Likely not the kind of museum that youd expect to find in Morocco, the American Legation Museum focuses on the fact that Morocco was the first country to recognize an independent America in 1821. You don't have to spend money to see artworks by world-renowned artists when visiting Rotterdam. I often felt all eyes were on me and not in a good way. As a port city, theres no way you can skip exploring Tangiers waterfront. In large cities, it can often feel very chaotic. Cheers, Morocco's Tangier is worth a visit. You can only get from the airport to the city center of Tangierby taxi. The American Legation is a museum, cultural center, and research library that holds historical and artistic artifacts and is home to a rich history of diplomatic relations between the United States and Morocco. I wanted to do a quick report on the Tangier leg of my travel this summer. If you wish to go around the city and dont want to take a taxi, your other option is to take the public bus. Theres also plenty of stuff to do in Asilah beyond its medina walls. Tangier isnt the only destination in northern Morocco tourists should visit, the city of Ttouan is well worth a trip. they usually have indoor courtyards with gardens and fountains. 8 years ago. This caused some to miss their included bus connection and be responsible for a very late transfer out of pocket. Receive tour updates, travel tips & behind-the-scenes stories once a month in your mailbox! My plan is to fly into Malaga for a couple of days, travel to Tangier for a day and a half, and then head to Seville. Along the way, youll experience not only the historic center of Tangier but also some of the most beautiful coastal spots overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. Despite the historical significance of the rocks, youll see people walking and climbing all over them. Its fair to say that you wont be bored seeing Tangier in 1 day thanks to all the excellent places weve mentioned here. Each room at this riad comes equipped with a flat-screen TV. One street kid wanted toi to touch my hair. All Rights Reserved. In Tangier there are two types of taxis (as everywhere else in Morocco), Petits Taxis (small taxis) and Grands Taxis (big taxis). It can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming but its part of the adventure. If you do the day tour make sure you have plenty of bottled water with you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You can easily spend a few days in Tangier without getting bored. I have a trip planned to Morocco in May, 2024 and would love to visit a favorite childhood haunt. You have the opportunity to ride a camel in Africa. Some very beautiful romantic songs have been dedicated to this popular avenue of Tangier. If you have any questions or if youve already been to Tangier, we love to hear from you in the comments below! Is Tangier worth visiting? The main caves are part of a massive archaeological cave complex located 14 kilometers west of Tangier. Gare Routiere at Place al Jamia al Arabia is located about 2km to the south of the city center. Its blend of cultures and influences is unique in Morocco - for much of its history it wasn't even governed by Morocco. This was my favorite part of the hostel and the perfect place from which to write on a sunny day. This makes it a nice contrast from many other Moroccan cities which have more of a French background. The guided tour included the ferry ride from Tarifa, Spain to Tangier (which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes each way), guided bus tour of the Tangier area, lunch in a local restaurant, and guided walking tour of the city. 01 / Attractions Must-see attractions for your itinerary You can board the bus at any of the 11 stops. A place where you can immerse yourself in history, take in some culture and enjoy a mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean. Instead of having time to explore the bazaar we basically got brought to a few choice stalls that VERY obviously give kickbacks to the tour where you . I recommend you visit the Caves of Hercules first, then walk north along the beach towards Cap Spartel. Whenever youre unfamiliar with a place, trying to understand where you should stay can be a bit of a challenge. 82. Here's why it's worth visiting, and what to see and do in this most cosmopolitan of places. More time is better but we know many travelers are short on time so we wrote this article to help answer a common travel question. One of the most popular cultural experiences travelers like to take part in is visiting a traditional Moroccan bath house. Ive traveled around Morocco with different companies and I have to say that CTM although being slightly more expensive than other bus companies, also provides much more comfortable buses. A visit to the natural caves to admire the sea entrance shaped like the map of Africa isfree. Make sure to have cash to buy your ticket as its not always possible to pay by debit or credit card. The Caves of Hercules (Les Grottes dHercule) are a bit of a symbol for Tangier, with their strange sea entrance, shaped like a map of Africa. Our apologies that your comment sat in moderation for awhile. Many people choose to stay in the Medina for the atmosphere and convenience, but its not the only option. These tickets are valid for 48 hours and can also be used for theEspartel Tour Route Bus(see Day trips from Tangier below). The natural place to start your visit is with the Medina of Tangier. Sitting below the Rif Mountains, the city if often dubbed the "White Dove" because of its gleaming white buildings which have a strong Spanish influence. Its clean and there is practically no harassment from sellers as in other Moroccan cities, like Marrakesh. The guides rushed us into a rug shop where they closed the massive doorlocked us infor our own safety. Its definitely worth going there to have a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the retro- ambiance of thisartsy building. But if you can spend some time exploring its different neighborhoods, then you will begin to understand what makes Tangier so irresistible. If you prefer to go while it is quieter, the mornings are the way to go. Though most of the information inside is in French and Arabic, you get to see this restored palace in all its glory. With that helpful reminder taken care of, lets dive into how to spend 1 day in Tangier. There are other activities to be found in Tangier, not to mention nearby destinations in northern Morocco which you can visit as day trips. You will also drive through other beautiful cities such as Rabat (the capital of Morocco) and Larrache (where you can visit the Ruins of Lixus). Things to do in Marrakech A Complete Guide to Moroccos Red City. Getting to Asilah from Tangier is very easy as the cities are only 50 km from each other. Tangier - 5 Reasons Why It's Worth More The Accommodation Experience in Morocco; Morocco 2.0 - Your Return Visit; Visiting Both Spain AND Morocco - It's Easier than you Think and Makes a Lot of Sense; BREAKING: Common Sense Court A Wet and Wild Sunday Afternoon; Morocco - More Depth Less Surface. It is located on Pasteur Avenue and its only a 7-minute walk to get to the Grand Socco and the entrance of the Old Kasbah. We then saw the Govenor's and Kings homes. For those spending more time in Morocco, be sure to check out our Fes itinerary and Marrakech itinerary as well. Is Tangier worth visiting? Casablanca, Morocco. I noticed Tangier comes up fairly regularly on this forum, typically as a day trip option from southern Spain, and often with responses saying that Tangier is, to sum it up, no good. The ruins of Cotta, an ancient Roman settlement founded in the 2nd century, are very close to the caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel. You may be surprised to learn that the weather in Morocco is not hot year round, so picking the right season does matter. Thanks for your comment, Kellee. Watching over the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar and the northwest corner of Africa, Cap Spartel is a popular attraction for tourists outside of Tangier. It was not this best travel experience but not the worst either. The Phoenician tombs are located between Cafe Hafa and the top entrance to the Old Kasbah. Is Tangier worth visiting Welcome, wanderers and adventure seekers, to the enchanting city of Tangier! And at three for 10 euros, thats much cheaper than the Body Shop. 2023 Road Affair, LLC. With affordable accommodation and good restaurants, it would be a shame to miss out on a day trip in Chefchaouen while you are in Northern Morocco. Although this is very cheap, I dont think its really worth it. Tanja Lucia also has a very big rooftop terrace that overlooks part of the old city. I lived there for 6 months and its still to this day one of my favorite cities in the world. All Rights Reserved. You can make this stop whether you are taking . It is located on a bay of the Strait of Gibraltar 17 miles (27 km) from the southern tip of Spain. A meal here is also on the cheaper end, costing between 30-60 dirhams per person. Of all Moroccos fantastic cities Tangier is by far the worst. The cooking spice we bought is also pretty good. Make sure the property has consistently great reviews for the best experience. This railway station has been enlarged to accommodate the new high-speed train and it has lost a bit of its original charm but Its only about a 7-minute taxi ride from the port making it super easy to be reached from almost anywhere in the city. Tangier isn't the only destination in northern Morocco tourists should visit, the city of Ttouan is well worth a trip. What I learned from the guide is there were thieves coming toward usbut the Morrocan police were still behind usat a distance.shooed the thieves away. Report inappropriate content. Its also possible to get there with a shared Grand Taxi (the big beige ones) for 45 to 75 Moroccan Dirhams. By exploring all the best places to visit in Tangier, youll not only get a well-rounded look at the city, but youll also find your feet, which will make exploring the rest of Morocco much easier. If neither a Riad or a hostel is the right choice for you, the city also has plenty of beautiful mid-range guesthouses. To visit the man-made caves, you have to pay5 MAD. Here are some of the best riads in Tangier. We discovered that the guides were behind 90% of our hassling. 2.5 hours to explore Approx. Together with my friend, blogger, and dancer, Ruby Josephine , who lived for 5 years in this North Moroccan city, we created the Ultimate City Guide to Tangier. It should take around 3 hours to reach the northern city. Read More As I ran to catch up with my group I heard men shouting loudly behind me..feet running. If you want the comfort of your own private luxurious room and private bathroom right in the heart of the old Kasbah, I would absolutely recommend a stay at the Dar Nour. This is a place where the locals go to relax so if you have time, go there at sunset, take some drinks and snacks and sit down for a while. All the information on prices and timetables can be found on the ONCF website, once you know which train you will take you can head over to the Casablanca train station to buy your ticket. As Asilah is just 31km south of Tangier, visitors who go to Morocco for the day from Spain can skip over Tangier and go there. Riad Tingis, located in the center of Tangier, offers a sun terrace and beautiful views of the sea. Thank you for helping to support this website! What makes this place so special? You can read all about the day in our article Day Trip to Tangier: The Morocco Fiasco. Hoping I can have a wonderful experience. You also mention the beaches at the start but dont include anything about swimming are these beaches popular for swimming/sunbathing in the summer? On 23 September 2020 In Tangier Tags: No Comments Is Tangier worth visiting for a Day Trip ? On our day trips from Tangier to Chefchaouen, you can stop in Tetouan on your way to Chefchaouen. You can catch the bus at the CTM bus station in Casablanca on Rue Lon (see map below). SafetyWing offers travel insurance for only about $10 a week, making it a no-brainer to get. We wished there were more cooking spices for sale as the choices were small. The two cities may be roughly the same size, and they may share a language and a country, but that's where the similarities end. The journey takes approximately 5 h. Once you are in Tangier, youll need to take a taxi to reach the old city (seeGetting around in Tangierin the section below). Its located right on one side of the Grand Socco and about 3 km from the train station. No matter if you're here for a few If you're nearby than certainly it's well worth a visit as it has a distinctly unique feel you won't find elsewhere in Morocco. It was consecrated in 1905 and the overgrown, flourishing gardens in the churchyard are home to the grave sites of many historical figures. They will get in your face andpersistentlypester you to buy their trinkets. Yes they are smelly and a bit erratic, but this was one of the highlights of the day. It is located in the Kasbah and can be reached easily by walking from anywhere in the city center or by petit taxi. Sounds like you had a similar experience in Tangier. Many travelers ask whether Tangier is worth visiting for a day trip or not, especially when their schedule doesn't allow that. Some rooms include a seating area where you can relax. On a sunny day, you have an amazing view of where the Atlantic Ocean and The Mediterranean Sea meet. It leaves five times a day. Tangier has now official Hop On Hop Off Buses that will bring you to all the different places of interest in one day! Always keep in mind, however, that drinking in public in Morocco is prohibited and in general, being drunk outside is never a great idea. Its true that these tomb structures are very often filled with water and litter, but they are still interesting and of great historic value. Just a short drive from the city, its hard to resist the incredible ocean views you get from this spot. Traveling around Morocco by train is a great option because theyre cheap and they are a great way to see the incredible Moroccan landscapes. 10 tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic. Ideally, it would be great to see both cities, to experience the . Either way, it is always the perfect place to have a traditional sugary sweet Moroccan mint tea and relax as you enjoy one of the best views in the city. It is also ridiculously cheap, with a bowl of bissara going for only 7 dirhams and a chicken tagine for about 20 or 30. 10 Best Trail-Running Shoes for Men & Women. Tangier ferries also connect Morocco with Spain, Italy & France with crossings available to Tarifa, Algeciras, Malaga & Barcelona (in Spain), Genoa & Savona (in Italy) & Sete (in France). Is Tangier worth visiting? Tangier is one of the most wonderful Moroccan cities worth visiting and enjoying. Cap Spartel is a cape located 14 km from Tangier. Youre the expert on Tangier!! Also, fun fact: Rubys husband (a Moroccan man she met here in Tangier) proposed to her in the gardens of the American Legation, creating yet another very small piece of multi-cultural history that happened in that location. 3 itineraries to discover the best of Morocco, 18 useful tips to stay safe while traveling in Morocco, Search for flights to Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez or Tangier, Find a room in a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or desert camp, Things to do see and do in Tangier Morocco, 8. In the meantime, however, Ill have to make do with wistfully visiting the crumbling facade. After reading this guide, youll be ready to experience the absolute best of Tangier. While Tangier was a lovely city that we did quite enjoy visiting, the tour itself could have been done so much better. Rodeway Inn At Somers Cove Marina. If you have time, you should definitely go on a day trip toCap Sparteland theCaves of Hercules! Sometimes they can also be a bit hidden behind tree branches. You might have to bargain for the price as the driver will very likely charge you100 MADbut know that a one-way ride tothe Caves or the Cap is50 MAD. Also is it possible to buy the CTM bus ticket online (with out Morocco bank account or Moroccan credit card)? Open to the public, you can actually walk down into the caves and see the fascinating rock formations inside. The spice doctor gave a long presentation of everything on hand. I particularly enjoyed seeing the land getting closer and closer from the boat and felt so excited when Tangier was in sight. Totally yes, there's a lot to see! Click to check out rates and availability for Riad Tingis. Its very easy to get to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel. Youll often find the best hotel prices on booking.com. It was, in fact, the very first American public property outside of the US and the renovated building has kept up its colonial-era historic feel. I would love to treat you to a cup of tea at Cafe Hafa and learn about your trips. Having lived in Morocco for a year I became well aware of the downside to tourism and Tangier was by far the best example. In the comfort of wherever you are living or staying, however, you have some options of where to buy and enjoy a bottle: This little market is just off of the main boulevard Mohammed V and not only sells wine, beer, and spirits, but also a collection of imported items from Europe including pork products, if youre missing bacon or ham. Itis a great opportunity to buy all kinds of Moroccan spices, one of the most typical items associated with Morocco. In the summer, this avenue is always full of people enjoying a breathtaking view of the port and the bay of Tangier. The best places to stay in Tangier are those that give you easy access to the citys medina. Wandering the narrow streets of the medina used to be my favorite pastime when I was living in Tangier and I would absolutely suggest it if you want to get a real feel of the city. I am Moroccan, learning from you about Tangier! If sculptures aren't your thing, street art is also in abundance. One of them is the main Tangier city bus station, Gare Routiere at Place al Jamia al Arabia and the other one is the CTM Gare Voyageurs (new private bus station) on the Route to Tetouan, about three miles from the city center of Tangier. It is now hosting a collection of archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, most of which come from the north of Morocco. Explore Tangier with the Tanger Ville Hop On Hop Off Bus, Things to do around Tangier The Best Day Trips, How to get to the bus stations in Tangier, How to get to the train station in Tangier, : 19 useful things to know before traveling to Morocco, How to take portraits of the Moroccan people, 10 Best Things to Do in Agadir Morocco The Complete Guide to Moroccos Surf city, 11 Best Things to do in Rabat Morocco The Complete Guide to Moroccos Capital City, The Honest Guide to Meknes Morocco and Volubilis 9 best things to do and what to skip, What are the 9 Best Things To Do in Casablanca Morocco? It was built in 1509 when the city was under Portuguese occupation so its a perfect example of Portuguese architecture in Morocco. Thank you for the advice. One notable feature of their construction is that they are designed with zellij (Moroccan tiles). My recommendation ever since has been to avoid the city completely and jump on a train or bus and go to Asilah or further afield. Youll have a fantastic time! The Petits Taxis are smaller cars and they are ultramarine with a yellow stripe down the side. Visit the best places in Morocco with these 3 Morocco itineraries. We're not averse to rougher. Tangier, a city with a long and illustrious history, offers numerous cultural and historical attractions, such as ancient buildings and monuments, bustling markets, and museums showcasing Moroccan art and culture. Default11915. It also has a cafe that is very popular among the young locals and artists of Tangier. What is so interesting about the old medina is the miles and miles of tiny, narrow, endless paths in between the buildings where one can get lost in no time. Save. You can also go on a guided day-tour from Tangier to Asilah, combined with a visit to Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves. They are typical Moroccan buildings that started appearing during the Idrisid dynasty. Your email address will not be published. Tickets cost between 19 and 50 Moroccan Dirhams and the journey takes 42 min. Tangier and Marrakech are two of Morocco's most vibrant, eclectic cities. The biggest souk is the indoor Grand Socco Market, located at the Grand Socco (see above), where you can daily buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, olives, herbs, etc. Do not despair. And I got some great pics of Old Tangier one in particular of an old womanstreet vender.hanging veggies up to display. The best way to get from Casablanca to Tangier is by bus with the number one bus company in Morocco called CTM. One very special type of Moroccan building that combines both architecture and history is the Riads. Casablanca City Guide, 14 Best Things to do in Essaouira Morocco, the Complete Guide to Moroccos windy city, 12 Best things to do in Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco, How to take portraits of people in Morocco, how to take the ferry from Tangier to Spain, Everything you need to know about horse riding in Uzbekistan+ 3 best horse trekking destinations in Uzbekistan, Hiking in Uzbekistan 6 Fantastic Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan, 3 Great Day Hikes in the Ugam Chatkal National park in Uzbekistan, Rock climbing and other fun things to do in, Extend your stay in Morocco using one of these. The Grand taxis in Tangier are typically beige colored four-door Mercedes from the eighties without air conditioning. Two other popular alternatives are World Nomads and Heymondo. The trip between the two cities will cost between 120 and 190 Moroccan dirhams and takes around 5 hours. Last updated on February 22nd, 2023 at 01:56 pm. On the square opposite St. Andrews Church you can also buy Tajines, antiques, clothes and random old trinkets. It is a city rich in traditional architecture. The waiters are dressed in red jackets and it gives you a feeling of an old private Gentlemens Club (but women are allowed here as well). At these times of year you benefit from pleasant spring and autumn weather, and also avoid Moroccos high season. Talking about safety, i believe Tangier is safe as Spain or even better, they're both in the same alert, even Moroccan police has saved Spain from many terrorism attacks ^^. If you want to travel onward to Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca or any other Moroccan city that has a train service, you will need to make your way to one of the train stations in Tangier. The natural part was formed by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean while the man-made part was used by Berber people to cut stone wheels from the walls. While, of course, being a Muslim country and due to legal restrictions it may not be as easily accessible as in some cities, there are several shops that do sell alcohol in Tangier. On one hand we would love to see a new city and get a taste of Morocco, since we'll be so close. With both dorms and private rooms, guests will find clean rooms, private bathrooms, and great staff. The remains of a factory building, a temple, and some baths complex have been unearthed here, and it is believed that the inhabitants of the settlement made a living by producing a type of fish sauce as was the case with the town of Lixus(see 4. CTM Gare Voyageurs is not so conveniently located but the extra comfort these buses provide makes the extra mile worth it. Some of the spices are cheap and good quality. Im looking forward to visiting Tangier in a couple of weeks. You may not have the opportunity to patronize any small business not affiliated with the tour company. Wandering the Medina, youre sure to find plenty of stores selling all sorts of handicrafts. Just got some good info about a day in Tangier from your blog,but wondering if you happen to knows where can we store our luggages in Tangier (as we will have a couple hours before catch the CTM bus to Chefchaouen). A group of us missed our ferry and had to wait an additional two hours for the next one. Im hoping you know of it (was all expats then) and could point me in the right direction to find it today, if it still even exists. 2. 102. Your email address will not be published. I've heard "there's nothing to see" and i've heard "it's worth visiting". I suggest spend almos one night. Have a great time in Tangier! Click to check out rates and availability for Tanja Lucia Hostel, View from the rooftop terrace of the Melting Pot. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. If you have your own car or if you are renting one, the road from Casablanca along the coast is definitely a pleasant drive. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. No stay in Morocco would be complete without at least one night in a Riad.