To Do in Tanger. It’s also not hard to discern the many grooves in the walls left by the Berbers who quarried millstones from the walls over many centuries. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll come across a sign and an information board detailing Ibn Battuta’s life in French, English and Arabic. The current, Moorish-style church was consecrated in 1905 after the initial construction proved too small for the congregation. The most popular things to do in Tangier with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947: Tickets & Tours, Things to do near la Librairie des Colonnes, Things to do near Marruecos Tours Con Hassan, Things to do near Special Privat Day Tours, Things to do near Baan Thai Institut Tanger, Things to do near Go Marruecos Travel Tours, Things to do near Russian Private Guide/ Русский Гид в Танжере, Things to do near Bed and Breakfast Tanger, Things to do near Mandarin Palace Hotel & Spa, See all attractions in Tangier on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Tangier on Tripadvisor, Casablanca to Tangier Day Trip by High-Speed Train, Full Day trip to Chefchaouen & the panoramic of tangier, Private Morocco Day Tour: Tangier from Seville, Chefchaouen Blue City Private Customized Tour, See all day trips from Tangier on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Tangier on Tripadvisor. Top Things to Do in Tangier, Morocco: See Tripadvisor's 53,929 traveller reviews and photos of Tangier tourist attractions. A local told me that there were officially around one million inhabitants, but in fact that number had already risen to three million! Just outside the city center, Tangier is booming at rapid pace, and therefore hundreds of new neighborhoods shoot from the ground like mushrooms. Book online: Tangier Highlights Private Six-Hour Tour. Restaurants. The Grand Mosque is the largest in the city, raised in 1685 on the foundations of a demolished Portuguese church, which before that had been a Roman temple. This bends around the entire Bay of Tangier, from Merkala Beach in the west to Cap Malabata in the east. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. It’s full of museums, caves, ancient medinas , mosques and much more. Things To Do In Tangier. At the main entrance you’ll be greeted by a large arch carved with Arabic script, behind which are palms, lawns and flowerbeds. If you don’t mind going the extra mile for a perfect beach you can venture east along the rocky coastline, towards Ceuta. The Caves of Hercules are located below the cape. Post. It’s... 3. Missed by all and sundry.”. In 1880 Sultan Hassan I granted a strip of land to Tangier’s British community to build an Anglican church. Vendors and young restaurant touts tend to be enthusiastic without becoming pushy, and you’ll always have plenty of tourists for company on the alleys leading up to the Kasbah. Hugged by the Corniche, the most convenient place to feel the sand between your toes in Tangier is the municipal beach, a broad crescent bordered to the west by the port. The Top Things to do in Tangier, Morocco Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules. At the 2019 edition there was an international array of acts, from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Portugal and the United States, but you could also hear African-infused jazz by Lidiop (Senegal), Fouad Hani (Morocco) and Tangier’s own Gnawa Express. The water in this small bay is spellbinding shade of pale blue. Things to Do. FIVE THINGS TO DO IN TANGIER 1. The Kasbah 5 Things to do in Tangier (Kasbah in Tangier, Morocco) I have to say that I really did enjoy my time wandering here. Recommended tour: Tangier Highlights Private 6-Hour Tour. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try. In the very south of the Medina is the first property acquired abroad by the United States. Top Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 53,945 traveller reviews and photos of 325 things to do when in Tangier. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tangier. We have reviews of the best places to see in Tangier. Tangier The Gate to Europe. You’ll discover bronzes and mosaics from the Roman cities of Volubilis, Cotta and Lixus. A complete contrast to Achakar Beach, Dalia is on the Mediterranean side of trait, withdrawn from the coast in front of a bowl of rocky hills covered with pines. The Antiquities Collection brings together finds from the country's prime ancient Roman sites such as Lixus and Volubilis and includes a life-size model of a Carthaginian tomb. Tangier is a great city to get introduced with Moroccan culture, and its airport makes it perfect to use it as a place to enter and travel the north of the country. The lighthouse crowning the promontory dates from 1864 and was the first to be built in Morocco in modern times. Heavy investment has moved the container port out of the city, the impenetrable Medina feels safer, the beaches are cleaner and the bay-front Corniche was regenerated in 2018. Vacation Packages. Around a headland known as Point Cires from the Tangier Med Container Port is the Blue Flag Dalia Beach, held as one of the best beaches in Morocco. Things to do in Tangier Morocco Tangier Morocco Free Walking Tour Video and Map . Protected by reserve, Cap Spartel rises to more than 300 metres above the ocean. This is one of eight remaining bullrings in Africa. Things to do in Tangier. The park has 30 bronze cannons dating back to the 17th century, and some of the oldest trees in the city, including a majestic banyan thought to date back 850 years. Tangier is located in northern Morocco. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Below we have a list of things to do in Tangier and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. Medina Source: Alexey Pevnev / shutterstock Medina, Tangier. Tangier Island is often referred to as the 'soft shell crab capital of the world’ and is a unique place to visit. Tangier is a city full of life, due to its extended history that started back in the 5th century BC. At that time bankers and diplomats had their offices at Petit Socco, and the affluence of the time was reflected in its casinos, hotels and cafes. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in February. Attractions in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima: See Tripadvisor's 17,702 traveller reviews and photos of things to do when in Tangier. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The North African city is pretty small and there honestly isn't that much to see or experience, but when visiting there's still plenty things to do in Tangier for a day! Tangier is also spelt as Tanger. America’s only national historical landmark abroad has an interesting history; in 1777, Morocco was the first country to recognize American independence. Fair to say that the now empty theatre a short walk south of the American Legation has seen better days, as you’ll tell from its crumbling Art Nouveau facade. Here are 20 spots you must see in Tangier. What are the top attractions to visit in Tangier? There are also ancient pieces from closer to home, including finds like urns, lead sarcophagi and a reconstructed tomb, all from a Phoenician necropolis on the ocean side of the Kasbah Hill. The buildings on the square’s frontages have a blend of North African and European styles, which hints at the character of this spot during its early-20th-century heyday. 1. The American Legation was established in this Moorish-style stuccoed building in 1821 and is on the US National Register of Historic Places. Flights. Top Things to Do in Tangier, Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceïma: See Tripadvisor's 18,726 traveller reviews and photos of 85 things to do when in Tangier. Tangier, the gateway to Africa, never ceases to mesmerize its countless number of visitors each year. The port city of Tangier is currently in full growth. Here we list the top 10 things to see and do in this fascinating Moroccan town. Pay a visit for the peculiar sight of a church tower designed like a minaret, the horseshoe arches of the interior, and the Lord’s Prayer written in Arabic script behind the altar. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The tour can be given in English, Spanish, French or Italian, and includes pickup from the airport or hotels across Tangier. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Near the point where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet, you can make out Spain and Gibraltar across the strait, or look back over the Bay of Tangier to see the city and port in lights. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. During the days of the International Zone there were German, English and French post offices on this one square. This tour squeezes all the essentials into just half a day, combining it all with a resident’s perspective. Rental Cars. The main focus is on the time of the International Zone, between 1924 and 1956. As with most Moroccan tourist beaches camel rides are on offer at Achakar Beach. Eventually, a muezzin will appear and lead you to the sarcophagus, wrapped in a green cloth with verses from the Koran. There are so many things to do in Tangier, if you have the time you should plan to stay a couple of days at least to fully experience the city. Market stalls in the Medina laden with leather goods, carpets, spices, fruit, vegetables, fish and handmade copper and brass jewellery. https://www.expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Tangier.d3495.Travel-Guide-Activities Highly rated activities with free entry in Tangier: The top things to do for free. Tangier is the gate to Africa beyond the “non plus ultra” boundaries of what they used to call the inhabitable world. This was to steal the golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides. Like any spot in the Medina, his tomb can be a challenge to find, and sits on the tiny Rue Ibn Batouta, a couple of minutes southwest of the Kasbah. Cafe Hafa is practically an institution of historical Tangier and is a must-see for anyone passing through. Things to Do in Tangier, the Gateway to Morocco. And of course, the blue is reminiscent of Chefchaouen, which is one of the tours from Tangier.