Visiting Tangier: Our Honest Review of Morocco’s Gateway to Africa

Tangier, a city with a rich history shaped by Arab, Spanish, Portuguese, and French influences, stands as one of Morocco’s most unique and diverse destinations. This vibrant port city offers a fascinating blend of culture, architecture, and history, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Morocco. We spent several days immersing ourselves in the city and its surroundings, and here’s our honest take on what to expect when visiting Tangier.

Getting to Tangier: Easy Access but Challenging Transport

Reaching Tangier is relatively simple, especially with its international airport that connects the city to various global destinations. For us, we took a quick and affordable train ride from Rabat to Tangier. The high-speed train, after a short transfer in Kenitra, took just under an hour to reach the city, offering a smooth and scenic journey for 380 MAD for two one-way tickets.

However, getting around Tangier proved to be more challenging. The city’s vast size and heavy traffic make it difficult to navigate easily. For example, the airport is a long 14 km from the medina, and public transport can be slow and inefficient, especially during peak hours. The easiest way to get around is by taxi, but be prepared to haggle, as taxi drivers tend to charge tourists higher fares. If you’re in a group, expect to pay more due to additional passengers being picked up along the way.

While there are ride-hailing apps like inDrive and Careem, these are illegal in Morocco, and using them could land you in an uncomfortable situation with local authorities.

Tangier’s Unique Vibe: Charming but Sometimes Intimidating

Although Tangier is a captivating city, not all of it felt welcoming. We stayed in the heart of the medina, where we spent hours wandering through narrow streets and alleyways. While the medina offers an authentic local experience, some areas, especially around the Grand Socco, can feel a bit tense, particularly at night. We noticed more people watching us than in other cities, which made us feel uneasy at times.

Unfortunately, we also encountered attempts to scam us, with a man claiming to be the brother of our riad’s owner trying to guide us to a shop. Though we avoided falling for it, the constant approach from street vendors and hustlers did get tiring.

Despite these occasional frustrations, our accommodations were a highlight. We stayed in two wonderful riads—Riad Tingis, with a fantastic terrace, and Zoco Riad, a family-run gem offering warm hospitality and incredible breakfasts that made us feel right at home.

Discover the Kasbah and Climb the Steps of Doom

Tangier has its fair share of historical sights, and one of the most interesting is the kasbah, a fortified citadel in the northern part of the medina. Here, you can visit gateways like Bab Al Bahr, which provides stunning views of the Strait of Gibraltar and, on clear days, even Spain. The sunset from this vantage point is not to be missed.

Another adventure awaits at the Steps of Doom, a narrow and steep staircase carved into the cliffs. This precarious path leads to the Phoenician Tombs, an ancient Roman necropolis, where the views over the strait are spectacular. While the climb is thrilling, it’s also quite dangerous, so be sure to watch your step—literally.

If you’re uncomfortable with heights, it’s best to enjoy the view from below and skip the climb. Fortunately, there’s an alternative road leading back to the city without having to descend the stairs.

Exploring the Outskirts: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Some of Tangier’s most notable sights are located outside the city center. Visiting these places can be tricky, as taxis are expensive and public transport is slow. Fortunately, we found that the Hop-On Hop-Off bus was a great way to explore the outskirts. For just 14 USD, we got a 48-hour pass, taking us on a two-hour tour to attractions like Parc Perdicaris, Jardin Donabo, and the famous Cave of Hercules. The bus comes every hour, so you can hop off, explore at your leisure, and hop back on when you’re ready to continue.

This was one of the more convenient and cost-effective ways to see Tangier’s outskirts, and we highly recommend it for those wanting to explore beyond the city.

Is Tangier Worth Visiting?

Tangier is an intriguing and culturally rich city, though it’s not without its challenges. While the lack of tourist infrastructure and chaotic environment can be overwhelming, the city’s historical sites and vibrant culture make it a fascinating place to visit. The outskirts, in particular, offered some of the most memorable experiences of our trip.

If you’re looking for an authentic Moroccan experience and are prepared to navigate its hustle and bustle, Tangier is definitely worth a visit. However, be prepared for some discomforts, such as the constant attention from street vendors and the difficulty of getting around. If you can look past these obstacles, you’ll find a city rich in history, culture, and unforgettable sights.