The cooking spice we bought is also pretty good. On the square opposite St. Andrews Church you can also buy Tajines, antiques, clothes and random old trinkets. 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 ^^. KVK: 81898134. 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 admired his ability to skirt the guides; he was tenacious! Hi Andrea, thanks so much for the invitation but Im currently in Kyrgyzstan and will be in Central Asia until October. Tangier, Morocco Day Trip from Costa del Sol 2023 - Malaga - Viator Youre the expert on Tangier!! Being very close to the Grand Socco, it is an easy walk from the old medina and is located, appropriately enough, on Rue dAngleterre (the English Road). You can always try and ask permission to enter the theater at the Spanish Consulate in Tangier. You never know what will happen and, trust us, you do not want to get stuck with thousands of dollars in medical bills. For starters, theres the city beach found outside the town walls to the north, while other beaches like Paradise Beach are found a little further away. Journal of Nomads is an Adventure Travel Blog for backpackers and adventurous travelers interested in off-the-beaten-path regions like Central Asia and the Caucasus. - We will be in Malaga near the end of June. 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. Smith Island vs. Tangier Island: Which Do You Visit? Anoth Riad definitely worth checking in Tangier is Dar Nakhla Naciria. Posted by Greg. Larache is located 88 kilometers south of Tangier following highway A1. In the summer, this avenue is always full of people enjoying a breathtaking view of the port and the bay of Tangier. If sculptures aren't your thing, street art is also in abundance. Getting to Asilah from Tangier is very easy as the cities are only 50 km from each other. The coastal scenery only gets better when you include the Phare Cap Spartel lighthouse and its Arabic design in the view. It can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming but its part of the adventure. Report inappropriate content. This hostel is a mix between a hostel and an art gallery so you can expect plenty of beautiful paintings hanging on the walls of the lobbies. I put my own life in danger to get the pic.would never do that again. Disclosure: This article contains some affiliate links. While you can lounge out on the sand, its also possible to go for camel rides along the beach, which is a great option if you cant make it to the Sahara. It is possible to get there by taxi or by taking bus 10 on Avenue Pasteur. Many people choose to stay in the Medina for the atmosphere and convenience, but its not the only option. The bread looked and smelled amazing. The trick to the camel is to watch how other people dismountthe long-legged stinky beast lumbers downso just move with itnot against it. When it suits you, please use them, as it helps us help you! They can be found at the port when arriving by ferry, at the airport, in bus stations, at the train station and at the bigger hotels in the cities. The ruins that are visible, although badly damaged and a bit overgrown, hint at how big and important this city once was, and its totally worth a visit. 20 Top Things to Do in Tangier Morocco - Journal of Nomads Tangier suffers a constant shortage of taxis, so always remember that you can flag down a taxi that already has passengers but still has spare seats left. You can reserve your ticket in advance at the bus station or book it online. Although the town itself doesn't have much to offer visitors, it's a great base for trips to the bird-watching haven of Lac Sidi Boughaba National Park. This bus departs from Socco Alto and you can hop on and off the bus at any stop along the route (which include Cap Spartel and the Caves of Hercules). Beverages were never offered at the carpet factory (unlike in countries like Turkey where they have the common courtesy to offer customers a drink). There is a direct train leaving daily from Casablanca and arriving at Tangier. 2 reviews 1 helpful vote Tangier day trip advice 12 years ago Save My wife and I and another couple are planning a week-long trip to Spain, and are considering a day trip to Tangier. It is also ridiculously cheap, with a bowl of bissara going for only 7 dirhams and a chicken tagine for about 20 or 30. For this reason, the interior is closed to the public, but the exterior is worth visiting for a look and a photo. Two other popular alternatives are World Nomads and Heymondo. Looking forward to future collaborations , Your email address will not be published. The best places to stay in Tangier are those that give you easy access to the citys medina. Its very easy to get to the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel. Your email address will not be published. Morocco Photography Tips How to take portraits of the Moroccan people. 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. What an incredible guide and what an honor to be a part of creating it! But to go to Marrakech, you would only sit on the bus or train and miss to explore places and also life and culture in Morocco. I took buses from both bus station and although the prices were almost the same from both places, the quality and comfort of the buses at CTM Gare Voyageurs were of a much higher standard. Getting lost in the old city is an absolute must when visiting Tangier! For those spending more time in Morocco, be sure to check out our Fes itinerary and Marrakech itinerary as well. Make sure to bring cash to buy your ticket as its not always possible to pay by debit or credit card. mandy r Gloucester, United Kingdom 39 25 Worth a day trip Review of Medina of Tangier Reviewed December 1, 2015 Did this on an organised day trip from Gibraltar, certainly wouldn't recommend doing on your own. 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. Tickets cost between 19 and 50 Moroccan Dirhams and the journey takes 42 min. Maybe people arrive a little tired when make this day trip from Seville, Cadiz or Malaga. After reading this guide, youll be ready to experience the absolute best of Tangier. Youll probably be hassled less if you tour Tangier independently. If you wish to go around the city and dont want to take a taxi, your other option is to take the public bus. I almost lost my group trying to take her pic because the street so was busy. Labeled on maps in French as Tombeaux Phniciens, the tombs are located near Caf Hafa and overlook the citys north coast. Wandering the Medina, youre sure to find plenty of stores selling all sorts of handicrafts. Another store selling alcohol, imports and specialty items (its where I always buy natural peanut butter- my one guilty pleasure from home). Both places can be visited together in one day and I would recommend making the 5km walk from one site to the other along the beautiful beach called Robinson Plage. Why is Tangier Worth Visiting? You can definitely swim and sunbathe at the beaches, not sure how popular they are in the summer as Ive only spent the winter months in Morocco. Rotterdam: 12 reasons to visit the Netherlands' second city They also own the restaurant Le Salon Bleu which is located only 5 minutes away. This was my favorite part of the hostel and the perfect place from which to write on a sunny day. The Al Kamra Tower or theBorj Al Kamra is one of the oldest historical sites in Asilah. Traveling around Morocco by train is a great option because theyre cheap and they are a great way to see the incredible Moroccan landscapes. If you feel the need to get away from the bustle of Tangier, this is the place to escape to. If its hot and if youre already tired and dehydrated, youll lose interest in negotiating with the street vendors, even if youre interested in their items. The cafe opened in 1927 and was a place of inspiration for many known artists and writers like Jack Kerouac, William Burrough, Paul Bowles and Tennessee Williams just to name a few to gather here, have a coffee, smoke a cigarette and discuss life and literature. Madrid, The European City That Never Sleeps, Germanys Hidden Gem: WhyYou ShouldAdd the Black Forest to Your Travel List, Exploring the UKs Cutest Coastal Villages. Coming from Tangier airport to the city, which is 30 minutes away, your only real option is a grand taxi. Construction began in 1505 and it took four years to achieve an architectural marvel that centuries later is among the oldest historical monuments in the city. Since Ruby lived in Tangier for such a long time, she also found out where to buy alcohol in Tangier Morocco. This caused some to miss their included bus connection and be responsible for a very late transfer out of pocket. Along the way, youll come across abandoned holiday houses, caves and cliffs. Africa & the Middle East - Worth a day trip from Malaga to Tangiers? Actually see and experience some of Morocco and maybe talk to some actual locals not affiliated with the tour company. 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. Its a local, bustling place with plastic-wrapped tables and giant baskets of bread plopped down in front of you as soon as you are seated. 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. On one hand we would love to see a new city and get a taste of Morocco, since we'll be so close. We will likely spend a night or two in Tarifa and catch the ferry from there. If you do the day tour make sure you have plenty of bottled water with you. There was never an opportunity to even have a coffee at a local cafe (you could have one at lunch which was decent, but Restaurant Hammadi is just a big tourist joint affiliated with the tour company). With Ville Nouvelle, the new part of Tangier, on one side, and the city beach on the other, its a refreshing look at what Tangier is like. 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. Itis a great opportunity to buy all kinds of Moroccan spices, one of the most typical items associated with Morocco. Is Tangier/Tetouan worth it? - Tangier Forum - Tripadvisor With most attractions concentrated along the coast and in Morocco's northeast, rail travel makes a lot of sense. Riad Tingis also features free WiFi throughout the property. It is home to a large market on one side which is a wonderfully chaotic and sensory place to explore and a towering beautiful mosque just across the roundabout. Its a lovely stroll through a calm neighborhood but be warned that it is mostly uphill. If you're wondering how many days in Tangier you should plan consider what you may want to do. A ticket for a ride on the green city buses costs 3.5 dirhams as of April 2016 and there are plenty of bus stops all around the city. 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. In this guide, youll read about the best places to visit and things to do in the city, the best restaurants of Tangier, the best hostels and riads, how to get around, etc. Towns like Marrakesh,Essaouira and Fes are all more worthwhile compared to Tangier. I am Moroccan, learning from you about Tangier! My heart was pounding as they rushed us into a rug shop. Despite the historical significance of the rocks, youll see people walking and climbing all over them. Everything from climate, to vibe, to landscape, is completely different. It is sad because it could be a beautiful thriving city. When I, Ruby, first saw the Kasbah Museum, it was not as a curious tourist, but as a choreographer holding rehearsals in the open building behind the museums gardens. It feels like a bus station on the way to a better life. You can also walk, depending on where you are coming from. There are other activities to be found in Tangier, not to mention nearby destinations in northern Morocco which you can visit as day trips. Thanks for your comment, Kellee. In this in-depth city guide, you'll find an overview of the most interesting places to visit in Tangier, recommendations about where to stay and where to eat and information about how to get around the city. 08/21/19 . It wasnt until I had lived there almost a year that a took a more traditional walk around this beautiful building- I had been missing out. 13 Top Things to Do in Tangier + 3 Day Quick & Easy Itinerary We receive a small commission when you book or sign up through these links and it costs you nothing extra. Required fields are marked *. To get there you can take a petit taxi and tell them simply that you would like to go to Cafe Hafa- everyone in town knows it. Thank you! Since this seemed problematic we unfortunately cut our time in Morocco short and just went back to Spain and enjoyed our time there. However, nobody else on the tour was staying the night, including our friends. Tangier is worth visiting for its varied history. The natural place to start your visit is with the Medina of Tangier. I lived in Tangier for a few years when I was very young (the 1950s) and have not been back since. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and toiletries. Thats important anywhere, but especially in places like Tangier. A place where you can immerse yourself in history, take in some culture and enjoy a mix of Moroccan and Mediterranean. No content of this blog can be copied or duplicated without permission. I lived there for 6 months and its still to this day one of my favorite cities in the world. Right in between the hike from the Grand Socco to the port, you will come across a smaller square, lined with a few cafes and several shops and galleries. The Grand taxi is commonly a shared taxi in Morocco, the taxi will usually not leave the city before its full unless you pay for the entire taxi (all 6 seats) just for yourself. 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. You can also join the Tangier City Discovery Tour (see City Tours in Tangier) which includes a visit to both places. Instead they just wanted to take us back to the shops, like we were some sort of ATM machine, with no desire to truly experience Morocco. Its possible to get there by taxi or by train. 5 years ago Save My girlfriend and I will be traveling to Morocco at the end of April. The trip between the two cities will cost between 120 and 190 Moroccan dirhams and takes around 5 hours. Prices asked by street vendors and the carpet factory are drastically inflated by at least least 400%. Warm wishes, Cynthia. So if you can spare the time, here are some day trips and other activities from Tangier that youll want to consider. But I think you would forget to go even to Marrakech, it is very far and you have only 10 days. Even if you can see a lot in 24 hours in Tangier, it never hurts to give a destination a little more time. Ideally, it would be great to see both cities, to experience the . I'm taking my family to Mijas area for. Heres an overview of things to do and places to visit in the city. Paddlewheel Motel. Worth a day trip - Review of Medina of Tangier, Tangier, Morocco With that helpful reminder taken care of, lets dive into how to spend 1 day in Tangier. Trains are safe, punctual, cheap, comfortable, and a great way to see the county. Learn more about this tour here. Thank you for helping to support this website! Youll have a fantastic time! This makes it a nice contrast from many other Moroccan cities which have more of a French background. (Rick Steves' Europe) Tangier well worth a visit but. After lunch the opportunities to purchase water were senselessly obsolete. Read my Privacy Policy. 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 . The Dar Nour has a terrace with a view of the beach and a massage room can be used to relax after a long day walking around the old city. Moroccan Railways (ONCF) have a train from Tangier to Asilah every 4 hours. Having lived themselves as expats in Tangier for years, they know the city very well and can advise you on all the best restaurants in the city and everything you should do while you are there. Siempre es bueno ir en un tour? You can either do as the locals do and visit a regular public hammam, or go for a more international hammam which will be more like a spa resort. 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. 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. 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. Cafe Hafa is practically an institution of historical Tangier and is a must-see for anyone passing through. With its famous tourist attractions and various charming sights, as well as its rich history that is felt . In my opinion this trip it worth. Rodeway Inn At Somers Cove Marina. Once youre content that youve explored the medina to your satisfaction, make your way to the Tetouan Archaeological Museum. My dream is that someday this theater is fully renovated, keeping its beautiful old art deco style and that I can create a dance performance for its stage. Part of the movieThe Bourne Ultimatumwas filmed in and around Tangier and this cafe has also a moment of fame in the movie. Sometimes they can also be a bit hidden behind tree branches. A visit to the natural caves to admire the sea entrance shaped like the map of Africa isfree. If you know youll visit a more picturesque Moroccan town in the future, you might want to skip the day trip to Tangier. CTM Gare Voyageurs is not so conveniently located but the extra comfort these buses provide makes the extra mile worth it. Visit the best places in Morocco with these 3 Morocco itineraries. Its located right on one side of the Grand Socco and about 3 km from the train station. The main caves are part of a massive archaeological cave complex located 14 kilometers west of Tangier. 2023 Wanderlust Marriage. During the guided walking tour of Tangiers old quarter we were taken past several small bakeries along small alleys. The neighborhood of Marshan up the hill and to the west of the Medina is another good pick, while the parts of Ville Nouvelle down by the beach are also nice. So lesson learned: NEVER EVER LEAVE YOUR TOUR GROUP FOR ANY REASON! Ruins of Lixus), one of Moroccos oldest continuously inhabited sites. Find the best travel insurance for Morocco. They are used to take short rides within the city, charging 50% more at night. Some rooms include a seating area where you can relax. Is Tangier worth visiting in 2023? - welcome to Property In Tangier Nowhere near as polished a tourist destination as say Marrakesh, Tangier gives you a genuine gritty feel for city life in Morocco, flaws and all. We had booked to spend a night in Tangier through a local travel agent in Rota. They continuously offer the best rates and their custom service is on point. There are also old men wandering around the cafe selling salted almonds and peanuts for a couple of dirhams a handful. Only about a quarter of the ancient city has been unearthed from the ground so far. On our day trips from Tangier to Chefchaouen, you can stop in Tetouan on your way to Chefchaouen. One of the most popular cultural experiences travelers like to take part in is visiting a traditional Moroccan bath house. Kung. Since there isnt a public transport network here for you to lean on, the alternative is to get around by taxi. You can hop on and off the bus at the 11 stops as often as you want. Its only one hour of walking and its very enjoyable, especially on a sunny day. We save thousands of dollars on travel each year thanks to travel hacks. To make the most of your time there, its best to follow our Tangier itinerary. Gran Cafe de Paris is one of the oldest cafes in Tangier and is part of Tangiers bohemian history. . A popular excursion for many tourists in the south of Spain is to take a day trip to Tangier, Morocco. You can also email me at [emailprotected] if you have travel questions! Thank you for this post. Tangier has now official Hop On Hop Off Buses that will bring you to all the different places of interest in one day! 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. It is located in the old medina at 8 Rue dAmerique and costs 20 dirhams to enter. Ever since I first came to Tangier Morocco, this city has never stopped fascinating me. 2.5 hours to explore Approx. Worth a day trip from Malaga to Tangiers? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Its a colorful and chaotic experience to walk through these streets filled with all the fruits and veggies you can get in Morocco! Driving from Casablanca to Tangier is a great idea if you have the time and if you want the freedom to stop along the coast and take great pictures. The 17 most beautiful places to visit in Morocco. 10 Must-See Places in Tangier - Morocco World News Lunch was not great and the Moroccan dancer and musicians were old and some toothless. IS TANGIER WORTH A DAY TRIP VISIT ? Here's why it's worth visiting, and what to see and do in this most cosmopolitan of places. One street kid wanted toi to touch my hair. It is good to be the King. This bus station can be pretty busy since it is so central and because the buses are slightly cheaper. Its also possible to get there with a shared Grand Taxi (the big beige ones) for 45 to 75 Moroccan Dirhams. They initially ask huge markups and its anunnecessary war to bring them down to a fair price. As I ran to catch up with my group I heard men shouting loudly behind me..feet running. We had planned to take a day trip to Asilah on a second planned day in Morocco, but the Moroccan tour company didnt even offer that to us. Of all Moroccos fantastic cities Tangier is by far the worst. Now, however, restoration is on constant hold due to ongoing disputes between city officials and the Spanish government. This outdoor cafe is almost always packed in the afternoons with locals and tourists playing music, cards, and sprawling out across the tables. Tangier is a city with many faces, making it difficult to pinpoint why it's so beloved among tourists. Ill definitely check out Cafe Hafa and Cinema Rif. Children 4 - 13 years are 21, children 1 - 3 years are 17 and infants under 1 year old are 10. If you want to sit, have a good, hearty and flavorful meal, and people watch for an afternoon, this is the place to do it. Located off of the beaten tourist track in a more residential part of the city, this restaurant serves delicious local specialties in an Arabic lounge-like environment. 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. You can actually see much of Tangier on foot, but definitely have a map with you as it can be easy to get lost. Its definitely worth going there to have a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the retro- ambiance of thisartsy building. At these times of year you benefit from pleasant spring and autumn weather, and also avoid Moroccos high season. Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article. Visiting an Anglican church in Tangier, Morocco may sound a bit out-of-the-ordinary, but St. Andrews is a beautiful, historic sort of sanctuary in the middle of the bustling city. The cafe is located in the heart of Merchan, a more residential area on a hill just above the Kasbah, at the end of Rue Hafa. If youre looking for comfort and quality, dont look anywhere else, Tanja Lucia is The best and cheapest hostel in Tangier. A maze of narrow streets which lead up from the harbor to the Grand Socco market place, theres a high chance that youll get lost many times as you explore this part of the city. Despite being many peoples first port of call in Morocco, Tangier isnt a destination that demands a lot of your time. To make the most of your visit to Tangier youll want to take the time of year into account. There is a direct bus leaving from Casablanca and arriving in Tangier. Stopping in Tetouan. The view of Moroccos Atlas mountains from the ferry and approach into Tangier is dramatic, and a beautiful memory you will never forget. Read More If neither a Riad or a hostel is the right choice for you, the city also has plenty of beautiful mid-range guesthouses. There are currently two Ferry companies operating in the Strait of Gibraltar bringing people from Tarifa to Tangier and vice versa. Morocco Travel Guide: 19 useful things to know before traveling to Morocco. Get ready to chill out on old cushions in low lighting and enjoy a slow-cooked meat tagine, couscous on Fridays, or ask for my absolute favorite, rfissa- a chicken and bread dish that is pure comfort food. Tangier is safe for a solo female traveler, I just dont recommend wandering alone in the medina after sunset, as for any city in Morocco. Buses leave every four hours, and they operate every day. Tickets can be purchased when you board the bus and cost 130 MAD per person. The spice doctor gave a long presentation of everything on hand. Great blog and post. You may not have the opportunity to patronize any small business not affiliated with the tour company. I walked in the medina of Tangier almost on a daily basis while I was living there. The ruins of Cotta, an ancient Roman settlement founded in the 2nd century, are very close to the caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel. The staff of this hostel takes cleanliness very seriously and the whole lodging is cleaned every morning. The property also has free wifi in every room and in all the common areas. Josh_M, Jun 2023. Well worth a read and a visit to his grave site. Make sure the property has consistently great reviews for the best experience. Day Trip to Tangier, Morocco Fiasco: Part 2, Pros and Cons of Guided Tours: Maximizing Your Travels, Incredible Spanish Market Food in Barcelona. You will definitely feel a big difference between the cities, the smaller towns and rural areas when it comes to driving.

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