The Top Things to See and Do in Tangier, Morocco

You cant miss a visit to the Grand Socco on a trip to Tangier
You can't miss a visit to the Grand Socco on a trip to Tangier | © JasonBerlin / Alamy
Saadiyah Chida

Few port cities in the world have quite the allure of Tangier, with its magical literary past, historic tangle of streets in the Kasbah and its stunning Grand Mosquée. This gateway to Africa, barely an hour’s boat ride away from Europe, never ceases to mesmerise the many people who visit each year. Here’s our guide for the top things to see and do in Morocco‘s best-loved harbour town.

Fancy a trip to Tangier? Then book Culture Trip’s 13-day Moroccan adventure where you’ll be guided through this city by one of our local insiders.

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Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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The Kasbah

Museum

Morocco, Tangier Tetouan region, Tangier, the old city (medina), Kasbah, Dar-el-Makhzen or Sultan palace, Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean cultures
© Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

The Grande Mosquée of Tangier

Mosque

The Grand Mosque of Tangier
© Bert de Ruiter / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

Beach Promenade

Natural Feature

Tangier seafront, Morocco
© Mehdi33300 / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

St Andrew’s Church

Church

Church of Saint Andrew
© Cosmo45/WikiCommons
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.

American Legation Museum

Building, Museum

Tangier American Legation Institute for Moroccan Studies
© Andrey Khrobostov / Alamy Stock Photo
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.

Petit Socco

Architectural Landmark

Petit Socco entrance, Tangier, Morocco, North Africa, Africa
© robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Grand Socco

Architectural Landmark

Mosque of Sidi Bou Abib, Grand Socco, Tangier, Morocco, North Africa, Africa
© robertharding / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Cinema Rif

Cinema

The art-house Cinema Rif at Grand Socco in Tangier, Morocco
© JasonBerlin / Alamy Stock Photo

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.

Librairie des Colonnes

Library

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.

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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