Tangier is the old city divided into two distinct parts – Medina, the old walled city, and Ville nouvelle, the modern new part of the city. Travelers love this fascinating place. It offers a little bit of everything: mystery, great history, wonderful views and pristine beaches. You will love this city and its mix of Africa and Europe. Here are some of the things you must do when you visit it.
1. Feel the Ancient Times in Medina of Tangier
The old part of the city, Medina, is everything you would expect it to be. It is one big maze of old narrow streets and numerous buildings. There are magnificent homes inside these buildings whose doors open into the street. Tangier was one of the first African cities that fell under European influence. While strolling through this amazing place, you will see how different colonial, Moroccan, Andalusian and Moorish architecture is packed together. It is divided into separate quarters. There are also numerous bazaars, shops and restaurants. You will love the colorful life of northern Africa here.
2. Visit the Caves of Hercules
This is something you must definitely visit when you come to Tangier. It is one of the Tangier landmarks and it is not only a beautiful piece of nature, it also rich with history. They have recently renewed the whole area around the cave so it really looks amazing. The view of the sea from the cave opening is stunning. The excursion around the caves is quite exciting and attractive.
3. Enjoy the Views from Cap Spartel
One of the beautiful things you should see in Tangier is Cap Spartel lighthouse. On a nice and clear day, you can see a lot from there even the spot where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. The views are marvelous and give you a striking picture. There is a restaurant where you can sit, drink a cup of tea and enjoy the panoramic views.
4. Feel the Nature at Parc Perdicaris
If you are a nature lover, this is the best place to visit in Tangier. The trees are simply beautiful here. Some people think this is the most beautiful park in Morocco. It is very clean and safe with clearly drawn maps. It offers various routes. You can choose to stay in the area with picnic tables. The park is perfect for families, for those who like running and walking, as well as for those who just want to look at the attractive surroundings. Many nice walks lead through the woods and to the sea. You will certainly enjoy this lovely park.
5. Have Fun at Tangier Beach
When you have had enough of sightseeing and walking, take you picnic blanket and head for the Tangier beach. It offers beautiful views, especially if you stay on it at night. The beach is usually crowded during the day but the visit is well worth it. You can just enjoy the great clean sand and clear water, or take a camel or horse ride. There is an inflatable water park for kids if you come with them. You will all have a great time.
6. Visit the St Andrew Church
If you have some more time when visiting Tangier, take a tour to the lovely St Andrews church. Learn something of its interesting history and Christian, Jewish and Islamic touches on the church. Its interior is beautifully maintained, and outside the church, you will enjoy the lovely gardens. This historic building with a rich past is a wonderful oasis and the visit is well worthwhile.
Information
- Name: St Andrew Church
- Address: Rue d’Angleterre 50, Tangier, Morocco
- Phone: 00 212 39 31 44 69
7. Go to Musee de la Kasbah
You will love the attractive Musee de la Kasbah. It is constructed to resemble the old riad and that makes the place stand out. You will enjoy the beautiful wooden crafts and the perfect colorful tiles. The place is quite small, but still if offers interesting exhibits. You will see a great number of exhibits outlining the history and art of Morocco, as well as the antiquities collection with the findings from Roman sites. After you see the interior, you should definitely visit the surrounding garden. Do not miss the room in the main courtyard with mosaics.
Information
- Name: Musee de la Kasbah
- Address: El Casbah Square, Tangier
- Phone: 39912092
8. Walk along La Terrasse des Paresseux
La Terrasse des Paresseux is a perfect spot to start a walking around Boulevard Pasteur – the French colonial part of the city. The terrace offers a stunning view of the sea. On a clear day, you can get the full view of the port; you can even see Gibraltar and Spain. While there, visit the world famous Madani perfumer and buy some nice perfumed soaps or favorite perfumes. Don’t be surprised by the crowd; the shop is always packed with visitors. After a short walk, you can stop at the Gran Café de Paris and have a mint tea or coffee. While there, you can also walk along the great courtyard of the Minzah Hotel and then go to the Medina.
9. Visit the Sultan’s Palace
One of the most attractive and popular spots in Tangier Medina is Tangier Kasbah. It is the palace where the sultan once lived. First, you see the gate opening onto a huge courtyard and leading to Dar el-Makhzem Palace and the modern Kasbah Museum. The palace dates back from the 17th century and each sultan enlarged it during the reign. You will enjoy the intricate Moroccan craft work on carved ceilings and marble courtyard.
10. Walk through Ville Nouvelle
Westwards and southwards from the old Tangier Medina you will find the Ville Nouvelle. It is the European-built part of the city and its layout and architecture is mostly of Spanish origin. It reflects the big Spanish population. The main meeting place is the square, the Grand Socco, and there are some nice cafes where you can take in the city’s life. You should also go to Mendoubia Gardens there where you can marvel the great fig and dragon trees.
11. Go Shopping at the New Mall
If you prefer shopping in modern areas, then the recently opened city mall is a perfect spot for you. You will find many international, but also local brands including clothing, phones shops, gift stores, souvenir shops and many others. On the third floor of the mall there is a cinema as well as the entertainment park. All around the mall there are many cafes, restaurants and fast food restaurants where you can enjoy different cuisines.
12. See the Tumbas Fenicias
If you head west from the Kasbah, on one high cliff you can see several ancient Phoenician rock tombs. They are just rectangular holes in a big rock and it is free to visit the site. Probably more beautiful is the wonderful view of the harbor and the city you have from there. You can even have the view across the Mediterranean all the way to Spain. Overall, it is a great feeling to stand on a place witnessing the ancient Phoenician civilization.
13. Tangier American Legation Museum
This is one of the must-see places in Tangier. The museum represents the first American real estate in a foreign country. You will see George Washington letter of thanks to Sultan Moulay Suleyman there. The building itself is impressive and elegant. Its five storeys hold a huge display of various paintings showing the past of Tangier seen through the artists’ eyes. You will also find a well- supplied bookshop there.
Information
- Name: American Legation Museum
- Address: 8 Rue D’Amerique, Tangier
- Phone: 212 539 93 53 17
- Opening Hours: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
14. Take a Day Trip from Tangier
If you are staying in Tangier for a couple of days, then you should definitely take some of the day trips to experience more of natural beauty and culture of the surrounding area. One of the favorite trips is a day trip to Asilah. This is one of the most visited cities in whole Morocco. It is full of great history and a wonderful mix of different cultures. You will love the beautiful walls, endless unspoiled beaches and the friendly people there. Just enjoy!
15. Enjoy Beach Activities
Everybody likes walking along the old, mysterious places, visiting ancient sites and buildings, walking through the beautiful parks and gardens, going shopping. You are probably the same. If you get a little bit tired of all these touristy things, just go to the beach and have fun. At Tangier beaches, you can go surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing. If you like it more, you can try some scuba diving or snorkeling. You may choose to have a horse or camel ride. Whatever you choose to do, you will have a memorable experience!
As you can see, Tangier is definitely a must-visit place if you come to Morocco. Plan your trip well, and you will be able to see some of the most beautiful places in the world. This list might be of some help for you.
Have a good trip and travel!
