Tangier used to be an important gateway to Europe (or to Africa) and seems to have caught up on its lack of interest for travelers which traditionally valued more others cities in the country such as Marrakech, Fes, Tetouan or Essaouira. This was the case when I first came to Tanger back in 2003. The city was known for high crime and was not recommended by most book guides out there, considering it a port of arrival rather than a touristic destination. That was the case for me at the time, having spent only 2 days in the cities before rushing south to more “attractive” destinations. However, this year’s visit surprised me. 15 years later, the Medina definitely has been pumped up with restorations to make it more appealing to the touristic eye.
Most of the highlights will be around the Medina (historic old town) so it won’t be necessary to venture too far. However the Medina is set up on a cliff, with the Casbah on top of it at it’s highest point, so walking around requires going up and down many stairs. But the experience is rewarding as its tiny Medina streets have been really well restored, with the typical White and Blue paint architecture, around Arab and Berber designs.
Berber Women Selling Vegetables in the Medina
The one thing I had on My “To-do list” was to experience one of my favorite meal: Couscous and Tagine. And where better than devour such an amazing meal than in its birthplace, in Tangier itself. There are tons of Couscous restaurants as soon as lunchtime rings, recommended places that should not be missed: Hamadi.
Cafe de Paris also makes a nice little stop to rest and drink a delicious Moroccan mint tea. I can drink 5 or more of these bad boys every day when I travel in Northern Africa. It’s Cheap, it’s tasty and I just love to sit with locals and feel the local vibe while taking part in this traditional custom in Morocco. I usually try to venture out of tourist areas to find the most rustic cafes with few local men sipping their afternoon tea, for a better experience.
Colorful tangier Medina Houses
Top 10 Things to do in Tangier
– Medina of Tangier
– Tangier Casbah
– Eat a Traditional Couscous in the Medina
– Cap Spartel
– American Legation Museum
– Musee de la Kasbah
– Parc Perdicaris
– Petit Socco
– Place du Grand 9 Avril 1947
– Sip Mint Tea in a Local Cafe
Best Recommended Cafes in Tangier
– Cafe Cappuccino
– Cafe Hafa
– Sky 17
– El Tangerino
– Cafe Kandinsky
Best Recommended Restaurants in Tangier
– Hamadi
– el Tangerino
– Anna e Paolo (Italian Food)
– Rif Kebdani (Moroccan Food)
– La Pagode (Asian Food
– Pesca del Dia
Medina streets
View from the Casbah of Tangier
Petit Socco Spice Shop
2 of the thousands of Cats residing in the Medina
Moroccan House Traditional Design
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