Crowning the Maghreb coast, Tangier sits near the junction of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Tangier’s culture, cuisine and art takes on a life of its own throughout its numerous museums, churches, market squares and beaches.

Things to do

Find the cultural heart of Tangier in its medina, the old town area filled with narrow winding alleys leading down to the ocean. Sip tea and swap stories with locals in Petit Socco square, once inhabited by legendary literary icons, such as Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg.

Stroll down Rue Es-Siaghine to enter the 1880s Spanish-era Church of the Immaculate Conception, then learn about Morocco’s ties to the United States in the Old American Legation. The former consulate now houses a museum with exhibits, such as a letter by George Washington to Moulay Abdallah.

Visit the Kasbah, a former home to sultans that currently houses the Dar el-Makhzen Palace and the Kasbah Museum. You can learn about the region dating back to prehistoric times while admiring Moroccan arts and wood carvings. Duck into Café Detroit to sip coffee in the shadows of artists from the 1960s.

Shop and dine on gourmet food in the main square of Grand Socco, then rest in the shade of dragon and fig trees at Mendoubia Gardens. Pick up Moroccan treasures at Las Chicas near the Kasbah or book a terrace table at Art de Gourmet for spectacular city views while dining on fusion Moroccan cuisine.

Getting around

Tangier is pedestrian-friendly, particularly in the old medina area. Buses and taxis offer transportation throughout the city, while rental cars are available in the city or at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, about 14 kilometres away.