Tangier is small enough to walk and big enough to surprise. Here's what to prioritise on a 2–4 day trip — the icons, the under-the-radar spots, and how to book each one.
1. Wander the Kasbah at sunset
Climb the steep lanes from the Petit Socco up to the Kasbah for the best free view in the city — looking across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain. See our places to see guide.
2. Caves of Hercules & Cap Spartel
The mythological cave with its Africa-shaped opening, plus the lighthouse where the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet. 14 km west of the city — taxi €15 each way or join a tour.
3. Mint tea at Café Hafa
A 1921 institution on the cliffs, where the Rolling Stones and Bowles drank tea. Order the mint tea with sugar, watch the ferries crawl across the strait.
4. Eat tagine in the Medina
Skip the touristy spots near the port. Walk into the medina to find family-run tables — full picks on our where to eat page.
5. American Legation Museum
The only US National Historic Landmark on foreign soil. Free, fascinating, and right inside the medina walls.
6. Day trip to Chefchaouen
The blue city, 2 hours south through the Rif mountains. Doable in a long day from Tangier — book a small-group tour with hotel pickup.
7. Achakar & Cap Spartel beaches
Atlantic sand, surf schools, and beach cafés serving grilled sardines. Best from May to October.
8. Quad bikes or horse riding at Cap Spartel
Operators run 1–3 hour rides along forest trails and the dune coast. From €35/hour.
9. Hammam ritual
Steam, scrub, argan oil — the local version of a spa day. Book a traditional hammam in the medina or a luxury one inside a riad.
10. Grand Socco & Mendoubia Gardens
The lively square that links the modern town to the medina, with shaded gardens behind it.
11. Tanger Ville train station
Even if you're not catching the high-speed Al Boraq to Casablanca, the modern station is worth a look. Tickets from ONCF.
12. Boat trip across the bay
Sunset cruises with snacks and Moroccan music — leaves from the marina.
13. Tangier Art Galleries
Galerie Delacroix, Volubilis Art and the artists' studios scattered through the Marshan quarter.
14. Friday couscous lunch
Tradition: Moroccans eat couscous on Fridays. Most restaurants offer it as a special. Order it for lunch, not dinner.
15. Catch the ferry to Tarifa
Spain in 1 hour. A surreal half-day trip — see our ferry guide.
FAQ
- How many days do you need in Tangier?
- Two full days covers the headline sights. Three to four lets you add a Chefchaouen day trip, beach time and a slow medina morning.
- Is Tangier worth visiting?
- Yes — especially if you're combining it with southern Spain. It's the most cosmopolitan city in Morocco, walkable, and has direct ferries from Tarifa and Algeciras.