Tanger : Why go there?
Tanger : The good reasons to go
Proximity
Separated from Europe by an arm of the sea, Tangier is the closest of the Moroccan cities.
Cosmopolitanism
A true crossroads of influences, Tangier has attracted many artists and intellectuals.
The color
The white of the houses stands out against the blue of the sky and the sea, always flooded with light.
The architecture
The walls tell the story of the city and reveal multiple influences.
The terraces
Perched on a roof, hidden between four walls, set in a square: terraces are everywhere.
Craftsmanship
Local crafts can be found in Khosafat, Charf and Fondouk Chejra.
The flavours
Fish tagine, calienté, baysara... so many tasty specialties to try.
The sea spray
Located on the edge of the ocean, the city of Tangier offers a breath of fresh air.
Modernity
With its port and TGV station, Tangier is the symbol of a Morocco turned towards the future.
Taking care of yourself
What could be better than a wellness session in the hammam after a day of sightseeing?
Tanger : Good to know to visit
Timetable
Most museums close at lunchtime. They reopen from mid-afternoon to the end of the day. The Kasbah Museum is open continuously.
To be booked
Although tourism is growing in Tangier, no monuments require advance booking. Only concerts at the Palais des Institutions Italiennes as part of Tanjazz must be booked in advance (www.tanjazz.org).
Budget & Tips
A visit to Tangier won't strain your budget. Access to monuments and museums is often subject to a fee. Don't be surprised if prices are higher for tourists than for Moroccans.
Main events
Tanjazz, the jazz festival, is the most important event in Tangier. It takes place every year at the end of September, with entertainment in the city streets and free and paying concerts. Headliners perform in the gardens of the Palais des Institutions Italiennes(www.tanjazz.org).
Guided tours
Tangier has around 40 accredited French-speaking guides. You can obtain their contact details from the Tourist Office.
Smokers
A 1991 law banned smoking in public places. But as the implementing decrees were never adopted, the law remained a dead letter. As a result, each establishment does as it pleases.
Tourist traps
Less touristy than Marrakech, Tangier seems to be less prone to scams of all kinds. You may come across fake guides who try to show you around the city and end up taking you to a store or restaurant where they know the owner. But this is far from the rule. On the other hand, you'll almost certainly come across hashish sellers who will offer to buy it for you. You could face a fine of between DH5,000 and DH50,000 and a prison sentence of between 5 and 10 years.
What's very local
Less conservative than other Moroccan cities or rural areas, Tangier is used to European visitors. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to dress decently, especially for women, to avoid being harassed.
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Tanger : Discover
Between Africa and Europe, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Tangier-la-white is a crossroads city that has always attracted the covetousness of the great powers. Tucked away behind the high walls of the Kasbah, the medina is nevertheless very open to the world. Nationalities and religions have always rubbed shoulders and mixed, spreading in their wake a cosmopolitan atmosphere that makes the city unique. French, English and Spanish are still spoken. Beyond the medina, the new city bears the traces of the international past. Bullfighting arenas, the Anglican church, the Place de France, the Gran Café de Paris, the appointments of the past remain. From the rooftop terraces of the medina, the view goes far out to the blue of the ocean. The city would not have the same appeal without its privileged position on the Strait of Gibraltar and its gigantic port, Tanger Med, which guarantees its economic and commercial future.
