The Top Things to See and Do in Tangier, Morocco

Pass under Bab Haha gate and you’re in the Kasbah, with its cobbled alleyways and layers of mystery. There’s plenty to see, as the hilltop location means sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. But ditch the guidebook – it’s all about stumbling upon surprises in this crumbly ancient quarter. You may get lost but that’s part of the fun – keep walking uphill and you’ll be sure to find one of the babs, or gates, that lead out of the maze. Look for the famous 17th-century palace, off the Place du Menchoar, which is now a museum. It displays intriguing relics from the Stone Age to the 20th century.

Originating in the fifth century CE, when it was the site of a Roman temple, this is a fascinating historical structure. During the eighth century, its central location seemed suitable for a place of Muslim prayer, and so a mosque was erected. After the Portuguese conquest in the late 15th century, it was converted into a cathedral and, subsequently, back again to a mosque. As is religious custom in Morocco, the building is not open to non-Muslims – but whatever your faith you can admire the elegant minaret and intricately carved main portal.

Burgeoning tourism has meant much-needed funding for clean cities, sites and beaches around Morocco. The sands lining Tangier have benefited particularly well, shaded golden against the sparkling blue sea, and present a great escape from the busy city. It’s close to the bustling port – Tangier is a major African hub for maritime traffic from Europe – so you shouldn’t expect Maldivian levels of tranquillity. But the lively action, from braying camels to groups of young people parading, is what makes being by the sea such a special experience in Tangier.

Most visitors – and locals – agree that this is one of Tangier’s most captivating sites. Consecrated in 1905, St Andrew’s Church is a dramatic fusion of architectural styles that exhibit the city’s history of faiths. As you’d expect, it’s a focal point for Christians in Tangier. It also exhibits Quranic inscriptions on its Moorish interior, as well as the Lord’s Prayer in Arabic – and with its location, it observes the direction to Mecca. If you get the chance, take a wander through the atmospheric cemetery, paying your respects at the tombs of soldiers who died fighting in North Africa during World War II.

Morocco was the first country to recognise the USA as an independent country, 18 months after the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed on the Fourth of July 1776. This museum cuts an elegant presence within the hustle of the Medina, adding a notable international feel to the city with a curious 1940s vibe. Step in and prepare to be transported to a different time with a host of absorbing displays, including one on the Morocco-phile author Paul Bowles. Essential viewing includes James McBey’s painting Zohra, often dubbed the Moroccan Mona Lisa.

You’d never guess that the Petit Socco used to be the haunt of drug dealers and prostitutes. Today, it’s now an innocuous pedestrian square – a place you plonk yourself to drink mint tea or orange juice outside one of the popular, buzzing cafes and watch the world go by. If you want to act local, order a procession of fresh mint teas over the course of an hour or so. Unlike the teabag version, in Morocco, the drink is made simply with boiling water, a handful of fresh mint leaves and a touch of sugar. The result is thirst-quenching and utterly delicious.

This lawned main junction, spiked with tall palms, is where new Tangiers flows into the old city. A mosque is on one side and a cinema on the other, with the wide road terminating in narrow cobbled streets. At this crossroads between the ages you can browse traditional market stalls to stock up on nuts, fresh fruit and even a flowing kaftan or two. The central fountain is surrounded by benches, and you can join the Tangier locals who converge here, shooting the breeze and relaxing in the balmy early-evening air.

While you’re in the Grand Socco, make a quick detour to this cinema, which screens mainstream and independent films. With its art deco-style good looks and origins in the late 1930s, this is an authentic Tangier experience. The cinema happily embraces its mixed cultural roots and, like Tangier, is a crossroad of cultures – showing films in French and Arabic.

Book-lovers of every stripe adore the Librairie des Colonnes, a Tangier institution that dates back to 1949. It evolved into a stomping ground loved by some of the 20th century’s greatest writers, including Paul Bowles, Samuel Beckett, Truman Capote, Jean Genet and Tennessee Williams. The time-warped exterior of the building is charming, while the inside is lined with shelves upon shelves of books – some in English – making for a fascinating place to while away a rainy-day hour or two.

Notable as the only US National Historic Landmark located on foreign soil, the Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies is remarkable inside and out. The unique architectural character of the building, complete with colorful mosaic tiles and intricately carved doors, is complemented by the Legation’s cultural pursuits. Home to a research library, cultural center and museum, the Legation’s exhibits celebrate Moroccan culture as well as the long-standing good relations between the US and Morocco. Here, you can step back in time and view Tangier’s past through a series of documents, artifacts, photographs and artworks.

Located 6mi (9.6km) east of Tangier, Cape Malabata is the perfect escape from the noise and bustle of the city. Though it features hidden coves, quiet beaches and even the ruins of an early 20th-century castle, it’s most spectacular sights can be gleaned from its lighthouse – think unobstructed views of the sparkling Strait of Gibraltar. Don’t forget your camera, it’s definitely the best place to snap some pictures.

Built in the 17th century over the ruins of a previous castle, the Royal Palace of Tangier is strategically overlooking the city’s Medina and the Strait of Gibraltar. In the past, the palace was often used by the royal family on their visits to the city. Today, the ornate building delights architecture lovers with its elegant columns (some are even thought to be of Roman origin), marble fountains, intricately carved wooden ceilings and traditional tilework, while history buffs can take their time exploring the two museums on site. Located in the former Sultan’s apartments you will find the Museum of Moroccan Arts – displaying the finest works or art and traditional crafts from all over Morocco – and in the former kitchens, you will find the Museum of Antiquities – a space filled with ancient Roman finds and precious artifacts from the region surrounding Tangier, some even dating back to Neolithic times.

Located at Cape Spartel, the most northwestern point of mainland Africa and roughly 9mi (14km) west of Tangier, the Caves of Hercules are well worth a visit. Steeped in myths and legends, this ancient cave complex is said to be the place where, according to Roman mythology, Hercules rested on his way to complete the “12 Labors of Hercules”. Though you’re unlikely to see the stuff of legends today, the cave complex is impressive all on its own. With two openings – one that faces the sea, remarkably resembling the shape of the African continent and said to have been created by Phoenicians, and one that faces land, said to have been created by local Berbers – the cave complex offers ample tunnels to explore and wall markings to decipher.

Located in the heart of the city, not far from the Grand Socco, the Jardins de Al-Mendoubia are a green haven that offers respite from the heat and the densely packed streets. The gardens take their name from the building they surround, respectively the Commercial Court. Take a deep breath and let yourself take in the beauty of the fig trees and the palm trees as well as the enormity of the 800-year-old banyan tree at the entrance. You can also admire the decorative 17th-century bronze canons scattered throughout the courtyard and the unique architecture of the place.

Not easy to miss as you’re winding your way through the city trying to take in all the sights, the Bab Al Fahs is the main southern gate of the Medina. Linking the old town and the new, the keyhole shaped gate opens up on the Grand Socco. The gate is a popular staple of many postcards so challenge yourself to see if you can take a more remarkable picture.

Built in the 1940’s and inaugurated in the 1950’s by the Spanish, Plaza de Toros, or the Place des Arenes, is Tangier’s only bullring. With a capacity of over 13,000 seats, bull fights were regularly held here until Morocco’s independence in 1956. Abandoned for several years, this place was classified as a historical monument in 2016 and as of 2021, it is set to undergo rehabilitation and renovation works. Though you can’t go inside, it is still worth checking out as you walk through the city.

An important historical landmark, the sealed tomb of Ibn Battouta (1304-1369) is the modest resting place of Ibn Battuta, a Muslim Moroccan scholar and explorer who is known to have travelled more than any other explorer in pre-modern history, surpassing even Marco Polo. Though there isn’t much to see at the site, it might inspire you to learn more about Ibn Battuta’s travels and his writings.

If you’re after postcard-perfect views, Charf Hill is the place to go. Sitting 305ft (93m) above sea level, the hill offers panoramic views of Tangier and the coastline, from Cape Malabata in the east to La Montagne in the West, encompassing both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. For the classicists among us, it is also said to be the burial place of the massive body of Antaeus after he was defeated by Hercules.

This is the most famous art gallery in Tangier. Created in 1999, it’s been housing amazing artists like Omar Mahfoudi, Rachid Handball, Antonio Fuentes, and Louis Endres, among others. The gallery is very modern itself, as it exhibits modern, contemporary and oriental art, and is always looking for up-and-coming artists to promote their original work.

The Lorin Foundation Museum is an eclectic cultural centre and museum housed in one of Tangier’s oldest synagogues. Here, you will find an engaging collection of memorabilia, photographs, newspapers, posters and more, relating to the political and cultural life of Tangier since the 1930s. On the second floor, you will find an art gallery where travelling exhibitions of contemporary art are a regular feature.

Covering an area of 70ha (172 acres), the Perdicaris Park is a green oasis where you can wander through the forest, take in the thriving vegetation influenced by the unique surrounding climate and admire breathtaking views of the sea. The park’s history is an odd one, it bears the name of US diplomat Ion Perdicaris who acquired the property in 1872. Rather unfortunately, Ion was kidnapped in 1924 and though he was liberated, this experience persuaded him to move away from Tangier and the park has since belonged to the Moroccan State. Pack a picnic and revel in its beauty.

Fancying a trip to Morocco? Explore Tangier and beyond with curated trips. Take advantage of the insider knowledge of your tour guides and discover hidden gems only locals know about.