Leisure in Tangier

Sights in Tangier

The main attractions in Tangier tend to be historical sights, which attract expatriates and tourists as well as Moroccan families. The Kasbah and attached museum, Hercules' Cave, and Cap Spartel. The Kasbah was built in the 17th century. Hercules' Cave is supposedly where Hercules rested after completing one of his tasks and is where he connected the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean by creating the strait of Gibraltar. You will find a huge statue of him located underground. There is also an opening onto the water that is shaped like Africa and is a popular diving spot. Cap Spartel is the northwest tip of Africa and marks where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean.

Activities in Tangier

Tangier is a great place to relax and enjoy beautiful views. It is the site of extensive and beautiful beaches, and there are many lovely cafes and terrace restaurants to enjoy. Cafe Hafa is a particularly popular spot, as it looks over the strait of Gibraltar. Mint tea is popular in Tangier as in the rest of the country, but it is usually poured into much larger glasses with more mint leaves, making for quite the sugary treat. There are also plenty of Moroccan and international restaurants to enjoy, many of which have rooftop seating that overlooks the city.

Travelling around Tangier

Tangier's location makes it the perfect starting point for excursions. You can take a ferry to Gibraltar, which is located on the Iberian peninsula but is a British Overseas Territory. You can see the rock of Gibraltar, and enjoy the opportunity to speak English for the day. Day trips are also possible to the Moroccan cities of Chefchaouen, Asilah, and Tetouan. You can take ferries to the Spanish cities of Tarifa and Algeciras. Tangier is also not far from Melilla and Ceuta, Spanish cities located on the African continent.

Culture in Tangier

Tangier has many museums where you can learn the cultural history of the city as a meeting for different cultures during the 30s and the 40s (Tangier International Zone). You can visit the American Legation Museum in the old medina, as well the Dar El Makhzen to learn more about the history of the country. The Grand Socco is the meeting point between the old part and the modern part of the city. This place is known for its old narrow streets, the Grand Mosque and the Cinema Rif. You can also visit the Lorin Foundation Museum and the Dar D'art Gallery. Besides, Tangier offers many art venues such as Tabadoul and the Darna Theater. The city is home of the Tanjazz festival which has featured many local and international acts the likes of Al Di Meola, The Wanton Bishops, JiveSwing and Ivan Lewis.

Family activities in Tangier

For more family-oriented activities, you may visit many of the restaurants downtown with play areas for children. You will also find many international chain restaurants such as McDonald's, Pizza Hut and Papa John's. You can also visit many amusement parks in the city, like Jojo Land and Wafa Even Park. On top of that, Tangier is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Morocco which are perfect picnic locations such the Perdicaris park (also known as Parc Rmilat), with its picturesque landscape and view overlooking the sea, optimal for hikes with children. You can also visit the Terrace Des Paresseux which offers the best view of Spain and the straight of Gibraltar. For more outdoorsy activities, be sure to check the Mnar Park (10 minutes from downtown Tangier) where you can find go-carting tracks, quad bikes and paintball. And at night, your best destination is Tanja Marina Bay.

Restaurants in Tangier

Due to its location near Europe, Tangier's culinary experience offers a more open one to international tastes. The most prominent restaurants in Tangier cater exclusively to international or European cuisine, such as Le Simple Club in the Royal Golf Club of Tangier, specialising in international cuisine. Gusto E Sapore is one of the most popular places in the city, catering to Italian cuisine aficionados. You will also find many restaurants by the coast and near the port specialising in fish (mostly Moroccan cuisine), as well as many big restaurants offering an exclusively Moroccan culinary experience like El Morocco Club.

Sports activities in Tangier

The most popular outdoor activities in Tangier, among tourists, locals and expatriates alike, are hiking around the surrounding hills and cliffs, as the city offers a diverse landscape and fauna, and is best visited in spring or summer. You can also do some jet-skiing along the coast. Golf is rapidly increasing in popularity in Morocco; you'll find Royal Golf Clubs in most cities in Morocco and Tangier is no exception. For sailing and boating enthusiasts, be sure the Tangier Royal Yacht Club off the coast to truly enjoy the region's spectacular climate and the amazing waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

 Useful links:

Ferry to Gibraltar
Ferry to Spain