Tangier is a true port town with all of the international, cross-cultural influence and great seafood that implies. Sip on a fresh-squeezed orange juice on a balcony in the old kasbah, take in the breathtaking view over the Strait of Gibraltar and Southern Spain, feast on a tajine pescado (fish stew with roasted tomatoes, a specialty of the region), and take a seat at one of the many cafés and bars to channel the vibes of the Beat Writers who made this city something of a pilgrimage in the 50s and 60s.In the last few years, the King has taken a great interest in promoting Tangier as a high-end tourist destination. There is a new luxury port abutting the ancient medina of Tangier where yachts belonging to the rich and wealthy port as part of their tour of the Mediterranean Sea. Much of the medina has been recently restored. Many of the main streets and boulevards have new palm trees as part of a city-wide beautification project.
Tangier Travel Guide: What to Do
Chillax in the Zoco Chico – There are two cafés at this main square of the Tangier medina, Café Tingis and Café Central. Both have ample outdoor seating and friendly service. Order a tea or a coffee and do what people have been doing for generations: people watch.
Get lost in the medina – If you ever truly get lost, keep in mind that “uphill” is the direction to follow for most of the main exits (or “babs”) of the medina. If you ask anyone for the direction of “Zoco Chico” or “Bab el-Fahs,” they will generally point you in the right direction and you can easily find your way from there. Getting around is made easier if you have a guide prearranged with us (forgive this little plug), which is common on the various trips we do in Morocco.
Rock the Kasbah – Most visitors will approach the kasbah through Bab Haha and enter on Place du Mechouar (often referred to as Place de la Kasbah). Here there are many touts who will offer to give you a guided tour. This is unnecessary. The kasbah is small and, to the left of Bab Haha, there is a small map highlighting the walk one can do around the kasbah and numerous signs pointing the way.
Hang with the Brothers of Detroit – Just outside the Kasbah Museum is a little café by the name of “Fils de Detroit.” This is the hangout of a few older Arab-Andalusian musicians. Sip on a mint tea and enjoy the unbeatable atmosphere when they men strum their lutes and jam on their drums.
Take a Paseo – After their siestas, it’s typical for the people of Tangier to take a paseo (a stroll) along the long promenade formed by Avenue Pasteur and Boulevard Mohamed V. They meet with friends, do a little shopping and enjoy as the heat of the afternoon gives way to the cool of the evening. This walk will take you down Avenue Pasteur at Place de France to Place Brahim Aroudani, where you can turn left and continue your paseo on the beach and take in the Bay of Tangier.
The American Legation Museum in Tangier, Morocco
Tangier Travel Guide: What to See:
The American Legation Museum – Close to the aptly named “Bab Merican,” this is the only national monument outside of the United States. The museum in closed on the weekends, but open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. There is a large library specializing in North Africa, many paintings from Americans, Europeans and Moroccans, and several small models recreating some historic battles. The real treat is the “Paul Bowles” wing, named for the American author who called Tangier home for 50 years and died here in 1999.
Museum of Moroccan Art and Antiquities – This museum, located just off Place du Mechouar and often just called the “Kasbah Museum,” houses various relics from the Stone Age through the turn of the 20th century, displaying the rich history of Tangier. Here, you can see evidence of the many peoples who have inhabited or ruled this region. Not to be missed is a beautiful mosaic taken from the Roman city of Volubilis and a nice stroll through the Sultan’s Gardens. Entrance is 10 dirhams. Open 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
Even with all of this renovation and restoration, there are still many historical and cultural monuments preserved in and around Tangier for you to discover… not to mention a lot of beach!
