When it comes to Morocco, everybody’s obsessed with Marrakech or Casablanca (and with good reason). But did you know that Tangier has been a filming location for two James Bond movies and the popular Christopher Nolan film, Inception? Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, Tangier is more than just a geographical marvel—it's a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and history.
Before you embark on your Moroccan escapade, it's essential to arm yourself with some local know-how. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through the dos and don'ts, must-try dishes, safety tips, and top spots in Tangier. And if you want to make the most of your journey, hiring a Tangier tour guide could be your ticket to discovering the city's hidden gems. Ready to unravel the mysteries of the ‘Door Of Africa’? Let's dive in!
Exploring Tangier's Growing Tourism Industry: Key Statistics and Trends
Okay, so why is Tangier so famous? After all, this fascinating city has been a favorite of famous artists and writers like Jack Kerouac and Henri Matisse. It all comes down to its rich history as a cultural crossroads and its recent transformation into a fantastic holiday destination. Tangier offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern allure. Let’s go through just a bit about what makes this city so special.
Tourist Arrivals in Tangier: A Closer Look
Located on the northernmost tip of Africa, Tangier is just a short ferry ride from Europe, making it possible to visit from Spain for a day trip.
So, how many tourists visit Tangier each year? We can gauge the city's tourist activity through its entry points. In 2019, 1,258,640 tourists entered Morocco by sea via the port of Tanger Med, and another 670,513 through Tanger seaport. At Tangier Ibn Battouta airport, 697,941 tourists arrived by air in 2019. This number dropped to 190,007 in 2020 due to the pandemic but rose again to 361,917 in 2021.
Travel FAQ: Is Tangier expensive for tourists? It’s been estimated that a round trip to Tangier will cost one traveler $1,131.
Tangier’s Growth: The Past & Future City
What about Tangier itself? The last official census in 2014 recorded Tangier's population at 1,065,601 and now, in 2024, the population is estimated to have grown to 1,348,848, making it the third-largest city in Morocco with the highest growth rate in the country at 2.64 percent.
When it comes to tourism, the city has seen its ups and downs. In 2020, arrival numbers for Tanger-Med port and Tanger seaport plummeted to 179,745 and 64,774, respectively. Similarly, arrivals at Tangier Ibn Battouta airport fell, but this city is bouncing back. Notably, August 2023 saw a 24 percent increase in airport arrivals compared to August 2021.
Tangier is currently undergoing rapid development and modernization. New tourism projects along the bay, the Tangier City Center business district, a new airport terminal and a new football stadium are part of the city's transformation. The economy is also set to benefit significantly from the new Tanger-Med port.
Morocco aims to attract 17.5 million visitors by 2026 with the introduction of new airline routes, and 26 million by 2030 when it will co-host the World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
For more detailed information on tourism in Morocco, you can read our Morocco tourism statistics article.
Top Tourist Attractions in Tangier
Now, delving a bit deeper into our love for the Bride of the North, is Tangier a good tourist destination? You bet it is! There are so many reasons for why to travel to Tangier, from old buildings (it’s been around since the time of the Phoenicians, you know!), to gorgeous landscapes to rich history.
So, what is Tangier known for?
History:
- Old Kasbah: Taking up the northern section of the Medina, the Old Kasbah is a historic fortress where the sultan once lived that provides panoramic views of Tangier and the surrounding areas, offering a glimpse into the city's storied past.
- American Legation Museum: A cultural center and museum located in a historic building, showcasing the long-standing diplomatic relationship between the United States and Morocco, the first country to recognize the USA.
- Caves of Hercules: The Caves of Hercules are ancient caves steeped in myth and legend, believed to be the resting place of the mythical hero Hercules.
- Cap Spartel and Rmilat Park: Cap Spartel is famous for its breathtaking sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean, as well as being Africa’s northwest tip. On the way, stop at Rmilat Park and Perdicarris Castle, which offer beautiful nature trails and scenic views, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
- Kasbah Museum: The Kasbah Museum features a rich collection of Moroccan artifacts and historical exhibits, offering insights into the region's cultural and historical heritage. It’s located in the restored Dar el-Makhzen Palace.
- St. Andrew’s Church: A beautiful, historical Anglican church that’s kind of like a sanctuary in the middle of the city. It has the graves of many historical figures and has overgrown gardens.
- Sour Al Maagazine: An old fortification that adds to the historical charm of Tangier, with its ancient walls and intriguing past.
Culture:
- Tangier Medina: The Tangier Medina is a vibrant and bustling market district, full of narrow streets, traditional shops and a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Moroccan culture. Check out the colorful laneways and have a seat at one of the many cafés.
- Souk Dakhil: Souk Dakhil is a vibrant market where you can find a variety of traditional Moroccan items, from textiles to spices and crafts.
- Café Hafa: Café Hafa is a historic outdoor café renowned for its stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar, offering a relaxing spot to enjoy tea and the picturesque scenery. It’s been around since 1921!
Can you drink alcohol in Tangier? Yes, feel free to hit up some bars in Tangier as Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol in licensed hotels, bars and tourist areas.
Impact of Festivals and Events on Tangier’s Tourism
- Tangier International Latin Festival: This event brings together dancers, musicians and enthusiasts from around the world for a weekend of workshops, performances and social dancing.
- Tanjazz: Tangier's premier jazz festival, drawing musicians and fans from across the globe. Held in various venues around the city, including historic locations and open-air stages, Tanaazz offers a diverse program of concerts, jam sessions, and workshops.
What is better, Marrakech or Tangier? Tangier is a mix of cultures due to its long history of colonization, seeing aspects of North America, Spain, Portugal and France, whereas Marrakech has a distinct North African/Middle Eastern vibe. Since Marrakech is the tourist capital of Morocco, you might enjoy more history and attractions as a tourist destination, but if you’re interested in the coast and the beach, Tangier might be better for you. You will also tend to find that the historical attractions are grouped together in Marrakech compared to Tangier, although Tangier is great for a more relaxed, less crowded vacation.
A Culinary Journey: Exploring Tangier’s Food and Dining Scene
Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its subtle spices and intriguing flavor combinations, influenced by Andalusian Spain, Arabia and France. While here, you will get to enjoy dishes like chicken tagine with green olives and preserved lemon, pigeon meat pie with cinnamon and sugar, and sardines flavored with coriander, parsley, cumin and chili. Tangier's food scene offers a unique and delicious journey through one of the world's great cuisines, so let’s go over what you should keep your eye out for when here!
- Kalinte: A northern Moroccan street food similar to French or Italian socca, served warm in slabs with cumin and paprika, usually sold from carts or traditional bakeries.
- B’ssara: A popular Moroccan soup of broad beans, best enjoyed with fresh bread and a view in Tangier. It’s inexpensive and often served with olive oil and cumin.
- Pil Pil: A dish of shrimp influenced by nearby Spain, featuring more tomatoes and spices compared to the Spanish version which focuses on garlic and olive oil.
- Steamed Chickpeas and Fava Beans: A classic street snack served warm from large metal bins, topped with cumin, salt or paprika.
- Tagine: A variety of dishes cooked in a clay pot with a conical lid, found in roadside cafés, top restaurants, and homes, always served with bread.
- Harira: A hearty lunchtime soup made of chickpeas, perfect for filling up before exploring the town.
- Brouchettes: Popular street kebabs made with various meats or swordfish and other ingredients.
- Pastilla: A unique and filling dish of pigeon meat, rice, and egg, wrapped in sweet filo pastry.
- Djaja Mahamara: Chicken stuffed with almonds, raisings and couscous, a specialty in Tangier.
- Zaalouk: A grilled eggplant salad with spices, garlic and tomatoes.
The Best Time to Visit Tangier: Seasonal Travel Guide
Tangier, Morocco, enjoys a warm and temperate climate. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F), and January is the coldest at 13°C (55°F). The sunniest month is July with 11 hours of sunshine per day, while November is the wettest, averaging 135mm of rain. August offers the best swimming conditions, with sea temperatures around 23°C (73°F).
Sea temperatures peak at 22.2°C (72°F) in late July and drop to their lowest at 15.6°C (60°F) in late February. Humidity is highest in December and lowest in July, with November/December also having the most rainy days.
Peak tourist season runs from late June to September, when the weather is warmest.
Navigating Tangier: Transportation Tips for Tourists
Tangier isn’t an overly large city, but there are some important things to keep note of in terms of transportation:
Getting from the Airport to Tangier
Tangier Ibn Battouta International Airport (TNG) is 13km from the city center, and you have two options to reach downtown:
- Taxi: Quick and convenient, taking 20–25 minutes and costing around €9.10 (MAD 100).
- Bus: Cheaper at around €0.50 (MAD 5), but involves a 2km walk to the bus stop outside the airport.
Transportation within Tangier
Exploring the City:
- On Foot: Tangier is compact and walkable.
- Public Buses: Operated by Alsa. For routes, check the Alsa Tangier website.
- Taxis:
- Petit Taxis: Light blue with a yellow stripe. They carry up to 3 passengers within city limits. Make sure to agree on a fare before the ride, as most lack meters. Drivers may also pick up additional passengers if seats are available, or you can hire the whole taxi if you want privacy.
- Grand Taxis: Suitable for trips outside Tangier, accommodating up to 7 people. These taxis often follow fixed routes and are shared with others. You can also rent the entire taxi by paying for all seats.
- Private Cars: For a more exclusive experience, consider booking a private car tour, where you have the flexibility of customization.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Tangier
Tangier is a vibrant city with rich culture and history. To make your visit enjoyable and safe, here are some key dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
Dos:
- Carry cash for small transactions: Use Moroccan dirhams. Euros are accepted but often at a poor exchange rate. Major credit cards are usable in large shops, hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for smaller transactions.
- Learn some of the language: Learn some basic Moroccan Arabic or French. Spanish is also widely understood, more so than English
- Haggle: Haggling is accepted in Tangier. Start with a low counteroffer when bargaining in markets.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and prepare for extensive walking.
- Safety: Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night. Tourist areas are generally safe and patrolled by police.
Don'ts:
- Engage with hassling vendors: Ignore persistent sellers or guides with a firm ‘no, thanks,’ and look as though you know where you’re going.
- Public displays of affection: Avoid excessive PDA in traditional areas like markets.
- Buy souvenirs in the Medina: Prices can be inflated for tourists, so shop around for better deals.
- Show vulgar behavior: Treat locals with respect and avoid being rude or acting superior.
- Disrespect local customs: Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during Ramadan. Behave respectfully and politely.
Is it safe to visit Tangier? While Tangier has a slightly higher pickpocket threat than other areas, Tangier is considered safe for travelers, with normal travel precautions to be taken. Make sure to follow the dos and don’ts above!
Conclusion
Is Tangier worth visiting in 2025? Hopefully, now you know the answer to that is most definitely! We hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about Tangier, Morocco tourism and what you need to know before planning your itinerary!
Interested in booking a private local tour in Tangier or exploring the city with a Tangier local guide? They’re great options to help you immerse yourself in the city, so don’t cross them off your list just yet before having a browse!
